At the start of 2024, Japan was high on our list of potential holiday destinations. The more we talked about it, the more excited we got; and it soon became our number one choice.
I called Amanda, and she planned what turned out to be our most incredible adventure yet.
Our journey began at Manchester Airport, flying with Etihad Airways via Abu Dhabi to Narita International Airport in Tokyo. The service and food onboard were great, and we arrived ready to start the adventure of a lifetime.
Tokyo
We spent six nights in Tokyo, which gave us enough time to explore the city’s main sights and venture further afield with day trips.
Staying in Shinjuku at the Hotel Gracery (famous for its Godzilla terrace!), we were in the heart of the action. Shinjuku’s neon-lit streets, bustling shopping malls, endless dining options and brilliant transport links made it the perfect base for a couple in our early 30s.
Highlights included drinks in the izakayas of Omoide Yokocho, the views from Tokyo Skytree, the arcades and anime shops of Akihabara and exploring teamLab Borderless, an incredible digital art museum. Tokyo became our favourite stop of the trip - we’re already dreaming of going back!
We also took two day trips from Tokyo. The first was to the serene and beautiful mountainous city of Nikko, easily reached by train and known for its stunning temples, shrines and waterfalls. It felt like a calm retreat after the hustle and bustle of Tokyo.
The second was a guided tour to see Mount Fuji, booked last-minute through Viator. We felt incredibly lucky to catch a glimpse of the iconic peak poking through the clouds!
Kyoto
Our next stop was Kyoto for three nights, travelling there on the Shinkansen (bullet train) - an experience in itself and undoubtedly the best way to travel around Japan!
Kyoto’s picturesque streets, historic temples and cultural experiences were lovely, but it did feel quite crowded, and we agreed two nights would have been enough.
Our standout moment was a tea ceremony at Maikoya Gion Kiomizu, complete with kimono hire. Visiting the Fushimi Inari shrine early in the morning to beat the crowds was another highlight.
Himeji and Hiroshima
Back on the Shinkansen, we made our way to Hiroshima, stopping en route at Himeji to visit its main attraction, Himeji Castle. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its striking white exterior and intricate architecture, was one of the highlights of our trip and well worth the stop.
In Hiroshima, we spent a reflective morning exploring the Peace Memorial Museum and Park. The experience was both fascinating and moving, offering an important insight into the city's history. Afterwards, we tried Hiroshima’s famous okonomiyaki - a savoury Japanese pancake layered with cabbage, noodles and toppings - an absolute must for food lovers.
Miyajima
Our final day in Hiroshima included a trip to Miyajima Island, easily reached by train and ferry.
The island’s iconic floating torii gate was absolutely breathtaking, especially as we were lucky enough to see it at both high and low tide.
A ride up Mount Misen's ropeways and a short hike to the summit rewarded us with incredible panoramic views.
One of my favourite parts of the visit was seeing the Nihonjika (Japanese deer) that roam freely across the island - there are around 1,200 of these gentle creatures, and they added a special charm to an already magical place.
Osaka
Our final stop was Osaka for two nights. While the city doesn’t offer much daytime sightseeing, it comes alive at night!
We visited several bars and loved the Hungry Osaka Street Food Tour, sampling some of the city’s famous dishes. Two nights here was just the right amount of time to enjoy its vibrant atmosphere and end our trip on a high note.
Final Thoughts
Japan is a country of contrasts, offering bustling cities, serene landscapes and a fascinating culture. The people were so welcoming, and every moment felt special. Amanda helped us craft our dream holiday, and we couldn’t have done it without her.
She truly is a 10/10 travel agent, and I wouldn’t hesitate to book with her again.
