5 Favourites From Japan

With my university days coming to a bittersweet end, my university roommates and I decided to take a trip to Japan! Being a lover of sushi and KitKats, this trip was everything and more than I expected it to be.

Here were my 5 highlights from this trip:

1. Harajuku

If you're into Japanese street style, cute shops, or Gwen Stefani's Harajuku Girls, Harajuku street is a must see. Funny enough, a ton of nostalgic Gwen Stefani hits were played in numerous stores when we visited that day. Although it looks underwhelming at the entrance in the picture above, it was absolutely packed inside! From Japanese makeup to trendy jewellery, you'll have never-ending shopping options on this street.

                                                   

      2. Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji was one of the most breathtakingly beautiful sights I'd ever seen, even though it was an 8h commute to get there and back. During the time we visited, it was the pink moss festival where rows and rows of pink (and other coloured) shibazakura flowers bloom. If you have the time, go down by the piers of the local town near the Mount Fuji station and take a speedboat ride around Fuji. The serenity of the water paired with the beauty of Mount Fuji was like nothing I've ever experienced. 

3. Nara Park

When I was 7, I was at an amusement park with my family where there were a ton of wild deer. My mom wanted me to come pet the deer with her but I was terrified and refused to get anywhere near the deer. Flash forward 14 years and I was once again quite nervous to be around so much wild deer. Eventually I warmed up to them (and them to me).

4. Sushi at Tsukiji Fish Market

No exaggeration, this deluxe sushi set from Sushi Zanmai was the best sushi I've ever had! Seriously though, I still have dreams about the fatty tuna and eel *drool*. And if you don't eat raw fish, they have many cooked options as well that were just as tasty!

5. Kyoto

Last but not least, the city of Kyoto holds a special place in my heart. Filled with zen temples and beautiful gardens, Kyoto was quite a contrast from the busy streets of Tokyo. There were many local attractions in this city that made this trip very memorable. One of which was Kitchen Rakuraku, where the chef Akira puts on a one-man show and entertains you with hilarious conversation as well as his impressive chef skills. This night created way too much inside jokes for me and my roommates.