The Big Sandy Mountaineer -

This last fall, local Vanessa Janssen traveled with her daughter Liana to Japan. They were joined by Vanessa's parents, sister, and her sister's boyfriend. The reason for their family reunion? To visit their dear family friend, whom Vanessa warmly referred to as her sister, who recently relocated from Seattle to Japan.

Their trip began in the bustling city of Tokyo, home to 14.1 million people. The group marveled at skilled craft markets, ancient temples, and palaces, one of which was worth 4 trillion dollars! Vanessa noted that the palace was underwhelmingly plain, and much of the cost was...