japan, april 2010

there are many ways to define travel (bad pun), but for me it's always been a time to renew. certainly, nina's and mine recent trip to japan upon the invitation of the japan pediatric society was that, but also our first trip as parents (thanks to our parents), which made it simultaneously more satisfying and less escapist.

there are many remarkable things about traveling to japan: the jetlag, the food, and most of all, the hospitality, perhaps particularly so because of the language barrier.

notable moments:

• imperial hotel in tokyo ($80 breakfast included!): room view
• morioka and its 20 course welcome dinner: nearby mountain
• exploring tokyo: a moment in naka-meguro and crazy architecture
• yakitori: thank you birdland!
• ryokan: kaiseki and quiet
• more on flickr

highly recommend, hoping to return soon!