Australia
United States
Canada
India
Follow Loren's account of her special tour to Japan as she explores Tokyo’s winter lights and Christmas market, Fushimi Inari Shrine’s magical red gates, and has a very special interaction with a friendly local.
Japan truly is a place that leaves you in awe at every turn, whether you’re soaking in the sparkling city lights or having a quiet moment away from the crowds. Every day on the 7 Day Best of Japan tour felt like a new chapter of a beautiful adventure, filled with both big and small moments that I’ll treasure forever. My mum travelled with me too, so the experience was even more special to share with her.
A Quick Adventure with Big Impact
This short Inspiring Vacations tour packs a punch if you don’t have much time but want to see as much as possible (including both natural and UNESCO sites). The mix of urban centres and natural escapes was perfect and just the way I like to travel.
In Tokyo, one of the most magical nights unfolded when my mum and I decided to explore the winter illuminations. I’d heard so much about how Japan lights up in the colder months and we were both eager to experience this firsthand. We headed to Midtown, and upon arriving, we were greeted by the cosy atmosphere of a Christmas market complete with food stalls, warm drinks, and even an ice-skating rink. The crowds gathered in the park, all eagerly waiting for the lights to turn on. My mum and I joined the locals and visitors, all filled with anticipation and excitement as the clock ticked ever closer to 5pm.
When the hour finally arrived, it was show time! The trees and grass lit up with sparkling lights, all twinkling like tiny stars. Soft music began to play, adding to the already enchanting moment. But it didn’t stop there—before we could even process how beautiful it all was, a snow machine sent flurries into the air, coating everything and creating a scene worthy of something out of a winter dream. I couldn’t help but stand there, mesmerised by it all. It was one of those experiences that made me feel like a kid again, full of wonder and jo
The Beauty in Unexpected Moments
Yet one of the best things about Japan is that its charm isn’t always wrapped in such grand displays. Some of the best memories are in the small, everyday moments. One such moment happened at—believe it or not—a service station. We had stopped for a quick break, and I wandered in to grab a sandwich. The man at the counter was an older Japanese gentleman, and as I approached, I greeted him with the few words of Japanese I knew. His reaction was nothing short of heartwarming. His eyes lit up, and he clapped his hands together in excitement. He greeted me back enthusiastically, and I felt the genuine warmth in this innocent interaction. I continued to use my basic Japanese to order some chicken, and throughout the entire interaction, he seemed so happy and amused by my mediocre attempts. It was a simple exchange but the joy we exchanged made it feel incredibly special. As I left the store, he waved me off with a big smile, and I couldn’t help but think that it was these very small interactions with locals that make travel so memorable.
As much as Tokyo was filled with the fanfare you’d expect from a capital city, Japan’s natural beauty was equally captivating. The last day of our trip brought us to one of the most awe-inspiring moments of all: seeing Mount Fuji. We’d been fortunate to have clear skies during our stay, but we never expected the mountain to make an appearance on the final day. It was as if this national treasure had been waiting for the perfect moment to reveal herself, and when it did, it took our breath away. The towering, snow-capped peak rose majestically against the clear blue sky, and for a moment, I couldn’t look away. There’s something almost magical about seeing this iconic symbol of Japan in person—it’s so grand and serene, and stopping to pause in wonder is all you can do.
What made the experience even more special was that just before we saw Mount Fuji, our guide, Yumi, had taught us a song Japanese kids learn at school. The song, which praises the beauty of Mount Fuji, was a sweet and simple melody. Just five minutes after we sang it, there she was, right in front of us. I couldn't help but think that maybe Mount Fuji had heard our song and had decided to appear in response. It felt like an incredible, almost spiritual moment: one that I’ll never forget and probably cannot be replicated.
Finding Solitude in Crowded Places
Another highlight of our trip was visiting the Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto, another icon known for its thousands of bright red Torii gates. It was a national holiday, and as we arrived, I immediately noticed the crowds. The site was packed with visitors, and the sea of people was almost overwhelming. As we made our way through the gates, it felt like everyone had come to see the same thing, and the energy was high. It was exciting, but after a while, I felt the need to escape the crowds.
I decided to take a detour and wandered away from the main path. As I explored, I found a smaller, quieter area that felt completely different from the busy crowds. There was a small shrine tucked away, and the path leading to it was decorated with thousands of delicate paper cranes. There were no other visitors around, and it was so calm that I could almost hear the silence. I stood there for a moment, taking in the tranquillity of the place, and I realised that sometimes it’s more than okay to step away from the hustle and bustle. There’s beauty in the quieter moments, too. It felt like a reminder that peace can often be found in unexpected corners.
The Politeness of Japanese Culture
One thing that really stood out to me throughout our travels in Japan was the respect people have for one another. We experienced this most profoundly while using public transportation—although it can look very different in your home country or culture, this is a more well-known aspect to Japanese culture, and experiencing it in person is both surprising and special. On several occasions, my mum and I had to travel during peak hours. The trains were very full, but despite the tight spaces, everyone remained calm and polite. There was no pushing, no rushing—just a calm order we appreciated. The trains were packed to the brim but when a passenger needed to get off at their stop, everyone instinctively moved aside without any words needing to be exchanged, making space for them. It was a simple gesture, but it spoke volumes about the level of respect people have for one another in public spaces. I couldn’t help but think how refreshing it would be if more places embraced that level of courtesy. It was one of those little cultural details that made our experience even more enjoyable.
As I reflect on our trip, I realise that it wasn’t just the iconic sights or the world-class food that made Japan unforgettable—it was the people, the small moments, and the kindness that we encountered everywhere we went. Japan is a country that shows you that beauty can be found in both the grand and the quiet, and I’m so grateful to have experienced it.
What You'll Love on a Short Trip to Japan
- The Magic of the Season: Depending on when you visit, you could enjoy the winter illuminations and Christmas markets in Tokyo, the cherry blossoms in Kyoto, or the stunning autumn foliage in Nara, and more.
- Majestic Natural Beauty: No trip to Japan is complete without seeing Mount Fuji, and other natural sights. Seeing this Japanese icon is a moment you won’t forget!
- Experience the Courtesy of Japanese Culture: In everyday life, especially when using public transport, you’ll experience the polite behaviour of locals in crowded trains.
- Small, Heartfelt Interactions with Locals: Some of the best memories happen in the quietest of places. Loren’s simple interaction when buying a sandwich was an everyday transaction but it’s these small exchanges with locals that make travel in Japan feel so special.
Inspired to visit Japan? Loren’s 7 Day Best of Japan tour takes in eclectic cities Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto as well as Nara and Mount Fuji. From the blinding city lights to the tranquillity of religious sites and temples, this beautiful country is a place where every moment holds something new to discover. Explore our full range of Japan tours, including longer, more in-depth itineraries.
