The Power of Connecting
I’ve worked at Airbnb for the past 3.5 years as part of the Community team — helping to create connections between members all over the globe. I’ve seen the power of forming relationships over shared values. But I think its been a really long time since I had felt it for myself. That is to say, until my most recent trip to Japan. On this trip I tapped into the network that is Airbnb and created community with many of its members (employees, hosts, guests) along the way. I had nothing short of a transformational experience. True magic. Even though I was traveling by myself, I’ve never felt more connected. Everywhere I went I was greeted as a friend and not a stranger.
Big love to Wakana, Seiji, the staff at Fukuchiin, Rachel, Miho, Miro, Mark, Eri and Naoko for making me feel so at home.
Here is a breakdown of some of the magical people I met, places I visited and things I did along the way!
Tokyo
Yoyogi Park + Meiji Shrine.
Tsutaya Books — While its a chain it is still amazing. Perfect place to come at the end of a long day of walking, drink a cold beer and read a good book while listening to jazz!
Mori Art Museum — Saw the Lee Mingwei exhibit.
Ueno Park.
Koyasan
Fukuchiin temple — stay and attend the morning session with monks at 6am. Eat like royalty. Bathe in healing waters.
Okunoin Cemetery — stunning backdrop for very ancient tombs.
Miyajima
O-torii Gate.
Itsukushima Shrine.
Nature walk!
Hiroshima
A-bomb dome.
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum.
Okonomiyaki — Japanese pancake. Eat it anywhere you can.
Kyoto
Studio Bindu — yoga!
Tadka — Indian restaurant.
Path of the Philosopher.
Ippodo Tea — they teach you how to brew a proper cup of tea. So lovely.
Ichizawa Shinzaburo Hanpu — Christmas came early for Elizabeth. Really beautiful canvas bags.
Morikage Shirts — Beautiful handmade shirts for men and women. If I were rich all my guy friends would have one of these right now.
