My sister just returned from a two-week trip to Japan, where she visited Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, and Hiroshima. It was a packed itinerary, and she was constantly on the go. I had the chance to join her, but I ended up passing on it. I would’ve loved to go, but it just wasn’t financially doable at the time.
The weather in Japan was beautiful, she said—cool and in the 70s, perfect for exploring. While in Tokyo she visited the Imperial Palace, experienced the hustle and bustle of Shibuya Crossing, and took in the views from Tokyo Skytree. She got to feed the friendly deers in Nara, walk through the iconic red torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto, and even dressed up in a beautiful kimono while exploring Osaka. Every part of her trip sounds like it came straight out of a travel dream.
I think her favorite part of the trip was being in Japan during cherry blossom season. The blossoms had just started to appear when she arrived, and by the time she left, they were in full bloom. It must have been incredible to watch the landscape transform like that.
I’m only sharing the photos she sent me that don’t include her, just to respect her privacy. My sister took some beautiful shots, and I wanted to share a glimpse of her experience. She’s not really into social media, so she hasn’t posted any of her Japan photos. So, count yourselves lucky! A lot of her friends haven’t even seen these pictures. LOL.
While exploring her way through Japan, she also ate plenty of amazing food. I told her that if she didn’t take pictures, then it basically didn’t happen—I need proof! Food pics are honestly my favorite part of any trip. Surprisingly, she’s not a fan of ramen, so she skipped it entirely. I mean, if you go to Japan and don’t eat ramen… did you even really go? Thankfully, she made up for it with some authentic Japanese sushi and yakitori, so all is forgiven.
Check out all the incredible food she and her friends got to enjoy—doesn’t it all look delicious? Good food has a way of turning a great trip into an unforgettable one. One of my sister’s travel companions is vegetarian, and it was surprising to hear how limited the vegetarian options were in Japan. I’d always assumed, given the influence of Shintoism and Buddhism, that there would be a larger vegetarian presence. But it could be that they just didn’t know where to look. Not all restaurants advertise in English, and many places cater primarily to locals, which can make it tricky for tourists to find the right spots.
If you have dietary restrictions and are planning a trip to Japan, it’s definitely a good idea to do some research ahead of time. That advice really applies to any country, but it’s especially helpful in places where language barriers or cultural differences might make it harder to find what you need.
Per my request, my sister brought back a bunch of different Kit Kat flavors for me to try. Luckily, a lot of the Japanese varieties are available in the U.S. these days, but there are still quite a few that are exclusive to Japan—so it was a real treat to try some of the rarer ones. A friend of mine who went to Tokyo a few years ago still talks about the peach-flavored Kit Kats—I haven’t tried that one yet. Honestly, I’m just hoarding all of them for some weird reason. They’re too fun to eat… but also too tempting not to!
I was also given two omamori—traditional Japanese good luck charms—from a Shinto shrine. These small, beautifully crafted pouches are believed to offer protection and bring good fortune. Each omamori typically has a specific purpose—some are meant to ward off evil, others to bring success in school, ensure safe travels, offer health and healing, or invite prosperity and happiness into your life. The ones I received are meant to protect against negative energy and attract good luck, which makes them feel especially thoughtful and meaningful.
What I love about omamori is how deeply rooted they are in Japanese culture. They’re often sold at shrines and temples, and while you’re not supposed to open them (to avoid releasing the blessing), people usually carry them on bags, keep them in cars, or place them somewhere personal as a quiet source of protection. It’s such a simple yet powerful tradition, and receiving them as souvenirs felt really special—like carrying a little piece of that spiritual culture with me.
I think it’s safe to say that Japan is officially on my bucket list. Now I just need to get my finances in order before I make that dream trip a reality! One day soon, hopefully—with a solid budget!
