Japan Diaries

We had been talking about this Japan trip for months, and when it finally happened, it felt unreal. The six of us – Sneha and I, along with Shraddha, Sameer, Ajay and Mayukh – set out to explore a country we had only seen in pictures and videos.

Over 12 days, we moved through Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, figuring things out as we went, trying new food, getting lost in train routes, and stumbling upon moments we hadn’t planned for.

This blog is simply our journey, day by day, as we experienced Japan for the first time.

Day 1 - First Steps, Slow Lines, and a City That Doesn’t Wait

The moment we stepped off the plane in Tokyo, it finally sank in that we had made it to Japan. That excitement, though, was quickly tested by a long immigration queue. It took us nearly an hour and a half to get through, but once we were out, everything started falling into place.

We freshened up, sorted out our connectivity, and picked up our Suica cards, which turned out to be one of the most useful things throughout the trip. Right at the airport, we noticed services like luggage forwarding, which felt incredibly thoughtful for travelers trying to move around easily.

Our first train ride in Japan was on the Keisei line towards Ueno, followed by a quick switch to the Ginza line to reach Suehirocho station. From there, it was just a short walk to our hotel in Akihabara. Dropping our luggage felt like shedding the last bit of travel fatigue.

Instead of resting, we jumped straight into exploring. We headed to Ueno Park for lunch, which felt like the perfect soft introduction to Tokyo. Calm, spacious, and filled with locals going about their day, it gave us a chance to slow down before diving into the city.

The contrast hit us hard when we reached Ginza. Sleek buildings, luxury stores, and a constant buzz reminded me of New York, but somehow cleaner and more organized. We spent hours inside the Uniqlo flagship store, completely losing track of time. It’s one of those places where you keep finding things you didn’t know you needed.

On our way back, we tried the famous Taiyaki which is a Japanese fish-shaped cake and banana and sesame juice from a small shop. The Banana and Sesame juice sounded unusual, but it turned out to be refreshing in a way we didn’t expect.

After a quick break at the hotel, we headed to Shinjuku for a sumo experience. Too tired to navigate the trains again, we took a cab.

That evening stayed with us. It wasn’t just about watching sumo wrestlers. We learned about their lives, their training, and the discipline behind the sport. Watching them demonstrate their techniques up close made it feel real, and getting a chance to interact and click pictures made it even more special.

We wrapped up the night with dinner at a small local place and headed back, exhausted but completely satisfied with how the first day had unfolded.

Day 2 - Temples, Light, and Tokyo in Full Flow

Day two began with something simple but unforgettable: breakfast from 7-Eleven. The egg sandwich lived up to every bit of hype. Soft, fresh, and perfectly balanced, it set the tone for the day.

We took the Ginza line to Asakusa and stepped into a completely different kind of energy. The streets around Sensoji Temple were buzzing with people, stalls, and colors. It felt chaotic, but in a way that was lively and exciting rather than overwhelming.

Standing in front of the temple, watching people draw fortune slips and offer prayers, gave us a glimpse into local traditions. We joined in, tried our luck, and spent time soaking in the atmosphere.

A short walk later, we reached Sumida Park. It was quieter, less crowded, and gave us a peaceful break along with a beautiful view of the skyline.

From there, we made our way to TeamLab Borderless. Even if you’ve seen pictures, nothing prepares you for what it actually feels like. Rooms filled with moving lights, reflections that shift as you walk, and art that responds to your presence made it feel like you had stepped into a different world.

By the time we came out, hunger had fully kicked in. We grabbed ramen at a spot nearby and followed it with dessert at Criollo Cafe, because by now we had accepted that resisting sweets in Japan wasn’t going to happen.

We debated between heading to Tokyo Tower or Shinjuku Gyoen and chose the garden. Even though we had less than an hour before closing, those 45 minutes turned out to be one of the calmest parts of the day. Early cherry blossoms mixed with greenery made the place feel almost unreal.

As evening approached, we headed to Shibuya, and this is where Tokyo really showed its pace.

Standing at the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, waiting for the signal to turn green, felt like being part of something much bigger. The moment the lights changed, people moved in every direction at once, yet somehow it all worked perfectly. We crossed along with the crowd, taking it all in, half distracted by the giant screens lighting up the skyline.

Right by the station, we stopped at the Hachiko statue, one of Tokyo’s most well-known landmarks, and got our pictures clicked. It’s a simple spot, but there’s something about knowing the story behind it that makes it special.

We explored a bit more, stepped into Bic Camera, grabbed a quick bite, and finally made our way back, wrapping up a day that somehow managed to feel both calm and energetic at the same time.

Day 3 - Finding Magic in the Details We started Day 3 a little late, around 10 am, with a simple plan to explore Akihabara, the neighborhood we were staying in.

Our first stop was Yodobashi Akiba, and it’s safe to say we spent more time there than we expected. It’s one of those places where every floor has something new to offer. I picked up a Casio watch and a few clothes from Uniqlo, while Sneha got herself a pair of Asics shoes to keep up with all the walking we had planned. We also picked up some anime figures and Pokémon collectibles, small things that later turned into some of our favorite souvenirs from the trip.

After dropping everything back at the hotel, we headed out again, this time towards Tsukiji Outer Market.

We reached a bit later in the day, which actually worked in our favor. While the market is usually packed in the morning and around noon, it starts calming down after 3 pm. We found a spot at Tsukiji Ihachi and had one of the freshest sushi meals of the trip. Watching the sushi being hand-rolled right in front of us added to the whole experience.

Post lunch, we wandered around the market, trying the famous candied strawberry and grape skewers. Crisp on the outside, juicy on the inside, and surprisingly addictive. One thing we quickly learned was that most vendors start wrapping up early, around 3:30 to 4 pm. It’s a market that starts early and ends early.

Looking for what to do next, we searched for nearby places and came across the Art Aquarium Museum, just a short walk away.

This turned out to be one of those unexpected highlights. The entire space was dedicated to goldfish, but presented in a way that felt more like an art exhibition than an aquarium. The lighting, the reflections, the intricate tank designs, everything came together beautifully. It was calm, elegant, and honestly quite mesmerizing.

The museum is located inside the Ginza Mitsukoshi Annex building, and as we were leaving, we accidentally stepped out on the basement floor instead of the ground level. What we found there was a massive food hall filled with everything from bento boxes to freshly baked pastries.

We picked up croissants and cakes from Johan Paris, found a spot to sit, and took a break. The cake was unbelievably soft, one of those simple but memorable food moments you don’t plan for.

As we made our way back, we stopped at Ginza Akebono near Ginza Station and tried their strawberry daifuku. It was easily one of the best desserts we had during the trip, soft, fresh, and perfectly balanced.

For dinner, we decided to go for ramen. While on the train, we browsed through multiple options and finally settled on Ichiran near Ueno Station.

As expected, there was a queue, but it moved steadily. Ichiran is known for its unique dining concept. You sit in individual cubicle-like booths, place your order with minimal interaction, and your ramen is served through a small opening by staff hidden behind a curtain.

It sounds simple, but the experience is surprisingly memorable. And the ramen itself lived up to the hype, rich, flavorful, and comforting after a long day.

By the time we stepped out, it had started raining. We took the train back to Suehirocho station, walked back to the hotel, and called it a day, tired but completely content.

Day 4 - The day Fujisan showed up This was the day we had been quietly looking forward to, our trip to Mount Fuji. The only catch was that we hadn’t really planned it properly.

We woke up early and headed to Shinjuku Station, hoping to catch a direct train. But as we reached, we found out that the tickets were sold out. For a moment, it felt like the plan might fall apart before it even began.

After checking with the information desk and a bit of quick thinking, we figured out an alternate route. It involved multiple train changes, from Shinjuku to Takao, then to Otsuki, and finally onto the Fujikyu line towards Kawaguchiko. It wasn’t the most straightforward journey, but it was our best shot.

Somewhere along the stretch between Otsuki and Kawaguchiko, we saw it for the first time.

Mount Fuji.

It just appeared suddenly in the distance, calm and perfectly shaped, almost unreal. For a few moments, no one really said anything. We just kept looking out of the window, taking it in.

By the time we reached Kawaguchiko, the excitement had completely taken over.

Instead of taking a bus, we decided to rent bicycles, and that turned out to be one of the best decisions of the day. The roads were smooth, there were dedicated lanes, and everything felt easy to navigate.

We cycled towards Lake Kawaguchiko, and the view there was something else. The still water, the quiet surroundings, and Mount Fuji standing tall in the background made it feel almost surreal. We spent close to an hour there, clicking pictures, sitting by the lake, and just letting the moment sink in.

From there, we made our way to Oishi Park, about a 5 km ride. The journey itself was as memorable as the destination. Cycling with Mount Fuji to one side and open scenic roads ahead felt like one of those moments you wish you could pause.

At Oishi Park, we joined the small crowd around the café and picked up their famous ice cream. Standing there with ice cream in one hand and Fuji in the background, trying to get the perfect picture, was one of those simple but perfect travel moments.

As the evening approached, we started heading back. We returned our bicycles, took one last look at Mount Fuji, and made our way to catch our bus back to Tokyo.

The ride back to Shinjuku took about two and a half hours. It was quieter this time, everyone a bit tired but also satisfied with how the day had turned out.

Back in Tokyo, we said goodbye to Shraddha and Sameer, as they were staying back while we were heading to Kyoto the next day.

Before calling it a night, we made a quick stop at Don Quijote for some shopping. But the real highlight of the evening was waiting back at the hotel.

We made it back in time to try the Onsen and the complimentary ramen. After a long day in the cold, that warm bowl of ramen felt exactly right. Some of us headed to the Onsen, while the rest of us sat down to eat, unwind, and relive the day.

It had started with uncertainty, but somewhere along the way, it turned into one of the most memorable days of the entire trip.

Day 5 -  From Bullet Trains to Kyoto Evenings

Day 5 marked a shift in our trip. We were leaving behind Tokyo’s fast pace and heading towards Kyoto, a city we had all been excited to experience.

The morning started a little differently as we split up to manage our luggage and tickets. Sneha and I headed to Shibuya to drop one of our suitcases at the hotel we’d be returning to later in the trip, while Ajay and Mayukh went ahead to Tokyo Station to figure out the JR Pass and train bookings.

After regrouping at Tokyo Station, we sorted out our 7-day JR Pass and reserved seats on the Shinkansen to Kyoto. This was our first time on Japan’s bullet train, and it was something we had all been looking forward to.

The experience did not disappoint. The train was incredibly smooth, quiet, and unbelievably fast. Covering such a long distance in just under three hours didn’t even feel real. Before we knew it, we were already arriving in Kyoto.

The moment we stepped out, the change in atmosphere was noticeable. Kyoto felt calmer, more traditional, and slower in a way that instantly made you want to take your time.

We checked into our hotel, freshened up quickly, and headed out again with one simple goal, to explore Gion and hopefully catch a glimpse of a geisha.

As we walked through Gion, it felt like we had stepped into another time. Narrow lanes, wooden buildings, softly glowing lights from the tea houses, every corner had a certain charm to it. We wandered without a fixed plan, stepping into small souvenir shops and just taking it all in.

We made our way to Yasaka Shrine, which looked even more beautiful as the evening set in. The lighting, the quiet surroundings, and the overall atmosphere made it feel almost unreal. We spent some time there, clicking pictures and just soaking in the moment.

By the time we decided to head for dinner, it was already around 8:30 pm. That’s when we realized something important, most of the popular places were either fully booked or had long waiting times. Finding a spot turned out to be harder than we expected.

We decided to head towards the Kawaramachi area, hoping we’d have better luck there. After a bit of searching, we finally found places to eat, though we ended up splitting into two groups.

Ajay and I went to a small izakaya serving freshly grilled yakitori. The aroma alone was enough to pull us in, and the food did not disappoint. Sneha and Mayukh, on the other hand, found a Korean BBQ place nearby and had their own equally satisfying meal.

It wasn’t the perfectly planned dinner we had imagined, but in a way, it made the evening more memorable.

We wrapped up the day and headed back to the hotel, a little tired but excited for what Kyoto had in store for us next.

Day 6 – Walking Through Old Japan

We knew this was going to be a packed day, so we started early.

Our first stop was Fushimi Inari Shrine, and getting there in the morning turned out to be a great decision. Even then, there were people around, but it still felt calm enough to take it all in.

Walking through the rows of bright vermillion torii gates felt almost surreal. It’s one of those places you’ve seen countless times online, but being there in person is completely different. The path winds its way up the mountain, and with every turn, it feels like you’re stepping deeper into something timeless.

One interesting thing we learned here was about the fox statues placed around the shrine. They are believed to be messengers of Inari, the deity worshipped here, which added a layer of meaning to everything we were seeing.

We also tried our luck with the fortune slips again, something we had started enjoying as a small ritual across temples. This time, we went a step further and wrote down our wishes on wooden plaques and left them at the shrine.

Before leaving, we noticed a long queue near the entrance. Curious, we checked and found out that people were lining up to get a goshuin, a handwritten calligraphy stamp given by temple monks. It felt like a meaningful keepsake, something more personal than a regular souvenir.

We decided to get one too. We had to quickly figure out the process, buy a goshuin book, and get it stamped. It turned out to be one of those small decisions we were really glad we made later.

After spending a good amount of time there, we headed back to the hotel to freshen up and regroup.

The next part of the day had everyone doing their own thing for a bit. Sneha went to get dressed in a kimono, something she had been looking forward to. I started searching for a good sushi place, while Ajay and Mayukh headed out to explore a cat café nearby.

We all met again around late morning at Higashi Hongan-ji Temple. The scale of this place was impressive, especially knowing that the main hall is one of the largest wooden structures in the world. It had a quiet, grounded feel to it, very different from the more crowded spots earlier in the day.

From there, we headed to a standing sushi restaurant we had booked. This was our omakase experience, where the chef prepared each piece fresh and served it right across the counter. Watching the precision and care in every step made the meal feel even more special. Easily one of the best sushi experiences of the trip.

Next, we made our way to Kiyomizu-dera.

This place had a completely different kind of beauty. Set on a hillside, with its large wooden stage extending out, the views from here were stunning. Knowing that the structure was built without the use of nails made it even more fascinating.

The entire area around the temple, with its small streets and traditional shops, added to the charm. It was one of those places that felt exactly how you imagine Japan to be when you first think about visiting.

Before leaving, we made sure to get another Goshuin stamp, slowly building what was turning into a very meaningful collection.

By now, it was already late afternoon, and we had to move quickly for our next experience.

We split again to manage time. Sneha and I rushed to return her kimono, while Ajay and Mayukh headed straight to the Samurai experience center.

We ended up reaching a little late, but thanks to them informing the staff, we were able to join in.

Dressed in traditional outfits, we learned basic samurai techniques, how to hold and use the sword, and a bit about their discipline and way of life. It was interactive, fun, and surprisingly informative.

We also learned about how samurai were eventually abolished during the Meiji period, and how ninjas, often romanticized in popular culture, were originally farmers who took on covert roles when needed. These little historical insights made the experience much more interesting.

After such a full day, dinner plans ended up being split again.

Ajay and Mayukh went to try out a popular gyoza spot, while Sneha and I went for something different and ended up at a burger place. It might sound unexpected, but it turned out to be one of those satisfying comfort meals after a long day.

By the time we were done, it had been a long and eventful day. We headed back to the hotel, tired but completely content with everything we had managed to experience in just one day.

Day 7 – Osaka’s Energy and a Night to Remember

Day 7 was all about moving to Osaka, a city we had heard so much about for its food, nightlife, and energy.

We started the morning at a relaxed pace, had breakfast, packed up, and walked to Kyoto Station. It was a short walk, but one that made us realize how quickly we had settled into the rhythm of the city.

From there, we boarded the Shinkansen to Shin-Osaka. The journey was quick, barely half an hour, and before we knew it, we were stepping into a city that felt very different from Kyoto.

Osaka had a certain liveliness to it right from the start.

Getting to our Airbnb took a bit of figuring out, with a couple of train changes and some navigation, but once we reached, we dropped our luggage, took a short breather, and stepped out again.

Our apartment was close to Dotonbori, which meant we were right in the middle of one of Osaka’s most vibrant areas.

The moment we walked into Dotonbori, it felt like a celebration. Bright neon lights, giant signboards, crowds of people, and the constant buzz of food stalls created an atmosphere that was hard to ignore. It was lively, a little chaotic, but in a way that made you want to explore more.

We decided to grab lunch at Kura Sushi, a conveyor belt sushi restaurant that turned out to be as fun as it was delicious. Watching plates of sushi glide past and picking what you want, whenever you want, made the whole experience feel interactive and relaxed.

After lunch, we headed back to the apartment to freshen up before stepping out again for the evening.

Our first stop was Osaka Castle.

Standing there, looking at the massive structure, it was easy to imagine the history it had seen. Built in the late 16th century and rebuilt over time, the castle stands as a reminder of Japan’s feudal past. We spent time exploring the area, taking pictures, and learning a bit about its history through the exhibits inside.

From there, we made our way to the Umeda Sky Building.

Before heading up, we stopped for a quick break at a café in the building. Sitting there, taking off our shoes and enjoying coffee and pancakes in a traditional-style setting, felt like a nice pause in the middle of a packed day.

Then we headed up to the observatory.

The view from inside was already impressive, with Osaka stretching out in every direction. But the real surprise came when we discovered the open-air rooftop deck.

Stepping out onto the rooftop changed everything. With no glass barriers, just the open sky and the city lights all around, it felt immersive in a way we hadn’t expected. The city looked endless, glowing under the night sky, and we spent a good amount of time just taking it all in.

For dinner, we decided to try a traditional hotpot experience.

The restaurant had a Japanese-style seating arrangement, where we sat around a table with the hotpot in the center. We ordered sukiyaki, and the experience was as interesting as it was delicious. Cooking thin slices of meat in the broth, along with vegetables, and tasting something so different from what we were used to made it feel special.

After dinner, we made a quick stop at a convenience store, something that had almost become a routine by now. Whether it was Lawson, FamilyMart, or 7-Eleven, these stores somehow always had something we wanted.

We walked back through the streets of Osaka, still buzzing with energy, and headed back to the apartment.

It had been a full day, from trains to castles to city views, and Osaka had already started to leave its mark on us.

Day 8 – A Day of Rides, Thrills and Pure Fun

Day 8 was all about one thing, Universal Studios Japan.

We started the morning a little differently. Instead of rushing out, Sneha and I stepped out to a nearby supermarket and picked up a few basics. Back at the apartment, she put together a quick breakfast for all of us while the rest of us got ready. It was a simple start, but one that felt nice in the middle of a packed trip.

By around 9:45, we were on our way, and we reached Universal Studios Japan a little after 10. Even from the entrance, the scale of the place was obvious. It was massive, buzzing with people, and full of energy.

We had taken express passes for a few rides, and that turned out to be one of the best decisions of the day. The queues were long, but the express entry saved us a lot of time.

Our first stop was the Super Nintendo World, and the Mario Kart ride was up first. The level of detail in that entire area was incredible. From the moment you step in, it feels like you’ve walked into the game itself. The ride was immersive, fast-paced, and honestly beyond what we expected.

From there, we moved to the Jaws ride. It had a completely different vibe, more of a story-driven experience with sudden moments of thrill. Watching the shark appear out of nowhere and the captain reacting to it made it fun in a very different way.

We then passed by the Jurassic Park ride, and just watching it was enough to make us pause. The drops looked intense, and while we were tempted, the long wait time and a bit of hesitation made us skip it this time.

Instead, we took a break and grabbed lunch at the Jurassic Park restaurant. After walking around so much, the break was much needed, and the food hit the spot.

Next up was the Minions ride, and this one turned out to be a pleasant surprise. It was fun, chaotic, and really well done. The combination of motion, visuals, and storytelling made it feel like we were part of the whole scene.

We also tried the Villain-Con ride, which was decent, but not as memorable as the others.

Then came one of the highlights of the day, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Walking into that section felt completely different from the rest of the park. The snow-covered rooftops, the small shops, and the overall atmosphere made it feel like we had stepped into the movies. The Forbidden Journey ride was easily one of the most immersive rides we experienced. The way it blends physical sets with visuals makes you feel like you’re actually flying through the world.

Of course, we couldn’t leave without trying butterbeer. It was sweet, slightly frothy, and one of those things you just have to try when you’re there.

By late afternoon, we started slowing down. We picked up a few souvenirs, walked around a bit more, and took a group picture near the iconic globe at the entrance.

As we stepped out, the weather started to turn a bit cloudy, so we decided it was a good time to head back.

Back in Osaka, we took some time to rest before stepping out again for the evening. Dotonbori was still as lively as ever. We grabbed takoyaki, stood by the canal watching the boats pass by, and just soaked in the atmosphere.

A quick stop at Don Quijote followed for some last-minute shopping, something that had almost become a routine by now.

By the end of the day, we were tired but in a good way. It had been a day filled with energy, laughter, and a bit of childhood nostalgia, the perfect kind of break in the middle of a travel-heavy itinerary.

And with a few more days still left in the trip, it felt like there was still a lot more to look forward to.

Day 9 – A City That Remembers, A City That Rebuilt

This was our Hiroshima day, and we knew it was going to be a long one. The round trip itself was close to five hours on the Shinkansen, so we had to start early.

The morning began on a warm note, with Sneha putting together a hearty breakfast for all of us. It was one of those simple moments that gave us the energy we needed for the day ahead.

We took a cab to Shin-Osaka Station, boarded the Kodama Shinkansen, and by early afternoon, we were in Hiroshima.

Even before we started exploring, something felt different.

I had always imagined Hiroshima through the lens of its past, shaped by what we had read and heard about August 1945. But what we saw was completely different. The city today is vibrant, green, and full of life. Wide boulevards, modern buildings, and a calm, organized pace made it feel like any other thriving Japanese city.

The contrast between what it once was and what it has become was striking.

We started with lunch on Hondori Street, known for its food and lively atmosphere. We found a small restaurant and tried Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki. It’s often described as a savory pancake, but it’s much more than that. Layers of batter, cabbage, noodles, and fillings are cooked together on a hot griddle, creating something hearty and comforting. Watching it being prepared right in front of us made it even better.

After lunch, we made our way to the Atomic Bomb Dome.

Standing in front of it was a quiet moment. The structure, partially destroyed yet still standing, is one of the few remnants left from the bombing on August 6, 1945. The skeletal frame of the dome remains as it was, preserved as a reminder of what happened. It doesn’t say anything, but it doesn’t need to.

From there, we walked to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum.

This was not an easy experience.

Inside, the stories are personal. You don’t just read about history, you see it through the lives that were affected. Families, children, entire generations lost. Objects left behind. Letters. Photographs. Each section quietly tells a story, but together, they leave a heavy impact.

It’s not loud, but it stays with you.

Stepping out of the museum, we carried that silence with us for a while.

To shift the mood a little, we headed to Shukkeien Garden. The change was almost immediate. Lush greenery, still water, koi fish moving slowly through the ponds, and traditional structures scattered around the garden created a sense of calm.

We walked through the paths, took our time, and let the place settle in. It was peaceful in a way that felt grounding after everything we had just seen.

By early evening, we started making our way back. This time, we took the Hikari Shinkansen to Osaka.

The ride back was quieter. Everyone seemed a little more reflective, still processing parts of the day.

Back in Osaka, as we walked towards our apartment, we decided to do something different for dinner. After days of Japanese food, we felt like going for something familiar.

A quick search led us to a small Indo-Nepali restaurant nearby, and it turned out to be exactly what we needed. Butter chicken, kadhai chicken, naan, everything tasted just right. It felt like a small reset for our taste buds.

We picked up some sake on the way back, spent some time just sitting together, talking about the day, and slowly unwinding.

It had been a long day, not just in terms of travel, but in everything we experienced.

Hiroshima wasn’t just another stop on the trip. It was a reminder, of history, of resilience, and of how a city can rebuild itself while still choosing to remember.