Lost in the Land of the Rising Sun: A Personal Odyssey
- Rudvik Joshi
- Sep 16, 2024
- 5 min read
From the moment I was introduced to Japanese culture as a child, I was captivated. Anime, video games, iconic car brands, and even their depiction in Hollywood films fueled my fascination. But it was anime, with its futuristic cities, rich Shinto traditions, and epic soundtracks, that sparked my desire to visit Japan. I wanted to walk the streets of Tokyo, taste the cuisine that anime characters savored, and experience the vibrant pop culture that had enchanted me for years.
This year, that childhood dream became a reality. My wife and I visited Japan in April, and from the moment our plane touched down, I knew this was going to be an unforgettable journey. Japan had always seemed like a distant fantasy—a world of cherry blossoms, bustling cities, and serene temples. But now, it was my reality.
The first surprise wasn’t the technology or towering skyscrapers—it was the people. Japan’s famed hospitality revealed itself the very first night. We arrived in Tokyo late, navigating Shinjuku Station—a sprawling maze of exits, escalators, and endless corridors—and we quickly found ourselves lost. Despite the language barrier, locals were quick to help, pointing us in the right direction, even walking with us to ensure we didn’t miss the last metro. That simple gesture set the tone for the entire trip—one of warmth and kindness in every corner of the country.
When we visited Shibuya Crossing the next day, I was finally standing in the midst of the iconic intersection I'd seen countless times in movies and anime. Thousands of people crossed in perfect harmony, like a beautifully choreographed dance. As I stood there, camera in hand, it hit me—I was truly in Tokyo. Later, from Roppongi Hills, I took in the city’s skyline, and for a moment, it felt like I was looking at a scene straight out of a cyberpunk novel. The neon lights and high-rises stretched as far as the eye could see.
But Tokyo has many sides, and Shinjuku’s Kabukicho district revealed one of its more eclectic ones. The neon signs, themed cafes, and the legendary maid cafes created a scene unlike anything I had experienced before. We stepped into a maid cafe, not knowing what to expect. What followed was a quirky and light-hearted experience, full of playful performances and over-the-top hospitality—a stark contrast to the quieter moments we would encounter later in our trip.
Our next destination was one I had dreamed of visiting for years—Mount Fuji. As we traveled toward it, the sight of the snow-capped peak towering over the landscape took my breath away. Fuji-san stood tall, serene, and majestic, a symbol of Japan’s natural beauty. We spent the day exploring the peaceful lakes and villages that surrounded the mountain, feeling as if time had slowed down, allowing us to fully absorb the magic of the place. There’s something almost spiritual about standing in the shadow of Fuji. It felt as though the mountain itself whispered stories of ancient Japan.
From the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, we transitioned to the tranquil charm of Kyoto. If Tokyo is the pulse of modern Japan, Kyoto is its heart. It felt like stepping into a time capsule where the past is preserved in every temple, every shrine, every stone pathway. One of the most memorable places we visited was Otagi Nenbutsu-ji, a hidden gem nestled in the hills. The temple is home to 1,200 stone statues, each with a unique expression, portraying the disciples of Buddha. Walking among these whimsical figures, I felt a deep sense of peace, as if the statues were inviting me to pause, reflect, and smile.
Next we wandered through the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. As the towering bamboo stalks swayed gently in the breeze, casting dappled sunlight on the path below, it felt like we had entered another world. The forest was almost otherworldly—quiet, enchanting, and far removed from the fast-paced technology that had defined Tokyo.
Kyoto’s serenity followed us to Nara, a short day trip that was as spiritual as it was playful. Nara Deer Park was unlike anything I had ever seen—deer roamed freely, bowing to visitors in exchange for "shika senbei" crackers. These deer, revered in Shinto belief as messengers of the gods, seemed to blend seamlessly into the historical beauty of the place. As we fed them, their gentle bows and curious eyes made me feel like I was part of a centuries-old tradition. Walking through the park, we reached Todai-ji Temple, home to the Great Buddha, one of the world’s largest bronze statues. The temple’s scale was overwhelming, and standing before the Great Buddha was a humbling experience, one that felt deeply connected to the spiritual core of Japan.
One of the moments I had long dreamed of came true when we experienced Japan’s cherry blossom season. The hanami tradition, where people gather under the blooming cherry trees to celebrate the beauty of life’s fleeting moments, was everywhere around us. As the soft pink petals floated in the air, we joined families and friends sitting under the blossoms, sharing in the joy of the season. It felt like time stood still for just a few days, allowing everyone to savor the present before the blossoms disappeared.
A trip to Japan wouldn’t be complete without visiting one of its iconic castles, and Himeji Castle didn’t disappoint. Approaching its towering white walls, I felt like I had stepped into a samurai film. The castle’s beauty was matched only by the sense of history it evoked. Walking through its narrow halls and climbing its steep stairs, I could almost imagine the feudal lords and warriors who once roamed these grounds. From the top, the panoramic view of the surrounding landscape was breathtaking, a reminder of how Japan’s past and present coexist in harmony.
Our final stop was Osaka, a city bursting with energy and flavor. If Kyoto was serene and reflective, Osaka was a sensory explosion. From the best sushi I’ve ever had in a small, unassuming restaurant to the ramen stalls lining the streets, Osaka was a food lover’s paradise. In Dotonbori, I tried Takoyaki for the first time—crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and filled with octopus. Each bite was an explosion of flavor, and it instantly became one of my favorite street foods.
But beyond the sights and the food, what I’ll miss most about Japan are the small, everyday moments. The routine of visiting 7-Eleven every morning, discovering new snacks. The melodic jingles at pedestrian crossings. The calmness, even in the busiest streets, and the unspoken order that guided the crowds. These simple moments added a layer of magic to the trip which will stay with me long after I’ve left—the reminders that sometimes, the beauty of travel lies not in the grand landmarks, but in the small, everyday moments that make a place truly unforgettable.
Rudvik Joshi is an avid traveler, diehard foodie, and wildlife photography enthusiast with over 10 years of experience in advertising and digital marketing. His adventures take him across stunning landscapes and diverse cultures, all of which he captures through his lens. Follow him on Instagram for travel inspiration, delicious food reviews and breathtaking wildlife shots!
