Look at those happy travelers! In July of this year, these two shipped off to Japan for a once-in-a-lifetime experience that neither will forget. It all started in January when the mom of one of Ella’s classmates, who grew up outside Fukuoka City, offered to coordinate a “Summer Camp” trip to Japan for a few of the families. Her family goes every year for a month, so she knows a lot about traveling around there.

Two things we knew: Zoe was headed to Europe, and Ella doesn’t like to fly. Our first thought was that Japan was out of the question. So I kindly mentioned to Ella that she’d probably hear from her friends that there was a Japan trip, but we know she doesn’t love flying, so don’t worry–but she was invited.

Her eyes lit up. She said, “But it’s Japan.” This kid LOVES anime and graphic novels, but isn’t very up on geography. So I responded, “Yeah, but it’s a 12-hour flight to Japan.” To which she said, “But it’s Japan.” And that was it. We knew we’d never have another chance to have a local shepherd the trip. So we started to look at timing.

At first we thought this could be perfect! We’ll be gone while Zoe’s gone. Everybody wins. Of course, Zoe was gone June 16-30. Ella’s trip was planned for July 2-15… One of us was staying home. No matter. We were getting Ella to Japan, one way or another.

Remember, I’m a nerd–and turns out this friend’s mom was high on detail, yay! So here’s their itinerary:

• July 3-6: Tokyo
• July 7-11: PARENTS in Nogata + Nagasaki, KIDS living with host family in Fukuoka (together on 11th)
• July 12-14: Kyoto
• July 15: Tokyo, then back to LA

You read that right. The kids spent 4 days living in the home of a family (people who the mom knew from growing up) that spoke zero English. All of their communication happened with Google Translate–and it worked out great!

School was another matter… Prior to the trip, the English-only speaking kids (ours included) learned some key words and phrases and created a presentation to share at the Japanese school, including what it was like to live and go to school in the US. The rest of the instruction was entirely in Japanese… Ella’s take: Bored.

That said, they did get to swim each day for P.E., and it was so hot, that was a real treat. These families were incredible. They took and shared tons of pictures, were super kind and generous, and Ella loved having three new sisters (ages 9, 7 and 2). Prior to travel, each family completed a questionnaire with some insights into their likes and dislikes. Here’s the sweetest note from their oldest daughter:

Hi. I’m {name}. I can’t speak English, but I’m sure we can communicate with heart. I love swimming, eating. My special skill is I can sleep anywhere. I want to be a masseuse when I grow up.

While they lost some time in travel (on both ends), here’s an overview of the high points of their time in Japan:

• Tokyo: Lights, food, art, shopping and pigs! TeamLab Borderless art exhibition, a pig cafe (oink), shopping in Shibuya (brightly lit like NY Times Square), private karaoke room, a food replica-making class in Asakusa (it’s a thing!), and dining at 7-Eleven (also a HUGE thing, not at all like US, and they loved it).
• Fukuoka: After a short flight and bus ride, hiked Senbutsu Limestone Cave (I would not have survived this), met the host families and toured the school, which is the one her classmate’s mom went to as a kid!
• Fukuoka, Kid Style: Attended Fukuchi Elementary School, shopped at Aeon mall, made pottery, did lots of crafts at home, and got fitted for a yukata (a summer kimono), followed by a kimono-clad photoshoot.
• Nogata + Nagasaki: Insert Adult Entertainment (NOT THAT KIND). I have no real understanding of what the adults did other than eat and drink and wander around, but I’m sure that was fun. Oh, Bart did go by himself to Hakata to see the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks play the Rakuten Eagles at PayPay Dome.
• Fukuoka: Attended a huge BBQ to reunite all the families–so many smiles, captured by a professional photographer! Check out the bubbles and well-dressed summer photos at the end below.
• Kyoto: Took the bullet train to Kyoto station, then climbed up to Kiyomizu-dera, Kyoto’s famous hillside temple. Followed by another day of serious shopping and a visit to the Kyoto Manga Museum.
• Tokyo: Hopped on another bullet train, on which they left a bag, but the Tokyo Station “lost and found” was able to find it in about two minutes! Phew. There’s something to be said for structure and respect.

That’s a whole lotta Japan in a short time. Guess what Ella liked best? Shopping. Unlike Zoe, these travelers came home with a third bag full of clothes, foods, ceramics, and other gifts.

And now, what you’ve all been waiting for: THE PICTURES!

We are so grateful that Satsuki (Ella’s classmate’s mom) crafted this unique and wonderful experience that will likely be the reason Ella eventually moves to Japan. I’m not even kidding. She loves the culture, the art, the language (thank you, Duolingo!), and above all, the inimitable Japanese fashion. Did I mention the shopping?

She was even adventurous with food, loving Onigiri (basically a ball of rice) and hating Natto (fermented soybeans), but trying pretty much everything. Speaking of 7-Eleven, here’s a picture of their breakfast haul on the first morning in Tokyo:

Certainly looks adventurous to me. And so, two very different daughters each had potentially life-altering experiences this year. No idea how we’ll ever top these truly “away from home” experiences (these were no typical Family Trips), but it was worth it!