From ancient temples to buzzing cityscapes, Japan completely stole my heart. The 13-hour flight was long, but every day more than made up for it. Each morning brought something new, quiet shrines tucked away in peaceful corners like Senso-ji Temple, streets alive with neon lights and energy at Shibuya Crossing, and immersive experiences like TeamLab Planets that made you feel like you’d stepped into another world. And of course, glimpses of Mt. Fuji reminded me how breathtakingly beautiful the natural scenery can be.

What stood out most wasn’t just the sights, but the way people treat each other. The level of politeness and respect in daily interactions is something I’ve never experienced anywhere else. Strangers go out of their way to be kind, and there’s this deep sense of mutual trust. It’s such a refreshing contrast to what I’m used to.

And the cleanliness? Unreal. Even in the busiest parts of Tokyo, everything felt spotless, despite there being barely any public trash cans. Japan really feels like it’s living in 2050 while the rest of us are still figuring things out in 1934.

Japan effortlessly balances tradition and innovation, and I already can’t wait to go back. One of my favorite little rituals became running to 7/11 either at the start of the day or to grab a late-night snack. I’ll admit, this is something I would never do in America, but in Japan, it was a must. The food was fresh, the options were endless, and it somehow felt like a tiny adventure every time.

We also explored the charming town of Kamakura, saw the Great Buddha, wandered through the serene Bamboo Forest, and savored a traditional green tea ceremony, experiences that brought Japan’s culture and history vividly to life. Every moment, from city streets to quiet countryside, was unforgettable.

Just a word of advice. Make sure you respect the culture and the spaces around you, just like you would anywhere else. Japan is incredibly clean and orderly, so it was disappointing to see a few Western tourists tossing trash and making a scene in the middle of the street. A little awareness goes a long way, and it helps keep the experience beautiful for everyone.

📍 Places I Visited

• Senso-ji Temple: Tokyo’s oldest temple, full of vibrant colors, historic architecture, and street markets.
• Shibuya Crossing: The world-famous, hectic intersection known for its massive crowds and iconic city energy.
• Tokyo Tower: A striking red-and-white landmark offering panoramic views of the Tokyo skyline.
• TeamLab Planets: An immersive digital art museum where visitors walk through stunning interactive installations.
• Mt. Fuji: Japan’s iconic volcanic peak, perfect for scenic views and photography.
• Kamakura: A charming coastal town filled with historic temples, shrines, and quaint streets.
• The Great Buddha: The massive bronze statue in Kamakura.
• Bamboo Forest : Serene, towering bamboo groves ideal for peaceful walks and photos.
• Traditional Green Tea Ceremony: A cultural experience that allows you to savor Japanese tea and learn centuries-old rituals.
• Yokohama: A vibrant port city known for its stunning waterfront and Chinatown.

🏨 Where I Stayed

• Yokohama:
  • We were lucky to crash with a friend for our first three nights in Yokohama.
• Tokyo: Hotel Villa Fontaine Shiodome – 4.9/5 ⭐️
  • The room was on the smaller side, though by Japanese standards it was actually quite spacious. The location was excellent, right by the train station, and the staff were amazing, friendly, helpful, and always ready to assist.
• Mt. Fuji: Highland Resort Hotel & Spa – 5/5 ⭐️
  • Stunning views of Mt. Fuji, incredible staff, and the best wagyu I’ve ever had at the hotel restaurant. Free admission to the connected amusement park and an amazing breakfast buffet made the stay even better. Plus, ice-cold tap water straight from Mt. Fuji.

📝 Travel Tips

• eSIM: I normally use Airalo when I travel, but I switched to Ubigi after seeing the reviews, and it worked great.
• Customs Declaration: Don’t forget to complete your customs declaration and immigration clearance before landing, it’ll save you time at the airport. (LINK)
• Suica Card: If you have an iPhone, it’s super easy to add the Suica card to your Apple Wallet. You can use it for trains, vending machines, and even 7/11.
• Carry cash: Japan is still a cash-heavy society, especially outside major cities. While some places accept cards, smaller restaurants, shops, and temples often don’t. ATMs in 7-Eleven stores are usually foreign card-friendly.
• Convenience Store Food: Don’t sleep on it. We ate at 7/11 and Family Mart nearly every day…..and it was surprisingly delicious!
• Morning Parks: Head to the parks early. It’s calm, quiet, and a perfect break from the city’s energy.
• Learn a few key phrases: You don’t need to be fluent, but knowing a few basics like “thank you” (arigatou gozaimasu), “excuse me” (sumimasen), and “hello” (konnichiwa) goes a long way and is always appreciated.
• Packing Tip: Pack light (see photo below for how I did it). If you don’t want to deal with extra bags on the way there, just buy a second suitcase in Japan. They’re affordable and easy to find.
• Skip the Toiletries: Don’t bother packing them. Japan (Don Quijote) has everything, and it’s often better than what you’d bring from home (Scroll down to see what I’d definitely buy again.)

🖼️ Favorite Photos

🛍️ Things I’d Buy Again

A few things I picked up in Japan that I’d absolutely repurchase:

• Skincare: Keana Rice Mask, Pair, Naturie Hatomugi Skin Conditioning Gel, Kansosan Dry Skin Savior High Moisture Cream, Suisai Beauty Clear Powder Gold Face Wash, DHC Lip Cream.
• Haircare: Honey shampoo, conditioner, and hair oil, plus Ichikami shampoo and conditioner. I’ll be honest, I haven’t tested all the hair masks yet, but I’ll update this once I do.
• Onitsuka Tigers: Cute, comfortable, and more affordable in Japan.
• Miscellaneous Items: Hello Kitty Nail Clippers (these are no joke), Kyusoku Jikan Cooling Sheet For Legs (my mom swears by these), Japanese Q-tips.

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❌ Things I’d Pass On

Not everything made it into the “worth it” category. Here are a few things I wouldn’t buy again:

• Not a favorite: Merit Dry Shampoo. Either I wasn’t using it right, or it just doesn’t work for me. It made my hair feel wet instead of refreshed.
• TBD: Still working my way through a few products, so I’ll update this once I’ve tested everything.