I MOVED TO JAPAN ALONE AT 22 !!!

One week ago, I moved to Okayama, Japan. This past week was amazing. I visited the Okayama Korakuen GENSO-TEIEN, Okayama Castle, the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, and Mount Washu in the Seto Inland National Park.

I am alone. I do not know the language, but it was not a spur-of-the-moment decision. I’ve been in the process of moving to Japan since last November.

In March 2022, I officially received a contract to teach English in Japan. And I had been preparing for it since. Endless paperwork and packets, but somehow I received my visa and it was time to leave home.

I moved to japan 00:00-00:30

Months of waiting 00:30-01:29

Day 1 (Okayama) 01:29-02:02

After flying for over 24 hours, I arrived in Okayama, Japan, where I would begin my initial training for my job. On my first day in Japan, I realized after a quick trip to the Convenience store there was so much I did not know which was exciting, but also very intimidating.

Day 2-4 (Training) 02:02-02:52

I was still a bit jet lagged, so I woke up early. I decided to go for a brief walk and it was enchanting.

Day 3: Although I wanted to explore more, I had to focus on training for my new job.

Day 4: It was inclusively dedicated to training and editing my latest video, so sadly I didn’t do anything fun. But if you haven’t yet, watch my last vlog, solo hike with me, and get lost in the awe of nature.

Day 5 (Okayama Korakuen GENSO-TEIEN0) 02:52-04:06

After a full day of training, I finally had the chance to explore. I was so eager to explore.

Okayama Korakuen GENSO-TEIEN is a seasonal event, one of the three most famous gardens of Japan is lit up. The Illuminated garden event each season. I absolutely loved this event.

Source: https://setouchitrip.com/travel-directory/5843

Day 6 (Okayama Castle) 04:06-05:09

I finally had work off, so it was time to explore Okayama.

Okayama Castle, known as “crow castle” due to its black exterior, was built in 1597. The original castle was destroyed in the last year of World War 2/ Unfortunately it was closed for renovations when I went, but the exterior was amazing.

Source: https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5702.html

Day 7 (Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter) 05:09-07:29

I was very anxious today. Because I was planning on taking the train and bus on my own for the first time. In America, the trains and buses stress me out enough… would I survive in Japan when I don’t even have data on my cell phone?

Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter

This historic area with white walls and willow trees lining the banks of the Kurashiki River is an important preservation area in Japan. Kurashiki prospered in the 1600s as a destination for the transportation of goods, and the area now serves a peaceful tourist destination full of restaurants and local confection shops.

Source: https://www.okayama-japan.jp/en/spot/886

Kojima 07:29-08:37

One of the area’s claim to fame is its origin of denim. It all began almost 400 years ago when the country was developing on part of the coastline of the Sea of Japan and its fertile areas. Artisans from Kurashiki began producing fabrics using cotton which was resistant to salt and which would later be used to make jeans.

Source: https://pen-online.com/design/japan-the-birthplace-of-denim/

Mount Washu 08:37-11:28

It is one of the scenic spots of the Seto Inland Sea National Park, the first national park in Japan, and was named Mount Washu because it resembles an eagle spreading its wings.

From the top of the mountain, you can fully enjoy the beauty of more than 50 islands of different sizes scattered across the Seto Inland Sea and the Seto Ohashi Bridge.

Source: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/japan/okayama/mount-washu

Solo Travel | National Parks | Pride

We all have a purpose for being here. I feel mine is to travel, share my story, and create content that inspires. I hope you are ready for me to take the world.

***Watch my solo national park road trip series. As my college entered another semester online, I decided to stop watching life pass by, so I left home without housing or a job to travel all across National Parks in the Western US.

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLE…

***Watch my coming out story!! And how it changed my outlook on life.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqeXh…

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