Day 1: We arrived!
After a 14-hour journey, we finally touched down in Osaka, Japan, at 4:20 pm. Our first tasks included exchanging currency and grabbing our J-Rail Passes, essentials for our two-week adventure. We hopped on a Hello Kitty-themed train bound for Kyoto, our home for the next five nights. Battling jet lag, we soaked in our first glimpses of Japan’s beauty.
Upon arriving in Kyoto, the iconic Kyoto Tower greeted us right outside the station. We then made our way to our traditional Japanese-style hotel, complete with Tatami mats and futon beds on the floor. After settling in, we ventured out for dinner and found a cozy little spot serving delicious rice and beef bowls—a perfect introduction to Japanese cuisine. Exhausted, we headed back to our hotel, eager for some much-needed rest.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to turn on the hot water button before showering—unless you want your first Japanese shower to be ice-cold!
Day 2: Himeji Castle
Our day started early, much to our surprise, as we all woke up before 7 am. We kicked things off with a leisurely breakfast at a nearby cafe, famous for its massive, fluffy souffle pancakes and delicious coffee. It was easily the best breakfast we had during our entire trip.
After fueling up, we caught a bullet train to Himeji. The sight of the towering white Himeji Castle greeted us as soon as we left the station. The castle was breathtaking, with its intricate craftsmanship and the surrounding moat. It was hard to believe that this magnificent structure was built back in 1609.
After exploring the castle, we wandered into a nearby botanical garden. We discovered that the garden was laid out according to the exact outlines of the homes where high-ranking samurai once lived.
By evening, our hunger led us to Kobe. Though famous for its beef, we ended up at a Chinese restaurant—mainly because we were starving and there was no wait time. In hindsight, we all agreed that we would have preferred to try the Kobe beef.
Pro Tip: Always carry small gifts with you—you never know who you’ll meet. The Japanese are incredibly generous and may even spend the afternoon showing you hidden gems like an amazing botanical garden.
Day 3: Hiroshima and Go-Karts
We began our third day with a visit to the Higashi Honganji temple near our hotel. We learned the ritual of handwashing before entering and observed the morning prayers. The echo of the prayers rang throughout the temple even as we headed for the train station.
Our next stop was Hiroshima, where we visited the Atomic Bomb Dome and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. The experience was deeply moving, offering a powerful insight into the horrors of nuclear warfare. As an American, the visit filled me with a profound sense of sympathy and shame—an eye-opening moment on our trip.
After the museum, we tried Hiroshima’s famous Okonomiyaki (fried noodle pancake) at a small local restaurant. Though it wasn’t my favorite, everyone else loved it. We then returned to Osaka for a “fun surprise.”
The surprise turned out to be driving go-karts through the streets of Osaka while dressed in funny onesies. The experience felt like being in a parade, with people laughing, waving, and taking pictures as we zipped around the city. It was an absolute blast, and we got to see so much of Osaka in just an hour. We ended the night by exploring the vibrant streets of Dotonbori, with its buzzing atmosphere, neon lights, and endless eateries.
Pro Tip: Stay hydrated! Japan’s heat and humidity can be intense, so take advantage of the many vending machines. We loved the electrolyte drink Pocari Sweat.
Day 4: Monkeys Mountain and Ninja Walks
The day kicked off with a surprise—this time just for me. Connor and I took a train to Arashiyama, a lush, green area surrounded by mountains and a flowing river. This was a stark contrast to the bustling cities we’d been exploring. It wasn’t until we reached the base of a mountain that I realized we were about to hike to see Japanese Macaque monkeys.
The mile-and-a-half hike up the mountain was hot and humid, but the excitement of seeing wild monkeys kept us going. Near the top, we were greeted by our first monkey, hanging in a tree right above Connor’s head! At the summit, we found ourselves surrounded by over a hundred adorable monkeys with tiny red faces. We even fed them apples through a hut’s window, their little hands gently taking the fruit from us. It was a magical experience, and we couldn’t stop smiling.
Later, we met up with the rest of the family for ninja training. Dressed in all-black outfits, we learned how to walk, fight, and hide like ninjas. We practiced with swords, ninja stars, and blow darts. I do not want to brag, but my ninja star throws were pretty spot-on! We wrapped up the day with a delicious dinner at a women-owned ramen shop in Kyoto—just what we needed after an action-packed day.
Pro Tip: Don’t be shy about slurping your noodles when eating ramen—it’s a sign that you’re enjoying your meal, and the chef will appreciate it!
Day 5: Tea Ceremony
Our day began with a special treat—a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Upon arrival, we split into groups to change into beautiful kimonos. Each of us selected our favorite patterns for the kimono and obi. The staff helped with our hair and wrapped us in the kimonos before we headed to the ceremony. We learned about the significance of the tea ceremony and even had the chance to prepare our own matcha tea.
After the ceremony, we changed back into our clothes and continued exploring Kyoto. Our first stop was the stunning Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Temple. The golden structure’s reflection shimmered beautifully in the surrounding lake. Next, we visited Nijo Castle, famous for its “nightingale floors” that squeak with every step to thwart ninjas. We tried our best to walk silently, but the floors caught us every time.
For our last night in Kyoto, we decided to visit a Pachinko bar, Japan’s version of gambling. While we didn’t win much, the noisy, energetic atmosphere was a unique experience. Later, I decided to explore Kyoto on my own, feeling perfectly safe even at 9:30 pm. My solo adventure led me to an underground food court, where I indulged in a delicious green tea ice cream crepe.
Pro Tip: In Pachinko bars, the metal balls that come out of the machine ARE the winnings. Be sure to exchange them for money if you hit a jackpot. If you continue to play, you in fact will lose all your money—this is from personal experience.
Day 6: Mountain Spiders
After five days in Kyoto, we packed up and headed to our next destination, but not before visiting one last temple—Kiyomizu-Dera. This temple quickly became my favorite. Perched on the side of a mountain, it had a stunning view of Kyoto. I even had the chance to ring the traditional singing bowl.
On our walk back, I indulged in some donuts we had picked up the night before. To my surprise, the old-fashioned donut (Bitter Chocolate) from Daily Yamazaki Baking Co. was the best I’ve ever had. If you’re in Japan, do yourself a favor and stock up on these!
We then made our way to Hakone, where we stayed in another traditional Japanese hotel, this time with shared bathrooms and an onsen (natural hot spring). We took full advantage of the onsen during our stay here.
For dinner, we ventured into town and found a pizza place where we tried a cheese pizza with honey—a surprisingly delicious combination! We also sampled sake for the first time, with plum being a clear favorite. The night took an unexpected turn when we returned to our room and encountered a massive mountain spider, about the size of a softball sitting on our bed. Though harmless, it definitely kept us on edge for the rest of the night.
Pro Tip: When using the onsen, alternate between the hot water and the showers to avoid overheating. The onsen water can be quite warm, so this method will help you enjoy it longer.
Day 7: Pirate Ships and Ropeways
Despite the looming threat of giant mountain spiders, we survived our first night in Hakone and started the day with a relaxing soak in the onsen. Afterward, we enjoyed a traditional Japanese breakfast, complete with cooked fish, crab miso soup, steamed rice, and various side dishes.
Our adventures of the day began with a ferry ride across Lake Ashinoko on a pirate ship. This journey would take us to the famous Hakone-jinja shrine, known for its iconic red torii gate floating on the water. From there, we rode a ropeway to the top of Mt. Komagatake, where we were rewarded with breathtaking views of Japan and a glimpse of Mt. Fuji. At the summit, we hiked to the Mototsumiya Shrine, a small sky temple with incredible scenery.
Back at the lake, we rented swan boats and paddled around until our legs were tired. Following that, we set out to find the legendary black eggs from Owakudani, an active volcanic valley. These eggs, boiled in the natural hot springs, are said to add seven years to your life. Though the ropeway to Owakudani had just closed when we arrived, we managed to find the eggs later in the day—so we’ve all gained seven more years!
We ended the day with a return trip on the pirate ship, a bus ride back to our hotel’s town, and a delicious dinner of tonkatsu and cow tongue. One last dip in the onsen was the perfect way to wind down.
Pro Tip: When taking the bus in Japan, make sure you have the exact fare. They don’t give change if you overpay, so keep a variety of coins handy.
Day 8: Relaxing in Tokyo
Compared to our other adventures, this was one of the calmest days of the trip. We started with a soothing soak in the onsen, followed by a traditional Japanese breakfast. By this point, though, we were a bit tired of fish, so we didn’t eat much of it.
After packing up, we made our way to Tokyo. Once we arrived, we dropped our bags at a karaoke bar for safekeeping and headed to lunch at a family friend’s Italian restaurant. The meal was a feast—salad, pasta, steak, pizza, and soup, with the standout being our new favorite: cheese pizza with honey.
After filling up on incredible food, we retrieved our luggage and checked into our hotel. We ended the day exploring Tokyo’s shopping district, with the highlight being a six-floor soccer store that we explored for hours.
Pro Tip: Storage lockers are expensive and often full. Look for small shops or businesses that will hold your luggage while you explore the city.
Day 9: J-League Soccer and Hot Pots
We began our first full day in Tokyo in Akihabara, the tech district, where we wandered through streets filled with video game arcades. It was mesmerizing to watch kids expertly handle dance and drumming video games.
After soaking in the tech atmosphere, we made our way to Shinjuku for a J-League soccer game at the former Olympic stadium. The excitement was contagious as we joined the crowd to cheer for Vissel Kobe, who won 1-0 over Kawasaki Frontale.
By the time the game ended, we were all starving. Luckily, we had a special treat lined up—a shabu-shabu hotpot dinner. For two hours, we indulged in endless plates of thinly sliced beef, noodles, sushi, and tempura. We left the restaurant stuffed and happy.
In an attempt to walk off part of our dinner, we decided to visit the iconic Shibuya Crossing. Even at 10 pm, the intersection was alive with activity. We took turns crossing the street with the crowd, marveling at how thousands of people moved in perfect harmony, stopping instantly as the light changed. The sheer organization and respect for the rules was incredible.
Pro-Tip: Carry a fan—whether electric or handheld. Tokyo’s heat can be intense, especially when you’re not moving. We made sure to keep our fans on us at all times.
Day 10: 1000 Step Temple & Outdoor Onsens
After a few days in the bustling city, we were ready to escape to the tranquility of the mountains again. We caught a train to Tendo and immediately set off for Yamadera Mountain Temple once we dropped off our bags. This temple is famously known as the 1000-step temple. The hike, though challenging, was shaded by trees, which was a blessing on such a hot, humid day. Reaching the top was well worth the effort—the views were breathtaking, with dense forests and mountains stretching out as far as the eye could see.
Back at our luxurious hotel in Tendo, we took a quick trip to a nearby art museum showcasing the works of Hiroshige, known for his woodblock prints. It was fascinating to see the intricate details of his art and learn about the process behind it. Naturally, we couldn’t resist picking up a few prints as souvenirs.
The evening was spent indulging in the hotel’s amenities—a beautiful onsen with both indoor and outdoor baths, and a delicious five-course dinner. The meal, complete with appetizers, hot pots, sushi, and dessert, was my favorite dinner of the trip. We ended the night with one more relaxing soak in the onsen.
Pro-Tip: If you see a souvenir you like, buy it right away. With so much to see and do, you might not have the chance to go back for it later.
Day 11: Thrift Shopping in Sendai
Our day started with packing up and heading to Sendai, excited for a new adventure. The train ride included a brief stop in a little country town, about an hour from our destination. During the layover, a group of school kids on a field trip spotted us and eagerly ran over. They started waving and shouting excitedly at us in English. Their enthusiasm was contagious, and we found ourselves chatting about soccer and ninja stars. We felt like celebrities.
Once in Sendai, we immediately hit the shops, particularly the thrift stores. We went to about seven thrift stores in total! It was amusing to see so much American fashion on display. Connor’s brother was in his element, walking away with several new clothing items. We also made a mandatory stop at a Pokémon store; Connor’s love for Pokémon meant we couldn’t leave without a few packs of Japanese cards.
We wrapped up the day with a delightful dinner with a family friend, followed by relaxing in our hotel room, which had its own private garden—a great way to end a busy day in Sendai.
Pro-Tip: Don’t bring too much money or you will spend it all on Pokémon cards!
Day 12-14: Tokyo Disney and Disney Sea
After our thrift store adventures, we spent the next morning doing laundry and packing up before heading back to Tokyo. The excitement built as we boarded the Disney Express train, bound for the Tokyo Disney resorts. Our hotel was located just outside the parks and right by the ocean. It was the perfect spot to unwind and gear up for the Disney-filled days ahead.
On our first Disney day, we started with breakfast in the hotel lounge and then made our way to Tokyo Disneyland, arriving just before the gates opened. From morning until night, we immersed ourselves in the magic—riding iconic attractions, indulging in delicious treats, and catching parades. Splash Mountain, Thunder Mountain, and Space Mountain topped my list for favorite rides. We capped off the day by being one of the last groups to ride Thunder Mountain, turning it into a lively, laughter-filled experience as our group led the rollercoaster in cheers and shouts as everyone on the ride joined in.
Our second day was spent at Disney Sea, where the rain poured relentlessly. Despite the downpour, the park’s unique attractions and themed worlds kept us entertained. Raging Spirits, Indiana Jones, and Tower of Terror were the highlights of the day. Disney Sea’s expansive layout allowed us to explore its many worlds during our down time.We ended the day with a character light show that took place in the middle of the park. Even though we were drenched, this day was so much fun.
As our Disney adventure came to an end, we shuttled back to our hotel, grabbed our bags, and headed back to Tokyo for our final day in Japan.
Pro-Tip: If you’re visiting Japan during the rainy season, invest in high-quality waterproof gear. For a rainy day at Disneyland, a good poncho and umbrella will keep you dry and ensure you enjoy the magic, rain or shine.
Day 15: Sensoji Temple & the Tokyo Skytree
On our last full day in Japan, we set out early to visit the iconic Sensoji Temple, the most famous temple in the country. It’s no wonder, considering it draws around 30 million visitors annually. When we arrived, it was packed with people. The entryway was lined with shops selling all sorts of souvenirs. Connor and I took advantage of this and stocked up on gifts as we made our way through the crowded street. The sight of the massive red lantern hanging from the temple’s entry gates was amazing, and navigating through the sea of visitors made the experience even more memorable. After soaking in the temple’s beauty, we decided to head to our next Tokyo destination.
Even from a distance, the Tokyo Skytree is unmistakable in the skyline. Standing at 634 meters, today was the day we would go to the top of it. We walked from Sensoji Temple to the Skytree, excited for what lay ahead. After purchasing tickets for both observation levels (350m and 450m), we took the elevator up to the first level. The rapid ascent left our ears popping, but the views at 350 meters were worth it. We could see the city stretching out endlessly below us.
The real thrill however, was at the top. The 450-meter level offered a view unlike anything I’d ever seen. Unfortunately, Connor didn’t make it up there—his fear of heights kicked in, and he conveniently “lost” his ticket for the final ascent. Up at 450 meters, the most striking thing was realizing we were level with planes flying by. Looking out from that height gave me a true sense of how massive the Skytree truly was. It was an incredible experience and a fitting way to end our time in Japan.
Pro-Tip: Keep track of your tickets. Whether it’s a train ticket, a subway ticket, a museum ticket, or a Skytree ticket, you will eventually need it!
Day 16: Heading Home 😦
Our final day in Japan started bright and early as we packed up and prepared to head to the airport. To our delight, Connor’s dad had a sweet surprise for us—our favorite Japanese treats, including milk tea and donuts, were ready for the journey. We packed these goodies into our bags and made our way to the airport.
With our remaining yen, we bought some last-minute gifts and treats to bring back to the States. After enduring another 14-hour travel marathon, we finally made it home. It was a whirlwind ending to an unforgettable trip.
Pro-Tip: Invest in airplane essentials like a neck pillow and noise-canceling headphones, and try to adjust your sleep schedule to match your home time zone as closely as possible. Without these, jet lag can take over and linger for days!!
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