In 2019, my family and I discussed potentially meeting up in Honolulu for Christmas. When our schedules didn’t align, I realized I had two weeks to go absolutely wherever I wanted. For a few years now, I’ve been wanting to return to Japan—I first went when I was a teenager, but had never visited on my own, or with my own itinerary.

I often have trouble finding the words to express that immense feeling of excitement when you’re about to venture into the unknown. I spent a few weekends feverishly researching hotels, hostels, bookstores, and bars. I packed as much as I possibly could into nine days, and here are some of my favorite shots from the Tokyo segment of quite possibly the best trip I’ve ever taken.

Part II with photos from Kyoto and Osaka to follow.