I traveled the world as a flight attendant. I wanted a quieter life — now I run a bakery in rural Japan.

Rei Onoda returned to Japan to get married, then she and her husband left Tokyo to open a bakery in the countryside. Provided by Rei Onoda

Rei Onoda was a flight attendant based in Dubai for four years.

She moved back to Japan and left Tokyo for the countryside while pregnant.

Now, she runs a bakery from a 180-year-old home with her husband and their toddler son.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Rei Onoda, 34, coowner of Kamijyoan , a bakery in rural Japan. Her words have been edited for length and clarity.

After graduating from university, I moved to Dubai and worked as a cabin crew member for Emirates for about four years.

I got to travel all over the world. Seeing so many places made me realize Japan was actually my favorite. Being away made me appreciate how unique it is.

I was also in a long-distance relationship at the time.…