Japan - Tokyo
About This Journey
Epic adventure through Japan - cherry blossoms and ancient temples
📅 Daily Journal Entries
Tokyo Arrival - The Neon Metropolis Awakens
Landed at Narita after a grueling 14-hour flight, but the moment I stepped out into Tokyo, all fatigue disappeared. The city pulses with an energy unlike anywhere else - millions of people moving in perfect synchronization.
Took the JR Yamanote line to Shibuya. Standing in the middle of the famous crossing during rush hour was surreal - like being in a well-choreographed dance where everyone knows the steps except me.
Found my capsule hotel in a narrow alley in Shinjuku. The room is tiny but incredibly efficient. Everything I need in 2 square meters. Japanese design philosophy at its finest.
First meal: authentic ramen at a tiny counter shop. The chef bowed as I entered, and despite not speaking English, communicated through smiles and gestures. The tonkotsu broth was rich, complex, and completely different from anything back home.
Walking through the neon-lit streets of Kabukicho at night felt like stepping into Blade Runner. This city never sleeps, and neither will I tonight - too excited to explore more tomorrow!
Asakusa Temple and Traditional Tokyo
Started the day early at Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa. The contrast from last night's neon chaos to this ancient spiritual sanctuary is incredible. Tokyo's ability to preserve tradition amid modernity amazes me.
Participated in the ritual of washing hands and mouth before entering. Watched elderly locals praying with such devotion - there's something deeply moving about witnessing faith that spans generations.
Explored Nakamise Shopping Street leading to the temple. Bought traditional Japanese sweets (ningyo-yaki) filled with sweet bean paste. The vendor, an elderly woman, taught me how to properly appreciate the texture and flavor.
Climbed Tokyo Skytree in the afternoon. The view from 634 meters high shows Tokyo's incredible sprawl - it seems to go on forever in every direction. You can see Mount Fuji on clear days, but today she's hiding behind clouds.
Evening in Golden Gai - a maze of tiny bars in Shinjuku. Each bar seats maybe 5 people. Had sake with a businessman who spoke broken English but shared stories about old Tokyo. These intimate moments make travel magical.
Kyoto Day Trip - Temple of the Golden Pavilion
Took the shinkansen to Kyoto this morning. The bullet train experience is everything people say - smooth, silent, and incredibly fast. Arrived in under 2.5 hours, covering 500km while barely feeling like we were moving.
First stop: Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion). Photos don't capture the reality. The gold leaf structure reflecting in the mirror pond, surrounded by perfectly manicured gardens, feels like stepping into a living painting.
Spent an hour just sitting on a bench, watching how the light changes the golden reflection throughout the day. A Japanese couple next to me was doing the same - no photos, no rush, just pure appreciation of beauty.
Walked through the famous bamboo grove in Arashiyama. The sound of wind through thousands of bamboo stalks creates a natural symphony. Being surrounded by these towering green walls felt like entering another dimension.
Ended the day in Gion district, hoping to spot a geisha. Didn't see one, but the preserved wooden machiya houses and lantern-lit streets transported me back centuries. Sometimes the absence of what you're looking for reveals something even better.
Mount Fuji Pilgrimage - Touching the Sacred Mountain
4 AM start to catch the first train to Mount Fuji. The dedication required just to reach Japan's most sacred mountain makes the experience more meaningful. Fuji-san was clearly visible - a perfect cone against the morning sky.
Hiked from Kawaguchi Lake to the 5th station. Each step up the volcanic slopes felt like a pilgrimage. Met an 70-year-old Japanese man who climbs Fuji every year - his reverence for the mountain was deeply inspiring.
The view from halfway up is breathtaking. You can see the curvature of the earth, Tokyo's sprawl in the distance, and the interconnected lakes below. Understanding why Mount Fuji is considered sacred becomes visceral at this altitude.
Collected volcanic rock as a memento (with proper respect and permission). The mountain feels alive - ancient, powerful, and eternal. Standing on Fuji's slopes makes you realize how small we are in the face of natural majesty.
Watched sunset from Lake Kawaguchi with Mount Fuji as the backdrop. The mountain's perfect reflection in the still water created a complete circle - a symbol of wholeness and harmony. This moment alone made the entire Japan trip worthwhile.
Shared By
Kaan Topal
Travel Enthusiast