Travel has a way of connecting strangers in unexpected ways. When I signed up for a small, seven-person group trip to Japan with Traverse Journeys, I never imagined I’d meet two fellow Huntsville natives—Jennifer Lapidus and her daughter, Madison Doss—on the other side of the world. Before this trip, we didn’t know each other. By the time we returned home, we shared a bond forged through temples, matcha tea, and the intricate beauty of Japanese culture.
Kyoto: The Heart of Tradition
Our journey began in Kyoto, the cultural soul of Japan. Walking through its historic streets felt like stepping into a living museum, with wooden townhouses, hidden gardens, and centuries-old temples at every turn. Ashley and I arrived a day early to catch up and give her time to prepare for the group’s arrival.
One of our first group experiences was a traditional matcha experience in a 500-year old tea house. Seated on tatami mats, we sipped cherry blossom and matcha tea while enjoying freshly made sakura mochi - not the ice cream kind but rather cherry blossom infused sticky rice wrapped in a cherry blossom leaf . With the help of our Japanese-native guide, Sumi, we met the 15th-generation matcha master and saw her rustic kitchen, where she prepared the tea and mochi over a traditional wood-burning fire.
Jennifer, Madison, and I quickly discovered a shared appreciation for Japan’s balance of tranquility and vibrancy. Whether wandering through the vermillion torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine or admiring the gilded details of the UNESCO-listed Nijo-jo Castle, we were constantly in awe. Kyoto encouraged us to slow down and absorb the details—the way moss covered ancient stone lanterns, the scent of incense drifting from temple courtyards, the wind rustling through a bamboo grove. The serenity of Kyoto’s hidden, sacred spaces will stay with me forever.
On our last morning in Kyoto, Ashley and I laced up our running shoes for an early jog, hoping to find a tucked-away shrine I’d seen online. Mist hung in the air, blurring the edges of the narrow streets, and we found ourselves weaving through quiet neighborhoods, a little unsure of our path. It wasn’t the picturesque Instagram moment I had envisioned, but it was something better—a genuine, unexpected adventure that felt like a throwback to the old days when we ran together in Austin. That misty, meandering run was a perfect farewell to a city that constantly invites exploration.
Nara: A Day with Deer and Divine Statues
A short train ride brought us to Nara, home to the famous bowing deer of Nara Park—regal creatures that have learned to bow in exchange for rice crackers. Beyond the deer, Nara is home to Todai-ji, a Buddhist temple housing one of the largest bronze Buddha statues in the world. Standing before the 49-foot Daibutsu, one can’t help but feel a deep sense of reverence.
As we left, Madison reflected on the peace she felt there, drawn to Buddhist teachings. Jennifer captured hilarious photos of her daughter feeding the slightly overeager deer—one of whom may have given us a playful nip. Our little Huntsville trio was settling into the rhythm of Japan, finding comfort in the contrast between ancient tradition and lighthearted moments.
That evening, we boarded an overnight ferry to Beppu, a less touristed city on the island of Kyushu. The small but pristine cabins and a buffet-style restaurant serving hearty Japanese meals made for a surprisingly restful night.
Beppu: A Land of Steam and Spirits
Beppu breathes. Steam rises from its countless hot springs, curling through alleyways and hovering over rooftops like a scene from a Studio Ghibli film. We explored two of Beppu’s famed "hells"—hot springs too hot for bathing—before cooking lunch at Kannawa Onsen, where we steamed fresh vegetables, seafood, and eggs over natural geothermal vents. Lightly salted and mineral-infused, the meal was simple yet unforgettable.
That evening, we opted for a “sunayu,” or sand bath, at Takegawara Onsen—an experience that had Madison giddy, as the bathhouse was said to have inspired Spirited Away. Buried in warm, mineral-rich sand, it felt like a mix of a steam room, a weighted blanket, and deep compression therapy—uniquely Japanese and deeply relaxing.
One of the most touching moments came from “Grandma,” the wife of a farmer we visited on the Kunisaki Peninsula. She welcomed us with a homemade meal, then led us on a tour of her land, where we wandered through bamboo groves and admired blooming plum trees. Later, we visited a green tea farm, sipping tea while taking in breathtaking countryside views.
That evening, we attended a private geisha performance—far from the refined, distant perception of geisha culture you’ll find in Kyoto’s touristy Gion corner. This one was intimate and playful, with dances telling stories of love and history and traditional games that had us all laughing.
A Temple Stay and Osaka’s Grand Farewell
Leaving Beppu, we visited Himeji Castle, nicknamed “White Heron Castle” for its pristine, wing-like walls. From there, we traveled to Mount Shigi for a Buddhist temple stay—tatami mat floors, shared baths, and a shojin ryori meal designed to nourish both body and spirit. A highlight for Jennifer and Madison was the sunrise fire ritual with the monks, a profound and grounding experience.
Our final day as an official group took us to Osaka, where we explored Osaka Castle before gathering for an unforgettable farm-to-table farewell dinner featuring seasonal specialties like sea bream and spring flowers, Japanese wine (I didn’t even know Japan grew grapes!) and of course matcha worked into our dessert. The meal felt like a celebration—not just of the places we’d been but of the friendships formed along the way.
Tokyo: The City of Contrasts
Our trio, along with the rest of the group, chose an add-on trip to Tokyo, a city of exhilarating contrasts. Here, centuries-old shrines sit beside neon-lit skyscrapers. Vending machines dispense everything from hot coffee to yogurt parfaits, while quiet, cherry blossom-adorned gardens offer respite from the rush of Shibuya Crossing.
Midway through our time in Tokyo, we took a day trip out of the city to see the iconic Mount Fuji. We were lucky to have a clear, sunny day—the kind of weather that offers a rare, unobstructed view of the revered mountain in all its majesty. Though Mt. Fuji is heavily over-touristed, the Traverse Journeys approach was different. Our adventure took us not just to viewpoints but also to an ancient shrine with 2,000 year old cedar trees followed by shinrin-yoku or forest bathing as we explored nearby lava caves. The outing was a serene escape before returning to the fast-paced energy of Tokyo.
One of my favorite parts of Tokyo? The ramen and udon. The Japanese approach ramen with deep reverence, with specialists dedicated to perfecting each component—broth, noodles, toppings. Many ramen shops have limited seating, encouraging diners to focus on the food, eat efficiently, and move on. That precision and respect for tradition felt like a perfect reflection of Japanese culture itself.
It’s not every day that you find yourself halfway across the world, discovering new places alongside people who, until that moment, were strangers. Yet, thanks to this journey, I returned to Huntsville with new friendships, unforgettable memories, and a deeper appreciation for both Japan and the connections we make when we step outside our comfort zones.