Cherry Blossoms, Shinkansen, and Ramen
Duration: 2 weeks
Cities: Osaka, Tokyo, Hiroshima, Kyoto
Miles Travelled: 9,000
Japan in spring is pure magic. Spring felt like a moment suspended in time. The cherry blossoms were at their peak, casting a soft pink glow over temple roofs and narrow cobblestone lanes. As I strolled along the Philosopher’s Path, a gentle spring breeze wound through the sakura trees, lifting the petals into the air like confetti in slow motion. It was cool but not cold — refreshing, like a soft exhale from the earth itself. The wind carried the faint, sweet scent of the blossoms and brushed lightly against my skin, almost like a whisper of silk. Petals landed on my shoulders and drifted into the canal beside me, turning the water into a moving painting. It was peaceful, nostalgic, and utterly dreamlike.
- Culture 90%
- Food 80%
- Transportation 100%
- People 100%
“The most precious thing in life is its uncertainty.”
— Yoshida Kenkō, Tsurezuregusa (Essays in Idleness)
Hiroshima
Visiting Hiroshima was one of the most profound and emotionally stirring experiences of my trip. While Japan dazzled me with its beauty, culture, and cuisine, Hiroshima touched something deeper — a quiet place in the soul where history, sorrow, and hope meet. Walking through Peace Memorial Park, I was surrounded by a powerful stillness. The A-Bomb Dome stood as a haunting silhouette against the sky, a stark reminder of the devastation that occurred in 1945. Yet, around it, cherry trees bloomed and children played — life continuing, defiantly and beautifully.
“Let us dream of evanescence, and linger in the beautiful foolishness of things.”
— Kakuzō Okakura, The Book of Tea
Best Food & Drink
1. Ramen
Ramen in Japan is more than just a meal — it’s a soulful experience, with each bowl offering a unique balance of rich broth, springy noodles, and carefully crafted toppings. From smoky tonkotsu in Fukuoka to delicate shoyu in Tokyo, every slurp tells a story of regional flavor and culinary devotion.
2. Matcha Ice Cream
Green matcha ice cream is a creamy, earthy delight that perfectly balances sweetness with the subtle bitterness of finely ground green tea.
3. Cotton Cheesecake
Japanese cheesecake is light, airy, and melt-in-your-mouth soft — more like a cloud than a cake. Its gentle sweetness and fluffy texture make it a delicate, elegant treat that’s impossible to resist.
Deer Garden Temple, Kyoto
Universal Studios, Osaka
Osaka Castle, Osaka
Moomin Bakery & Cafe, Tokyo
Moomin Bakery & Cafe, Tokyo
Moomin Bakery & Cafe, Tokyo
Family Time, Japan
Family Time, Japan
