Japan Trip Diaries 🇯🇵

Let me take you through my recent Japan trip—packed with chaos, cuteness, and *so* many firsts. From the second I landed, I knew this wasn’t going to be a regular vacation. Let’s start with the flight: I picked a budget airline with lay-flat seats, and wow, was it worth it. Super spacious, no tiny seats cramping my style. I didn’t even care about the lack of a TV because I brought my own tablet and a bag of snacks. Pro tip: pre-order your in-flight meals—they had ramen, ice cream, and even alcohol, all way cheaper than I expected. By the time we touched down in Tokyo, I was already giddy.

Getting from the airport to our hotel was a breeze. We booked a private car (so much comfier than public transit after a long flight) and arrived in about an hour. Our hotel was a gem—spacious, with two big beds and the kindest staff who even gave us local snack recommendations. I’m not usually a “hotel person,” but this one felt like a home base for all our adventures.

First stop: TeamLab Tokyo. If you’re into art that feels like magic, this is a must. The rooms are filled with moving lights and projections that react to your movements—at one point, I was “swimming” with digital fish, and I swear I felt like I was underwater. We splurged on VIP tickets to skip the massive line, and honestly, best decision ever. We spent hours wandering, and by the end, my phone was full of blurry but *vibey* photos. Oh, and we tried their dining experience too—vegan ramen in a room with floating light projections. The food was good, but the quiet, dreamy atmosphere? Unforgettable.

Next up: Disneyland Tokyo. I’m a total Disney kid, so this was non-negotiable. We got there at 7 AM (yes, *that* early) and it was already busy, but we grabbed express passes for the big rides. Beauty and the Beast was *insane*—the animatronics, the music, the way the room smells like roses? I almost cried. The snacks were a mixed bag—we tried the “Pan Galactic Pizza” (cute, but messy) and alien mochi (so good, I bought a pack to take home). Pro tip: most of the food isn’t super picky-eater friendly, so if you’re not into bold flavors, stick to the classic churros.

Now, let’s talk animal cafes. I’m obsessed with weird animal interactions, so we hit up two: an otter cafe and a capybara cafe. The otter cafe was chaos in the best way—otters splashing in tanks, hedgehogs curled up in little beds, and owls staring at us like we were crazy. We paid for a “hand-holding” experience (yes, that’s a thing) and got to pet a baby otter. It was so soft, I could’ve stayed all day. Then there was the capybara cafe. Oh my goodness, these guys are *chonky* and adorable. They love scratches and will follow you around if you have carrots. But fair warning: don’t kneel on the floor—there’s pee everywhere. We booked online two weeks in advance (spots go FAST), and it was 100% worth it. Watching a capybara munch on a carrot like it’s the most important job in the world? Pure joy.

One of the biggest surprises was the sumo show. We got VIP tickets to a small venue in Asakusa, and it included a chicken hot pot meal before the show. The sumo wrestlers were huge—like, *shaking the floor* huge—but so friendly. After the matches, they invited a few of us to try wrestling them. I’m 5’2”, so I stood no chance, but getting thrown onto the mat (gently!) in front of everyone was the funniest moment of the trip. Pro tip: wear stretchy pants—you’ll need them for the hot pot *and* the wrestling.

Food in Japan was a rollercoaster. I’d heard it was expensive, but honestly, there are so many affordable spots. We tried ichiran ramen (I’m not a fan of pork broth, but my friend practically licked her bowl), cheap conveyor belt sushi (fresh, and under $10 per person), and even 7/11 onigiri (yes, *7/11*—they’re *so* good). The key is to skip the tourist traps and follow the locals. If you see a tiny shop with a line of old ladies, go in. You won’t regret it.

We also tried some unique experiences outside Tokyo. We did bamboo harvesting in Tochigi Prefecture—who knew cutting bamboo could be so satisfying? We got to take home a small stalk, and now it’s a plant in my living room (still alive, somehow). Then there was rice planting in Fukushima. Let me tell you: mud is *not* my friend, but getting dirty with a group of locals who taught us how to plant rice was unforgettable. We even got to eat the rice we planted later that day (cooked by a grandma who called us “silly foreigners” but gave us extra miso soup).

No trip to Japan is complete without shopping, and I went *wild*. Don Quijote is a chaos factory—think 10 floors of everything from beauty products to luggage to snacks. I stocked up on skincare: melano CC serum (everyone raves about it, and now I see why), NIVEA spot patches (lifesaver for post-vacation breakouts), and a tirtir cushion that gives the *dewiest* skin. For hair, I got a mini straightener (perfect for travel) and dry shampoo that smells like citrus. And the snacks? I bought so many gummies (the “super hard” ones with acai are *addictive*), Royce chocolate, and Alfort mini chocolates. Oh, and blind boxes! I got a sumikko gurashi set and a miffy puzzle—still haven’t finished the puzzle, but it’s cute on my shelf.

Souvenirs were a big deal for me. I wanted things that felt personal, not just “tourist trash.” I got a pair of engraved chopsticks with my name in kanji—so cute, I use them every day. I also picked up an omamori (lucky charm) from a shrine in Asakusa for “safe travels” (it’s already in my suitcase for my next trip). My dad is a chef, so I got him a small Japanese knife—he hasn’t stopped talking about it. And of course, I brought back matcha powder and skincare sets for my mom.

A few things I wish I knew before going: *get a Suica card*. It’s a lifesaver for metro rides, 7/11, and even vending machines. I downloaded it to my phone, and reloading was so easy. Also, *carry cash*. A lot of small shops and cafes don’t take cards, and ATMs can have weird minimum withdrawal amounts. And don’t tip—everyone looks at you like you’re crazy. Finally, keep your passport with you for tax refunds. I forgot once and lost out on $20—lesson learned.

By the end of the trip, I was exhausted but already planning my next visit. Japan has this way of making you feel like you’re in a dream—one where the food is amazing, the people are kind, and even the otters are friendly. If you’re thinking about going, just do it. Pack comfortable shoes, an empty suitcase, and an open mind. You won’t regret it.