Finding our roots in Wakayama 🌊


Hey Reader,

I’m back from Japan, and I have a lot to catch you up on. 🩵

One of the reasons this last trip was so memorable was because I got to spend a week of it with my family. It was some of their first times visiting Japan, and not only that, part of the trip would be dedicated to going back to where our family was from in Wakayama.

Wakayama is huge, so we hired a van to take us around everywhere for a day. Our day was a mix of sightseeing spots and exploring areas that our family frequented. We even found the house and land our family used to own!

We ended up staying in Shirahama, which I learned is the sister beach to Waikiki (Hawaii), since there’s more to do in the area than in the small fishing town our family’s from.

The beach in Shirahama was beautiful, with crystal-clear turquoise water that you just have to see in person.

I ended up purchasing a few shell rings from a street vendor — a happy find on an already perfect day. I love these rings because they commemorate the quality time spent with my family.

✨ Check out this carousel to see some of my other favorite souvenirs from this trip

This trip gave me so many memories I can’t wait to share with you!

Next up, I’ll be taking you to Hirosaki, plus a new vlog and blog guide are on the way.

Until next time,

Remi

From Japan (and LA)

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Remi Shimazu

I'm a Los Angeles-based travel and lifestyle content creator who loves sharing travel tips, guides, and itineraries for Japan, LA & beyond. I also occasionally share my latest reads in a bookish newsletter. Sign up to receive letters from my travels and be the first to know when new content is released.

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