I am officially stamped out of Japan.

As I exited the Kansai airport train station, I glanced down at my JR Pass. Tomorrow’s the last day of its validity.

"I still have one day," I thought. I can still hop on another train or two, exploring as much of Japan as I can. I fought the urge and made my way to the international departure hall.

It’s been an amazing thirteen days. Japan was everything I expected it to be, and it was as lovely as I imagined. I can see myself coming back, maybe in a couple of years or so. I’d go back either in early May for spring in Hokkaido and Shirakawa-go, early April for Hanami in Kyoto, and anytime of the year for Tokyo.

Japan is a challenge for budget travelers. It’s not an exaggeration when people say it’s an expensive country to travel in. But the experiences and the quality you get, it’s worth the investment. I can see why people love coming back to Japan.