The research begins often with a collection of new books.

I’ve been given the go-ahead by Amanda to plan a trip to Japan. The reason for the visit is two-fold. One: Japan has always been on my list of places to visit. Two: I work for a Japan-based website writing about anime and manga and want to meet my editor. Yes, that’s part of the reason I go to so many comic and anime conventions.

I started the process by tossing out some dates to help me get a grasp on the cost of the airfare. I found that the cost can range from $1,000-$1,600 from the east coast of the US depending on the time of year, number of connections and length of flights. I’m thinking because of my schedule and my editor’s suggestion next spring might be the best time to go. He told me summer is too hot and humid to visit, and he’s originally from Florida, so if he says it’s too humid I’ll believe him.

I went out and picked up the Frommers and Lonely Planet Japan books to help me with the outline of my trip.  I’m tentatively thinking that I’ll fly into Hiroshima, travel to the old capital of Kyoto and end the trip in Tokyo after a side trip to Mt. Fuji. I’m even thinking of climbing the iconic world heritage site. I already know that being efficient with my time is important because seeing a country in a week to nine days is a big task.

I’ve said “I” a lot and not “us” because this trip will be solo. Amanda will be staying behind for this trip and it will be my first true solo outing in a long time. I’m not exactly that apprehensive about traveling alone; I was rather good at it in my youth. I’m just not that crazy about spending a week away from the love of my life. The feelings of guilt from leaving her at home will just be something that I need to get over.  I’ll do my best to keep you all updated with my trip planning and share any interesting facts about Japan that come up.