Japan is the destination on everyone’s radar right now.

After helping so many clients plan their dream trips there, I knew it was finally time to see it for myself. From the buzzing streets of Tokyo to a relaxing Princess cruise and the magic of Tokyo Disney — it absolutely lived up to the hype!

Whether you’re after history, culture, quirky surprises or unforgettable entertainment, Japan delivers it all (and then some).

First Stop: Tokyo — Big City Energy & Hidden Gems

I based myself in Akasaka, a fantastic spot with great local food and easy access to Tokyo’s incredible train system. The city is a beautiful contradiction — ultra-modern skyscrapers sitting beside peaceful shrines, all buzzing with energy but spotlessly clean and wonderfully safe.

Some of my Tokyo highlights included:

• Gotokuji Temple (The Lucky Cat Temple): A calm little haven believed to be the birthplace of the famous maneki-neko (beckoning cat). The temple grounds are filled with hundreds of lucky cat statues, and even the train to get there is cat-themed — so cute!
• Eki Stamp Collecting: A fun and totally unique part of travel in Japan is collecting Eki stamps — beautifully designed rubber stamps found at nearly every train station, tourist attraction, and port. I made it a mission to collect them throughout the trip, and even the Diamond Princess cruise ship had its own stamp onboard! It’s such a great (and free!) souvenir.
• Harajuku & Shibuya Crossing: A sensory overload of fashion, food, and fun. Perfect for people-watching and snapping iconic Tokyo photos.
• Cup Noodles Museum in Yokohama: This quirky and hands-on museum was such a fun          surprise. You can learn the history of instant noodles, see the wild flavours from around the            world, and even design your own Cup Noodles to take home. It’s fun for all ages.

Tokyo makes it easy to explore with efficient public transport, kind locals, and so many discoveries waiting around every corner.

Cruising with Princess – The Easiest Way to Explore Japan (and South Korea!)

After my Tokyo city fix, I boarded the Diamond Princess — and what an incredible way to see more of Japan. One of the biggest perks of cruising? You only unpack once, but get to visit multiple destinations without the stress of repacking or changing hotels.

Here are just some of the amazing places we visited:

• Hiroshima – A powerful and moving stop, especially at the Peace Memorial Park
• Nagasaki – A port city full of charm and cultural depth
• Kochi – Relaxed and local, with great markets and a stunning castle
• Shimizu – The gateway to stunning Mt. Fuji views
• Busan, South Korea – A surprise international bonus! Incredible street food and vibrant city life

Each port offered something completely different — from history and local flavours to natural beauty and cultural insights. Princess Cruises took care of everything onboard, and I even managed to collect Eki stamps at each port, adding a fun travel challenge to each day.

Disney Dreams Come True: Tokyo Disneyland & DisneySea

Of course, I couldn’t visit Japan without stopping at Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea — and I can now confidently say they’re unlike any other Disney parks in the world.

Even though everything is in Japanese, the magic is universal. The attention to detail, the theming, and the cast member hospitality make the entire experience feel extra special.

Here are my favourite moments:

• Fantasy Springs at Tokyo DisneySea: This brand-new land features Frozen, Tangled, and Peter Pan-themed areas — it’s visually stunning and feels like you’ve stepped into the movies.
• Beauty and the Beast Ride at Disneyland: A one-of-a-kind, trackless ride that dances you through Beast’s enchanted castle. It’s breathtaking and totally unique to Japan!
• Themed Snacks & Popcorn Buckets: Japan’s Disney parks are famous for their quirky and delicious food options. From alien mochi to seasonal popcorn buckets, it’s foodie heaven.
• Disney Style: Locals dress up in the cutest, coordinated outfits — it’s half the fun just seeing what everyone’s wearing!

If you’re a Disney lover (or just a fan of amazing theme parks), both parks are a must. My advice? Plan for one full day at each and book your tickets in advance — they’re extremely popular with locals and tourists alike.

Final Thoughts: Japan Really Has It All

Japan truly has something for every type of traveller — foodies, culture lovers, families, solo adventurers, cruise fans, and theme park addicts. My trip was the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and magic.

Between lucky cats, scenic cruising, delicious eats, and Mickey Mouse moments, I came home with memories (and Eki stamps!) I’ll treasure forever.

Planning Your Own Japan Adventure?
Whether you’re dreaming of temples, trains, cruises, or castles, I’d love to help you create your perfect itinerary — with personal insights, tips, and first-hand experience. Let’s make your Japan trip just as unforgettable.

Contact me today to start planning!