Shakti's Musings & Travelogue

Mother & Daughter landed at Haneda Airport in Tokyo on April 10th, ready to unleash our inner explorers. First things first, though: we had to get a local e-SIM. Also, snagging a magical Suica card is non-negotiable. It’s your golden ticket to ride the trains. You won’t embarrass yourself trying to buy tickets. Pro tip: download Google Translator before you board. If you don’t, you’ll be left deciphering every cosmetic item and food available at 7/11 stores.

We finally broke free from the airport’s clutches. We leapt onto a bus to our Airbnb in Taito City. It’s practically a hop, skip, and a jump from Central Tokyo. We had our lunch at Asakusa. Afterward, we hurried over to Ueno Park. We were eager to bask in the glory of cherry blossoms. We totally rocked the tourist vibe—who can resist a selfie under those fluffy pink trees? Later that night, I reconnected with old pals over dinner in Asakusa. Honestly, there’s nothing like the refreshing nostalgia.

The following morning, we decided to check out the Meiji Shinto Shrine in Shibuya, Tokyo. This shrine is all about the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shōken. It is believed that soul of Emperor and his Queen reside within the tall trees planted in this area. Don’t hesitate to try out Omikuji (fortune slip in Japanese) if you’re feeling lucky. It is available at most shrines in Japan. Just be careful—if it’s a bad fortune, you have to tie it to a tree. Think of it as the shrine’s version of a breakup note!

Japan is that enchanted land where you can meander for miles without breaking a sweat. It’s practically a sweat-free zone. It’s like you signed up for a nature-themed treadmill commercial, but they forgot to hit the start button! We strolled from the Meiji Shrine to Yoyogi Park. It is so conveniently located next to Harajuku Station that you might think they planned it that way. There’s just something delightfully quirky about these parks in Japan that gives them a magical flair. It’s as if the universe is saying, “Go ahead, relax and channel your inner Zen.” Maybe it’s just nudging you to take a snooze under a cherry blossom tree! You must visit the famous Shibuya Crossing. Also, stop by Takeshita Street for some serious shopping. Where else can you grab a cute outfit and a green tea ice cream in one trip?

The next day, we jumped on the Mt. Fuji Trip with Klook Services. We spent the day staring at Mt. Fuji’s color palette, which changed faster than my mood on a Monday morning. One minute, the peak looked like a postcard, and the next minute it was playing hide-and-seek behind clouds—classic Fuji! The area around Mt. Fuji is a treasure chest for travelers, especially if you fancy a dip in some rejuvenating hot spring. At Arakurayama Senger Park, you can snap panoramic photos. There, the mighty Mt. Fuji stands proudly, giving the vibe of a regal mountain that’s seen it all. Meanwhile, my daughter had the bright idea to hit up Gotemba Premium Outlet—a shopping spree fit for all age groups. I chose a hot spring retreat. It helped heal my body and mind. I needed a break from the sheer chaos of life. I wanted to enjoy the serene beauty of nature.

The next day, I eagerly strolled over to Shinjuku National Park, excited to soak in the beauty that awaited me. I believe the pictures will truly capture the delightful experiences and enchanting sights I encountered there.

Before you take off from Tokyo to Osaka, make sure you’ve finished all your shopping. Thankfully, you won’t have to lug your baggage around like an overburdened pack mule. Every major station has luggage storage. So, you can roam free! Or, if you’re feeling fancy, let the pros carry your bags for you with a courier service. Some tourists start in Kyoto. They swing by Osaka. Finally, they land in Tokyo for their last shopping spree before heading home. On our final day in Tokyo, we walked over to Sensoji Temple in the morning. This gem, also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple, is a splendid Buddhist temple located in Asakusa. It’s one of Tokyo’s most colorful and popular attractions.

We took our flight to Osaka. We checked in to our Airbnb at Chuo Ward. The next morning, we embarked on a food tour. Honestly, this was the highlight of the trip—food everywhere! We gobbled down all sorts of delicacies, including Octopus balls, which, let’s just say, I didn’t fully embrace! They were definitely an acquired taste, and my taste buds might still be filing a complaint!

The next day was all set for a grand adventure at Universal Studios. It is a magical realm where the young and the young-at-heart coexist in perfect harmony. They mostly enjoy screaming on roller coasters! If you’re a Harry Potter fan, it’s practically a rite of passage. You’ll dodge wands and spells while trying not to spill your Butterbeer. Who knew that waiting in line would be the ultimate test of patience?

Late evening, we figured, “Why not check out TeamLab Botanical Garden?” after our dreams of TeamLab Borderless tickets went up in smoke. Whoever came up with this idea clearly had a thing for disco balls. They had a flair for light shows. Who doesn’t love a little botanical rave under the stars?

Our final destination was Kyoto, a picturesque place that feels like stepping into a postcard. We opted for the Shinkansen instead of a regular train. Kyoto is perfect for dreamers. It captivates those interested in Japanese culture. It features must-visit spots like Kinkakuji Temple, a Zen temple that’s also a World Heritage site. The Arahiyama Bamboo Forest is perfect for a kung fu fantasy. While at Arahiyama, don’t miss to visit Kogen-ji temple which is a major religious, cultural and historic site. This temple was originally located on a large property at the foot of Mount Ogura. It was just north of Tenryu-ji. Following a number of fires and other misfortunes, it was relocated to its present site in 1882.

Next day was reserved for trek to Fushimi Inari temple. It is famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates. These gates straddle a network of trails behind its main buildings. The trails lead into the wooded forest of the sacred Mount Inari, which stands at 233 meters and belongs to the shrine grounds

You can explore the enchanting Fushimi sake village to boost your spirits! It’s a fantastic choice if you’re seeking a delightful experience.

In the late evening, we excitedly booked the Kyoto Gion night walk. We had the delightful opportunity to visit the enchanting area where Maiko and Geiko reside. The charming little houses, perfectly stacked next to each other, create a dreamlike atmosphere. If one is fortunate, one might even catch a glimpse of the beautiful Maiko and Geiko gracefully passing by.

On the last day of our incredible time in Kyoto, we joyfully explored the vibrant Nishiki Market. We did some last-minute shopping before catching the Shinkansen back to Tokyo.

The next morning, we begrudgingly boarded our flight back home, ready to dive back into the soul-crushing monotony of our everyday grind 🙂