Japan wasn’t at the top of my travel list, but wow, I’m so glad I went. From the energy of Tokyo to the peaceful beauty of Kyoto, every day brought something unexpected and unforgettable. I didn’t know I needed this trip until I was already deep in a bowl of ramen, watching sumo wrestlers collide and sipping matcha in a quiet garden.
Here’s a quick snapshot of how we spent 7 unforgettable days in Japan:
First Stop: Tokyo
We landed in Tokyo and checked into this modern gem of an Airbnb: Tokyo Stay. The apartment was compact but perfectly located—and honestly, you don’t need much when the entire city is your playground.
Some highlights from Tokyo:
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Tsukiji Outer Market: We dove headfirst into the world of fresh seafood, grilled skewers, and wagyu bites. If you’re a foodie, this is your heaven.
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Sumo Wrestling: Watching sumo in real life? Wild. The energy in the arena, the ceremony, the strength—it’s an experience I didn’t know I needed.
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Neighborhood-hopping: We explored small towns within Tokyo each with its own vibe. Think neon lights, vintage stores, and vending machines for literally everything.
Next Stop: Kyoto (via Bullet Train!)
Riding the Shinkansen felt like entering the future. It was smooth, fast, and gave us a chance to see a bit of the countryside before arriving in historic Kyoto.
Our stay: Kyoto Airbnb – cozy, peaceful, and surrounded by narrow streets that looked like they were pulled out of a Studio Ghibli movie.
In Kyoto, we slowed down and soaked in tradition:
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Matcha Ceremony: We learned how to prepare matcha the traditional way—it was meditative, rich, and surprisingly emotional.
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Geisha Transformation: Yes, we dressed up. Full kimono, white makeup, hair—the works. Walking through Kyoto like that gave us a totally new perspective on beauty, history, and culture.
One of the most peaceful moments of the trip was walking through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove in Kyoto. The towering stalks swayed gently above us, filtering the sunlight and quieting the world around us. It felt like stepping into another dimension—calm, still, and impossibly beautiful
Japan taught me how to move fast and slow at the same time. From the organized chaos of Tokyo to the sacred stillness of Kyoto, it was a trip full of contrasts—and balance. I left with a full stomach, a full heart, and a suitcase that barely zipped.
Already plotting my next trip back to the cities that I was not able to visit!
