Eyes Opened: Reflecting On One Month In Japan

When my friend suggested spending nearly a month exploring Japan, I had no idea what to expect. I'd always enjoyed traveling, but visiting Asia was an entirely new adventure. Initially, I thought this would be a once-in-a-lifetime trip. I made the decision to skip college classes, reasoning that while I could afford to miss lectures, future responsibilities might never allow such freedom again. Spending 11 hours meticulously planning every detail in a college study room made me realize this journey might not just be a one-time event but rather the beginning of a lifelong passion for exploring the world beyond my comfort zone.

Tokyo – My journey started in Tokyo, an intoxicating mix of futuristic innovation and rich traditions. Exploring the city felt like stepping into another world, with the vibrant lights of Shinjuku and Shibuya illuminating endless possibilities. Arcades quickly became my everyday obsession, their bright lights and energetic atmosphere drawing me back repeatedly for more games, laughter, and spontaneous excitement. Convenience stores like 7-Eleven and Family Mart were daily staples, offering surprisingly fresh and delicious meals at every hour. Each culinary discovery, from fresh sushi bars to the best burgers you could imagine to pancakes from a plastic bag?? seemed impossibly better than the last, and I often wondered how a city could consistently outdo itself. Teamlabs was a magical experience that surpassed anything I could have ever dreamed of seeing.  I've never done drugs, but if I did, I would imagine my brain would feel as broken as it did walking through TeamLabs Borderless.

Nagoya – An Unexpected Delight Nagoya wasn't in the original itinerary; it happened purely by accident. After a missed train connection, I found myself unexpectedly in this vibrant city. What could have been frustrating became one of the trip's most delightful moments. The train station has pretty much a luxury mall filled with flower stores, restaurants, grocery stores, and designer clothes all inside of a huge skyscraper... I enjoyed waffles and tea from the 50th floor of this building, soaking in a stunning cityscape I hadn't planned on seeing. This detour was a powerful reminder that sometimes life's best experiences are the ones we don’t plan.

Takayama – Arriving in Takayama was a refreshing shift from bustling city life. Here, the relaxed pace allowed for a restorative break. I soaked in the warm waters of a traditional onsen while surrounded by snow and enjoyed a relaxing game of bowling, appreciating a city that respected a quieter rhythm and actual bedtimes. Dinner here was so good as I searched for the best spot to get Hida beef, which is the lesser-known wagyu, but it was amazing. (Also if you go to that restaurant, know that you will get some of the worst porridge that you will ever taste and unfortunately my friend and I had a hard time finishing so we found a unique way to get rid of the rest of it.) Takayama provided the perfect opportunity to recharge for the exciting adventures still to come.

Kanazawa – This quickly became my favorite place to eat, mainly because of its amazing small, family-run businesses. Wandering from one charming shop to another, I enjoyed sampling small dishes and snacks, appreciating the opportunity to support local families directly. However, my enthusiasm for new flavors led to an amusingly stern reprimand from a traditional Japanese mother when I mistakenly used soy sauce on a delicately prepared dish. “NO SOY SAUCE” instantly became a mantra and a cherished memory from Kanazawa. This place was so amazing and a must-do when coming to Japan. 

Kyoto – Kyoto's cultural richness was breathtaking, featuring beautiful shrines, serene temples, and bustling traditional markets. Each temple and shrine held unique stories, and I especially enjoyed walking through paths lined with the enchanting plum blossoms, arriving just ahead of the famous cherry blossom season. Kyoto was bustling, and I moved quickly from site to site, eventually finding myself with unexpected free time to explore at leisure. The city's train stations, filled with bakeries, flower markets, and delightful shops, captured the elegance and convenience characteristic of Asian culture.  It was also the most crowded I felt when I was there.  So many foreigners, which makes total sense.  I can only imagine how crowded this place gets in April during Sakura season

Osaka – Osaka felt both reminiscent of Tokyo yet entirely distinct in atmosphere. Its street food scene and huge billboard ads were vibrant and reminiscent of scenes from "Cars 2,". Dotonbori’s bustling streets come alive at night, with countless food stalls offering mouthwatering takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and fresh seafood. The Osaka Aquarium was another memorable highlight, with its breathtaking whale sharks gracefully gliding in enormous tanks—a surreal sight. I am not usually a fan of the aquarium, but holy smokes, this was so cool to see!

Nara – Spiritual Serenity Nara provided an intriguing experience as I stayed overnight in a Buddhist monastery. This was particularly thought-provoking for me as a Christian, offering a first-hand look into a different spiritual tradition. The peaceful environment and the gentle, free-roaming deer created a calming atmosphere, ideal for quiet reflection and appreciation of Japan's deeply rooted spiritual practices.

Hiroshima – My visit to Hiroshima was profoundly moving. Walking through the Peace Memorial Museum, I felt a deep sorrow and profound respect for the city’s tragic history. As an American, visiting Hiroshima stirred complicated feelings.  I learned so much about this in school, but from a totally different perspective.  War is horrible, and this was such a tragic incident.  The museum was very moving, and I was very grateful to go. The kindness, resilience, and positive spirit of Hiroshima's residents left me deeply humbled and filled with admiration.

Returning to Tokyo – Heading back to Tokyo was essential because there were places and experiences I couldn’t leave unfinished. This return was more than just revisiting favorite spots; it was a chance to deepen my understanding and connection to a city that had quickly become beloved. In fact, I loved Tokyo so much that I extended my trip by several days, refusing to leave until I felt fully satisfied.

Flying home 26 days later, I reflected deeply on how this journey reshaped my travel philosophy. The meticulous planning certainly made things smoother, but I also realized the beauty of spontaneity—something I resolved to embrace more in future travels. Allowing myself to "wing it" at times introduced me to adventures I might have otherwise missed, and this flexibility became a crucial part of how I would approach travel from that moment forward.

I'm forever grateful to my friend for introducing me to Japan and sparking a love for Asia, a region I now cherish deeply. What began as what I imagined a once-in-a-lifetime adventure turned into a transformative experience that defined how I wish to travel forever—deeply connected, spontaneously adventurous, and always open to new worlds.