Day 28

 Day 28: Final Japan Updates

I’m back home—sooner than expected—but my heart is full, and I’m riding the afterglow of a truly unforgettable journey (even if I’m still battling a bit of jet lag).

I didn’t know how long I’d be gone. A couple of months, maybe? But before I left, my dad asked me a question that stuck with me:

“What are you hoping to get out of this trip?”

My answer wasn’t about the temples, the food, the culture, or the beaches.I said, “Peace of mind.”And I got that—tenfold.

Now I’m back, excited to shift focus toward a few things happening stateside (more on that below), but first, a wrap-up on Japan.

Final Tokyo Highlights

As I mentioned in my last post, I returned to Tokyo to experience something I’d been looking forward to for a long time: a live sumo wrestling match. It absolutely lived up to the hype. I wrote a full post about that day, which you can read [here].

Reflections: What I Missed (and What’s Next Time)

Japan gave me a full heart and a lifetime of memories. Still, there’s so much more I’d love to experience on a future trip. Two ideas in particular stand out:

• Island Hopping by Sailboat or 4x4 – Exploring Japan’s lesser-known islands, diving in clear waters, and soaking in the coastal beauty.

• Northern Japan and the Mountains – Rugged hikes, incredible vistas, and days without seeing another soul. Solitude and scenery—my kind of combination.

Budget Breakdown

I set a budget that I thought would last two months… I burned through it in four weeks. That said, here’s a rough breakdown of where the money went:

🚅 Transportation – $75/day

Japan’s train system is next-level, and the convenience comes at a cost. A 21-day Japan Rail Pass runs about $700. While in cities, you’ll often need to purchase additional local tickets. I only used Uber once the entire trip, so the rail system handled nearly everything.

Flights to/from Okinawa were last-minute and not cheap—but worth it. I used points for my international flights, which helped offset some costs.

🍣 Food – $40/day

Japan’s reputation for healthy eating didn’t fully hold up in my experience—street food was often deep-fried or heavy on protein, with fewer greens, fruits, and veggies than expected.

Still, the food was incredible. I usually ate out 1–2 times a day and picked up snacks or groceries for breakfast. Some pricier sushi meals and nights out drinking (hello, Japanese whisky) pushed the average up.

🛏 Accommodation – $33/day

I stayed mostly in hostels. Japanese hostels were consistently some of the cleanest and nicest I’ve ever experienced, though that did come with a slightly higher price tag. I did splurge on a resort in Okinawa for a few nights—paid for with points.

🎟 Entertainment – $9/day

I didn’t do a ton of formal activities. Most days were spent wandering markets, trying new foods, and soaking up the atmosphere. My biggest splurge? Renting an e-bike to explore Okinawa.

🛍 Souvenirs – (Wild Card)

I usually don’t buy many souvenirs—but Japan was different. I came home with hand-forged knives, clothing, masks, snacks, and even a new backpack. I didn’t budget for it, but no regrets here.

What’s Next

The next chapter looks a lot different—and I’m not quite ready to share it all just yet. But one piece I can tell you about:

I secured a coveted elk tag last year, and I’ll be heading to the Idaho panhandle to chase my first elk—with a bow.

It’s going to be physically demanding:

• 40+ lb ruck

• 10+ miles per day

• Steep climbs in the Rockies

• And if I’m successful… carrying up to 250 lbs of meat out over multiple trips.All of this in prime grizzly, wolf, and mountain lion country.

I’ve been training steadily for this, but as the calendar ticks forward, I’m ramping up. I’ve got some unique and (hopefully) fun training methods I’ll share soon.

Looking Ahead

From here on, I’ll be posting less frequently—probably every 2–3 weeks—but I’ll still be sharing stories, some poetry, and once my Japan film photos are developed, you’ll see those too.

Thanks for following along. The journey continues.