Are you a fan of manga or the Land of the Rising Sun? Then Japan is the place for you.

Japan was one of those destinations I’d been dreaming of visiting for a long time. With its fascinating culture, its traditions that are still very much alive, its futuristic cities and its unique atmosphere, this country had everything to intrigue me.

With the growing craze for Japan, I thought the time was perfect to set off and explore it. And right from the moment I arrived, the trip got off to a spectacular start: just before landing, I was lucky enough to catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji from the plane, in all its splendour. A magical, almost surreal moment that will remain engraved in my memory for a long time to come.

Once there, I also discovered a Japan that was sometimes different from the image we might form of it through social media. Calmer, more organised, but also full of contrasts and surprises.

A country of impressive cleanliness

One of the first things that struck me about Japan was how clean it is. Whether on the streets, in stations, on public transport or in public places, everything is incredibly well maintained. And yet, there are very few bins in public spaces. You sometimes have to look for them, but that doesn’t stop the cities from staying clean.

I was also impressed by how well-organised the country is, especially when it comes to public transport. Everything runs on time, is calm and very well structured. Even in big cities like Tokyo, where there are huge crowds, everything seems to flow smoothly. This organisation reflects a genuine respect for the rules and for others in everyday life.

Between ancient traditions and futuristic cities

Japan really surprised me with its blend of tradition and modernity. On the one hand, there are temples, shrines and villages that tell the country’s history. On the other, cities like Tokyo impress with their skyscrapers, neon signs, bustling neighbourhoods and cutting-edge technology.

It is precisely this contrast that makes Japan so unique. You can go from a peaceful temple to an ultra-modern neighbourhood in just a few minutes.

Tokyo done differently: go-karting in the city centre

One of the most unique experiences of my trip was go-karting through the streets of Tokyo. Racing past iconic landmarks such as Shibuya Crossing, the Tokyo Tower and other well-known neighbourhoods, all whilst wearing a themed jumpsuit, was truly unforgettable.

I recommend doing this activity at the end of the day or in the early evening, when the city lights up. Tokyo at night has an incredible atmosphere, almost like something out of a film.

Shirakawa-go, a timeless retreat

Setting off from Kanazawa, I had the chance to go on a day trip to Shirakawa-go. This traditional village really made an impression on me with its tranquillity, authenticity and natural surroundings.

Encircled by mountains, with its traditional houses and peaceful atmosphere, Shirakawa-go offers a completely different side to Japan. After the hustle and bustle of the big cities, this stop did me a world of good.

Hiroshima and Miyajima: emotion and serenity

Hiroshima is a city that moved me deeply. A visit to the museum is very moving and helps you gain a better understanding of the city’s history, as well as the consequences of what happened there. It is an important stop on the journey, prompting reflection on remembrance, peace and the future.

Not far from there, Miyajima was another highlight of the trip. This magnificent island exudes a calm and natural atmosphere. I particularly enjoyed seeing the deer roaming freely. Being able to watch them from so close was a simple yet very special moment.

A touch of magic at DisneySea

For Disney fans, a visit to Disneyland or DisneySea is almost a must. Personally, I absolutely fell in love with DisneySea. The park is huge, incredibly immersive, with a variety of themed areas and plenty of attractions.

Although you don’t immediately sense the classic Disney atmosphere upon entering, the experience is truly unique. Once there, I almost felt like a rare Pokémon, as there were few foreign tourists. The Cast Members were extremely welcoming and greeted us with great enthusiasm, which made the day even more enjoyable.

An introduction to Japanese cuisine

This trip was also an opportunity to discover Japanese cuisine. I tried several specialities such as ramen, gyoza and fried rice. It’s another way of discovering the country’s culture, through its flavours and customs.

Although, to be honest, at one point I’d had so much of it that I could hardly stand the sight of rice any more! It was precisely then that I tried my first bowl of ramen, and it was a wonderful discovery.

Japan: a journey full of surprises

Japan is a destination unlike any other. With its modern cities, rich traditions, tranquil natural landscapes, unique experiences and culinary delights, every stop along the way holds a surprise.

It is a country that impresses, offers a complete change of scenery and encourages you to see things differently. Whether you’re a manga fan, passionate about Japanese culture or simply curious to discover a unique destination, Japan truly deserves its place on the list of once-in-a-lifetime trips.