“This is our cry. This is our prayer. Peace in the world.” - Sadako Sasaki
When I was around 6 or 7 years old, I often asked my mom to read to me, Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes. She always obliged, but she never could read it without crying. Because of this, I was curious about Japan while growing up, but at that time, I never could have imagined visiting.
In April, my partner and I visited Japan for the first time during Sakura - Cherry Blossom season. In addition to exploring Tokyo, Kyoto, and Hiroshima, we spent the night in Ekoin Temple in Koyasan, where we explored the largest cemetery in Japan - Okunoin. It was one of the few places in the world where I instantly felt a sense of peace and calm as soon as I walked in. In general, I loved every bit of the trip to Japan, but I’ll remember that feeling and moment the most.
A lot has changed for me in terms of mindfulness since that trip. I don’t believe it was the trip specifically that pushed me in that direction, but it was one moment in many that pushed me toward finding the sense of peace that I longed to feel for so many years. Shortly after that trip, I began taking better care of myself and learning to prioritize me over everything else in my life. I grew up with a dad who was a minister and a mom who was a teacher, and while I’m grateful for the giving people they are and the values they instilled in me, I grew up learning to prioritize others over myself. Earlier this year, I got to a point in life where my childhood habit of trying to please others was holding me back from contentment and happiness. I set out to change that as soon as I began recognizing it. It hasn’t been a perfect journey, but I feel like I’ve made strides forward.
I was fortunate enough to return to Tokyo six months later for work during autumn - or Koyo. Because I wanted to see the autumn leaves, I booked a weekend trip to Lake Kawaguchi. I had a room that overlooked Mt. Fuji [who (mostly) remained out of sight behind the clouds]. Glamping at Hoshinoya Resort was a dream. Hoshinoya is the kind of place where no matter whether you’re alone or with friends or loved ones, you’re able to get lost in the thoughtfulness of everything they do and have around the resort. From s’mores to seasonal food on the Cloud Terrace to hammocks (with blankets) under the tree canopies, you can truly let go and allow their team to take extraordinary care of you.
While drinking freshly brewed coffee on the balcony and looking out at the Koya and Lake Kawaguchi, Mt. Fuji finally appeared from behind the clouds. I instantly felt the same sense of contentment I felt on my first trip to Japan in April. I also felt a deep sense of gratitude for the world that has opened up to me since childhood.