One of the benefits provided to employees of the Foreign Service serving in unaccompanied posts, is the department will pay for your kids to meet you in another country, called family reunification travel.
After a lot of discussing with Angeli and our eldest daughter, we came to the conclusion that we wanted to meet up in Japan.
Japan is probably my favorite travel destination on the planet. I have gone 4 times prior, but the last was in 2018 where COVID hamstrung return journeys, and for Angeli it had been since 2016 when our eldest was just one year old. It was an easy decision.
If you have never been, Japan is truly one of the most incredible places to visit—and it’s not just the stunning temples or high-tech cities that make it special. What really sets Japan apart is the seamless blend of tradition and innovation, especially when it comes to food and getting around.
The food scene is next-level. From Michelin-starred sushi counters to steaming bowls of ramen from humble corner shops, every meal feels intentional, fresh, and rooted in pride. Even convenience store snacks are on a different level—delicious, affordable, and surprisingly healthy. I can cobble together a meal in a 7/11 in Japan that will rival most quality Japanese restaurants in the U.S.
And getting around? Effortless. Japan’s trains are fast, punctual, and incredibly clean. Whether you’re navigating Tokyo’s massive metro system or hopping on a bullet train to Kyoto, everything just works. You don’t need a car, a guide, or even much Japanese—just a sense of curiosity and maybe a Suica card.
Japan is a country that makes travel feel like a privilege. You know how sometimes you go on vacation, and near the end of it you’re longing to get back home and back in your routine? I never have that in Japan. When I am on the plane getting ready to leave, my only feeling is one of sadness that I have to leave such an awesome place.
This trip was no exception. Without getting into too much detail, we spent a wonderful two weeks between Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, and had a blast. I can’t do it much justice with my words so I’ll let these photos do the talking for me. Needless to say, I will definitely be back. -Nick
