Takayama, Gifu, Japan

Takayama was one of the more touristy destinations on our trip, but it had its charm. We strolled through ancient streets lined with traditional wooden houses, picking up bottles of sake and savoring bowls of delicious ramen. The highlight was splurging on local wagyu beef to take with us to our Air Bnb—it was a $90 indulgence, but every bite was worth it. As we walked past a little alleyway, a Japanese man at the other end waved me over. Curious, I wandered down, and he pointed out a big grey crane sunbathing on a rock in the river. It was such a simple, yet lovely moment.