Land of the Rising Sun: Debasree’s Family Tale of Culture, Cuisine, and Memories
With every turn of the wheel, the train peacefully brought us closer to the grandeur of Mt. Fuji. My 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. I smiled and nodded, feeling a sense of awe myself.
There’s something about Japan’s natural beauty that takes your breath away, and as we got closer to Mt. Fuji, I could feel the magic of this country unfolding. This was just the beginning of a memorable family adventure.
The Heart of Japan
Our first stop in Japan was Tokyo, the vibrant heart of the country. We started our day early, heading straight to the famous Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa. My parents, who love 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, we visited Shibuya Crossing, the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing. The sheer number of people crossing from every direction was mind-boggling. My daughter couldn’t stop giggling, “It’s like a game of tag!” We laughed together, trying to navigate through the sea of people.
Afterward, we headed to Odaiba, where we had a blast at teamLab Borderless, an immersive digital art museum. The interactive exhibits were mesmerising, and we couldn’t stop taking pictures.
Nature's Majestic Beauty
The next leg of our journey took us to Mt. Fuji and Hakone. As the train neared to Mt. Fuji, the majestic mountain loomed in the distance, its snow-capped peak standing tall against the clear blue sky. We took a cable car ride up to Owakudani Valley in Hakone, where we saw steaming hot springs and tried the famous black eggs, boiled in the volcanic water. “I feel like we’re on another planet!” my daughter exclaimed, her eyes wide with wonder.
We also enjoyed a cruise on Lake Ashi, where we could see Mt. Fuji in all its glory from the water. My wife and I shared a quiet moment on the deck, just soaking in the natural beauty around us.
A Journey Through History
Our next stop was Hiroshima, a city with a deep historical significance. We 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.
We 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. We spent the afternoon exploring the island, feeding the friendly deer that roamed freely.
My daughter was thrilled when one of the deer came up to her and gently nuzzled her hand.
The City of Fun and Flavour
Next, we headed to Osaka, a city known for its vibrant street life and delicious food. Our 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. We visited the Dotonbori district, where we tried everything from takoyaki (octopus balls) to okonomiyaki (Japanese savoury pancakes). “This is the best food I’ve ever tasted!” my daughter said, devouring a plate of takoyaki.
We also explored the neon-lit streets, soaking in the lively atmosphere. The night ended with a visit to the Umeda Sky Building, where we took in a panoramic view of the city. The lights of Osaka at night were mesmerising, and we all agreed that this was one of the highlights of the trip.
A Step Back in Time
Our final destination was Kyoto, the cultural heart of Japan. We 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 we spent a lot of time just admiring the beauty of the place. We 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, we visited the Todai-ji Temple, home to the Great Buddha. The sheer size of the Buddha statue was awe-inspiring, and we spent hours exploring the temple complex.
Japan’s Culture: A Journey of Discovery
One of the most enriching aspects of our trip was the opportunity to experience Japan’s unique culture. We were struck by the politeness and respect that permeates every interaction. From bowing when greeting to the attention to detail in everything— from the packaging of our food to the cleanliness of the streets— Japan taught us the importance of mindfulness and respect for others.
We 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. My parents, especially, were fascinated by the Zen philosophy and the quiet contemplation that the Japanese practice.
We also had the chance to interact with locals, who were always kind and eager to share their culture. At a traditional tea ceremony, we learned about the art of tea preparation, and my daughter was particularly fascinated by the delicate movements involved.
A Heartfelt Thank You to Thrillophilia
As our trip came to an end, I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of gratitude. I want to extend a huge thank you to Thrillophilia for organizing such a seamless and unforgettable experience for my family.
They took care of every detail, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the beauty and culture of Japan. This trip will forever hold a special place in our hearts, and we’ll carry the memories with us for years to come.
Read More: Thrillophilia Japan Reviews