January  was a whirlwind of traveling for pleasure and for work. I went to see Kanjani8, went to Kyoto 2 times,  and made my first trip to Toba City in Mie. I want to keep up this pace for traveling to areas around Kansai and taking more photos, as it has been a form of healing for me and a way to direct my some of my energy into something that I have had an interest in for a while.

One of the most exciting parts of this month was starting my very first goshuinchō, or special stamp book that you can buy from shrines and temples. With this in hand, you can get a stamp at most shrines and temples that you go to, documenting all of the places that you have been to. January 2017 is the beginning of my journey to see more temples and shrines in Japan and travel more.

2016 was a year of exponential growth for me. There have been some amazing times and some really difficult times. I've now completed my second year of working, changed jobs, lived a full year with a roommate as an adult, and experienced my first real heartbreak. For 2017, I will be focusing on me and what I truly want to do for the last half of my 20's and to travel more, especially around Japan. Happy New Year!

A post shared by Lauren C. Jubelt (@nihonchique) on Dec 31, 2016 at 11:43am PST

Throwback to Dinner on Christmas Day! How about that huge roast beef slice??😱🍖

A post shared by Lauren C. Jubelt (@nihonchique) on Jan 6, 2017 at 8:16pm PST

Osaka castle standing tall under the winter sunset. 🏯I will never stop loving this scenery! ここしかない景色❤

A post shared by Lauren C. Jubelt (@nihonchique) on Jan 10, 2017 at 6:18pm PST

関ジャニ'sエイターテインメント楽しかった！違うペンライトけど、京セラドームは4月ぶりお世話になった。エイト、大阪初日お疲れ様でした！ Kanjani8's Eightertainment was a lot of fun! Wrong penlight, but I am once again at Kyocera dome for the first time since April of last year! Thanks for the great show Kanjani!

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Some of my favorite things ❤

A post shared by Lauren C. Jubelt (@nihonchique) on Jan 14, 2017 at 6:22pm PST

冬の金閣寺！ Kyoto's Golden Pavilion during the Winter!

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Stumbled Upon Sagawa Delivery's Gion branch in Kyoto! 🚲📦

A post shared by Lauren C. Jubelt (@nihonchique) on Jan 22, 2017 at 6:25am PST

A genuine smile from me. Kyoto was so much fun on Saturday!

A post shared by Lauren C. Jubelt (@nihonchique) on Jan 23, 2017 at 1:52am PST

鳥羽はキレイ〜！ Toba is beautiful!!

A post shared by Lauren C. Jubelt (@nihonchique) on Jan 26, 2017 at 9:01pm PST

ミキモト真珠島！ミキモトパールめっちゃ好きなので、行くと嬉しかったです。 Mikimoto Pearl Island in Toba City, Mie. I love Mikimoto pearls so it was a real treat for me to go!

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Pearl Flower Brooch at Mikimoto Pearl Island!

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Another fun day exploring Kyoto!

A post shared by Lauren C. Jubelt (@nihonchique) on Jan 29, 2017 at 2:37am PST

Bought my first goshuinchō, or special stamp book at Heian Jingu Shrine on Sunday. I can't wait to fill it up with stamps from all of the temples and shrines I visit! 初御朱印帳を買いました！御朱印を集まると楽しみです！

A post shared by Lauren C. Jubelt (@nihonchique) on Jan 30, 2017 at 1:42am PST

Aqueducts at Nanzenji in Kyoto!

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