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Japan Trip 2023.
After nearly three years, I flew back to Japan for Hakuba Gay Ski Week.
The journey begins…
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Waiting for my flight to Japan.
It was a rookie mistake flying out from so close to the border. Didn’t realise the clock on my phone had changed, and I’ve been doing everything today an extra hour early.
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The journey so far… Narita to Nozawaonsen.
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First snowfall of the trip!
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Penke Bar. My home away from home. Also, I found A walrus!
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Hakuba isn’t ready for the three of us. May the shenanigans and tomfoolery begin!
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Photo dump of the last few days. Hakuba Gay Ski Week has definitely been a vibe!
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The Japanese alps looked stunning last night!
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Seriously the beauty of this place never ceases to impress me.
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Tiptoeing through the wasabi gardens.
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Explored Matsumoto Castle. The structure dates back to the 1500s and is also known as the “Crow Castle” due to its black exterior.
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Penke Lips Party. Running around in a dress all night was a vibe.
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Onesie adventures on the slopes Iwatake. Stacked it several times, including taking down one of the fences. But at least my onesie looked good!
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We visited the Japanese Snow Monkeys. They have a pretty good life chilling around the onsen all day.
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The Zenko-Ji Temple. The architecture and gardens were absolutely breathtaking.
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I tried snowboarding for the first time today and while I’ve got the skill of a drunken elephant, I kinda dig it over skiing.
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The queers are here and we’re ready to climb Candy Mountain!
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Everyone say “GAY!”
There’s something truly beautiful and inspiring about walking down the slopes and showing our pride for such a wondrous and diverse community! It’s these little moments that give me the feels!
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So my time at Hakuba has come to an end and I find myself with a mixture of emotions. Hakuba Gay Ski Week 2023 was without a doubt one of the most special experiences of my life.
I caught up with some familiar faces, as well as some new ones and in the process made memories that will last a lifetime. I’d be lying if I didn’t say Penke Panke has become another home away from home, it was hard to hold back the tears today as I said some of my farewells. But I also take comfort in knowing I’ll be back again. So, for some, it’s just a “See Ya Later”
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Lost in translation… Shinjuku is a vibe.
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It was the perfect day to venture through the Shinjuku National Gardens. Absolutely gorgeous, and I definitely recommend doing it if you’re in town.
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There is never enough time to explore this city!
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My adventures in Japan are coming to an end tomorrow. Not quite ready, but I take comfort in knowing this isn’t the last I will see of this fantastic country.
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As the saying goes, all good things come to an end. It’s a little bittersweet. It’s been one hell of a ride and can’t wait to return in the not too distant future.
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