Japan is one of the most fascinating (and confounding) places we have have visited. It is also near the top of the list of places we would like to return to one day.

Our summary thoughts and recommendations for Japan are here and our pictures from Tokyo and around are here.

It’s fair to say we traveled to Japan to pay homage to Hayao Miyazaki.  To provide a point of reference:  Think of Miyazaki as the Japanese Walt Disney.

A genius in any language, Miyazaki created beloved films like My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away and Howl’s Moving Castle.

Caroline and Conor grew up under Miyazaki’s magic spell, and we made the pilgrimage to the western suburb of Mitaka to visit the Ghibli Museum which showcases his work.  The museum’s recreation of his imaginative work space is worth the price of admission – but there is much more to see and experience.

Unfortunately we were not allowed to take pictures inside the museum.  But take our word for it: If you value imagination and creativity – and you find yourself in Tokyo – take the train to Mitaka and visit the Ghibli.