Seek Journeys: An Exploration of Japan

First things first: packing. I literally could not stop wearing the Scarf Cardi, whether it was during travel days or walks in the evenings exploring a new place. The Drawstring Pants in plant dyed silk were essential and I barely took them off. The Nat shirt was a great layering piece over pants. Chris and I ended up with his and hers Story shirts, me in the indigo and him in the black. The Maya top was really light and airy for warm and cool days alike plus packs really small. The Nikki shirt and Savista pants in Acadia stripe were perfect together as well as worn on their own with other items. The boxy block printed Jynne top became much needed for unexpected hot days. Last but not least I always travel with a scarf and the handloom woven Women Weave scarf I brought was used nearly every day as well as on the plane rides. 

In Tokyo I found lots of amazing vintage clothing stores. Two of my favorites ended up being RAGTAG in Shibuya and 10TOW. The basement level of Takashimaya with endless rows of incredible foods and sweets left me spellbound. From there we took a train to the Izu area to stay at Ochiairo. This was the highlight of our entire time, where we were nourished by mineral hot springs and delicious food all while gazing at rivers and sleeping in a 150 year old building. 

It felt hard to leave the quiet and peace of Ochiairo and in fact I nearly cried when driving away from it but onward we went to Kyoto. It was a stark contrast as when we arrived it felt as busy and crowded as Tokyo. As we began to explore Kyoto more we found some special gems. 

Our first night we happened upon Enyuan Kobayashi and were lucky enough to be able to eat dinner there without a reservation. I can't recommend this restaurant enough but also make sure you make a reservation. You will have the best tempora of your life! Another special spot that also requires a reservation is Saihoji Temple and the tranquil moss garden is magical. I appreciated that before you enter the garden, you are required to trace a mantra in Japanese, which resulted with everyone being very quiet and mindful while soaking it all in. Not far from here we enjoyed all the stone faces of Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple. On our last day we visited the Shoren-in temple and if you appreciate gardens this is not to be missed. Bonus is it's not super touristy. Two more highlights were endless kimonos at Vintage Kimono AN Gion and beautiful ceramics at a family run studio.

From Kyoto we journeyed to Kinosaki Onsen. Here you receive a yukata from your hotel to wear around town as you visit different onsens with stops for tea, beer, sake and snacks in between. We took a gondola to the top of the mountain there where there is a view of the Japan sea. We ended our trip in Osaka, where I wish we had more than just one rainy day. 

All in all, I'm still processing all the different experiences, sights, tastes, and sounds I encountered. It was a trip that Chris and I had been planning for over three years and it feels almost hard to believe it has now happened. Ever since I started Seek Collective I've spent almost all my time traveling abroad in India for work, a place that feels like a second home to me. Japan felt new and at times deeply overwhelming yet accessible while trying to navigate getting around. There were highs and lows but ultimately what I find interesting about going to places that put you out of your comfort zone is what emotions are brought up and what you can learn not only about others around you but also about yourself. x, Carol