Next week will be the first time I leave the island of Tsushima. in many ways it will feel like the first full foray into a wider life in Japan. Living on the island is comfortable. It’s very small. And while it is beautiful in ways that make me stop and stare at the scenery, it is still far away from the crowds of mainland Japan.

Ironic to think that I don’t feel fully independent even though I’m sitting here in my apartment halfway across the world from Portland. But I think taking a trip to Fukuoka crack open that misconception. In a greater way it will remind me that if I have the time or if I can make the time I can go wherever I want in this country.

I made my reservations for Downtown. The area is called Tenjin and It’s not far away from the port that I get into. It’ll be a transition going from seen maybe five people on the road at a time to who knows how many.

I’m looking forward having no idea what I wanna do there. It’s a week away and I literally have no plans. I can’t think of a better set up.