I started my journey from Thailand early in the morning and enjoyed a nice meal at the airport lounge before departure.
When I arrived in Japan, the airport was bustling with incoming passengers- many were students on school trips and families traveling together.
After going through the arrival process, we headed to our hotel. Since this was our first trip to Japan, we decided to take a taxi from the airport to our accommodation, even though the fare was quite expensive-around 20,000 yen. For those traveling light, I would recommend taking the train instead, as it's a much more economical option.
We chose to stay in the Shinsaibashi area, which is a lively and convenient spot to explore the city.
And that's when the excitement of experiencing Japan's subway system began. The network is incredibly vast, with so many different lines connecting every corner of the city.
The ticket system is also fascinating. I can't help but admire the brilliant minds behind such a well-designed system; it truly is impressive.
One thing I really love about Japan's subway stations is that every station has clean and convenient restrooms available for public use. However, you'll notice that trash bins are quite rare. It's common practice in Japan to take your trash with you, so I'd recommend finishing your food and disposing of any waste at the restaurant before you leave. It seems to be part of the Japanese culture not to eat while walking, I find very respectful and thoughtful.
The first destination we chose to visit was Osaka Castle. The weather was perfect that day- fresh and clear after the rain. Cherry blossoms were in full bloom, painting the park in shades of soft pink. The area was filled with both tourists and locals enjoying the beautiful spring atmosphere.
Many Japanese families and friends were having picnics under the cherry trees, while others were cycling or walking their dogs around the park. It was such a peaceful and joyful scene.
Even though it was only our first day in Japan, I already felt that my trip had been a success, Seeing this view was exactly what I had been dreaming of.
As I walked deeper into the park, I stopped to take a photo of the stunning view of Osaka Castle.
The castle was surrounded by a tranquil moat, with tall pine trees standing proudly in the background and delicate cherry petals falling softly along the water's edge. It was such a breathtaking, dreamlike moment - one that I will remember forever.
The cherry blossoms in the park came in many different varieties - some trees stood tall and graceful, while others spread their branches widely, creating soft pink canopies over the paths. Scattered among them were tiny purple wildflowers, gently carpeting the ground and adding a lovely contrast to the scene.
At the entrance of the park, there were beautifully arranged flower beds filled with vibrant colors, perfectly designed for visitors to take photos. Each section was carefully maintained, creating a cheerful and welcoming atmosphere.
Our first meal in Japan was unagi don - grilled eel served over rice. The flavor was fairly good, though I would say it tasted about average for a dish at a popular tourist spot. Still, it felt special to enjoy our very first Japanese meal while surrounded by such a lovely view.
After that, we took the subway back to the area near our hotel. We spent some time strolling around, looking for something nice to eat, and simply enjoyed the evening atmosphere before heading back to rest. It was a pleasant way to end our first day in Japan.
On our second day, we took the train to visit the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto. One of the things I truly admire about Japan's railway system is how well-connected it is - you can easily travel between cities and attractions without having to walk long distances. However, navigating the transfers between different lines can be a little confusing at first.
Here are some moments from our journey to the shrine. When we arrived, we were greeted by a sea of visitors. Many people were dressed in beautiful traditional Japanese attire, taking photos around the area. As we crossed the railway tracks and approached the market in front of the shrine, we could already see the iconic red torii gates standing tall and majestic, welcoming travelers from around the world.
And here is the serene and spiritual atmosphere inside the shrine itself.
On our way back, we stopped by the famous Gion district in Kyoto - the historical area known for its traditional wooden houses and geisha culture.
Many of the old buildings here have been converted into shops and restaurants, yet the charm of old Japan still remains beautifully preserved.
Behind the area we visited, there was a quiet riverside near the Yamato-bashi Bridge, where clear water gently flowed through the canal. Fallen cherry blossom petals drifted along the surface, creating a peaceful and refreshing scene. The water was so clear that it almost made me want to step down and walk along the edge.
Just before reaching the bridge, there was also a lovely tunnel of cherry blossoms, forming a perfect spot for photos. It was truly a breathtaking sight - calm, romantic, and uniquely Kyoto.
On our second night in Japan, we went out to explore the lively Dotonbori area. The streets were glowing with neon lights, filled with the sound of laughter and the aroma of delicious street food. One of the highlights there was Don Quijote, a famous shopping spot where you can even take a Ferris wheel ride to enjoy a panoramic view of Osaka at night.
Along the Dotonbori River, we saw rows of vibrant buildings, restaurants, and river cruises gliding gracefully through the water. The atmosphere was electric yet charming - a perfect blend of modern energy and local culture.
The next morning greeted us with chilly weather and a light drizzle. We decided to visit Tennoji Zoo, taking the subway to get there. On the way, we passed through a lively shopping street lined with cozy restaurants and cafes, perfect for grabbing a warm bite before meeting the adorable animals at the zoo.
To my delight, I found several cherry blossom trees blooming beautifully around the zoo. I honestly don't know why I'm so captivated by sakura even though I had already seen so many during this trip. Perhaps it's the soft pink color and the way the petals gently dance in the wind that makes them so enchanting. Each one feels special in its own way.
After leaving the zoo, we stopped for a satisfying meal of okonomiyaki, Japanese- style savory pancakes with vegetables, paired with an ice-cold glass of beer. It was the perfect comfort food to end the afternoon before we made our way back to Umeda, exploring the modern Grand Front Osaka area near Osaka Station.
On the third day, we visited Sakuranomiya Park, one of Osaka's most beautiful cherry blossom spots.
The park was peaceful and not too crowded, perhaps because the rain had just stopped and some petals had already started to fall. The scene was magical with rows of cherry blossom trees forming a soft pink tunnel, each variety displaying its own charm.
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By the riverside, we watched sightseeing boats from the Aqua Liner cruising slowly under the blossoms, while others were practicing jet skiing or playing beach volleyball nearby. Families strolled together, children laughed, and locals enjoyed their weekend outdoors. The area felt warm and welcoming a true slice of everyday Osaka life.
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I even found a small bakery that served the most delicious pastries, the perfect sweet ending to another wonderful day.
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A Peaceful Farewell Our Day in Nara
The final destination of our trip to Japan was Nara, the charming "city of deer." We took the train from Osaka and arrived to find the town as calm and welcoming as I had imagined.
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As we walked through the park, we spent some time feeding the friendly deer that freely roam around the area. They're such gentle and curious creatures that have become the true symbol of Nara.
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From there, we made our way to the magnificent Todaiji Temple, home to one of the largest wooden buildings in the world. Standing before this grand temple, I couldn't help but feel amazed at how people over 1,200 years ago managed to build such a massive structure entirely out of wood. It's no wonder that travelers from all over the world come here to witness its beauty and historical significance.
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On our walk back toward the train station, we stopped by a few small shrines along the way.
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Each one peaceful and full of character. It was a lovely way to end our journey slow, reflective, and deeply memorable.
This trip has been truly meaningful to me. I was able to see the cherry blossoms I adore in full bloom, experience Japan's culture and kindness firsthand, and admire the everyday beauty of this country, from people riding their bicycles to those quietly helping keep public spaces clean. Japan is such a thoughtful and graceful place, one that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime.
Until next time, Japan. Thank you for the wonderful memories.