Greetings! Our 10-day voyage in Japan was nothing short of phenomenal, and we owe a debt of gratitude to the incredible online communities that guided our way. As we recount our escapades, we hope this travelogue serves as a token of appreciation to the very community that paved our path. With a group of four, we set out to conquer Japan on a budget, weaving memories that will linger in our hearts.
**First Day (Kyoto):**
– **Heian Shrine & Park**: Diving into the less-traveled, we stumbled upon Heian Shrine and Park, an oasis of tranquility that captivated us. What was meant to be a quick stop turned into a three-hour reverie amidst the shrine’s serene surroundings and a picturesque pond with a charming bridge. It was a mesmerizing prologue to our grand adventure, meriting a solid 9/10.
– **Kyoto Gyoen**: Post-Heian Shrine, we darted to Kyoto Gyoen, narrowly missing a tour of the Imperial Palace due to its closing hours. Yet, our stroll through the sprawling park left us with mixed feelings and a modest 7/10 score.
– **Nishiki Market**: When hunger beckoned, Nishiki Market came to the rescue. This culinary haven near Kyoto Gyoen showered us with fried prawns, takoyaki, and seafood delights. Our taste buds sang in harmony, earning Nishiki Market a delightful 8/10. And it’s friendly on the wallet too!
– **Gion (Night)**: Venturing into the heart of Gion after sunset was a stroke of brilliance. The Yasaka Shrine’s nighttime allure was simply irresistible. Gion morphed into a radiant wonderland teeming with life. After a delectable ramen stop, we roamed the streets, uncovering treasures like Donki and an array of boutiques. A flawless 10/10 night of enchantment.
**Second Day (Nara, Osaka):**
– **Nara Park**: Our day began with a train ride to Kintetsu Nara Station, a gateway to the enchanting Nara Park. A tranquil deer snoozing at the station hinted at the delightful encounters ahead. Nara was all about the divine and the deer, with their impeccable manners earning a perfect 10/10. Oh, and I couldn’t resist an affordable katana imitation to remember the day.
– **Kuromon Ichiba Market Osaka**: Our quest for culinary delights led us to Kuromon Ichiba Market, conveniently near Osaka Station. The prices didn’t quite match the budget-friendliness of Kyoto’s Nishiki Market. Despite an enjoyable takoyaki and taiyaki indulgence, we left with mixed feelings, awarding a 6/10. The vibes were the saving grace.
– **Dotonbori**: Dotonbori, the bustling heart of Osaka! Heeding advice from a Discord insider, we explored it post-sunset, and it was a dazzling decision. The vibrant nightlife, Glico Man snapshots, and a stroll along the canal left us spellbound. Donki’s late-night delights were the cherry on top. A perfect 10/10 night.
**Third Day (Kyoto):**
– **Nanzenji Temple**: Our third day began with an early visit to Nanzenji Temple. The tranquility was magnified by the absence of crowds. The temple, with its understated brown hues, set a unique tone. Climbing to the top floor and exploring the adjacent aqueduct earned a solid 9/10. A true gem for those seeking less touristy treasures.
– **Kiyomizu Dera**: The grand Kiyomizu Dera hike was a blend of shopping and sightseeing. Shops lined the way, offering tempting treasures without breaking the bank. But here’s the plot twist: Kiyomizu Dera was a bustling tourist battleground. We found ourselves submerged in a sea of people, detracting from our tranquil temple experiences. However, the view compensated for the tourist crowds, garnering a 6/10 for the view but tourist-o-rama.
– **Fushimi Inari**: Our epic finale: Fushimi Inari at night. Neon-lit torii gates painted a surreal path as we ascended, capturing the mystical vibes. The descent was prompted by growling stomachs, but it was a journey that earned a resounding 10/10. No regrets, only memories. Matcha ice cream and ramen were the icing on the cake.
**Fourth Day (Hakone):**
– **Hakone**: Leaving Kansai behind, we embarked on an adventure to Hakone, where pirates, lakes, and Fuji’s distant silhouette embraced us. A serene village and a pirate ship ride awaited. It was an 11/10 experience—Zen and laughter, all in one.
– **Fifth Day (Hakone, Tokyo)**: A frosty surprise at Mount Hakone’s Owakudani, complete with black eggs. It was a brief but invigorating encounter, securing a 10/10. Our journey to Tokyo concluded our Hakone adventure, marked by an uneventful visit to Odawara Castle due to rain.
**Sixth – Tenth Day (Tokyo):**
– Our final stretch in Tokyo was a shopping extravaganza and Disney Sea. Akihabara revealed a treasure trove of anime delights, including a secondhand Evangelion figure for a steal.
– Shinjuku and Shibuya beckoned with both sightseeing and shopping opportunities. And, of course, the world’s largest Uniqlo in Ginza, a retail paradise. Don’t forget GU, a budget-friendly sibling of Uniqlo!
– Disney Sea was the pinnacle of excitement but left us longing for more, with long queues and underwhelming rides. A 5/10 verdict beckoned, and Disney Land now lingers in our future plans.
– Tokyo bestowed us with a delightful secret: second-hand and thrift shops. Places like Second Street in Shinjuku and designer gems in prime condition at budget-friendly prices. Mega Donki was our one-stop shop for everything else.
In the shopping realm, Tokyo was a perfect 10/10. As for Disney Sea, it fell a little short, earning a 5/10. Tokyo taught us that even in well-trodden destinations, hidden gems abound.
In conclusion, our inaugural journey in Japan was nothing short of enchanting. It left us yearning for more, a testament to Japan’s irresistible allure. We hope our travelogue inspires fellow adventurers, and we eagerly await our next rendezvous with Japan – the Land of the Rising Sun. Sayonara for now! 🇯🇵🌅✨