Wandering Hearts: Ajaykumar Shah’s Japan Trip Review with Thrillophilia
Japan had been on my wife’s bucket list for years. So when March 2025 rolled around and we finally had the chance to go, I didn’t think twice. I wanted this trip to be perfect for her. We booked it through Thrillophilia, and honestly, they made things so smooth right from the beginning. Every little detail felt well-planned, and we could just focus on enjoying the experience together.
Deepshikha, our tour coordinator, was the backbone of our journey. Her support and responsiveness made everything smooth. It was comforting to know that someone was always there, a message away, especially in a foreign land.
Our Japan trip began when we landed in Tokyo. After a long day of travel, we were both a bit worn out, but the excitement of being in Japan kept us going.
Mountains and Moments
The following morning, we headed for one of the highlights of our journey - Mount Fuji. As we drove through winding roads with scenic views, I held my wife’s hand and felt grateful for this shared adventure. Our first stop was Lake Kawaguchiko, where the still water mirrored Mount Fuji beautifully. We took a quiet boat ride and let the peace of the lake calm our tired minds.
At Oishi Park, we were greeted by rows of blooming flowers swaying in the breeze. The fresh scent of spring and the view of Mount Fuji in the distance made it a moment to remember. She smiled at the sight of the blossoms, and I caught myself just watching her. Isn’t it how nature brings out the most peaceful version of people?
We also visited Oshino Hakkai, which was a set of eight ponds. It was so clear that you could see the bottom like glass. Then, we climbed up to Arakurayama Sengen Park, where the tall Chureito Pagoda was surrounded by cherry blossoms and Mt. Fuji in the distance. I will never forget that view, as it was magnificent.
Gotemba Outlets gave a modern twist to our day. We picked up souvenirs, a warm scarf for her and a vintage watch for me, and then made a stop at Fuji Sengen Shrine. There, we lit a candle and said a small prayer of gratitude.
Tokyo’s Rhythm and a Pendant of Promise
On the third day, Tokyo revealed itself in front of us like a vibrant canvas. We started at the Sensoji Temple, where I quietly bought a small pendant for my wife, which was a charm for health and happiness. I slipped it into my pocket and saved it for the right moment.
From Meiji Jingu Shrine to the futuristic vibe of Odaiba Park, we experienced a beautiful contrast of old and new. Shibuya Crossing was an organised chaos we loved being part of, and the Tsukiji Fish Market had the freshest sushi we had ever tasted.
At the Tokyo Tower, with the city lights just beginning to twinkle below us, I handed her the pendant. “For the journey ahead,” I said.
She looked at me and said, “You always know how to make everything special.”
We ended the day at Tokyo Skytree, where we watched the sunset over the skyline that transformed the city into hues of orange and gold.
A Touch of Magic and a Trail of Waterfalls
Day four brought us to TeamLab Planets, which was a surreal space of digital art and sensory wonder. We walked barefoot through water-filled rooms and were immersed in light, mirrors, and music.
From there, we went to the Shibuya Sky observation deck, where the city spread endlessly beneath us. We stood silently, hand in hand, and let the moment wrap around us.
The next day, we joined a guided tour to Nikko to explore nature and spirituality. On the tour, the Kirifuri Waterfall roared gently in the background as we sat together on a rock with the mist touching our faces.
Moreover, Nikkō Tōshō-gū Shrine dazzled with its golden carvings, and the red Shinkyo Bridge arched over still water. Chuzenji Lake was a mirror to the mountains, while Kegon Falls thundered down with power and grace.
At Rinno-ji Temple, we burned incense and bowed our heads. The silence there was full of meaning.
A Journey on Rails and Through Time
On the sixth day, we boarded the Shinkansen to Osaka. The bullet train felt like a spaceship as it was so smooth and fast. We watched the countryside pass by and felt like travellers from the future.
The next day, we travelled to Kyoto and Nara. Nara Park was a delight with its free-roaming deer. One nudged my wife playfully, and she burst into laughter.
Todai-ji Temple was awe-inspiring as its massive Buddha statue was both powerful and serene. In Kyoto, we wandered through the green tunnels of the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
We strolled in a Zen garden at Tenryu-ji Temple, and its stillness around us matched the calm within. Kinkaku-ji glimmered in the sunlight, with its reflection dancing on the water below. We ended the day walking through the crimson gates of Fushimi Inari.
Kobe Charms and the Quiet Joy of Doing Nothing
Kobe was our eighth day’s exploration, starting with the serene views at Kobe Port. We watched ships sail in and out and imagined the stories each one carried.
At the Kobe Animal Kingdom, we laughed like kids at the antics of penguins and marvelled at tropical birds and friendly kangaroos. Kitano Ijinkan-Gai felt like a stroll through Europe, with its Western-style houses rich in history.
We kept the ninth day free as we just wanted the joy of being in a new city with the love of my life. We walked through Osaka’s shopping streets, tried new flavours, and picked up a few quirky souvenirs.
Among them was a fridge magnet of Mt. Fuji. “To remind us,” she said, “of what it felt like to stand in its shadow.”
Read More: Thrillophilia Japan Reviews