Final Days in Japan | Kyoto Monkeys! | Nara Deer! 

Thank you! I can't wait to come back 😊

Thank you! Ooo thats awesome. Yes, I can't wait to come back. 😊

Thank you for the kindness! I hope you get to visit Japan again. 😁

Thanks so much! I can't wait to come back 😊

@matsoca1, thank you for this wonderful comment. The best way I can put my feelings towards Japan is that it's just in my DNA. Beyond the anime, culture, games, history, etc, I'm just in love with the land, haha. It's amazing you've been able to visit so often. I'm hoping to do the same. At least once a year, even for short visits, will be worth it. I would move there in a heartbeat if I could, but it's not in the cards for me. Maybe if my wife and I win the lottery, haha. I do know about the very long and difficult process it is to get your dog fully prepared for Japan's requirements. Must have been a nightmare for you with all the paperwork, etc. I'm very happy you're finally in Japan long term. You're definitely lucky. And your grandfather is absolutely right about enjoying life while you can. 😄

@@Daxle You're welcome. It's funny, but I have made the same comment about DNA and Japan to friends and acquaintances. When I filled out the Certificate of Eligibility form (required for the long-term visa) at the Tokyo Regional Immigration Bureau, the officer also seemed quite surprised. The form has a section that asks about previous trips to Japan, I told him that I couldn't accurately remember the number of previous visits, so he told me to approximate and just list the last 3. Well, when he read through my application, he stopped at the figure of "50" that I indicated, and asked if it was correct. He also quickly looked through my passport, noticing it had 5 entry visa stamps for Japan, and that it was only 2 years old. The officer immediately commented "you like Japan". I told him that "I love Japan, which is why I have been coming here at least annually, and even studied the language." Needless to say, my visa application was easily approved. Dealing with the Japanese Quarantine officials was so easy and efficient. Unfortunately, my vet in California and the USDA Veterinary Inspector were problematic. During the 10 day period leading up to departure, the health certificate was not approved twice by the USDA because there were missing or incomplete items. Stressed out, four days before departure, I called Japanese Quarantine, and the official kindly walked me through the process and strongly suggested that my vet use the Japanese health form found on either their website or through the USDA website. She stated that the Japanese created their flow chart form to assist American servicemen who bring their pet(s) to Japan, as the American form is too cumbersome. So I printed out the Japanese form, filled it in myself, and brought it to my vet for his signature, who then scanned and sent it to the USDA Government Vet. It was approved the next morning and shipped by same day mail, so I could depart with my dog the next day. Moreover, Japanese Quarantine at the airport only required 10 minutes to examine the paperwork, issue a Japanese entry certificate, and send me and my dog on our way. I do hope you both get to visit Japan as often as you like. Try visiting at different times of the year, maybe catch a festival. Growing up, one of the things my grandfather frequently told me was the phrase "where there is a will, there is a way." It may take some careful planning over time, but it may be useful. For example, I have always loved animals and travel. I decided a long time ago to limit my dogs to small sizes that can fly in the cabin of a plane. For up to relatively short two week trips, I also use a house sitter. However, I could never leave my dog if I was on a long trip of 3 weeks or more. It's just one of the issues that need to be considered into any possible future. Who knows, you may one day run into a Japanese Immigration Officer who will tell you that he met an American who requested a long-term stay, because he also loved Japan.

Wow, that was a close call with the pet process. 😳 I'm glad it all worked out in the end. I have been slowly self studying japanese, but I need to join a class or something to actually use what I've learned. Otherwise, I forget what I studied. Thanks, I do plan to visit once a year if possible, even for a short trip to save money. My wife and I went in August our first time, and it was so hot we felt like melting, haha. We had a great time, nonetheless. Thanks for the advice, I appreciate it. 🙂

Thank you for saying that! Glad you enjoyed

Enjoy your time in Japan 🙂

@@Daxle u missed monkey mountain

🥲 thanks, buddy. I'm so happy you enjoyed