Ten Days of Wonder: Ajaykumar’s Journey Through Japan with Thrillophilia
It was months before my wife’s birthday when I decided to gift her a beautiful trip to Japan.
With Thrillophilia’s help, I planned the entire itinerary and counted the days.
Soon, we landed at Tokyo International Airport, where it all began. The city had a lively atmosphere, and cherry blossoms were just beginning to bloom. The best thing was my wife did not know that I had planned a full 10-day celebration just for her.
We checked into our hotel, dropped off our luggage, and took a slow evening walk. The vending machines on the streets of Tokyo were glowing on every corner.
Into the Beauty of Mount Fuji
The next morning, our journey began with a day trip to Mount Fuji. We first visited Lake Kawaguchiko, which reflected the snowy peak of Mount Fuji. We took a boat ride and soaked in the fresh air.
From there, we moved to Oishi Park, where bright flowers lined the path and gave us the perfect view of the mountain in the distance.
We also saw crystal-clear ponds at Oshino Hakkai that were created from Mount Fuji’s springs. We dipped our hands in the pond, but then immediately withdrew as the water was very cold.
Then, we went to Arakurayama Sengen Park, which is famous for its cherry blossoms and the Chureito Pagoda. From there, the view of the pagoda, pink blossoms, and Mount Fuji looked beautiful.
Before ending our day trip, we stopped by the Fuji Sengen Shrine and soaked in the peaceful atmosphere.
Lastly, we explored the Gotemba Premium Outlets, where we browsed through stores with Mount Fuji in the background. We also visited the 5th Station, which sits 2,300 metres up the mountain. It was cold, but the view and the energy of the place were worth every step.
Exploring the Icons of Tokyo
The third day of our trip was filled with excitement as we explored the centre of Tokyo. We went to the oldest temple in Tokyo, called the Sensoji Temple. Lanterns, incense, and the prayer sound made the morning feel special. I bought a pendant from one of the shops nearby and kept it quietly in my backpack.
Next, we visited Meiji Jingu Shrine, surrounded by a huge forest. Then we stopped by Odaiba Park and saw the gorgeous views of Tokyo Bay and the Rainbow Bridge. We also saw the famous Shibuya Crossing, where hundreds of people walk in every direction at once.
We continued walking to the lively Tsukiji Fish Market to try fresh sushi. Afterwards, we visited both Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Tower for panoramic views of the city.
At the base of Tokyo Tower, I handed my wife the small box I had been hiding. Inside was the pendant from Sensoji. “Happy birthday,” I said. She smiled, hugged me tightly, and said, “You are making this the best birthday ever.”
Light, Art, and Sky Views
The next day, we visited TeamLab Planets. It was an immersive digital art museum where we walked barefoot through glowing rooms and floating flowers. My wife especially loved the water room where lights danced across the surface with every step.
Later, we went up to Shibuya Sky, a rooftop observation deck above the busy city. From there, we saw Tokyo stretch endlessly in all directions. As the sun went down, the city lit up like stars on Earth.
Nature and History in Nikko
We went to Nikko city on the 5th day. At the Kirifuri Waterfalls, we enjoyed the misty air and the rushing sound of water echoing through the trees. We also admired the detailed carvings and gold leaf decorations at Nikkō Tōshō-gū Shrine. It was unlike any shrine we had seen before.
Moreover, we walked across the red Shinkyo Bridge. Then we made our way to Chuzenji Lake, where we sat peacefully at the foot of the mountains. It is a perfect place to just sit and enjoy the view.
Lastly, we visited the powerful Kegon Falls and the serene Rinno-ji Temple.
Fast Tracks and Fresh Starts in Osaka
On the sixth day, we took the bullet train to Osaka. It was my first time on a Shinkansen, and I could not believe how fast and smooth it was. The countryside went by the window, and in just a few hours, we had arrived.
We rested that day and saved our energy for what was next.
The next morning, we woke up early and went on a trip to Naka Park, where a deer approached her. My wife fed them, laughed, and even posed for pictures with one of them nibbling at her sleeve. At Todai-ji Temple, we stood at the massive bronze Buddha and the tall wooden gate.
From Nara, we travelled to Kyoto. Our first stop there was the peaceful Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Walking between the tall bamboo stalks felt like a dream. We then visited Tenryu-ji Temple, a Zen temple surrounded by calm gardens and koi ponds.
We also went to the shining Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji). The gold-covered temple looked like a jewel under the afternoon sun. Finally, we ended the day at Fushimi Inari Shrine, where we walked hand in hand through thousands of red torii gates. It was quiet, sacred, and one of the most romantic moments of the trip.
A Day in Kobe
The next morning, our driver picked us up for a day trip to Kobe. We watched ships dock and enjoyed the sea breeze at Kobe Port. The air was salty and fresh, and the view stretched far out into the ocean.
We then visited the Kobe Animal Kingdom to see the birds, kangaroos, and even penguins. It was not crowded, so we got to spend quality time feeding and playing with the animals.
Then, we walked around Kitano Ijinkan-Gai. It looked like a small European town in the middle of Japan. Before heading back, we visited a small Jain temple where we paid our respects.
After days of moving around, we took the last day to rest. We walked through the streets of Osaka, stopped at cafes, tried some matcha desserts, and reflected on everything we had seen and done. We bought some souvenirs for the family and sat by the river in Dotonbori to watch the sunset.
Our journey in Japan came to an end, but the memories we made there stayed with us forever.
Read More: Thrillophilia Japan Reviews