Free time, it’s something we often feel we never have enough of. We think of all the things we want to do when we get a chance. Yet sometimes, that time comes around and I’ve got not a single clue about how to fill it.

I woke up on my last day in Kyoto somewhat reluctantly. I knew there was still so much left to see in the city, and I wasn’t sure I was ready to leave. My hotel in Osaka was already booked though, so ready or not, it was time to go.

It was my first day back to school after a quick weekend trip to Tokyo. I had gone to Ikebukuro with a friend, a new area of Tokyo to explore. It was a fun little trip, going to a few bars, a Pokemon center, and even a Denny’s.

After an excellent day in Kyoto, I woke up sore, but full of energy. In just one day I had already seen enough that made me glad I took this trip. This was my last full day in Kyoto, and I was ready to explore more of the beautiful city.

I'm sure we'll all have those days, you don't want to get out of bed, you feel sluggish, and nothing seems to go your way. One Friday morning I was having exactly that kind of day.

Waking up in a Kyoto hotel room I was so excited. Today I would visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine and get to experience Hatsumōde, the first shrine visit of the new year.

I’ve talked a fair bit about my travels and my life here in Japan, but I’ve yet to really talk about something I do every day, my job. I’m working as an English teacher with the JET programme.

For the first time in my life (this blog is documenting a lot of firsts), I’ll be ringing in the new year not with friends or family, but in a new country. New Year’s is the biggest celebration of the year here in Japan, and I was excited to experience it first hand.

I knew I would have to make this decision eventually, but I didn’t know it would be so soon. Do I stay another year here in Japan? After having this decision weigh on my mind basically since I got here, I decided yes, I would stay here in Japan until August 2025

After an incredible time in Shibuya, I awoke feeling the weight of two days packed with exploration and discovery. I didn't know it yet, but my day in Shinjuku would be a brilliant conclusion to my first adventure in Tokyo.

I arrived in Japan November 6th, so it’s been about 2 and a half months since I started my new life in Japan.

Apologies for leaving you with a cliffhanger in part 1! As I was writing out this Shibuya entry, I'd quickly reached 7 pages, far too much for one post. Let's pick up where we left off and dive back into my day in Shibuya.

After my big teaser at the end of my Akihabara entry, let's see if I can put my Shibuya experience into words without getting too sentimental.

By the time I get around to posting this article, it might be a little late, but Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

It's finally time. It's been teased, it's been procrastinated, let's finally talk about my trip to Tokyo.