Hi everyone! In our latest video, we shared a whirlwind of new beginnings from our Japanese countryside home. It’s June, which means it’s high time to get our garden productive for summer, and we had a very special reason to do so: our Canadian and US family came to visit Japan for the very first time!
Cultivating Our Countryside Garden
This month, it was all about getting our new vegetable garden ready. After a year without planting, it felt like the perfect moment for a fresh start. We even got our rototiller, a new addition to our gardening arsenal, up and running! My dream? Fresh, homegrown veggies. But just as importantly, I wanted to showcase Japan’s incredible growing climate to our visiting family.
We went big this year, planting intriguing seeds from Okinawa alongside classics like tomatoes and watermelons, and exciting additions like peanuts, edamame, goya bitter melon, okra, and hot chilis from our local garden center. It’s always fun to find plants there that we don’t typically see back home in Canada!
Welcoming Family to Japan
Beyond the garden, a huge highlight of June was introducing Japan to our family. We took them on several day trips, visiting iconic castles and other cool attractions. We even splurged on an overnight stay in Matsuyama City, exploring one of Japan’s most ancient hot spring towns, Dogo Onsen, and its recently renovated main building. It was such a special way to share our favorite side of Japanese travel with them!
Of course, our dog Pancake joined the adventures, though he’s still a nervous traveler. Jesse even had to take him for a run to encourage some much-needed bathroom breaks – and it worked!
My Essential Travel Hack
While on the topic of travel, I shared one of my personal travel hacks in the video: eSIMs. Getting data abroad is so much simpler now. I remember when Jesse and I first traveled to Japan before eSIMs were a thing; we fumbled with physical SIM cards after a 10-hour flight, when all we wanted was to sleep off the jetlag.
With Saily (our video’s sponsor), you skip all that. Just download the app, choose your destination and data plan, and you’re set. It’s flexible too; if you run low, you can top up right in the app. When you’re ready, it automatically connects you to local providers, even letting you update travel info if you’re country-hopping. If you’re looking for an easy data plan, visit saily.com/maigomika or download the app, and use my special code MAIGOMIKA at checkout for 15% off!
Adventures Beyond the Garden
Our exploration of Shikoku Island led us to some incredible spots. We visited Matsuyama-jo, one of Japan’s twelve original castles, and enjoyed Ehime’s famous oranges and stylish Imabari towels. We also explored a temple on the historic Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, and even took our family antique shopping for unique house pieces.
A day trip to the castle town of Ozu was another highlight, featuring the stunning Garyu Sanso villa, which even inspired new home structure ideas for Jesse. A little craft beer sampling at Garyu Brewing, with its unique Victorian-Japanese decor, offered a welcome pause. All that exploring worked up an appetite, and Japanese curry rice became an unexpected culinary hit – a rich, savory comfort food with fascinating origins.
Looking Forward
So, how’s the garden coming along? It’s really taking shape! Looking back, all our recent day trips have been a great reminder of just how many incredible places are a short journey away, even from our remote corner of Japan. This past month has truly reinforced the joy of creating a welcoming space for our family, both in our home and in the life we’re building here in the countryside.
What new projects or adventures have you started lately? Let us know in the comments below!
