Rachael Kirkconnell is embracing new memories despite recent heartbreak. On Wednesday, January 29, the Bachelor alum, 28, took to Instagram to share a collection of photos from her trip to Tokyo, which she took with now ex-boyfriend Matt James, 33. The vacation ultimately ended with the couple going their separate ways.
Keeping her caption simple yet sentimental, Kirkconnell wrote: “still ♡ you tokyo.” The Instagram carousel begins with a photo of Kirkconnell smiling at the camera while seated at a table, dressed in a cozy white sweater with her hair pulled back into a ponytail. The next image captures the bustling streets of Tokyo, lined with markets and lights, followed by a shot of packaged sushi boxes, showcasing the city’s vibrant food scene.
As the post continues, Kirkconnell appears again, now wearing her white sweater layered under a tan wool coat, sipping a fruity drink from a plastic pouch. Other slides highlight scenic moments from the trip, including sightseeing adventures and delicious meals—but notably, Matt James is absent from all the images. However, a subtle nod to their time together comes in a shot of two chocolatey drinks placed on a countertop—one green and the other brown.
James confirmed their split on January 14, sharing an emotional message on Instagram, “Father God, give Rachael and I strength to mend our broken hearts. Give us a peace about this decision to end our relationship that transcends worldly understanding. Shower our friends and family with kindness and love to comfort us. And remind us that our Joy comes from you, Lord
.”
The former couple first met on The Bachelor’s 25th season, where James gave his final rose to Kirkconnell, though their relationship faced ups and downs. After rekindling their romance post-show, their journey has now come to an end. While James has chosen to express his feelings through prayer, Kirkconnell appears to be moving forward with gratitude, cherishing the experiences they shared—even if the chapter has officially closed.