Nihon kara kon’nichiwa! (Hello from Japan!) and welcome to our second blog post of Fuji To Fiji! Thank you to those that have read our first blog post (So Long London, But It’s Time To Go!) and if you haven’t already, you can check it out here.

We hope that you have been enjoying some of the stories we have been sharing over on Instagram. We’ll continue to capture what we get up to each day and of course share the beautiful sights we will see. If you follow us on Threads, we are sharing our in the moment thoughts and, over on TikTok, we will be sharing some of the more unique activities; keep an eye out for videos of our night out at TeamLabPlanets, our day in Tokyo DisneySea and our afternoon at the Mame Shiba café (basically small versions of Shiba dogs). They are the cutest!

We are in Japan until mid-March before departing to South Korea and we want to capture our first impressions of each country we visit (there will be 17 of them ahead!) whilst they are fresh in our memories. So with that being said, it’s been just over a week since we landed in Japan, and already, this country has left an unforgettable impression on us. We left one sprawling metropolis behind in London, and we found ourselves immersed in another - Tokyo. But while the two cities share a reputation for being urban giants, the contrasts couldn’t be starker. Now, as we make our way north to Hokkaido, the northernmost point of our Fuji To Fiji adventure, we’re reflecting on the contradictions, the cultural quirks, and the unforgettable moments that have already made the start of our adventure so special.

Tokyo: A City of Contradictions

Tokyo is a city that defies expectations and thrives on contradiction. It’s unlike any place we’ve experienced before. It’s chaotic and yet somehow meticulously organised. It’s fast-paced but serene, modern yet steeped in tradition. Skyscrapers light up the night like a futuristic dream, while tucked between them are centuries-old shrines where you’ll find locals stopping for quiet moments of reflection. The trains run like clockwork, yet the streets feel alive with spontaneity.

Walking through Shinjuku, we were struck by the sensory overload of neon signs, towering screens, and the endless hum of life. But wander a little farther, and you’ll stumble into a tranquil park or a hidden alley where the world slows down completely. Tokyo is loud and quiet, high-tech and deeply traditional, all at the same time.

The next moment, we’re in Asakusa, wandering the quiet grounds of Senso-ji Temple, incense wafting through the air, feeling like time has stood still. Asakusa was one of the highlights of our time in Tokyo and despite only visiting for a few hours it seemed to pack in a whole week worth of stories. The temple itself is breathtaking, but what made it even more memorable was the street food. Nakamise Street, the bustling approach to the temple, is lined with stalls selling everything from freshly made melon pan (sweet bread) to hot taiyaki (fish-shaped pastries filled with red bean or custard). We couldn’t resist sampling as much as we could. We tried curry pan, matcha ice cream, meat croquettes and melon pan itself! Each bite was a revelation, and we left feeling full and utterly content.

Them, while we were admiring the temple’s iconic red lantern, a group of schoolkids shyly approached us, giggling and clutching their phones. They wanted a photo with us — not an uncommon request for Western travellers in Japan, but their enthusiasm was infectious. We posed with them, and they bowed deeply, thanking us before running off, beaming.

Taking these photos reminded us of just how much photography has already become part of this trip. The red lanterns, the temple’s intricate architecture, and the colourful stalls demanded to be captured and you can view the reel we made over on Instagram. By the end of our first week, we’ve already taken over 1,500 photos — everything from cityscapes to tiny details like our poor attempt at food vlogging (but you haven’t seen that yet!). If we keep this pace, we’re on track to take over 75,000 photos by the end of the year! It’s both exciting and daunting, but with so much beauty around every corner, how can we resist?

Jet Lag, Brit Pop, and Warm Welcomes

Our first few days were a haze of jet lag. Japan is nine hours ahead of the UK, and it took some time to adjust to the new rhythm of life. Early mornings felt too early, and evenings were a battle to stay awake. However, those early mornings gave us the chance to explore Tokyo as it was just waking up, streets quiet and bathed in soft light and, if anything, the strangeness of those first few days made the experience even more memorable.

On our first night, forcing ourselves to stay awake, we ventured into a tiny izakaya tucked away in an unassuming alley near our hotel. The chef greeted us with the kind of warmth that instantly made us feel at home. He approached us as we had finished our meal and despite the language barrier (he was making excellent use of Google Translate), we bonded over our shared love of British pop music. He was particularly impressed by Scott’s use of chopsticks (very surprising!) but also Scott’s pronunciation of Japanese - years of working for a Japanese bank have helped! Despite, being absolutely exhausted, this was a warm, unexpected moment that set the tone for the rest of the week.

The Majesty of Mt. Fuji

Our journey to Mt. Fuji began in the chaos of Shinjuku Station, the world’s busiest transport hub. Navigating the maze of platforms and ticket counters, we quickly discovered that buses to Mt Fuji were completely sold out for the day, and train seats required reservations. It was a scramble — one of those moments where travel tests your patience and adaptability. Eventually, we managed to secure our bus tickets for a different day, but the experience was a humbling reminder; while we want to embrace spontaneity on our Fuji to Fiji adventure, planning for the big moments is going to be essential. Our Day 1 lesson made our eventual visit to Mt Fuji a few days later, in all its clear, majestic glory, feel even sweeter.

When we eventually stood before the majestic Mt Fuji, its snow-capped peak piercing the crisp January sky, it felt like stepping into a painting — it was an awe-inspiring contrast to the bustling energy of Tokyo we had just left behind for the day. We spent hours marvelling at its beauty, appreciating the sense of calm it evoked amidst our whirlwind days in Tokyo. It was a reminder of why we came here — to experience the balance of Japan’s urban energy and natural tranquillity.

It was also the starting point of our Fuji to Fiji adventure, a moment that felt symbolic; like the calm before the journey ahead. Luck was on our side, gifting us a rare, clear view of Japan’s most iconic mountain — a sight that lingered in our minds long after we left. It was, without question, the highlight of our week and a breathtaking beginning to the adventure of a lifetime as we venture across 17 countries.

Cultural Differences: A Study in Precision

Japan’s cultural nuances have been fascinating to observe. Coming from the UK, where people often rely on polite vagueness, the precision here stands out. From the bowing greetings to the way trains arrive to the second, there’s a meticulousness to everything. Even the chaos of Tokyo feels choreographed, with its pedestrian crossings like perfectly timed performances.

Then there’s the silence. In a city as vast as Tokyo, you’d expect the same constant chatter and noise of London, but there’s a remarkable quiet here, even on packed trains. It’s a stark contrast to the casual conversations you’d hear back home, and it’s something we’ve grown to respect and appreciate in this short time.

A Feast for the Senses: Food Stories

Japan has been a culinary revelation. We always knew it would, all the blogs, vlogs and social media browsing has had us excited for the food for months, but every meal feels like an event, whether it’s a steaming bowl of ramen down a bustling alley or a carefully crafted bento box picked up from a convenience store.

Being the meal that Ash was most looking forward to, ramen was one of our first meals - rich, comforting, and so full of flavour that we couldn’t help but sit in silence, savouring each bite. It also could have been the jet lag… we’ll leave that to you to decide. We’ve sampled Japanese curry, which is somehow both familiar and unlike anything we’ve had before: thick, hearty, and served with perfectly cooked rice.

One evening, we ventured to Omoide Yokocho, also known as Memory Lane, a narrow network of streets packed with tiny food stalls and smoky aromas. It’s a throwback to post-war Japan, and the atmosphere is buzzing, with people huddled together over grilled skewers and cold beers. We sat shoulder-to-shoulder with strangers, sharing yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) and steaming bowls of miso soup. There was something magical about the simplicity of the food paired with the conviviality of the place.

Even the fast food here is extraordinary. We couldn’t resist trying a teriyaki burger from McDonald’s, which put any fast food back home to shame. And let’s not forget the convenience stores or ‘konbini’ as they are called in Japan - absolute lifesavers for our budget! Whether it’s a quick breakfast on the go, a late-night snack, or a fully satisfying meal, places like 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart have become essential stops. Their shelves are stocked with everything from perfectly packaged onigiri (triangular rice balls) to fresh salads, sandwiches, and desserts. The quality and variety are incredible, making them not just convenient but genuinely enjoyable to visit. They are also everywhere and we mean everywhere, you are never more than a few minutes’ walk from one, perhaps even all three!

Life’s Little Details: Laundry and Serendipity

Despite only having arrived in Japan a few days earlier, we had travelled the length and breadth of the UK visiting our families before we departed so we had built up quite a bit of laundry already. One of the realities of long-term travel is… laundry. In Tokyo however, even this turned into a story. We have never done laundry before whilst travelling so finding a launderette was an experience in and of itself. At the launderette, we met a South Korean couple in the laundry room who saw our puzzled faces staring at these large washing machines and helped us out. It turned out they were starting their own YouTube channel to document their travels. We had a good conversation about ‘Fuji To Fiji’ and they were very excited that we would be visiting South Korea in a few months’ time. We promised to follow their YouTube channel when it launched, and they kindly followed us on our Instagram page.

Then, in a city of millions, something incredible happened: we ran into the same couple again at Tokyo DisneySea. Of all the people we could have crossed paths with, in the crowds, there they were, as surprised as we were to see us. It felt serendipitous, a reminder of how travel can connect people in the most unexpected ways.

Visiting Tokyo DisneySea was an incredible experience — a thoughtful wedding gift that combined our love of Disney and theme parks. This park is truly unique, with its stunning waterfront settings, intricate theming, and uniquely Japanese touches. While the atmosphere was chilled and immersive, the queues were next-level crazy, requiring some serious patience and planning to make the most of the day. Who knew people would wait 45 minutes for Roast Beef popcorn?! Despite the wait times, exploring this park without the rushing around and only hitting a few rides, made it all worth it, cementing this as one of the most memorable highlights of our time in Tokyo. To top it off we met a lovely woman who offered to take a photo of us after seeing us awkwardly attempt a selfie, however, little did we know her friend was taking a photo of this moment on her own camera and shared the photo of us after. She caught a really genuine moment of happiness.

Looking Forward: Northward to Hokkaido

As incredible as Tokyo has been, we’re ready to leave its bustle behind and embrace a slower, quieter side of Japan. As we head north to Hokkaido, it promises snow-covered landscapes, steaming onsen, and a sense of calm that feels like the perfect counterbalance to Tokyo’s relentless energy.

Japan has already surprised us, challenged us, and welcomed us in ways we didn’t expect. Tokyo has amazed us with its contradictions—its ability to be loud and quiet, modern and traditional, all at once. From the warmth of the people to the unbelievable food, we’re only just beginning to understand what makes this country so special.

For now, we’ll carry the memories of Tokyo with us: the glow of neon lights, the Brit Pop loving chef, the kindness of strangers, the smoky delights of Omoide Yokocho, and the serenity of Mt Fuji. But as we head north, we’re looking forward to slowing down and discovering a different side of Japan — one that promises to be every bit as unforgettable. Over the next few weeks, we’ll slowly travel our way towards the Japanese Alps and really make the most of what this less travelled side of Japan offers us.

p.s. We’re not quite done with Tokyo just yet! In a few weeks, we’ll be back for one final day to meet our brother-in-law, who’s promised us a night out on the town armed with some local knowledge. There are still a few sights we’ve yet to tick off too, including the iconic Shibuya Crossing so stay tuned!

First Impressions of Japan: From the Bustle of Tokyo to the Tranquillity of the North