It had been a lifelong dream of mine to visit Japan.

Two years ago, I finally made that dream a reality and traveled there alone. I wanted to experience it on my own terms and fully immerse myself in Japanese culture.

I had timed my visit during the famous Sakura - Cherry Blossom bloom during its short two-week window. I also wanted to photograph Mount Fuji in the best ways that I could. Its near-perfect symmetrical shape teaches us to strive for both simplicities in life and peace of mind.