THROWBACK SERIES: JAPAN

SPRING 2025: APRIL 3RD – APRIL 13TH

Day 1: Our journey to Japan began as we boarded Delta Flight #121 from Minneapolis–Saint Paul (MSP) en route to Tokyo Haneda Airport. Excitement buzzed through the group as we settled into our seats at 10:30 a.m., ready for the long-haul flight that would take us across the Pacific to a country rich in tradition, innovation, and natural beauty.

Day 2: We landed in Tokyo, greeted by the orderly bustle of Haneda Airport. After clearing customs, we were whisked away to our first stop: Tokyo Tower. Standing tall above the skyline, the bright orange and white structure gave us a stunning panoramic view of the sprawling metropolis. By late afternoon, we checked into the Shinagawa Prince Hotel, our home for the next few nights. Dinner was served at the hotel at 6:00 p.m.—a warm welcome with traditional Japanese cuisine that soothed our travel fatigue.

Day 3: Finally settled in and after a restful night’s sleep, we started our day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel. At 9:00 a.m., we headed to the East Garden of the Imperial Palace. The perfectly manicured grounds and ancient stone walls provided a peaceful glimpse into Japan’s royal heritage. Next, we visited the historic Asakusa Kannon Temple (Senso-ji), Tokyo’s oldest temple. Lanterns swayed gently in the breeze as we wandered through Nakamise Street, lined with stalls offering snacks and souvenirs. We had lunch nearby before embarking on a serene Sumida River Cruise in the afternoon. The city looked different from the water—quieter, more reflective. Afterward, we explored Akihabara, the electric town known for anime, gaming, and technology. In the early evening, we made our way to Chidori-ga-fuchi Park to admire the famous cherry blossoms. The soft pink petals floating down like snow created an ethereal end to our day. Dinner was again enjoyed at the hotel.

Day 4: Following a very eventful day in Tokyo, we ventured outside Tokyo to the mountain town of Nikko. After breakfast, we departed for the peaceful, forested hills. Our first stop was the Toshogu Shrine, a lavishly decorated UNESCO World Heritage Site dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu. Following a local lunch, we continued to the spectacular Kegon Waterfall. Cascading over 300 feet, it was a breathtaking sight. Next, we visited Lake Chuzenji, nestled in the mountains and offering mirror-like reflections of the surrounding peaks. Evening rolled in as we returned to the hotel for dinner, tired but inspired by the day’s natural wonders.

Day 5: On our fifth day, we journeyed to Hakone and the Mt. Fuji region. We set off after breakfast, arriving by midday at Owakudani Volcanic Valley. The smell of sulfur and the sight of steaming vents reminded us of Japan’s geologic dynamism. We even sampled the famous black eggs boiled in the valley’s hot springs, said to add years to one’s life. After a relaxing lunch, we returned to the hotel to rest.

Day 6: Day 6 was packed with iconic sights. We began with breakfast, then headed to Arakurayama Sengen Park. From its famed pagoda, we enjoyed an unmatched view of Mt. Fuji framed perfectly with cherry blossoms. Next, we boarded the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway, offering expansive views of Lake Kawaguchi and the majestic mountain. After lunch, we took a scenic Hakone Sightseeing Cruise, gliding across the waters under blue skies. By mid-afternoon, we boarded the bullet train to Osaka. Arriving later in the afternoon, we checked into the Moxy Hotel Osaka Honmachi and settled in for the night.

Day 7: Day 7 took us to the historical heart of Kyoto. After breakfast, we visited Fushimi Inari Taisha, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates winding through the forest. Next came lunch, followed by a visit to the Samurai and Ninja Museum, where we learned about the martial heritage of Japan and even tried on traditional attire. In the late afternoon, we admired the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji), shimmering in the sunlight above its reflecting pond. We returned to the hotel before heading out for dinner, enjoying local Kyoto delicacies.

Day 8: Our eighth day in Japan began early in the bustling city of Osaka. We boarded our tour bus, ready for a day rich in cultural immersion. Our first destination was Todai-ji Temple, located just outside Osaka in the city of Nara. The hour-long ride gave us a chance to gaze at the changing landscape—urban density gradually giving way to open parkland and historic architecture.

As we arrived at Todai-ji, we stepped through the great wooden gate of Nandaimon, we were greeted by the iconic guardian statues that seemed to watch over the temple grounds with ancient eyes. The scale of Todai-ji’s Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall) was awe-inspiring. Housing a massive bronze statue of the Buddha Vairocana, the temple radiated a spiritual calm. We stood in reverent silence before the towering figure, its presence both majestic and meditative. We departed for Kasuga-Taisha, a short drive away through the peaceful greenery of Nara Park. As we approached, the vibrant vermilion of the shrine’s buildings stood out vividly against the lush forest backdrop. Kasuga-Taisha is famed for its hundreds of bronze lanterns and stone pathways lined with moss-covered stone lanterns donated over centuries by worshippers. We strolled through the shrine complex slowly, taking in the quiet atmosphere and intricate details of the Shinto architecture. Occasionally, deer—considered messengers of the gods—wandered by, unbothered by our presence. It was a moment that felt suspended in time, blending the sacred and the natural in perfect harmony. By noon, it was time for lunch so we headed to a local restaurant near Nara Park, where we enjoyed a hearty meal of tempura, udon noodles, and fresh pickled vegetables. The flavors were comforting and familiar now—each bite a reminder of how deeply connected food and culture are in Japan.

We spent the afternoon wandering through Osaka, ducking in and out of quirky shops and game arcades, browsing through boutiques in the Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade, and sampling local street snacks like takoyaki (octopus balls), grilled squid, and fluffy Japanese cheesecakes. Every corner seemed to offer a new sensory experience. One moment we were admiring shopfronts filled with colorful souvenirs; the next, we were squeezing through alleys strung with paper lanterns and packed with ramen stalls.

By dinner time, we gathered for dinner in Dotonbori, choosing a well-reviewed izakaya tucked away on a side street. The place was cozy and lively, filled with locals and tourists alike. We toasted the day with cold glasses of Asahi beer and shared plates of sashimi, karaage (fried chicken), gyoza, and more takoyaki. The food was outstanding, but even more memorable was the conversation and camaraderie that had grown among us over the past week. We reflected on everything we had seen—the solemnity of temples, the excitement of the cities, and the quiet in-between moments that made the trip unforgettable. In just twelve hours, we had experienced the spiritual depth of ancient Japan and the electric charisma of contemporary Osaka. Day 8 had not only added to our itinerary but had deepened our understanding of Japan’s rich duality—its seamless ability to hold tradition and innovation in the same breath. It was a day none of us would soon forget.

Day 9: On Day 9, we said farewell to Osaka. After breakfast, we visited Osaka-jo Castle, an impressive structure surrounded by moats and gardens. By late morning, we boarded the Shinkansen once again for Tokyo, arriving at Tokyo Station in the afternoon. We ventured off to visit teamLab Planets Toyosu—a digital art museum where we immersed ourselves in dreamlike installations that responded to movement and sound. It was a fitting contrast to the historic and natural sites we had explored. That evening, we gathered for a farewell dinner at JoJoen, indulging in a delicious yakiniku (Japanese BBQ) meal while sharing memories and laughter from the trip.

Day 10 marked the end of our adventure. We spent the morning packing and relaxing before heading to the airport. We boarded our Delta Flight, homebound for Minneapolis. As the plane ascended, we looked down on the land that had welcomed us so graciously.

Reflecting on the journey, Japan had offered us a perfect blend of ancient culture, natural beauty, and futuristic marvels. From the serene shrines and cherry blossoms to the bustling cities and quiet countryside, every day had been a discovery. The memories we made would linger far beyond the return flight, rooted deeply like the timeless temples and mountains of Japan.