Some trips feel like travel—this one felt like a return.
I followed signs, made wishes, prayed, and sought meaning in every moment. Every shrine, every symbol, every smile felt like medicine for my soul.
Japan didn't just welcome me—it returned me to myself. I came depleted and left with my spirit restored.
And then, on the train, half asleep, not even looking, I woke up, turned my head, and there it was.
Mount Fuji. Clear. Perfect. Unexpected. 🗻
In Japan, Fuji is a sacred, living symbol of strength, renewal, and spiritual enlightenment. It's said that seeing it, especially for the first time, brings good fortune and new energy.
It felt like one last gift before leaving. A perfect ending to a trip I'll always carry with me.
Grateful for the magic, the meaning, and for spiriting me away…🐉
Arigatō gozaimasu! Until next time. 🙇🏽♀️
Tokyo Day 3...
1️⃣ Teared up because of how kind people can be
2️⃣ Found more public art because again, DUH!
3️⃣ Drank craft beers alongside the salarymen and was the only non-Japanese person there 🍻
4️⃣ Learned that octopus tentacles and potatoes might not be for me, but salted plum cocktails are!
5️⃣ Crushed on all the cute Japanese boys, especially when they sing D'Angelo!!? 😍
6️⃣ Was told I️ have a "Big American smile" (haven't heard that one in a longgggg time)
7️⃣ Made new friends from all over the world
8️⃣ Saw architecture, landscape architecture and interior design that made me proud of my field
9️⃣ Remembered why Cyberpunk is the ultimate cautionary tale
🔟 Felt more determined than ever to have a fresh start doing work where I️ learn about and contribute to the field of urban planning
Flashback to Sebastian Errazuriz: Double Take ⚡️🤖
Less like sketches. More like signals.
“Imagine AGI”
What do these human-rendered sketches say to you?
@sebastianstudio x @collabpma x @visitpham
#flashbackfriday #art #design #tech #ai
Nara Day
1️⃣ Celebrated Setsubun (seasonal division), the day before spring in the old Japanese calendar
2️⃣ Visited a UNESCO World Heritage Site
3️⃣ Received the best fortune you can get
4️⃣ Walked side by side with deer in the woods
5️⃣ Ate a traditional Setsubun meal to ward off evil
6️⃣ Walked in the woods at night with only a candlelit paper lantern
7️⃣ Saw beautiful Buddhist temples (photos aren't allowed, so those live rent free in my mind 🪷)
8️⃣ Was perhaps visited by the Dragon King at his shrine 🐉👀
9️⃣ Had a wagyu beef dinner for ~$25
🔟 Was filled with gratitude and felt truly blessed and highly favored
Kyoto Day
1️⃣ Was humbled by public transit and realized I️ still have a lot to learn 🤣
2️⃣ Had Japanese KFC
3️⃣ Saw women in beautiful kimonos
4️⃣ Went to my first Izakaya
5️⃣ Continued to enjoy the beauty of fine craftsmanship
6️⃣ Prayed at shrines I️ didn't expect to find
7️⃣ Finally saw a cat!
8️⃣ Felt like I️ was transported to another world in the Ninenzaka-Sannenzaka historic district
9️⃣ Put Laura on to capsule toys!
🔟 Decided Kyoto needed one more visit so I️ could properly enjoy Setsubun 🫘
Osaka Day
1️⃣ Went to Namba Yasaka Shrine and already knew how to pray and what to do with my ema (wish plaque)
2️⃣ Fell in love with quirky corners
3️⃣ Watched a local baseball game
4️⃣ Observed a man respectfully feeding and cleaning up after park pigeons
5️⃣ Walked to McDonald's at night for the first time since I️ was in undergrad 🤣
6️⃣ Felt alive and super bold for going to the neighborhood bathhouse with only locals
7️⃣ Shared jokes, beers, and educated a group of older women at the bathhouse on what twists are
8️⃣ Made some new ex-pat friends @little_long_beach and had the most delicious cocktails
9️⃣ Danced down the street with joy during a late night 711 run
🔟 Fell in love with Osaka and how it makes me feel inside 🥹
Tokyo Day 4...LAST DAY IN TOKYO!
1️⃣ Had a wonderful guided tour of Meiji Shrine, the most visited shrine in Japan, guided by Keiko (@chukurai_english !)
2️⃣ Prayed for one special wish 🍁
3️⃣ Learned more about Shintoism and was able to share about Quakerism
4️⃣ Saw an 88 degree angle
5️⃣ Saw CELEBRATED (had to for my Drexel peeps 🤣) wood joinery
6️⃣ Smiled at a tree with two trunks that's supposed to be good if you're looking for love
7️⃣ Had my first bowl of ramen in Japan!
8️⃣ Made a new friend to explore Osaka and Kyoto with
9️⃣ Took the Shinkansen to Osaka
🔟 Felt confident and proud of my new solo international travel abilities!
Tokyo Day 2...
1️⃣ Had THE best photoshoot with viral photographer, @obakerock
2️⃣ Bought capsule toys (not too many!)
3️⃣ Fell even more in love with FUNCTIONAL public transit and infrastructure
4️⃣ Had sake and whole dried shrimps as a snack
5️⃣ Learned how to style a white button down
6️⃣ Realized that people universally recognize Philly once you do the Rocky fists 🤣
7️⃣ Went into my first @miumiu store!
8️⃣ Found public art because duh lol
9️⃣ Was mistaken for an influencer and felt wayyyy too hype 🫠
🔟 Smiled to myself and thought, "This is gonna be my year!"
Tokyo Day 1...
1️⃣ Felt at home in ways I️ can't explain
2️⃣ Ate food that reminded me what health tastes like
3️⃣ Smiled with my eyes and bowed to more people than I️ can count...humility speaks volumes here
4️⃣ Saw ancient and contemporary design effortlessly juxtaposed
5️⃣ Spoke to someone else's ancestors and asked for guidance and peace in these troubling times
6️⃣ Experienced art that validated the choices I've made
7️⃣ Figured out public transit!
8️⃣ Solidified my love for Toto toilets lmao
9️⃣ Got a 711 egg sandwich on my first try
🔟 Felt joy like I️ haven't felt in awhile 🙂
Yesterday evening, I️ attended my fifth @collabpma Design Excellence Awards where we honored @sebastianstudio for the incredible work he's done bridging the gap between design, art, innovation, and speculative thinking. While all of the honorees and events we host are special, I️ feel especially proud of this one.
I've been part of the Collab community since I️ graduated in 2021 and have served on our board since January 2022. As I️ look back on these past few years, I️ feel so honored to be part of this organization, championing design and supporting @visitpham through our stewardship.
As I look ahead to 2026 and beyond, working toward new dreams and a new chapter, I'm proud of what we've built and excited for what’s coming next with this powerhouse group of design professionals and creative leaders.
Photo dump of my faves from the evening ⚡️
#collab #pham #philly #art #design #designexcellence
