Discovering Japan : A Journey Of Fun, Adventure, Culture & Cherry Blossom
From ‘Sakuras’ to ‘Sweet Treats’ divulge into Japan’s charms where tradition meets innovation!
Our Japan trip was planned for 2020, but COVID-19 crushed our plans. It was disappointing, but they say everything happens for a reason. We rescheduled for June 2023, and that’s when the planning began. I distinctly remember my dad calling me on July 5th, 2023, while I was at Heathrow Airport, coming back from a trip to the States and Canada.
He surprised me by suggesting to add Japan as my fourth country in a row, to visit. I was initially contemplating due to various personal reasons, but he convinced me it would be a fantastic experience. This trip would mark our first international family adventure since our USA trip in 2017. I couldn’t contain my excitement and squealed with joy, earning stares from other passengers at Heathrow.
And that’s how I joined our #JAPANCHERRYBLOSSOM2024 trip, organized by my dad’s friend, Mani uncle, who used to reside in Japan for a few years. His enthusiasm to show us his beautiful adopted home sparked the idea for this trip. There were 17 of us, including my parents, dad’s school friends, and their partners, all eager to explore Japan together. Thanks to their tight knit friendship and strong bond, this trip happened. I truly look up to my dad & his friends, this is how friendships should be and it is so rare these days.
We chose to travel to Japan with Thomas Cook/SOTC, and our group expanded to 43 people, including 17 of us and 26 others from various parts of India and the world. It was a diverse group, and we were all excited to experience Japan during the Sakura aka Cherry Blossom season.
Despite the language barriers and cultural differences, my parents and I embraced the adventure with open minds. We were determined to submerge ourselves in the local culture and live like the locals do for the 8 days while we’re there. My personal motto when traveling is to explore, travel, and act like a local and did abide by that. Throughout our trip, everyone else also tried their best to follow this motto, blending in with the local customs and lifestyle as much as possible.
The cherry blossom season was delayed in most of the places we went to but we were lucky enough to witness the cherry blossom aka Sakura in Kyoto, Tokyo (right outside TeamLab Planets), Nara, Kuwan Mie & Osaka.
Moving on to the places we visited, it’ll be a pleasure to share in detail where we went and the lesser known/unknown facts about those places!
- Asakusa , Sensoji Temple — Asakusa is one of the bustling areas of Japan with a historic charm and spiritual significance. One of the unknown/ lesser known facts about the Sensoji Temple in Asakusa Tokyo, is that, it is Tokyo’s oldest temple, with its origins dating back to the 7th century AD. Legend has it that the temple was founded after two fishermen pulled a golden statue of Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy, from the nearby Sumida River. This discovery led to the construction of the temple, which has since become one of Japan’s most significant religious sites.
2. Tokyo Skytree — This majestic observation tower is one of the iconic spots of Tokyo. It has 2 observation decks which offers breathtaking views of Mt Fuji & Narita Airport on clear days. Traditional Japanese architecture inspired specifically by the five story pagoda with a modern twist pretty much describes this tower in a nutshell. One of the lesser known facts is that, Tokyo Skytree stands 634 meters tall (2080ft) making it the tallest tower in the world and the second tallest structure after the Burj Khalifa in Dubai.
3. Ginza — Luxury, Shopping District, Iconic, Entertainment etc are the words that first come into mind when we talk about Ginza. It’s one of Tokyo’s most upscale shopping districts with high end boutique, department stores and exquisite designer brands. This is all that people can first think of when they hear the name ‘Ginza’ but this place is also home to numerous art galleries, theatres and gourmet restaurants also making it a hep culinary & cultural spot. This place totally becomes vibrant, lit up by neon lights offering a bustling nightlife.
4. TeamLab Planets — TLP was such an immersive experience! This is a spectacular digital art exhibition in Toyosu, Tokyo. TLP features interactive installations where tourists & visitors can become a part of the art work which makes it unconventional as compared to other art galleries. Surreal experience is what TLP offers, merging boundaries between art, technology and the natural world. Various rooms filled with phenomenal visual displays, projections, and digital landscapes that responded to the movements of ours, was such a fascinating thing to witness.
5. Shibuya — The bubbly part of Tokyo, escalates with youthful energy and trendy, fashionable surroundings. Shibuya is one of the distinctive areas of Japan with a thriving nightlife, day life everything! It’s impossible for fashion forward locals and people from around the world to not get attracted to this place. A serene oasis in this crowded urban landscape, the Meiji Shrine is also situated here, to be frank, I was surprised to hear that when our tour guide mentioned about the same! This place is also a hub for creativity and innovation where many tech companies and startups are located.
6. Shibuya Crossing — One of the lesser Known Facts about Shibuya Crossing ; While it’s known as the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world, Shibuya Crossing also serves as a symbol of unity and harmony, as thousands of people from diverse backgrounds cross paths every day. Beneath Shibuya Crossing lies a vast network of underground passageways and shopping arcades, providing a labyrinthine maze of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues for visitors to explore.
7. Sheraton Grande Tokyo Bay — A splendid exuberant waterfront hotel offering sheer comfort and convenience for an unforgettable stay. Our beautiful accommodation in Tokyo where major part of our rejuvenation happened. One side of the rooms offered the stunning Disneyland Tokyo view and other side were sea facing rooms. I couldn’t help but think about the line, ‘morning whispers of the sea, a gentle reminder of nature’s timeless beauty. If only every dawn could be painted with the hues of the sea’s embrace.’ Tokyo’s essence somewhat echoed Hawaii’s charm offering a sweet nostalgia of my 2019’s Hono Lulu, Hawaii, US solo trip. The wide range of cuisines, The Grand Cafe’s lavish breakfast spread was the ultimate highlight of this place for us.
8. Tokyo Metro — The Tokyo Metro system is so interconnected it literally got our brains doing gymnastics while we were trying to figure our way out. Tokyo Metro is known to be extremely punctual and reliable. Transporting millions of passengers daily across its extensive network of lines and stations proves why the Tokyo Metro is one of the busiest subway systems in the world.
9. Shinjuku & Metropolitan Govt Building — Shinjuku, a bustling district in Tokyo, is known for its vibrant nightlife, skyscrapers, and bustling shopping streets. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, a symbol of modernity and governance, offers stunning views of the city skyline and Mount Fuji from its free observation decks. Shinjuku station is one of the busiest railway stations in the world, which serves over three million passengers daily and has over 200 exits. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, also known as Tokyo City Hall, offers free observation decks on its 45th floor, providing panoramic views of Tokyo and Mount Fuji on clear days.
10. Ueno Park — Ueno Park is one of the best spots to witness the beautiful Sakura trees. This park is a prolific green oasis in the heart of the city, consisting of lush gardens, historic temples, and cultural attractions. It is home to several renowned museums, including the Tokyo National Museum, the National Museum of Western Art, and the Ueno Zoo. Shinobazu Pond in the park is famous for its lotus flowers, which blooms in the summer months creating a stunning display. Unfortunately we weren’t lucky enough to witness that. The temples looked beautiful as they were lit up.
11. Odaiba & The Statue Of Liberty — The Statue Of Liberty in Tokyo, is the replica of the original Statue of Liberty located in NYC. It was built in order to commemorate the friendship between Japan & France and to signify the bond of liberty between the two nations. Odaiba’s waterfront location, modern architecture, and vibrant atmosphere made me think about NYC. I call it as ‘NYC of Japan.’ Additionally, like New York, Odaiba is a hub of commerce, entertainment, and tourism. The bridge in Odaiba and the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge in New York, look quite similar to a certain extent.
12. Hie Shrine — Hie Shrine is one of the spiritually powerful places of Japan. One lesser known fact about the place is its reputation for fulfilling prayers and wishes. Locals & visitors believe that prayers made at the shrine have a higher chance of being granted and few locals confidently happily confirmed the same on the spot.
13. Mt Fuji — Mt. Fuji is an active stratovolcano in Japan. Its last eruption occurred in 1707. The mountain has always been considered a sacred site in Japanese culture since centuries and has inspired several works of art, literature, and religious practices. There were certain parts of the mountain where we could actually play with the snow, it was not much but it was everything to me.
14. Gothemba, Shizouka — Small towns always give a warm, fuzzy & welcoming feeling. Gothemba is a charming town, situated at the foothills of Mt. Fuji, providing stunning views of the iconic volcano and serving as a gateway for climbers and tourists exploring the majestic mountain and its surrounding natural beauty. This place is famous for its premium outlet malls, it offers a wide range of luxury and designer brands at discounted prices.
15. Peace Park — Mt. Fuji Peace Park was established to promote peace and understanding among nations following the devastation of World War II. The park features a monument called “The Great Ascent of Humanity,” which symbolizes mankind’s journey towards peace and unity, with Mt. Fuji serving as a backdrop for reflection and contemplation. This place is definitely an epitome of serenity.
16. Lake Ashi Cruise & Hakone — Lake Ashi is located in the picturesque town of Hakone, Japan. The cruise experience was simply serene offering lovely views of Mt Fuji. 20 mins was way too less to take in the beauty of the place. Hakone is known for its hot springs, scenic beauty and ryokan inns. Hakone Shrine, a Shinto Shrine is one of the important places in Hakone. There’s a hidden Torii Gate submerged in the water near the shore of Lake Ashi which is not known to many people. This Cruise is a replica of a pirate ship adding a pinch of adventure like feeling to the journey.
17. Hamamatsu — Hamamatsu is the town of music and also the place where the Yamaha corporation was founded, headquarters of Suzuki & Honda. The town also hosts one of Japan’s largest kite festivals, where participants showcase giant, colorful kites. This town had an incredibly calming effect on me as I sat by the hotel room’s window and watched the dimly lit view of the town. Sleeping over in this town sure was a peaceful experience.
18. Nagoya Aichi — Nagoya is the heart of Aichi province, lies right in the center of Japan. This city is a major hub for traditional crafts like ceramics and textiles but also houses the world’s largest planetarium. It’s also famous for Nagoya Castle, Atsuta Shrine, Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology, Toyota Automobile Museum. One of the places we visited, the Nagoya Scmaglev and Railway Park is an amazing museum located in Nagoya, showcasing Japan’s cutting-edge railway technology, including the world’s fastest train, the Maglev, the evolution of bullet train aka Shinkansen. We got a wonderful opportunity to explore various train exhibits, simulators, and interactive displays, providing insight into the past, present, and future of Japan’s railway system. It was impressive. Driving by the busy coast of the city, viewing the sea, was such a pleasure!
19. Kyoto — One of the most beautiful cities of Japan. It’s renowned for it’s stunning temples, traditional tea houses, and picturesque gardens. Kinkakuji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion, is one of Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks, featuring a dazzling golden exterior set against the backdrop of a small pond and abundant greenery. Despite the fact that the temple’s exterior is made out of gold, each floor represents a different architectural style — Shinden-zukuri (Heian period), Samurai residence (Muromachi period), and Zen temple (Kamakura period).
20. Nara — This incredibly beautiful and ‘positivity filled’ city was the ancient capital of Japan. Todaiji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest wooden building in the world, housing a monumental bronze Buddha statue. After witnessing the Sakura trees in here, that’s when we were like, ‘oh yeah, we really are in Japan.’ Interesting lesser known fact about this place is that inside the Great Buddha Hall, there’s a pillar with a hole the size of the Buddha’s nostril. It’s said that those who can pass through it are guaranteed enlightenment in their next life. Nara also has many beautiful gardens where there are plenty of Sakura trees as well.
21. Nabano No Sato & Kuwan Mie — Nabana no Sato in Kuwana, Mie district, is famous for its spectacular winter illumination displays, featuring millions of LED lights illuminating the gardens in breathtaking displays of color and creativity. It’s a perfect example of nature’s marvellous creation. Being in Nabano No Sato was nothing short of a dream come true experience, it felt like a fairy tale land.
22. Hiroshima & Miyajima Island — Hiroshima, symbolizing resilience and peace, is home to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, while nearby Miyajima Island is famous for its sacred Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and iconic “floating” torii gate. Miyajima Island’s resident deer are considered sacred messengers of the Gods, and visitors can often be seen interacting with them peacefully on the island’s streets and paths. Relaxing by the beach by the torii gate and enjoying a hot cup of Starbucks hot cocoa in a rainy weather made a perfect moment of rejuvenation and peace. Miyajima made me feel closer to the Japanese culture, the streets of Itsukushima village & the market inside the island was my favourite place in there.
23. Osaka, Dotonbori & Shinsaibashi Suji — Osaka, Japan’s lively culinary capital, is a dynamic city known for its bustling street markets, historic landmarks, and lively entertainment districts. The city’s symbol, the Osaka Castle, is a prominent historic spot. It also houses a museum showcasing the region’s rich history and culture. This was the best part where we witnessed a whole lot of Sakura trees, wore kimonos and clicked pictures and relished the yummy Dorayaki.
My utmost favourite part was the Dotonbori, Shinsaibashi Suji district. Osaka’s super duper vibrant, unique Dotonbori district is not only a foodie’s paradise but also home to quirky landmarks like the Glico Running Man sign and the eccentric Kushikatsu Daruma restaurant, offering a taste of Osaka’s unique charm and culinary delights. Street food delicacies like Teppenyaki, Takoyaki, Dorayaki, Doteyaki, Okonomiyaki (Japanese pizza) etc, are quite popular. This city is where we got to witness most of the cherry blossom trees. We got the feel of the proper cherry blossom season.
The world’s best ramen store aka the ‘Ichiran Ramen’ situated by the vibrant Dotonbori district is known for its signature tonkotsu ramen and customizable dining experience and locals are crazy about this place. The ultimate highlight for me was spending the first half our last day in Japan (Osaka) like a total solo traveler, which is pure luxury for a person travelling with a group.
While my groupmates visited the Kobe Earthquake museum as per the itinerary I decided to ditch that and visited the Hankyu Umeda Main Store instead, which was a good 20 minutes walk from my hotel. It was pretty fancy & had different stores with exquisite unique collections. I was instructed by our tour guide to meet them straight at the Osaka Castle. I found my way to the castle thanks to google & hotel receptionist’s guidance.
I walked down to the Fukushima Station which was hardly a kilometer’s walk from our hotel and boarded the train to Osakajokoen, the closest station to the castle. It was a perfect cloudy day, pleasant weather. The walk from the station to Osaka Castle was simply beautiful and rejuvenating to the next level.
Walking by the Yodo-bashi river felt equivalent to walking in heaven, seeing a plethora of Sakura trees by the banks of Yodo River, laying down on the grass and reading a book, setting a timer for 10 mins and closing eyes to sink in the tranquil feeling of bliss, I couldn’t help but loose count of my blessings. Osaka Castle premises was stunning & splendid and after enjoying the moments of solitude I reunited with my group. I am falling short of words to describe the place. My heart is full of gratitude and happiness.
If you’re a person who is fond of nightlife, looking for a vibrant lively place to explore, street food lovers, street shopping lover then Osaka is the place to be in! Hands down my favorite city in Japan, The Mumbai of Japan according to some fellow Indian folks I stumbled upon in Shinsaibashi.
That was all, about the places we visited in Japan. Due to our super hectic schedule & the fact that we’re vegetarians, we couldn’t try anything authentic dish in Japan but thankfully we could try desserts like Obanyaki, Wagashi, Kakigori, Dorayaki, Softcreams, Sorbets, Dango, Momiji Manju, Lotte’s exclusive drinkable ice cream & Ghana chocolate, Meiji’s ice cream & chocolates, and udon noodles in the Sheraton’s breakfast spread.
These authentic Japanese desserts are a MUST TRY, they’re different and delicious.
Wagashi — With Azuki bean paste filling inside and the outer covering was made out of rice, literally gave me South Indian style modak feels.
Kakigori — This definitely is ‘Japan ka gola’ it’s a Japanese shaved ice cream topped with sweet syrups and sometimes condensed milk, along with various toppings such as fresh fruit, mochi (glutinous rice cakes), red bean paste, or sweetened azuki beans. It’s a popular treat, especially during the summer.
Obanyaki — A spongy Japanese snack that consists of sweet, fluffy pancakes filled with various sweet fillings. The name “Obanyaki” is derived from “o-ban,” which means “big size” in Japanese, and “yaki,” which means “grilled” or “cooked.” Its batter is similar to the batter or pancake or waffles and was available with 3 different filling options — Custard, Bean paste & Chocolate. Bean paste is the OG for sure!
Dorayaki — Those who have grown up watching ‘Doraemon’ will know what exactly I am talking about, yup that’s right folks, ‘Dora Cakes’ it is! This sweet consists of two fluffy pancake-like patties (similar to American pancakes) sandwiched together with a sweet filling, typically sweet red bean paste (anko). Nowadays, varieties of filling options are available — custard cream, chocolate, matcha (green tea) cream, sweet potato, or even savory options like cheese or sausage.
Dango — This traditional Japanese sweet topped with sweet soy sauce had a very chewy, sweet, subtle & comforting taste. It’s made out of Mochiko rice flour.
Momiji Manju — This sweet originated in the Hiroshima district, the word “Momiji,” means maple leaf in Japanese. The desert is shaped into looking like a maple leaf. It’s super crispy if you enjoy it hot and it was such a delight in the rainy weather reminded me of our ‘pakoras’ (Indian fritters). The bean paste is the classic filling for any Japanese dessert but there were other varieties of fillings like custard, chocolate, cheese, or matcha (green tea) cream, offering a variety of flavors to suit different tastes. Being a cheese lover I opted for cheese and it was so goeey and nice.
Lotte’s Drinkable Ice Cream & Ghana chocolate- This is one of the most unique things we tried in Japan available in any convenience store like 7 eleven, Family mart or Lawson. This sure is an innovative desert product that combines the creamy texture of ice cream with the convenience of a beverage. It comes in a portable and convenient packaging. Lotte’s Ghana chocolate is a local specialty and worth trying.
Meiji’s chocolate & Ice Cream — Meiji, is a famous Japanese confectionery and dairy company, that produces a wide range of chocolate and ice cream products that are highly recommended for their quality, flavor, and innovation. Meiji’s chocolates are absolutely decadent and yummy. Meiji’s ice creams are super creamy and tasty. There are different types of ice cream flavors to suit every taste and mood. From classic flavors like vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry to more adventurous options like green tea, black sesame, and mango, Meiji’s ice cream lineup is diverse and exciting. Unfortunately we couldn’t try any of those, just the French vanilla flavour which was served in Malaysian airlines while we travelled back home and it was absolutely bang on.
Our Thomas Cook tour guide, ‘Mr Pradeep Trivedi’ was a jolly, warm & amaiable person who managed the group of 43 people quite well. Along with him was a local guide Taka Chan who I have written a small poem about which pretty much says everything about her, thanks to her I learnt so many things about Japan.
My Dear Friend Taka Chan,
She planned everything so well,
Taking care of everyone,
She’s a kind lady with beautiful hair.
Speaking Japanese quickly,
She made everyone feel comfortable.
She was an amazing guide,
And she quickly became part of our group.
Learning Hindi fast,
Wearing a bindi,
She looked just like one of us,
A total Nepali or Manipuri girl,
Even fooling the Japanese into thinking she’s Indian.
With her deep knowledge of Japan and its culture,
She made sure we remembered everything.
But most importantly,
She became an incredible friend,
A friendship without end.
There’s a deep spirit of kindness, compassion & empathy in Japan. I could witness the cohesiveness of tradition & modernity in this country. The warmth and generosity of the Japanese people was refreshing and made the entire experience wonderful. The spirit of hospitality here thrives, welcoming all with open arms and gentle gestures. People go above & beyond to help each other or anyone in need, speaking out of my own experience. They’re so honest & sincere it was really amazing to witness that. The punctuality, discipline, hardworking nature of the Japanese people is an inspiration for everyone around the world and their low consumption of oil, salt & spice in their food is one of the secrets behind them being super fit, good & cute looking. These were biggest takeaways for me and I decided to work hard to bring that discipline in my life and make a change in my eating habits and be an honest & a good person like the Japanese people are!
