I’ve been wanting to visit Japan for almost a decade. Asia as a whole has always fascinated me, but Japan has consistently been one of the countries I’ve wanted to visit first. I love Japanese food and anime, and I also really appreciate Japanese culture—particularly its emphasis on maintaining harmony, considering the group, and honoring others. Going to Japan to witness all of this (and more) in person was a bucket list item for me and my first big international trip!

I visited Tokyo, Kyoto, and Hakone to see Mt. Fuji. My dad joined me in Tokyo and Hakone, but I went to Kyoto with one of my friends who lives in Tokyo.

The most immediate thing that stood out was the number of people. For a long time, Tokyo was ranked the largest city in the world by population; this year, it slipped to third place. But despite that drop in ranking, you still feel like you’re in the largest city on Earth. There are people everywhere—on every street, in every alley, and on every corner. I’ll admit, it was a little overwhelming at times, especially in Shibuya, where my dad and I stayed. It’s a major ward in Tokyo, so you not only see a ton of locals but also countless tourists.

However, even though there are people everywhere, the city is incredibly clean! That’s something else that really stood out. My dad and I didn’t see any trash on the streets. Everything was in pristine condition, whether you were walking on a main road or through an alley full of restaurants and izakayas. On that note, another thing that immediately amazed me was just how bright and lively Tokyo is at night. I barely slept on the flight over, so I should’ve been exhausted, but I wasn’t at all. The neon signs and glowing storefronts made the city feel alive, and that energy kept me going.

There were two cultural moments that surprised me. The first was learning that Kentucky Fried Chicken is a major hit during Christmas in Japan! That’s what everyone eats on Christmas! I’m not sure how KFC managed to market itself into becoming the country’s go-to Christmas tradition, but apparently, they draw long lines and even sell out of food.

The second surprise was experiencing how popular Halloween is in Tokyo. Before going there, I’d learned that the crowds get so large you can barely move. I’d also seen YouTube videos confirming this information, but actually experiencing it was another thing altogether. Even though it was raining on Halloween and the city had implemented measures to limit crowds, there were still tons of people outside! My dad and I could barely walk and got lost getting back to our hotel. Umbrellas and shoulders bumped constantly, but everyone seemed happy and unbothered. People were still wearing costumes and fully intent on celebrating.

This isn’t exactly a small detail, but the level of safety in Japan was unmatched. There were times when my dad and I went to different places, but even when I was alone, I felt incredibly safe walking around, regardless of the time or whether I was on a main street or tucked away in an alley. I even saw elementary school–aged kids taking public transportation by themselves without fear or issue. Overall, the safety was so refreshing. I’d heard that Japan was safe, but experiencing it firsthand was amazing, especially in a massive city like Tokyo, where you’d expect a higher concentration of people would lead to higher rates of crime.

There were so many! My dad and I visited the Meiji Jingu Shrine and Sensō-ji Temple in Tokyo. Both were stunning in their own ways. The Meiji Jingu Shrine is tucked inside a forest, so the setting is calm and peaceful, while the Sensō-ji Temple is part of a bustling market in Asakusa, which made the atmosphere more lively and fun.

My dad and I also went to Mt. Fuji, which was spectacular! Not only did we get the rare chance to see the mountain unobscured by clouds, but our tour guide, Ayaka, also shared some interesting fun facts. She told us that hundreds of years ago, anyone who made it to the top was considered blessed by the gods because it was such a difficult climb. Even today, it’s a real challenge. You can lose cell service and easily get lost.

I also went to Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Kyoto by myself, and it was majestic! The temple grounds were huge and perched on a forested hill overlooking all of Kyoto. The view was breathtaking, even with all the tourists there.

Honestly, experiencing the warmth of the people was amazing. Everyone I met was so kind and eager to chat! It was also wonderful connecting in person with the people I already knew. I hope to return someday soon and spend more time with all the amazing people that I grew to love. 

I wish I could relive the “normal” days I experienced in Japan, where I wasn’t doing anything touristy. There were two days in particular when I went to local cafes and restaurants, walked through quiet neighborhoods, and visited calm parks. It was during those moments that I got to meet and talk with Japanese locals, which I really enjoyed. Those everyday experiences gave me an authentic glimpse into regular life in Japan, and I loved it.

The food was incredible everywhere I went! I can’t express enough how much I loved it. I ate Kobe beef, ramen, okonomiyaki, sushi, cakes, desserts with names I can’t remember, and even food from convenience stores—and everything was top-tier! Even the sandwiches were unexpectedly addicting. The bread was so soft and lightweight, and the meat was incredibly tender. I hardly ever eat sandwiches in the U.S., but I thoroughly enjoyed them in Japan. And the best part? I ate so much every day and never felt bloated, which is unheard of for me in the U.S.!

I would create a 3D model of Mt. Fuji in Surfer!