I've wanted to go to Japan since I was a little girl, always putting it off telling myself to wait until I had the time and the money to explore it properly. In April 2016 Jason Paul and I found ourselves about to overstay our welcome in Thailand and we needed to go somewhere. Jason has always loved Japan but only went there for work and competitions. With a "why not" attitude we booked tickets to Tokyo and a few different Airbnb's to say in. Daniel Paul, Jason's little brother, had never been to Japan either and we invited him out with us for our ten day trip.
Jason Paul and his little brother Daniel Paul.
Me, Emily Dyan Ibarra with my Canon 5D Mark III and a 16-35mm lens. Photo by: Jason Paul
We arrived the week the Sakura, Japan's famous cherry blossoms, bloomed just by dumb luck. It was beautiful and there were many celebrations. As I looked at the trees falling into the water I had a very brutal truth, "I may never see this ever again." We can say this about most things in life but being in Tokyo, at this time of year, when they are in full bloom and watching the petals fall before my eyes. It felt incredibly magical but also fleeting.
pink on pink
Smiling on the inside.
Marcus Gustafsson, Jason Paul, Zen Shimada and Filip Ljungberg.
Another surprise was our Swedish Friends Marcus and Filip just happened to be in Tokyo the same time we were.
Marcus made it to the top
I learned that there are many statues of liberty.
Marcus Gustafsson and Filip Ljungberg at rainbow bridge
A week into our trip we realized we had made a mistake, ten days was not long enough. Jason and I missed our flights and decided to stay even longer. I stayed a total of a month changing airbnb's ever week and a little road trip. Next time, we will go for two months!
Having a burrito in Japan.
One thing I miss while I travel is burritos! Zen took us to an eclectic little place that made some amazing food. I was very happy having satisfied my cravings for a few days.
I lost count of who is all in this photo.
I have a few friends in Japan, which is how i ended up in this picture.
These photos are taken on a point and shoot Nikon film camera. I bought it for 10 Euros at a flea market. Since Japan it's developed a light leak (which actually looked kind of interesting) and eventually stopped rewinding the film once it's shot. Totally worth the money. I highly encourage you to search flea markets or goodwill stores for any interesting film cameras. They all have their own look, feel, and style.
