My husband and I took our first international trip together to Japan—just the two of us. What started as a journey for the Eras Tour quickly turned into something far more meaningful. It was our first time in Japan, and everything about it—from the quiet mornings to the neon nights—felt like stepping into a shared dream we didn’t want to wake up from.
We took a red-eye flight to Narita, hoping to arrive at Tokyo early and make the most of our first day in Japan. But travel has a way of humbling you. Exhausted and sick, I spent the afternoon asleep in our hotel room in Ginza. That rest was a gift, though. I woke up feeling much better and was ready to explore the upscale shopping streets surrounding our hotel.
Our exploration of Ginza led us to discover its early closing hours, causing us to venture to Shinjuku in search of Yakitori Alley. To our surprise, it was also closed for the night. Fortunately, after a few minutes of strolling in the cold February evening, we stumbled upon the humble Matsuya chain restaurant, and I was pleasantly surprised by the delicious food it offered. One of my favorite meals on this trip!
What followed was one of the most spontaneous and unexpectedly fun nights of the trip—we wandered around Kabukicho, met up with our friends, who were also there for the concert, and went to ZEROTOKYO. It was our first time clubbing in another country, and I was surprised at how chill and enjoyable it was. We stayed out until 4 AM and took a taxi back to Ginza since the trains were closed.
The next day, we finally had the energy and timing to enjoy Ginza by daylight. We shopped, strolled, and later visited the Tokyo Dome a day before the concert to scope out the area and ease my nerves. That evening, we hopped on a train again to Shinjuku and spent the entire night strolling around, which helped us reach our daily target steps.
Day three was concert day. I spent the entire morning preparing, and went to the dome 2 hours early so we would have time to eat. That night, surrounded by thousands of voices singing in unison, I felt overwhelmed—in the best way. The lights, the music, the city—it all pulsed with something unforgettable. Right after, we went back to the hotel, stayed in, rested, and fueled up with konbini food, because honestly, we were too excited (and tired) to do anything else.
The next morning, we finally made it to our hotel’s breakfast buffet for the first time. We wasted three free breakfasts just because we weren’t morning people. Shortly after, we headed to Asakusa to explore the famous Sensoji Temple. We arrived just before sunrise, so it was still dark. The experience was surreal. Cool air, empty grounds, and the soft light of dawn. It felt sacred. Perfect for our first time exploring the temple.
Then we returned to the hotel just after sunrise, before the place became crowded. After checking out, we boarded the Shinkansen and headed south to Osaka, where I caught a glimpse of Mount Fuji from the train window. Thanks, TikTok, for the tip on the best seats!)
We stayed near the heart of Dotonbori, where neon signs lit up the canal and energy hummed late into the night. Where the iconic Glico Man sign stood proudly (still unsure what makes it so famous, but there he was).
The following day, we explored the majestic Osaka Castle—a testament to the city’s rich history and heritage. Thankfully, the sky was clear, so the view from the observation deck was breathtaking. It was underwhelming for some, but Osaka Castle is one of the spots I want to visit again in the future, hopefully in a different season.
While taking a stroll toward the train station, we spontaneously decided to visit the Umeda Sky Building. When we arrived, we didn’t know it was a vast area with a shopping complex and a skating rink nearby. Before heading to Umeda, my husband decided to try ice skating for the first time. Let’s just say, it made him determined to try skiing next.
After that, we finally ascended the Umeda Sky Building, marveling at the unique glass-enclosed escalator and the panoramic night views. We even left a love lock on the observation deck, a small token of our love and memory. Dinner was a simple yet satisfying affair, as always, with us enjoying convenience store food right after we left the building.
Our journey continued the next day in Kyoto—a city with a quieter and more poetic charm. Here, we celebrated our engagement anniversary by renting kimonos and strolling through the old streets of Gion, admiring the traditional wooden machiya houses.
Even the rain couldn’t dampen our spirits. I was determined to fulfill a dream: to hike to the summit of Fushimi Inari Taisha, the famed shrine with thousands of torii gates. Despite the downpour, I persevered. My husband, always supportive, cheered me on every step of the way. Reaching the top, soaked but smiling, was a moment of triumph that I will always cherish, especially knowing not everyone can power through hiking the trail.
We ended the day and our Keisei detour with a quiet dinner at a cozy spot in Dotonbori, a well-deserved reward after a day of adventure.
Our return to Tokyo brought us to Shibuya, a stark contrast to the elegance of Ginza. Shibuya was vibrant, loud, and full of life. We checked into a hotel near the iconic Shibuya Crossing. On our first night, we dined at Ichiran, shopped at Don Quijote, and let the night unfold as we explored the area.
Later that evening, we impulsively booked a tour to Fujikawaguchiko for the next day, hoping to catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji, which had been on my bucket list. However, the moment we stepped out of the hotel to go to our meeting spot, I knew I wouldn’t see Mount Fuji. It was so gloomy. Despite the mountain hiding behind thick clouds, the journey was still a beautiful experience: Quiet lakes, fresh air, and views that whispered instead of shouted. It felt like a gentle breath amid our fast-paced trip, a moment of connection with the local culture.
On our last full day, we boarded a train to Gala Yuzawa, a ski resort tucked away in the mountains. My husband had always dreamed of seeing snow, and even though winter was coming to an end, we found it there, just enough for him to experience it for the first time. Watching him scoop it into his hands like a child seeing magic made it feel like the perfect ending to a winter dream.
That night, we returned to Shibuya for one final walk. We ate at a small restaurant in the middle of the bustling city, where we had a wholesome encounter with a younger group who offered us their table even though they were ahead in line. After dinner, we finally visited the Hachiko statue, a perfect last moment before heading home.
Some destinations change how we see the world. Some remind us why we travel in the first place. This Trip was both.
The best journeys are the ones that leave us with more than we came for.
Perhaps that is the most beautiful type of travel—the one that surprises you with meaning you never expected to find.
