15 Comments
User's avatar
David Gemeinhardt's avatar

I lived in Seoul for 10 years and I never took the 2-hour flight to Tokyo. I regret it now.

Expand full comment
Flavio Massignan's avatar

There is also a direct flight for Fukuoka, it is a beautiful city too

Expand full comment
David Gemeinhardt's avatar

I did go to Fukuoka, but by hovercraft from Busan. It was a bumpy 3-hour trip, lol.

Expand full comment
Flavio Massignan's avatar

How is Busan?

Expand full comment
David Gemeinhardt's avatar

I like it a lot. Smaller than Seoul, but still a big city with a metro system. It has both beaches and mountains, which is a nice combo.

Expand full comment
Flavio Massignan's avatar

Nice, then next time!

Expand full comment
James Lee's avatar

You’ve probably seen it already, but I love Sofia Coppola’s acclaimed film ‘Lost in Translation’. It’s set in Tokyo and catches the confusing/ecstatic disorientation of spending time in such a different country/culture.

Expand full comment
Flavio Massignan's avatar

Yes I saw it! I saw also the hotel in Shinjuku where they shoot it! Beautiful movie!

Expand full comment
Sally Burke's avatar

Well you certainly covered a lot of territory in your short stays in Japan. Our daughter in law recently spent two weeks there, and like you, loved it. So much to see and do. For us we only spent a day in Kyoto which was a great experience. It would be lovely to go there during the Cherry Blossom season, but I expect it would be extremely crowded. Actually our son and daughter in law have been there during that time, and our youngest grandson went last year as part of his university course

Expand full comment
Flavio Massignan's avatar

It was a short trip in Tokyo but in total I was one month in Japan! I suggest also the autumn period for the maple leaves that turns red!

Expand full comment
Sally Burke's avatar

We are just about enjoy that where we live. There are many Manchurian Pear trees that bless us with colour in autumn and wonderful swathes of white in Spring when they flower

Expand full comment
Shawn Brooks's avatar

Nice pics and well told ! Glad you enjoyed your time in Japan.

Expand full comment
Flavio Massignan's avatar

Thank you! It was a great trip!

Expand full comment
Laura | Sunhats and Chardonnay's avatar

What a wonderful story and great adventure.

Isn't it fun to re-meet people you see along the way?

When I was in Australia for the first time in 1986, I met a lovely girl from Norway. We corresponded for many years. (We're now on FB). In 1991, I found myself on a trip to Norway. We met again in Oslo and rekindled our friendship.

It's these connections across the miles that make travel worthwhile in the long run. Ticking off boxes for attractions is one thing, but lifelong friends is a whole other game!

Expand full comment
Flavio Massignan's avatar

Thank you! Yes, these kinds of connections are the best things for travelling, even more than seeing cool places, stunning landscapes or amazing sunsets.

Expand full comment