I came on the blog today with the intent of posting a list of my favorite places to go in Tokyo for foliage – at least those that aren’t usually mobbed by crowds. Then a quick search made me realize that I’d written that post three years ago … and I still stand by the places I picked. 🙂

I’m thinking a lot about Japan today. I’ve been lucky enough to be in Japan for the past ten autumns. Now, if you know me well or follow me on Facebook, you know that I left Japan two years ago and have been back in the US ever since. But again, if you’ve been around for awhile, you know my love of autumn borders on …. ahem, obsession (cough cough). So much so that I chose to return the past two years for wonderful trips to Tokyo, Kyoto and Kumamoto, where I was able to reconnect with many friends, enjoy stunning foliage, and – as always – stuff myself with my favorite foods. Despite autumn being, essentially, a season of death, I personally find it a season of renewal, a season whose beauty buoys me up for the months to come.

I needed those trips these last two years to get over the homesickness I was having for Japan. This year, I find I’m more at peace. Why? Well, perhaps instead of sitting here writing this,  I really should be sorting the last of our possessions before the movers come in a few weeks to once more pack and ship our stuff over the Pacific …

… because yes, dreams really do come true. For the second time in my life, I’m headed to Japan to live. I’ll be returning to Tokyo in the start of 2019 to enjoy at least another few years living in what I truly believe is the best city on earth. I might be missing autumn this year, but I’ve been given the gift of  several more YEARS in a place I love. I can’t wait to revisit old haunts and explore new ones, and share those discoveries with you all.

You’ve all been so patient and supportive over the years. I know the blog hasn’t been what it once was – being away from Japan was hard on many fronts and this is one of the outlets that suffered. If you’re still here, I hope you’ll continue to stick around. I’m excited to pick back up again with new material, hopefully sharing new places to visit, eat and enjoy the best that Japan has to offer.

(In the meantime, I still post a photo every day on the Uncover Japan facebook page. While the blog may not always get my full attention, feel free to join me over there. 🙂 )