The Trip of a Lifetime

Japan has always been a destination that intrigued me—the perfect blend of ancient tradition and modern innovation, of serene temples and bustling cityscapes. This year, I had the incredible opportunity to experience it firsthand with my son, Ale, as we embarked on a journey through six incredible cities: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kobe, and Nagoya. Every step of the way, we were immersed in history, culture, and beauty, making this trip truly unforgettable.

We began our adventure in Tokyo, the city that never stops. From the neon lights to the peaceful gardens , Tokyo offered a fascinating contrast of past and future. We explored the ancient Sensō-ji Temple in Asakusa, where the towering Thunder Gate welcomed us into a world of incense, pagodas, and centuries-old traditions.

The flavours of sushi at Tsukiji Outer Market were divine. We arrived around 11:30 a.m. just in time for the lunch crowds. It was difficult to move as people were lined up to purchase foot at every stall. When in Tsukiji … we did the same and had some wonderful bites, including Tamagoyaki, just made, and piping hot! And yes, we did purchase strawberries – three colours: red, pink and white, and unanimously, the pink were our favourite.

One of the visits in Tokyo was Kappabashi Street, also known as Kitchen Town. This street is a paradise for culinary enthusiasts, filled with shops selling professional-grade kitchenware, including the famous Japanese knives. Of course we needed to visit as Ale was looking for a specific knife. We took our time admiring the craftsmanship of these precision tools, and I couldn’t resist bringing home a beautifully handcrafted knife—a perfect reminder of Japan’s dedication to quality and artistry. Beyond knives, Kappabashi also offered an array of beautiful bowls and plates, their intricate designs reflecting the elegance of Japanese tableware. The chopstick stores were a delight, offering everything from simple, everyday pairs to finely lacquered works of art. And the sheer scale of the huge pots and pans on display, some large enough to cook for an entire festival, was an experience in itself! We saw a store dedicated solely to selling brushes, of all kinds!

And a store that sold plastic food. By law, in Japan, the restaurants have to show exactly what you will get when you order with the price, and they are all made of plastic. There are also workshops where you can learn to make some plastic food. We had fun looking around and went in as the fish were incredibly real – as was the rest of the food – but it was quite pricey. So photos had to be enough!

Another memorable stop in Tokyo was a vintage kimono store, where I saw an exquisite collection of old kimonos. I was looking for small scraps of fabric, but they didn’t have what I was looking for. Despite that, among the treasures, I found my beloved kokeshi dolls, traditional wooden dolls with their distinct, hand-painted designs. Each one had its own personality, and I carefully selected a few to bring home as a cherished keepsake of our time in Japan.

In my next post I will share some of our experiences in Kyoto. Until I write again, stay happy,

Ana