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