Land of the Rising Sun: Debasree’s Family Tale of Culture, Cuisine, and Memories
With every turn of the wheel, the train peacefully brought Debasree and her family closer to the grandeur of Mt. Fuji. Her daughter pressed her face against the window, mesmerised by the lush greenery passing by.
“Papa, is that Mt. Fuji?” she asked, pointing toward the distant snow-capped peak. Debasree’s husband smiled and nodded, feeling a sense of awe himself.
There was something about Japan’s natural beauty that took their breath away, and as they got closer to Mt. Fuji, the family could feel the magic of the country unfolding. This was just the beginning of a memorable family adventure.
The Heart of Japan
Their first stop in Japan was Tokyo, the vibrant heart of the country. They started their day early, heading straight to the famous Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa. Debasree’s parents, who loved history, were completely captivated by the temple’s architecture. The red lanterns, the aroma of incense in the air, and the beautiful contrast between old traditions and modern Tokyo made it an experience to remember.
Later, they visited Shibuya Crossing, the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing. The sheer number of people crossing from every direction was mind-boggling. Debasree’s daughter couldn’t stop giggling, “It’s like a game of tag!” The family laughed together, trying to navigate through the sea of people.
Afterward, they headed to Odaiba, where they had a blast at teamLab Borderless, an immersive digital art museum. The interactive exhibits were mesmerising, and they couldn’t stop taking pictures.
Nature's Majestic Beauty
The next leg of their journey took them to Mt. Fuji and Hakone. As the train neared Mt. Fuji, the majestic mountain loomed in the distance, its snow-capped peak standing tall against the clear blue sky. They took a cable car ride up to Owakudani Valley in Hakone, where they saw steaming hot springs and tried the famous black eggs, boiled in the volcanic water. “I feel like we’re on another planet!” Debasree’s daughter exclaimed, her eyes wide with wonder.
They also enjoyed a cruise on Lake Ashi, where they could see Mt. Fuji in all its glory from the water. Debasree and her husband shared a quiet moment on the deck, just soaking in the natural beauty around them.
A Journey Through History
Their next stop was Hiroshima, a city with deep historical significance. They visited the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, where the Atomic Bomb Dome stands as a reminder of the devastation caused by war. It was a somber experience, but it was also a powerful lesson in resilience.
They also took a ferry to Miyajima Island, known for its iconic floating torii gate at Itsukushima Shrine. The sight of the torii gate rising out of the water was magical. They spent the afternoon exploring the island, feeding the friendly deer that roamed freely.
Debasree’s daughter was thrilled when one of the deer came up to her and gently nuzzled her hand.
The City of Fun and Flavour
Next, they headed to Osaka, a city known for its vibrant street life and delicious food. Their first stop was Osaka Castle, a beautiful historical landmark surrounded by lush gardens.
Of course, no trip to Osaka is complete without indulging in its famous food. They visited the Dotonbori district, where they tried everything from takoyaki (octopus balls) to okonomiyaki (Japanese savoury pancakes). “This is the best food I’ve ever tasted!” Debasree’s daughter said, devouring a plate of takoyaki.
They also explored the neon-lit streets, soaking in the lively atmosphere. The night ended with a visit to the Umeda Sky Building, where they took in a panoramic view of the city. The lights of Osaka at night were mesmerising, and they all agreed that this was one of the highlights of the trip.
A Step Back in Time
Their final destination was Kyoto, the cultural heart of Japan. They visited the stunning Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), a Zen Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf. The reflection of the temple in the surrounding pond was breathtaking, and they spent a lot of time just admiring the beauty of the place. They also explored the Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of red torii gates. Walking through the gates felt like stepping into a dream.
In Nara, they visited the Todai-ji Temple, home to the Great Buddha. The sheer size of the Buddha statue was awe-inspiring, and they spent hours exploring the temple complex.
Japan’s Culture: A Journey of Discovery
One of the most enriching aspects of their trip was the opportunity to experience Japan’s unique culture. They were struck by the politeness and respect that permeated every interaction. From bowing when greeting to the attention to detail in everything—from the packaging of their food to the cleanliness of the streets. Japan taught them the importance of mindfulness and respect for others.
They also learned about the deep connection between nature and spirituality in Japan. The peaceful temples, the reverence for Mount Fuji, and the serene gardens all reflected a culture that values harmony with nature. Debasree’s parents, especially, were fascinated by the Zen philosophy and the quiet contemplation that the Japanese practice.
They also had the chance to interact with locals, who were always kind and eager to share their culture. At a traditional tea ceremony, they learned about the art of tea preparation, and Debasree’s daughter was particularly fascinated by the delicate movements involved.
A Heartfelt Thank You to Thrillophilia
As their trip came to an end, Debasree felt a deep sense of gratitude. The family extended a huge thank you to Thrillophilia for organizing such a seamless and unforgettable experience.
The team took care of every detail, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the beauty and culture of Japan. The trip will forever hold a special place in their hearts, and they will carry the memories with them for years to come.
Read More: Thrillophilia Japan Reviews