Japan Trip 2025
What an incredible experience. My first international trip, first trip to Japan, a 13(!) hour flight (both ways!) and doing it all solo! I took so many picture and made a lot of memories. Waking up in Tokyo, taking the bullet train to Kyoto/Osaka, visiting the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan. Walking close to 10 miles a day 😂. And eating the delicious food! All to end the trip with an incredible view of Mt. Fuji. 
Sep 7th
Day 1: I arrived in Tokyo, very tired from the trip and crying babies. Unable to sleep on the plane, the last few hours were quite a drag. Once touched down, went through customs and picked up my luggage. Took a train to my first area near Minato City. Went straight to my hotel, dropped everything off and recovered the best I could my first night in a capsule hotel. For only $20 it was a wonderful place. Ended the night by trying my first public bath & konibni store experience. Very tired, had an early night. 
Day 2: For my 2nd day in Tokyo, woke up very early as my body still wasn't adjusted to the time difference. The city that never sleeps, even at 6am there were so many people in the streets. Dropped off luggage in a coin locker, took the train to Shibuya. Spent some time shopping and just walking around, hot and humid weather followed. Disregarding my itinerary, I found myself just walking and taking it all in. The shops, parks and alleyways. Time just passed. As it got later, I went to pickup my luggage and check into my next hotel in the special ward of Chūō. I finished the night with the electric air of Akihabara. All of the cool signs, anime/video game shops and game parlors. On the way, I spotted a beautiful blood moon on the horizon; with locals stopping for photos. 
Day 3: The traveling day. This day was mainly all bullet trains as I made the long trek out of Tokyo and into the Kyoto/Osaka area. I got on at Tokyo Station and made the almost 4 hour trip. Passed by many cities along the way pictured here. The final stop Tsuguru, had to transfer on smaller public lines to my destination of Hikone. Despite it's population, it felt like a small town. I only got to see a small part of it, but it was a great experience to see a non-major city and what life is like there. Had some drinks at the local sushi place, and enjoyed the beautiful scenery. 
Day 4: Woke up early and walked the town a bit more, making my way towards the Hikone Castle. Didn't quite walk the full path but made it to the outskirts of the castle. Back to the hotel, gathered my things and finished the trek to Kyoto. I had a much larger itinerary for this city but I had a hard time with time (haha) as the places I wanted to visit like shrines/temples were further apart than anticipated. I ended up mainly staying near shopping centers and enjoying the huge Kyoto Avanti mall. 
Day 5 Woke up early to some amazing freshly blended by hand Mocha coffee. Makes me miss my own homemade coffee so much. Took the train to Osaka, had the idea to take more trains/subways but to avoid the last days problem, decided to take a taxi to my first area. Went to the Aquarium and Tempozan Harbor Village. Many shops, food stalls and activities lined the area. From the Ferris wheel, I was able to get a great skyline view of Osaka. The aquarium was an amazing experience, many more unique Japanese-native sea creatures doted the exhibits. Got to try one of my favorite Japanese dishes here as well, the city that made it famous even. Takoyaki or grilled octopus. In the evening I took the subway to Naniwa Ward, for my hotel and more shopping. Despite being the worst sleeping accommodations of the trip, Osaka was my favorite city in Japan. The sea-side vibes and culture here were amazing. I ended the night in the Ebisuhigashi area. 
Day 6: The last traveling day, this was the return trip day. Maybe the most stressful day as I had set my trip as going the full way back to Tokyo, the Shinjuku area. A quiet day to reflect, the only day I'd seen any rain as well. Most days were either cloudy or sunny. After the almost 7 hours total on several trains, made it back to Tokyo and stopped at the hotel. Dropped off and hit the Shinjuku nightlife. Here, I had finally had authentic ramen and oh man let me tell you it was amazing! I can only wish I could make this at home. Laid to bed and approached my last day 
Day 7: The last full day in Tokyo, my itinerary from here was to maybe visit Lake Yamanaka for a great view of Mt. Fuji but the plan B took over; the goal was to just enjoy the Kawasaki area before morning. Here was some final shopping, stops at shrines and a nice shopping district that were preforming live music and a comedy show! Despite not understanding the comedy, the music was amazing and the high energy of the crowd could be felt. This capsule hotel had one final public bath as well, an incredible roof-top view. That cool night air and being submerged in warm water is a feeling I wish I could bottle.
Sep 14th: Dawn of the Final Day. Awaken early again, some final (final) shopping and taking in the scenary. Making sure I have everything and organizing it all. Arrived somewhat early at the airport but wanted to ensure I didn't get pressed for time and miss my flight ( oh no! 😉) Enjoy talking with my partner on the phone as I waited my flight, finally spending the last bit of yen I had left. At the airport, I had some authentic freshly-pressed wasabi atop some sushi. I was a lil' sick at this point (thanks immune system), and the heat nearly did me in! But the flavor was so much better quality then what I'm used to here in the states. As I boarded the plane and it departed, I noticed the passengers in front of me taking photos out of the window. When I looked over there it was; something I hadn't thought I'd get to see. Mt Fuji. As the sun was setting, the clouds covering it lightly. But there. It. Was. An incredible moment that really made me introspective. After arriving back in Chicago, I had the transfer back to Columbus and I made it back home. 
This trip was so special to me. What felt like a lifetime of enjoying Japanese culture finally came to fruition with the trip I'll never forget. I barely spoke the language, I could barely read the signs but I survived and did it all. I got to visit and do most everything I wanted. I can't wait to return someday. What I have learned from this trip is my love of travel as well; there's so many other countries I want to see now too! I've compiled that list and I hope someday I can make it back to Japan as well to make more lifetime memories.