Japan

Konnichiwa! My Unforgettable Journey Through Japan

Japan has a special place in my heart. When I first visited, I traveled with a friend, exploring only Tokyo. We even took a detour to Shanghai and made a quick stop in Beijing. But this time, I returned solo—and it was an entirely different experience.

From the moment I landed, I was reminded why Japan captivated me the first time. The food, the cleanliness, the culture—it was all just as magical as I remembered. Originally, my plan was to visit Seoul, South Korea (which I did—blog coming soon!), but I knew I couldn’t be this close to the country that stole my heart and not return. And so, I did just that.

Cities Explored: Tokyo, Hiroshima, Osaka, and Kyoto

Returning to Tokyo felt like visiting an old friend. I made new connections, took stunning photos, and fully immersed myself in the energy of the city. But this time, I expanded my journey to Hiroshima, Osaka, and Kyoto.

Hiroshima, in particular, left an unexpected mark on me. Maybe it’s the Florida girl in me or something deeper, but I absolutely loved it. I initially visited to pay homage at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, acknowledging the history we all know so well. But beyond that, the city had a peaceful, slow-paced vibe that was so different from Tokyo or Osaka. I have to go back. It’s non-negotiable.

Kyoto offered a different kind of beauty—temples, traditional streets, and an overall sense of reverence. And in Osaka, I experienced a traditional matcha tea ceremony, wearing a kimono and appreciating the meticulous attention to detail that defines Japanese culture. Every moment felt intentional, and that’s what made it so special.

J-Beauty & Shopping: A Skincare Lover’s Paradise

Everyone talks about K-Beauty, but let’s discuss J-Beauty! Japanese skincare is just as elite, and as a self-proclaimed skincare girly, I crashed out in those beauty stores. I don’t even know why I bothered bringing my own products—I ended up needing an extra suitcase just to haul back all the skincare I bought. (Pro tip: If you’re heading to Japan, South Korea, or Taiwan, just bring an empty suitcase. Trust me.)

The Best Sushi of My Life

Let’s talk food. The sushi in Japan? Unmatched. It’s the best I’ve ever had—anywhere, hands down. I usually do some research on where to eat when I travel, but in Japan, you can stumble into almost any spot and still have an incredible meal. The attention to detail in the preparation and presentation is next level. My wallet was not happy, but my taste buds were in heaven. Swiping the card with no regrets!

The People & Culture

One thing that stands out about Japan is the people. There’s an air of respect and hospitality in interactions that makes you feel valued as a visitor. Everything—from the way food is prepared to the way traditions are upheld—feels intentional and deeply rooted in appreciation. That’s something to be savored.

Navigating Japan: Walking & the Bullet Train

If you’re planning to visit Japan, prepare to walk. In Tokyo alone, I was hitting 20,000 steps a day! The public transportation system is top-tier and easy to navigate, but walking is inevitable. Speaking of transportation, I took the bullet train from Tokyo to Hiroshima, and let me tell you—those trains are impressive. But life happens, and my train actually broke down due to a typhoon that had passed through a few days prior. Luckily, I met a kind Korean woman living in Japan who helped me navigate the situation. Even in unexpected moments, travel teaches you resilience and reminds you that good people are everywhere. Because of the typhoon delays, I had a rare moment at the Bamboo Forest—almost completely alone for 5–10 minutes. A peaceful, unexpected gift.

Solo Travel Reflections

Solo travel isn’t just about exploring new places; it’s about learning yourself. Yes, it’s freeing, but it also challenges you. You are your only problem solver, your only companion, and your biggest motivator. Every trip alone makes me more independent and adaptable. And Japan? It reaffirmed why I love this journey. There’s so much more to share, but for now, enjoy these photos! Stay tuned for upcoming vlogs and deeper dives into my favorite destinations.

Until next time, Love & Adventure,

Nnenna the Navigator