In the summer of 2022, my wife Saran and I traveled to Japan to witness the wedding of her oldest daughter to a Japanese gentleman she met while living in Kobe. The following December we returned for a three-month stay as a new grandchild entered our lives. With our son-in-law as our guide, we were shown a side of Japan few Western tourists get to experience. Of course, there were many road trips to Japan’s ancient World Heritage sites, but we also experienced the lifestyle of Japan by relaxing in the onsen, Japan's public bathhouses, and snow skiing in Hokkaido. Yet, it was the journey through Japan’s unique culinary landscape that truly captivated us.
Our temporary home in Kobe, a small flat in Chuo Ward, provided an opportunity to meld into the Japanese way. From the unique culinary wonders of Kobe to the mystique of ancient temples, and even a simple stroll through downtown, Japan provided endless fascination.