Tessa discovers dreamy Japan

In November 2025, Tessa fulfilled a lifelong dream during what was the most incredible two weeks in Japan. There were grand, dazzling sights and tranquil, sacred temples, delicious food and sensational views, and plenty more…

“It felt like stepping into multiple worlds in one trip. My stay kicked off in dynamic and iconic Tokyo, where I stayed at the Park Hotel – undoubtedly one of the most colourful and vibrant hotels I’ve ever visited. The lobby is on the 25th floor so you’re already looking out over the unbelievable Tokyo skyline from the moment you arrive. The hotel itself is filled with art, from rotating installations in the lobby to an entire floor where every room is decorated by a different Japanese artist!”

“The Park Hotel’s location was perfect too with direct access to the subway. Tokyo is like entering a living contrast. Neon-soaked nights in Shinjuku, quiet corners in Asakusa, old wooden houses tucked between skyscrapers, and steaming bowls of amazing Japanese food in tiny neighbourhood izakayas. I did a variety of tours including a visit to the Tokyo Skytree – where you can see the city stretching out forever, learned about sumo at Ryogoku and got lost in the digital dreamscape of TeamLab Planets.”

“I also had the chance to explore Asakusa and Tokyo’s more traditional side. Sensoji Temple is full of colour and life, and Nakamise Street is lined with stalls selling snacks and souvenirs that the temple has offered for centuries. We took a water bus down the river, with great skyline views, before heading into Hamarikyu Gardens for matcha in a teahouse in the middle of the lake. We also explored the Tsukiji Fish Market, a perfect stop for the freshest sushi lunch and took part in crossing the road at Shibuya Crossing!”

“After three nights in Tokyo, I took the Romancecar train to Hakone. And suddenly, everything slowed down. I stayed at Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu, which might be the most peaceful place I’ve ever been. My room had its own private open-air onsen, where I relaxed and looked out at the beautiful Autumn foliage (one of the many perks of visiting Japan in November).”

“Hakone was full of highlights. I had a day to explore on my own and went on a boat cruise across Lake Ashi where I saw the Hakone shrine. On a good day, you can see Mount Fuji, but unfortunately it was too cloudy when I was there. I also took the ropeway over Owakudani Valley where the earth literally steams around you – here I sampled one of their famous black eggs too! I then visited the Open-Air Museum with incredible sculptures against a mountain backdrop and a wonderful Picasso exhibition. I ended my day out with time in my private onsen…”

“Next, I travelled by the aptly-named bullet train to Kyoto, Japan’s beautiful bygone capital, which is pure magic. Everywhere you turn there are temples, shrines, tiny streets lined with old wooden houses, and lantern lit lanes in Gion where you might see a geisha slipping by – I was lucky enough to see one of them on my last night!

“I explored the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine with its thousands of vermillion torii gates. It was magical walking through that area and a dream come true for me. The next day, I had a Samurai experience, which consisted of wearing traditional Samurai clothing, learning real sword forms, wielding an actual katana to slice a goza mat, and finishing with zen meditation.”

“Kyoto’s food scene was another huge highlight. I spent time wandering Nishiki Market, sampling snacks and tiny treats between the stalls. I spent the rest of the day touring Kyoto, where we visited Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion (which really does glow in the sunlight!), Ryoanji’s meditative and mystery-filled rock garden, and Kitano Tenmangu Temple.”

“I also took a day trip to Nara, where you can wander among over a thousand friendly deer that bow for treats. Todaiji Temple is amazing too. The scale of it, and the giant Buddha inside, is really special to see. Kasuga Taisha Shrine, with its endless lanterns, felt like wandering through a sacred, softly glowing forest.”

“My favourite day in Kyoto might have been heading west to Arashiyama. The Bamboo Grove swaying high above us, seeing the famous Japanese snow monkeys, the serene Tenryuji Temple, and cycling through the rural landscape was incredible. The day ended with a private tea ceremony, learning about every graceful movement that goes into preparing matcha. It was such a unique and fascinating experience. Here I learned the phrase, Ichi-go ichi-e, a profound Japanese concept meaning ‘one time, one meeting’.”

“From Kyoto, I caught the bullet train again, this time heading west to Hiroshima. My hotel was a short walk from the Peace Memorial Park and visiting the museum was deeply moving. It’s the sort of experience that stays with you, offering both sorrow and hope. Hiroshima Castle, beautifully reconstructed, added another layer to the city’s story of resilience.”

“The next day was a day trip across to Miyajima, which felt like stepping into a postcard. The floating torii gate truly is as beautiful as everyone says, especially when the tide is high. I explored Itsukushima Shrine, walked through maple-filled parks, took the ropeway up Mount Misen for incredible views and visited Daisho-in Temple. I tried the famous maple-leaf-shaped cakes too, which are delicious!”

“Finally, I was transferred to Hiroshima Airport for my journey home, feeling so grateful! Everything about Japan exceeded my expectations and I already want to return to explore more of the country!”

Fancy doing a similar thing? Take a look at Tessa’s full trip to Japan or start building your own from scratch.