Day 1 – Touchdown in Tokyo & TeamLab Magic
Konnichiwa from Japan! 🇯🇵 Our adventure kicked off bright and early as I made my way from Townsville to Cairns, then jumped on our international flight to Tokyo. I wore my Gallivanter shirt (for easy spotting, of course), and soon started meeting fellow travellers — first Lyn, then Davida and Bill, and slowly the whole crew came together. There was a great buzz from the start.
After clearing customs in Tokyo, we were greeted by our Collette rep and split into two vans to head to our hotel. Let me just say, the lobby at the Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba is something else — the whole group walked in and we were hit with a chorus of “Wow!”
The next morning, I woke up early (thanks jet lag!) and took a sunrise walk to find the Statue of Liberty (yes, Tokyo has one), and then headed up to the 30th floor for sushi breakfast — easily one of the best meals of the trip. Then we were off to TeamLab Planets, where the magic really began.
TeamLab was absolutely mind-blowing — think glowing water, digital cherry blossoms and koi fish reacting to your every step, mirror rooms, squishy floor textures, and light tunnels that felt like another dimension. Everyone was wide-eyed, laughing, and just taking it all in.
Later, we tackled the Tokyo trains like pros and headed to a sumo demonstration (a bit late — my bad!), followed by a Kabuki performance. That part? Let’s just say it was… a shared experience. What made it great was how we all debriefed afterwards over drinks. It turned into a bonding moment, and I knew right then this was going to be an incredible group.
Day 2 – First Day of Touring – Temples, History & Takoyaki
Big day! Our official tour began with a welcome meeting. Everyone introduced themselves and shared what they were most excited for (spoiler: cherry blossoms came up a lot). Nobuko, our lovely guide, seemed just a tad worried about whether they’d be in bloom — no pressure!
We kicked off with a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. I’ve done one before, but this was far more elegant. The tea was much milder, and watching the master perform the ritual was truly calming. A great way to ease into our cultural immersion.
From there, we explored Sensoji Temple and Nakamise Dori — Tokyo’s oldest temple and its buzzing market street. It was packed with people but full of energy. I grabbed takoyaki (because of course) and some strawberry sweets, then bumped into part of our group at the ice cream stand — instant reunion.
The Tokyo National Museum was next — my first visit — and it was packed with fascinating artefacts. Afterward, I attempted a quick shopping mission across the road at Loft and a 100-yen shop (stationery heaven), then headed to our welcome dinner. The king crab legs were the star of the buffet (Ralph definitely enjoyed my share). We finished the night with drinks at the whiskey bar next door. A great way to start the journey.
Day 2 – First Day of Touring – Temples, History & Takoyaki
Big day! Our official tour began with a welcome meeting. Everyone introduced themselves and shared what they were most excited for (spoiler: cherry blossoms came up a lot). Nobuko, our lovely guide, seemed just a tad worried about whether they’d be in bloom — no pressure!
We kicked off with a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. I’ve done one before, but this was far more elegant. The tea was much milder, and watching the master perform the ritual was truly calming. A great way to ease into our cultural immersion.
From there, we explored Sensoji Temple and Nakamise Dori — Tokyo’s oldest temple and its buzzing market street. It was packed with people but full of energy. I grabbed takoyaki (because of course) and some strawberry sweets, then bumped into part of our group at the ice cream stand — instant reunion.
The Tokyo National Museum was next — my first visit — and it was packed with fascinating artefacts. Afterward, I attempted a quick shopping mission across the road at Loft and a 100-yen shop (stationery heaven), then headed to our welcome dinner. The king crab legs were the star of the buffet (Ralph definitely enjoyed my share). We finished the night with drinks at the whiskey bar next door. A great way to start the journey.
Day 3 – Scrambles, Stationery & Nomihodai Nights
Started the day right (again) with sushi breakfast on the 30th floor — I swear it just keeps getting better. Then we hit the road for some Tokyo sightseeing: first stop, the Imperial Palace. We admired the iconic bridges and the samurai statue before heading to Ginza.
Now, Ginza is known for upscale shopping, but I found my version of heaven — Itoya, the 7-storey stationery store. I spent so long there I skipped lunch. No regrets.
Then we headed to Meiji Shrine and lucked out — we witnessed a traditional Japanese wedding! The energy was amazing. A bunch of us peeled off after the shrine and headed to Shibuya. We actually timed it perfectly and saw our tour bus drive through the crossing — we waved, they waved, it was one of those silly, fun moments.
Feeling hungry and slightly hangry, I led the charge to a gyoza restaurant offering Nomihodai — all-you-can-drink. Let’s just say… the vibes were high. From there it was vintage shopping, a lost wallet moment (found instantly — because Japan), and an epic karaoke session. What a night.
Day 4 – Cable Cars, Black Eggs & Onsen Heaven
We waved goodbye to Tokyo today and headed into the mountains toward Hakone. It didn’t take long to feel like we were in another world. We hopped on a cable car that took us over sulfur-spewing volcanic valleys. The smell? Not great. The view? Unbelievable.
At the top, we tried the famous black eggs (boiled in hot spring water, they turn black from the minerals). Legend says eating one adds seven years to your life — so naturally I had two.
Then we cruised across Lake Ashi on a pirate-style ferry with swings on deck (yes, really), took in views of the Hakone Shrine, and enjoyed the cool mountain air.
Back at the hotel — which was stunning — we had time to unwind before dinner. Some went to the onsen (natural hot spring baths), and let me tell you, this one was top tier. Indoor and outdoor pools, massage chairs, icy poles. Perfection.
We wrapped the day with a fancy French dinner and a low-key bar catch-up. I handed out Tim Tams (big hit), and we all agreed: this was the Japan we dreamed of.
Day 5 – Fuji Appears & Sake Surprises in Takayama
This morning? Absolutely unforgettable. I nearly missed breakfast because Mt Fuji decided to show up — crystal clear, snowcapped, and majestic. Everyone ran to their windows or out to the gardens to soak it in. We’d waited days for this view, and it did not disappoint 🗻✨.
We hit the road again, heading toward the mountain towns of Matsumoto and Takayama. Along the way, we stopped at Matsumoto Castle — a black-and-white samurai fortress that looks like it stepped out of a movie. We even saw our first proper cherry blossoms mixed with plum trees.
In Takayama, things just kept getting better. We toured a sake brewery and did tastings for 100 yen a shot (roughly $1!). I’m not usually a sake guy, but the Yuzu sake may have converted me.
Dinner that night? Hida beef that melted in your mouth. We sat in stunned silence chewing — that good. Of course, I ended the evening with another visit to the onsen (have I mentioned how much I love Japan’s baths?). A perfect end to a magical day.
Day 6 – Samurai Houses & Yukata Shenanigans
Takayama quickly became one of my favourite stops. The day started with the most Japanese breakfast yet — grilled fish, pickles, miso soup, and side dishes I couldn’t name but absolutely loved. We were all quietly living our best lives.
Our first visit was to a beautifully preserved Shogun house. Walking through felt like stepping into a samurai drama — tatami mats, sliding doors, low ceilings (I hit my head… again). Then it was on to the morning markets by the river — local produce, handcrafts, and just the right amount of chaos. I picked up some snacks and — surprise! — more stationery.
That night? We all dressed in yukatas for a traditional dinner. And I mean everyone — Nobuko said we were the first group she’d had where everyone participated. It was such a vibe. We ate a multi-course meal sitting on floor mats, then Nobuko gave us a lesson in traditional Japanese dancing… which turned into a full-on dance party. Later, I wandered past a mini nomikai happening in our hallway and joined in for a while. Just a wholesome, joy-filled night.
Day 7 – Snowball Fights & Gold Leaf Toilets
Saying goodbye to Takayama was tough — I could’ve stayed another week — but our next stop was just as cool. Literally. We rolled into Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO-listed village still blanketed in snow. The thatched roof houses looked like something out of a fairy tale.
We crossed a suspension bridge, wandered around the village, and of course, had a snowball fight like the mature adults we are. I also grabbed an ice cream, because… snow and ice cream go together, right?
Next, we arrived in Kanazawa. After lunch (I cried actual tears of joy over the tonkatsu), we visited the Higashi Chaya Geisha District — full of old-world charm and, randomly, golf balls covered in gold leaf (Pam loved that). We even toured a gold-leaf workshop where the women’s bathroom was fully coated in gold leaf, and the men’s in platinum — only in Japan.
We ended the day at Kenrokuen Garden, one of the top three gardens in Japan. And finally — finally — cherry blossoms in full bloom! Everyone was glowing. That evening I grabbed pizza with Ralph and called it an early night. The vibes were immaculate.
Day 8 – Gold Leaf & Peaceful Pink Blossoms
This day technically started at 1 AM with a call from Nobuko — Bill had to go to the hospital. I rushed down, helped with insurance details, and joined the crew at the eerily silent, spotless hospital. Thankfully, he was okay — just a precaution. We were back in bed by 4 AM. What a start.
Despite the rocky morning, I was back up for breakfast and ready for a rainy day of sightseeing. First up, a preserved samurai house. The rain made everything feel cinematic — quiet streets, glistening wooden walls, soft pink petals clinging to stone paths.
Next, we did a gold-leaf lacquer box workshop. It was soothing and creative, and everyone got into it. Some masterpieces emerged, some… happy accidents 😅
After a scenic cherry blossom drive, I finally mailed home some of my many, many purchases (goodbye, overloaded suitcase). Dinner was a simple conbini meal in my room — the quiet I needed after a long, beautiful, emotional day.
Day 9 – Corn Pizza & the Bullet Train to Kyoto
We left Kanazawa today and hit the road toward Kyoto. The weather was calm, the views from the bus beautiful, and everyone had that quiet “we’re in the flow now” energy.
For lunch, we stopped at a service station and I made an elite choice: Japanese Macca’s. I grabbed a Happy Meal (don’t judge) because they had a limited-edition Doraemon toy. Instead of chips, I got edamame and corn, paired with Shaka Shaka Chicken (why don’t we have this in Australia?!) and a seasonal strawberry daifuku pie. A+ combo.
After we checked in at the stunning Nikko Princess Hotel Kyoto (seriously, there’s a koi pond under the staircase), we had a bit of downtime before heading out to dinner. But first… I introduced some of the group to the ultimate guilty pleasure: corn and mayonnaise pizza from a Japanese-Italian chain called Saizeriya. It sounds wrong — I know — but it works. Lyn was skeptical at first… and then converted 😆
Dinner that night was a hands-on cooking class in a traditional Kyoto townhouse. We learned how to make dashi from kombu and bonito flakes, turned that into sushi rice, miso soup, and rolled our own sushi. Our host — a lively Japanese grandmother — was hilarious and full of warmth. We even folded origami cranes to take to the Peace Park in Hiroshima. A delicious, heartfelt, wholesome evening that blended food, culture, and connection.
Day 10 – Hiroshima & Miyajima – A Day of Emotion & Reflection
Today was heavy, but so meaningful. We took the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Hiroshima and hopped a ferry to Miyajima. The floating torii gate was majestic, and deer wandered freely like locals. We had time to explore, grab lunch, and just soak it all in.
Then came the Peace Park and Museum. It’s hard to put into words — sombre, powerful, quiet. Everyone instinctively lowered their voices. We donated our paper cranes, stood by the eternal flame, and wandered through the museum’s harrowing stories.
Afterwards, under full-bloom cherry trees, we took a collective breath. There was something healing about standing there, surrounded by beauty, after witnessing so much history and pain.
We returned by bullet train, and I ate a bento box while watching Japan blur by at 300 km/h. A quiet, thoughtful end to one of the most profound days of the trip.
Day 12 – Castles, Stencils & Kimono Glam
After yesterday’s dreamy night, I accidentally slept through breakfast — straight onto the bus for Nijo Castle. Beautiful and very different from the shrines and temples we’d seen. Gardens in full bloom, and I finally got more Takoyaki (breakfast of champions).
Then came one of my favourite experiences — traditional Yuzen stencil dyeing. Think mindful painting meets Japanese craft. I was in the zone.
Later, I joined a group doing a kimono experience. Everyone looked stunning! We wandered cherry blossom-lined alleys, took dozens of photos, and just soaked it in. That evening, we wrapped up the trip with a five-course dinner and a performance from a real Maiko (Geisha in training). Nobuko even led us in one last dance — and everyone joined in. Laughter, tears, hugs, and gratitude all around. A magical farewell.
Day 11 – Golden Temples
Today was a choose-your-own-adventure kind of day. We began with Kinkakuji — the Golden Pavilion — shimmering perfectly in the water like it was photoshopped into real life. Then the group split up, and I found myself back at Don Quijote (yes, again), and then at Saizeriya, a Japanese-Italian chain restaurant.
Later we regrouped for the TeamLab Botanical Garden in Osaka — just, wow. Glowing light installations interacted with our movement and breath. Cherry blossoms lit up like fairy lights. It was surreal, magical, and a total trip highlight. We grabbed a cheap donburi dinner and rode the train back to Kyoto with full hearts (and full bellies). Perfect day.
Day 13 – Goodbyes, Bullet Trains & One Last Okonomiyaki
The bittersweet final day. After breakfast, I handed out little Japanese snack packs for the journey home and helped everyone with their departures. We sang happy birthday to Justin before he left. Barb and Ralph jumped on the bullet train back to Tokyo — and even met up with Dan and Michelle at the Qantas Lounge later that day!
Those of us heading to Osaka caught the train and checked into the elegant Monterey Le Frere. The final afternoon was low-key. I mailed home (more) stuff, then wandered to the Osaka Aquarium — beautiful, peaceful, and oddly perfect for reflecting on the trip.
We spotted a Ponant ship in port (cruise radar: on), and I ended my night with a sizzling plate of Osaka-style okonomiyaki — the perfect farewell meal. This trip had everything — laughter, beauty, culture, chaos, calm — and I’ll carry it with me forever. ✨🇯🇵
