Japan Travel Diary

It only took four months…

…but I’m finally delivering on a Japan trip post! Japan had always been at the top of my list of places to visit. During the two-year lockdown, I resolved to go there as soon as I could. Somehow, I managed to rope my mum into coming with me!

This is less of a full-blown account of my trip and more of a highlight post. But, if you want to know exactly where we went (outside of our time at Tokyo Disneyland), you can see a full itinerary here. We did a guided tour with Trafalgar, and I cannot recommend it enough. We got to see so much of the country and try things we never would have done as solo travellers. If you think a guided tour sounds suffocating, don’t worry - you get time by yourself (as someone who values alone time, this is a non-negotiable).

We were at Disneyland during "Quacky Duck City," a Donald Duck event, so there was Donald paraphernalia all over the park.

Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea

If you know me, you know that I begrudgingly accept the label of “Disney Adult.” I have wanted to visit Tokyo Disney since I knew there was a Tokyo Disney. So naturally, that’s where we started our trip.

We did two full days at Tokyo DisneySea, and it somehow exceeded the high expectations I had set for it. Everyone who goes says it, but it really is the most incredible theme park I’ve been to.

Not to say Tokyo Disneyland, which hews closer to Magic Kingdom in Florida, wasn’t also amazing. For one, they have an entire ride dedicated to my favourite movie, Beauty and the Beast (the animated version, please).

Seriously, Tokyo DisneySea is unlike anything else.

So… what did I wear? I knew from studying the Tokyo Disney location tag on Instagram that Disney Park fashion in Japan is just that - fashion. You used to get dolled up to go to Disneyland in California, but in Japan that’s how it’s still done. It’s not unusual to see girls and women walking around the park in full dresses, skirts and heels. For my first day I went Minnie Mouse-inspired in my faithful Tabitha Brown for Target skirt, a vintage tee I found at Common Sort in Riverside, a cashmere cardigan from J. Crew and of course, my Minnie ears.

Tokyo - Harajuku and Ginza

Once we got to Tokyo proper, there was so much to do. Before we met up with our tour group, we went to Harajuku for shopping and a cat café. After a few stores, it becomes clear what clothes are popular: flowy silhouettes, tulle and lots of bows.

Also popular: Snoopy (Sanrio actually owns the licence for Peanuts in Japan, and Snoopy is just as prevalent as Hello Kitty and her friends).

I'm kicking myself for not buying this bag.

Another thing I was excited to find in Ginza? Barneys New York! Barneys still exists in Japan, where they have not been reduced to doing clothing with Forever 21.

Dress: Uniqlo : C / Bag: Marimekko for Uniqlo (I wore a lot of Uniqlo on this trip).

Ginza was also where I found my favourite store: GU. I talk a little more about GU here, but all to say I am patiently waiting for an expansion into Canada.

Mt. Fuji

After Tokyo, we were off to the Fuji Five Lakes District. We were there in mid-April, and in Tokyo the cherry blossoms had already peaked. In Fuji, where it’s colder, we were able to see the blossoms in their full glory. Against the backdrop of Mt. Fuji, it was one of the prettiest things I’ve ever seen.

Kanazawa

Kanazawa is a smaller city that we spent two nights in. And honestly? It was my favourite place. It had all the excitement of Tokyo, but felt more peaceful. It’s the kind of city where you can go down a side street and find some of the best food you’ve ever had.

One place I could have spent hours in was a store that sold vintage books, movies and music. I had a great time going through everything and sharing with my friends who share my love of weird movie ephemera.

I seriously recommend spending time in Kanazawa for anyone who is thinking of going to Japan. It’s a true hidden gem.

Kyoto

Kyoto was the final stop on our tour. As a historic city, there aren’t the tall buildings you see in Tokyo and Kanazawa. Of course we went to the famous Fushimi-inari shrine and the Kinkaku-ji (aka the Golden Pavilion).

I don’t know how to end this without sounding unbelievably corny, but Japan really was everything I wanted it to be. I’m still pinching myself that I went, and had a great trip I could share with my mum too.

This post really only scratches the surface of my trip. For more trip highlights, visit my Instagram.