Japan Day 10

It’s hard to believe it’s already been about 10 days in Japan, this trip is flying by.

Along the way, I’ll be sharing more focused stories (like Before Kobe: A Lesson in Umami), but these updates will give you a broader overview of the journey.

First Stop: Shibuya, Tokyo

I kicked things off in Shibuya, one of Tokyo’s most iconic wards—home to the famous Shibuya Crossing, where around 2,500 people cross every two minutes. It’s a rush of lights, movement, and energy.

Shibuya was the fast paced energy you see in the movies. I dove into street food, fried octopus, steaming bowls of ramen, sweet mochi and washed it down with plenty of cheap but great whiskey from the local izakayas (casual pubs that’s capacity of <10 people). It’s been a whirlwind of flavor and chaos in the best way.

Hot Springs & History in Hakone

After a few days of eating and exploring Tokyo, I made my way to Hakone. There, I soaked in an onsen—a traditional Japanese hot spring, naturally heated by nearby volcanic activity. It was the perfect break from the bustle.

While in the area, I visited Odawara Castle, my first Japanese castle of the trip. Walking the grounds felt like stepping into another era.

Kyoto: Temples, Tranquility, and Late Nights

Next up was Kyoto, a place I’d been looking forward to. Despite being home to 1.4 million people, locals still refer to it as a "small city." It has a slower, more thoughtful pace kind of felt like the Austin, Texas of Japan.

Days have mostly been spent wandering through countless temples and shrines, and nights are a blur of hostel bar crawls, drinking games, and swapping travel stories with other backpackers.

One of the highlights? Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine is a trail of red torii gates that seem to go on forever. Also, I stumbled into a coffee shop where you sip your latte while tiny micro pigs roam around your feet. Yes, it’s as weird and wonderful as it sounds.

A fellow traveler tipped me off about a nearby city called Nara, where wild deer roam freely through the streets during the day, bowing politely to humans in exchange for crackers. Apparently, they’ve learned the custom from locals, taking politeness to a new level. 

Now in Osaka

I’ve just arrived in Osaka and will be here for the next few days, with a day trip to Kobe planned for tomorrow. Can’t wait to share what I discover there, especially with a full stomach.

More to come soon!