Our three year anniversary. 
I have experienced so much since I moved to Japan in March 2015. Looking back, the first six months just feel like a massive black hole. Then that lucky day in October came and everything changed. I knew immediately that I must have her. I'm so grateful Ai fell for me too. We have had so many adventures since and through it all, she has done nothing but support me. I really hope I've been able to return that same sense of security to her as well. 

This year, to celebrate our anniversary, we decided to go on a trip to 日光 (Nikko). Traveling has always been her passion, and I am, by default, perpetually a traveler, so this was the perfect gift for us. It was the first time for me to go here, but she had been when she was much younger. Therefore, I did most of the planning. I was notably impressed by my own planning skills, and I think she was pleased as well! I could go on and on about how great the trip was, but in summary, 日光 allowed me to breath. For the past week, I've been carefully reflecting on the experience. Here are my thoughts.

流れ: 

The most intriguing aspect of this town, apart from the whole historical significance, was the water. It just constantly flows down from the mountains and throughout the neighborhoods. Everywhere we walked, I could hear the sounds of canals running under our feet. As we got closer to 東照宮 (Toshogu), the water began to rush, openly, all along the sides of the streets, creating small falls and streams. Ai and I climbed to 白糸滝 (Shiraito Falls) located about thirty minutes or so behind 東照宮. Seeing these falls and all the spiraling streams that connect to it left me in awe of this natural power. All these waterways are linked together, supporting one another to survive. In some places, dams cause smaller streams to stop flowing. Even though their beds may have gone dry, the evidence of their activity cannot be erased. And even as sad as these deceased streams are, the numerous headless 地蔵 (Jizou) lined up along 憾満ヶ淵 (Kanmangafuchi Abyss), which were damaged during floods, are indicators of water's raw power. The dams may not be able to hold strong forever. Water is obviously a force that deserves our respect, lest it seeks revenge.

霊:

Next were the 竜 (Ryu). When I was in highschool, I simultaneously got confirmed as a Catholic and denounced the religion within the same week. I had always questioned Christian doctrine and occasionally found myself in uncomfortable conversations with my CCD teachers. Around this time, I was also exposed to Buddhism, as well as other alternate philosophies. Since then, I have loosely practiced some form of it in association with Shinto beliefs, but never too seriously. I still feel that religion should be a lucid, rather than concrete, concept. But, while visiting these shrines and temples, I found myself caught in the 竜's stare. I thought deeply about myself in that moment. What was I doing? How have I been leading my life? What am I striving for? Who do I want in my life?
I was really touched. How had this stimulation occurred so suddenly? That's when I realized, there were 竜 everywhere in Nikko! They run beneath our feet, flowing through the forests, guiding us 山伏 (Yamabushi) to safety, and most importantly, blessing our love. Their strength had engulfed us as soon as we had disembarked from the train. I can't say that I am worth this honor, but she definitely is. I will continue praying to the 竜 from now, so please keep an eye on Ai.

暗闇:

In the mountains, it gets dark. Really dark. After 19:00, people just disappear and the whole city is empty. Even the lights inside buildings are turned off. Where is everyone? Is there some secret tourists don't know? This ghost town like image is such a stark contrast to the bustling metropolis of Tokyo we are used to. Surprisingly, last orders at family restaurants occur at 16:00. I saw a sign that said "We now serve beer!". I thought, "What's the point if you are going to close so early?". Somehow though, the town thrives. Herding tourists into hotels and 旅館 (Ryokan) as soon as dusk approaches is probably the key to their success. 
At first, the utter and complete cover of darkness is a little scary. It seems likely that these Nikko natives understand the dangers lurking around in the forests and mountains. With so many shrines, temples, and other spiritual monuments serving to offer spiritual protection, I felt a sense of ominous danger in the air. Nikko may exist on the edge of worlds, past, present, and other, but even still, it was perfect for us. 

愛:

Us. Ai and I. This trip was so reviving. We have both been so utterly exhausted. We work too much and, in our free time, we pursue our hobbies to the point of breaking. I was nervous that this trip may induce more stress. But the way she laughed when she dropped her phone at the emperor's villa, the courage she showed meeting the 化け地蔵 (Bakejizou), the fact that she only barely stole the blanket while we were sleeping; I realized how relaxed she had become. They say that by traveling together, you can test your relationship. Of course this was a very short trip, but the peace I felt was proof enough. We enjoyed all our experiences, exhausted all our energies, and supported one another together. I may have planned a lot, but I never felt like I was taking on a burden. She constantly guided me around the area to me, especially when there were signs I couldn't read. While at the hotel, she gave us a present. A tiny trophy that says "The Best" on it. I agree. 

In summary, I felt so at ease during those two days. No stress about work nor my hectic schedule, just pure happiness. 日光 October 2018 will always be a happy memory to look back on when I'm feeling overcome. Thank you again Ai for giving me even more unforgettable memories. I can't wait to travel with you again!