Japan. My Intense, Beautiful Adventure

Annalinda Lomastro

Instagram: @annalinda_96

If I had to eat only in one city for the rest of my life, Tokyo would be it.—Anthony Bourdain

This year I had the pleasure of discovering Japan for the first time—a brief yet intense 15-day adventure. Still, it was clear from the start that this country deserves months to be truly explored. Tokyo was my first stop, and I never imagined such a calm, quiet metropolis, despite its massive population. Everything runs with impeccable order: from neatly lined queues to cross the street or catch a train, to waiting outside restaurants. 

Trains in Japan are a cultural icon. Hearing the crossing chimes and watching colorful trains flash by made me feel like I was inside a manga. Onboard, silence reigns—locals often nap between stops.

One of my favorite discoveries? Kombini: convenience stores open 24/7 where you can find absolutely anything, from warm meals to skincare. They’re a godsend for any tired or hungry traveler at any time of day or night.

A special mention goes to Tokyo’s vending machines—you’ll find them literally everywhere. They sell drinks, snacks, ice cream, umbrellas, batteries, even ties! It’s like the city always has your back.

What struck me most was the overwhelming kindness of the Japanese people. Even when English wasn’t understood, their smiles and willingness to help spoke louder than words.

Tokyo

Shibuya

Vibrant and iconic, Shibuya represents Tokyo’s youthful, fast-paced spirit. The world-famous scramble crossing is perfectly choreographed chaos—hundreds of people crossing in every direction, all at once, in silent harmony.

Shinjuku

A district of contrasts: skyscrapers, neon-lit alleys, tiny ramen joints, and the world’s busiest railway station. Nearby, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden offers a peaceful green retreat—especially breathtaking during cherry blossom season.

Akihabara

A paradise for manga, anime, and pop culture fans. Between electronics shops, maid cafés, and multi-story arcades, Akihabara is a full-immersion experience into Tokyo’s otaku world.

Ueno

I was lucky to visit Ueno during cherry blossom season in March. The park becomes a gathering place for families and friends celebrating hanami under the blooming sakura trees. The atmosphere is poetic and lively—truly unforgettable.

Asakusa

Here, Tokyo’s traditional side takes the spotlight. Sensō-ji Temple (the oldest in the city) welcomes visitors through the majestic Kaminarimon Gate and its giant red lantern. Nearby stalls on Nakamise-dori offer sweets, souvenirs, and fragrant incense.

Ginza

Tokyo’s most upscale district, where global luxury brands, futuristic architecture, and elegant department stores meet. Perfect for high-end shopping lovers and design enthusiasts alike.

Kyoto

In Kyoto, there is a living history in every corner.—Akira Kurosawa (anywhere)

Under the cherry blossoms of Kyoto, love feels eternal.

If Tokyo amazed me with its order and modernity, Kyoto felt like stepping into traditional Japan. As soon as we arrived, we were welcomed by the Kyoto Tower, visible from most of the city center — at night, glowing brightly, it felt like a beacon watching over the city.

One of the most enchanting places was the Gion district, famous for its geishas, beautifully preserved wooden houses, and the iconic Yasaka-no-To Pagoda, a five-story pagoda that rises gracefully above the rooftops. Walking here feels like time traveling. With a bit of luck, you might spot a real geisha on her way to a traditional teahouse. Otherwise, it’s quite common to see girls renting geisha outfits and taking photos among the cobbled streets and charming bridges. We

also visited Gion’s shrine on a rainy day, and the wet, lantern-lit streets created an almost magical atmosphere.

Not far from the center, we explored the lush Arashiyama Bamboo Grove—a surreal place where tall bamboo stalks sway in the wind and light filters down like a dream.

Strolling along the Shirakawa Canal, we spotted graceful herons nearby. With its calm waters, willow trees, and stone bridges, the whole area looked like a scene from an Edo-period woodblock print.

Kyoto is also about the details—like the traditional Japanese houses, with their low wooden structures, sliding doors, tiled roofs, and little lanterns glowing in the evening. Every corner deserves a photo.

To top it off, one quiet afternoon in Gion, we enjoyed the matcha tea ceremony, paired with delicious red bean mochi—a peaceful moment that captured the true essence of Kyoto.

Nara

One of the must-see stops on a trip to Japan is Nara, a former imperial capital that still preserves its authentic charm and a slower pace compared to the big cities. It’s easily reachable from Kyoto or Osaka, making it the perfect destination for a day trip—and although the visit might be brief, Nara leaves a lasting impression.

Nara is world-famous for its sacred deer, which roam freely through the vast Nara Park (Nara Kōen), a beautiful green space that includes temples, shrines, ponds, and scenic walking paths. These deer are considered divine messengers in the Shinto tradition and are protected and respected by all. They’re gentle, friendly, and surprisingly polite—when they see people approaching with special “shika senbei” (deer crackers sold at park stands), they bow to politely ask for a snack. It’s a heartwarming and unforgettable moment.

Strolling through the park, watching deer nap beneath blooming cherry trees, is already a poetic sight, but things become even more magical inside Kasuga Taisha Shrine, one of the most enchanting places in all of Japan. Surrounded by forest and adorned with hundreds of stone and bronze lanterns, this Shinto shrine offers a serene and spiritual atmosphere.

Watching the deer quietly wander between red torii gates, mossy paths, and lanterns cloaked in greenery is like stepping into a dream.

Nara blends nature, spirituality, and ancient culture in a rare and delicate harmony. Even in just a few hours, it has the power to transport you to a timeless world where people and animals live side by side in peace and mutual respect.

Osaka

Osaka is a city full of energy. With its towering skyscrapers, neon lights, and giant signs, it felt like the most “Americanized” city in Japan—and yet, its heart remains authentically Japanese. It’s a metropolis in motion, blending modernity, tradition, and pop culture in perfect harmony.

One of the city’s icons is Tsutenkaku Tower, located in the lively Shinsekai district. The area is buzzing with restaurants, arcades, and flashy billboards. Fun tip: While we were there, we saw some tourists trying to climb the tower… from the outside! (Spoiler: Not allowed.) The whole neighborhood feels like a living movie set, chaotic and wonderful.

Just a short walk away, Nipponbashi (Den Den Town) is heaven for manga and anime lovers. Shops here sell everything from rare figurines and collectibles to comics and vintage items. If you’re a fan, it’s nearly impossible to leave empty-handed.

But the beating heart of the city is definitely Dotonbori — one of Japan’s most iconic and photographed districts. With its famous Glico running man sign, giant restaurant displays (like the moving crab or takoyaki octopus), and the bright yellow Ferris wheel along the canal, this area is pure Osaka charm—especially at night when the lights reflect on the water.

A surprising stop was Namba Yasaka Shrine, known for its enormous lion’s head structure… or is it a dragon? Either way, its open mouth is both dramatic and symbolic—meant to bring good luck and ward off evil. It’s a peaceful, almost hidden gem in the middle of the city.

Another highlight was the stunning Osaka Castle, surrounded by a beautiful park filled with cherry trees and scenic bridges. Climbing to the top rewards you with a full 360° view of the city—a majestic landmark that holds centuries of history.

In Osaka, Japan’s love for manga is on full display. From adults reading comics on the train to stores dedicated to a single character, manga here is more than entertainment—it’s culture, art, and identity.

And, of course, there’s the food. Watching a sushi chef prepare your meal right in front of you and place it directly on the counter is both simple and deeply ritualistic. Everything is fresh and precise. Osaka is also famous for takoyaki and okonomiyaki—delicious street foods that capture the city’s lively spirit.