It’s funny that it took me a year after going to Japan to start writing this. It still hasn’t sunk in, that I was able to go there. Was it everything I had dreamed of? Yes. Did it leave me wanting more? Absolutely.

Going through Kesari was fantastic, as I coordinated with the other travellers in Pune. Three of us shared a cab to go to Chattrapathi Shivaji airport Mumbai. Our flight was till Hanoi, Vietnam, from where we had a connecting flight to Tokyo.

The excitement in seeing the islands scattered below me was palpable.

We landed on 30th March 2024 at 3:49 in the afternoon at Narita airport. After completing the formalities, we boarded our companion for the next 7 days, a huge bus. It awed me, the size of the windows. It took us around 2 hours to reach our hotel. We were given snacks in the bus too.

The agency had arranged for our food throughout the trip. That night we had Indian food.

Sightseeing started the next day. The tour started with the shrine closest to our hotel, Asakusa. This one shrine gave me a taste of how the other shrines in Japan would be. The similarities in Japanese and Indian culture were fascinating to see, the tradition of pouring water on one’s head, which is all too common in Indian temples.

There were a lot of stalls to attract tourists. I bought the traditional Japanese snack Dango. Speaking in Japanese to the vendors was extremely rewarding. An oba san was so touched that she rewarded me with a small crunchy candy. Japanese hospitality already showing.

Next up, Tokyo Sky Tree, the tallest building in Tokyo. The most fascinating aspect was the four elevators, each designed based on the yonshiki, four seasons in Japan, Spring, summer, autumn and winter. I rode the winter elevator. The next greatest highlight was me dragging three others of our group on the local train to Akihabara- the street of anime and electronics. Not on the itinerary, but you got to take matters in your own hands.

Okay, enough of Tokyo. I got lost in Shibuya crossing, yada yada yada.

Highlights, jidohanbayiki- vending machines, hot and cold drinks. Japanese innovation at its finest. And not even the most impressive.

Next, Sakura.

1st April, our destination was a long drive from Tokyo, hot spring Owakudani. This is all you need to know of it.

Black egg turned black in the onsen. Also gondalas.

2nd April, Nagoya, also known as the Mount Fuji sightseeing spot.

It was cold, but I survived. I also experienced, shush, it’s a secret, onsen. Totally amazing.

Another highlight was shopping in Daiso. I use the hand creams even today.

Next, Nara. The town of the bowing deer. I got lost again. You are probably getting an idea of my ability ( or lack therof) to stay in a pack. But these cute deer showed me the way.

Kyoto was pretty much the same. I got *guess* welp, lost again. Missed the golden temple. But the tasty lunch afterwards with the group made up for it.

Osaka was definitely the highlight for me. Mostly because of Dotonbori and the Pokémon centre, which an aunty of the group dragged me along to buy stuff for her son, but I would have gone anyway. Alas, I was still a vegetarian then, so I was not able to enjoy the delightful street food. Next time I earn enough to go to Japan, I am gorging.

Captivating view of the Osaka skyline.

Ah yes, rental kimonos.

Of course we had to ride the Shinkansen. Osaka to Hiroshima, a short ferry ride to Miyajima island, back to Hiroshima, where we took the Shinkansen back to Shin Osaka station. The 7 eleven stores were calling me, but time was short.

That marked the end of our trip. Our return flight was from Kansai airport to Mumbai. I look back fondly at this trip even today. It quenched my thirst, but left me wanting even more. One week is not enough to get a taste of this country. Going there only strengthened my desire to study Japanese , which I am even today.

Our tour guide was fantastic, and kept us engaged throughout the trip. She was delightful.

Anyways, this is Japan, the land of my dreams. Matta ne.