Nihon

As someone who is half Japanese and has spent a lot of their childhood immersed in another culture, Japan has always had a special place in my heart. This past winter I visited my family for the holidays, and my parents planned a surprise trip for all of us to take. Our first stop was Nagano, where we hiked up snowy mountains until we reached natural hot springs inhabited by wild monkeys. We then headed towards the coast of Kanazawa, where we stopped by old castle ruins and traditional Japanese gardens. On our last day, we drove up to Eihei-ji, a famous temple in Japan that directly translates to “temple of eternal peace.” I had the opportunity to practice zazen, a seated meditation that’s popular in the Zen Buddhist tradition. Though I’ve been to Japan several times, there has never been a dull moment that has gone by. I’m constantly amazed by what this country has to offer, and I hope these photos can give a little glimpse into the vibrant and peaceful world of Japan.