After years of hesitation and second-guessing, I finally made up my mind in June 2025 to plan a trip to Japan. As an immigrant living in Canada, it wasn’t an easy decision, but one night I set aside all the overthinking and doubts and booked a two-week trip. The best part was how simple the visa process turned out to be—just apply online, submit the required documents, and you’re good to go.
Tokyo
For the first two days, we stayed in Tokyo’s Asakusa area, which is filled with shrines and temples. Since we arrived in Tokyo at night, we checked into our hotel right away. The next morning, we set out to visit as many shrines in the area as we could.
We also visited the Tokyo National Museum and came across a samurai and ninja history experience, where we had the chance to wear samurai armor and learn more about their culture and traditions. We had planned to visit several places in Tokyo, but the distances between them were quite large, which drained a lot of our energy and left us exhausted. Despite being tired, we kept going and made our way to the Imperial Palace, walking around it to admire the magnificent residence in the heart of Tokyo.
Next, we visited an incredible spot that inspired one of the most iconic scenes from the movie "Your Name". These weren’t just ordinary stairs—they lead up to Suga Shrine. Many people were there taking pictures, drawn by its connection to the film. It was fascinating to see how an artist could turn something as simple as a staircase into such a beloved and memorable location.
As evening fell, we headed to Kabuki-cho, a lively district filled with energy, bright billboards, and people out enjoying the night. The streets were buzzing with activity—street performers, crowds of tourists, and a vibrant atmosphere all around. We enjoyed some amazing food and watched a variety of impressive performances.
After visiting Kabuki-cho, we made our way to the famous Shibuya Crossing. To be honest, I found it a bit overrated—there were huge crowds of people gathering just to take photos and videos while crossing the street, and personally, I didn’t find much meaning or excitement in the experience.
However, something nearby truly stood out and deserved admiration—the Hachiko statue. Built in memory of a loyal dog named Hachiko, the statue honors his unwavering devotion. Even after his owner passed away, Hachiko continued to wait for him every day outside the train station where they used to meet.
His story of unconditional love and loyalty has been immortalized through this touching tribute.
We ended our day with a visit to Tokyo Tower. Seeing the city from the top was breathtaking and gave us a whole new perspective on just how magnificent Tokyo truly is. Although we were exhausted from all the walking, knowing that we still had more time in Japan to explore filled us with excitement and joy.
Tokyo Disney Land
On our second day in Tokyo, we spent the day at Disneyland—a true place of fun, magic, and wonder. Despite the hot weather, our excitement never wavered. We went on several thrilling rides, explored the enchanting themed areas, and even got the chance to meet Mickey Mouse in person. Walking through the park, we were completely immersed in the amazing world of Disney, filled with joy, laughter, and unforgettable moments at every turn.
At the end of the day, we took a train to Nagoya to start our next adventure. Unfortunately, we didn’t get a chance to explore the city, as we arrived late at night and had to depart early the following morning.
Nakasendo trail
Early in the morning, we departed from Kanayama Station in Nagoya and took a train to Nakatsugawa Station. After arriving, we stored our luggage in station lockers before catching another train to Nagiso. From there, we began our hike along the scenic Nakasendo Trail, marking the start of a memorable journey through Japan’s historic countryside.
Our goal for the first day of the hike was to reach Magome-juku and spend the night there. The journey wasn’t easy, especially in the summer heat, but the breathtaking scenery made every step worthwhile. It felt like a magical passage through time, as we walked past traditional Japanese houses and historic streets, surrounded by lush green forests, waterfalls, and flowing rivers. Along the way, we came across several shrines, met fellow hikers, and even took a refreshing break to enjoy cold coffee at a charming old-style Japanese teahouse.
The views along the Nakasendo Trail were truly breathtaking. The path winds through peaceful forests, quiet mountain villages, and charming old stone pathways, surrounded by lush greenery and the soothing sounds of nature. Every turn revealed something beautiful—whether it was a small shrine hidden among the trees, a traditional wooden house, or a stunning view of the mountains in the distance. It felt like stepping back in time and experiencing the quiet beauty of rural Japan.
After a few hours of hiking, we reached Tsumago-juku, which sits roughly halfway along the trail. It’s a charming and beautifully preserved town, incredibly photogenic and full of old-world character. We spent about an hour there, enjoying some coffee and soaking in the atmosphere before continuing our journey toward Magome-juku.
After several more hours on the trail, we finally arrived in Magome-juku and checked into our hotel. The stay felt like stepping back in time—the inn was styled in a traditional Japanese way, with paper sliding doors, tatami flooring, and even traditional nightwear. Both dinner and breakfast were authentic Japanese meals, adding to the cultural experience. It was truly one of the most beautiful and memorable experiences of my life.
Osaka
After spending the night in Magome-juku, we hiked back to Nakatsugawa Station, where we picked up our luggage and caught a train to Nagoya. After spending some time around Nagoya Station, we continued our journey with another train to Osaka. We arrived in Osaka in the evening and checked into our hotel. Although we were tired, by this point we had realized that in Japan, there’s hardly time to rest if you want to experience everything. So, we pushed ourselves and headed out to Dotonbori—a lively and vibrant district known for its incredible food and entertainment.
Hiroshima
Early the next morning, we boarded a high-speed train to Hiroshima. There was never really a question of why we wanted to visit—it’s a place that stands as a powerful reminder of what humanity is capable of at its extremes. At first, the city felt surprisingly ordinary, just like any other. But everything changed when we reached ground zero—it suddenly hit us that this was the place.
We were left in silence, overwhelmed by the atmosphere. It was a destination I had always wanted to visit, but being there made me realize it’s not somewhere I would want to return. Even on a normal day, there was a deep sense of sadness, and it left me reflecting on the devastating consequences of human conflict, greed, and hostility.
Miyajima island
After Hiroshima, we set out to visit a hidden gem about two hours away—Miyajima Island. Reaching the island required a short ferry ride, and from the moment we arrived, it felt incredibly peaceful and serene. Although we couldn’t explore every part of the island, what we did experience was unforgettable.
Watching the sunset by the iconic torii gate was truly breathtaking. As the gentle waves from the bay washed over our feet, it brought a soothing relief to our tired legs. More than that, it cleared our minds and left us feeling calm and refreshed. It was one of the most peaceful and grounding moments I’ve ever experienced in my life.
After visiting Miyajima, we made our way back to the mainland and caught a train to Osaka. It had been a long day with an even longer journey ahead, but we finally arrived in Osaka late at night. Exhausted, we checked back into our hotel and called it a day.
Osaka 2nd Day
The next day, we headed out to explore more of Osaka, and immediately noticed how much more laid-back it felt compared to Tokyo. The slower pace gave the city a relaxed charm that made wandering through its streets even more enjoyable.
One of the highlights of the day was visiting the famous Namba Yasaka Shrine. Its bold and unique design made it unlike any shrine we had seen before. Although it was the only shrine we visited in Osaka, the surrounding area was full of history—lined with smaller shrines, quiet grave sites, and a peaceful atmosphere that made exploring on foot feel truly special.
After that, we made our way to the iconic Osaka Castle. The castle, now a museum, beautifully blends history with storytelling. We climbed all the way to the top, stopping at each floor to take in the fascinating exhibits along the way. The view from the top was absolutely breathtaking and well worth the climb.
As we continued walking through the city, soaking in its energy and charm, we eventually arrived at Universal Studios Japan—ready to shift from peaceful cultural moments to thrilling rides and unforgettable fun.
Universal Studios