Today, I’m sharing some unexpected news—I’m heading back to Japan for a short stay this month! It’s going to be a quick visit, probably just about a week, but I’m already getting excited and started creating a to-do list of all the things I want to do while I’m there.

Of course, top of the list is seeing my parents and catching up with friends. But beyond that, I thought it might be interesting to share what’s on my list, as it could give a little insight into what someone living abroad gets excited about when they return home, even if it's just for a brief visit.

So let’s dive into it!

First on my to-do list is something I’ve been dreaming about for months—visiting a bunch of salons to finally take care of my appearance.

Living in Vancouver, I’ve only been to a hair salon once, and let me tell you, the prices here are wild. Over $200 just for a haircut and color! I couldn’t justify spending that kind of money regularly, so I’ve been relying on my partner to cut my hair at home, which, let's be honest, has been... less than professional. So, as you can imagine, my hair has gotten pretty messy, and I am so ready for a proper salon experience in Japan.

Japanese salons are known for their reasonable prices and high-quality service, so getting a fresh cut and color there is something I’m really looking forward to. Plus, I plan to visit an eyelash salon while I’m at it. Again, it’s just way more affordable in Japan, and it’s been ages since I’ve done anything like that for myself.

I feel like these little self-care moments are something we often take for granted, but when you’ve been living abroad and they suddenly become luxuries, they feel extra special.

The second thing on my to-do list is a bit more practical, but super important: medical exams.

Living in Canada, I don’t have a family doctor, so I really don’t get the chance to check my health status unless something goes wrong. And let’s be real, who wants to wait until they’re facing a major health issue? In Japan, it’s so easy to get a comprehensive health checkup even if you’re feeling perfectly fine. For around $100, I can get a full annual health exam, and it gives me peace of mind to know everything is in order.

That’s something I really appreciate about Japan—the healthcare system is stable, accessible, and incredibly thorough. It’s something I’ve come to miss while living abroad.

In addition to the general medical exam, I’m also planning to visit the dentist. Dental care can be quite expensive in Canada, and to be honest, I haven’t been as diligent as I should be with regular checkups. So this visit will give me a chance to get everything checked and cleaned at a fraction of the cost.

And of course, no trip back to Japan would be complete without some shopping! I’ve already got a list of things I want to buy, mainly cosmetics, skincare products, and clothes.

Japanese cosmetics and skincare are top-notch, and the prices are so much better than what you’d find in Canada. Even basic drugstore products in Japan are of really high quality, and I’m excited to stock up on a few of my favorite items. It’s the same with clothing—great quality at reasonable prices. I know I’ll probably end up with a suitcase full of things to bring back.

There is one thing I’ve reluctantly decided not to buy, though—a guitar. I’ve been wanting one for a while, but guitars are just too heavy and bulky to bring back with me on a short trip. Maybe next time!

Well, that’s it for today’s episode.What would you recommend doing when going back to Japan for a short stay? Maybe there are hidden gems I’m overlooking, or experiences that I haven’t thought of yet. I’d love to hear your thoughts! I’m looking forward to sharing more about my trip once I’m back. In the meantime, thanks for listening, and I’ll catch you next time