After finishing college, some people backpack across Europe. Others splurge on all-inclusive resorts. My high school friends and I? We flew to Japan for a week-and-a-half of matcha, fluffy pancakes, temples, and neon-lit city chaos — a graduation trip we’d dreamed of for years.
We started in Tokyo, made our way to Kyoto with a day trip to Uji, and ended in Osaka, powered almost exclusively by sugar, tea, and shared Google Maps lists.
Tokyo: Pancakes and Pokémon
We touched down at Haneda Airport and headed to our Airbnb in Shinjuku, which was the perfect home base for exploring the city. The energy of Tokyo hits you fast — vending machines on every corner, trains running with clockwork precision, and the occasional Pikachu billboard blinking above you.
Our first full day was packed: shopping in Ginza, a stroll through the Imperial Palace Gardens, and one very nostalgic trip to the Pokémon Center (because some parts of childhood never end). We also stopped by Sensoji Temple at sunset- crowded, of course, but still stunning- and later wandered into one of Tokyo’s endless 7/11s for snacks with a surprisingly perfect view of Tokyo Tower.
But the true star of Tokyo for us was Atelier Matcha, a sleek little café tucked into the Ginza/Sumida City area. Their matcha lattes were rich, earthy, and not too sweet — everything we hoped The Matcha Tokyo would be but wasn’t. (Spoiler: we did not like The Matcha Tokyo. At all.)
Equally unforgettable? Fluffy pancakes. Thick, soft, and cloudlike, they made every morning feel like dessert. This is one thing I wish we had more of.
We capped off our Tokyo leg with shopping at Takeshita Street, views of the Shibuya Crossing, and a huge stationary haul at Ginza Itoya, a 9+ story stationary store. If you’re heading to Japan, don’t underestimate how much fun you’ll have browsing pens and washi tape. Each floor is also themed and split up, such as “Colors” and “Pens”.
Kyoto: Temples, Trails, and a Slower Pace
From Tokyo, we took the Shinkansen to Kyoto — and let me just say, Japan’s bullet trains are a dream. Fast, clean, and somehow calmer than most subway rides I’ve taken back home.
Kyoto was a shift in energy. Quieter, greener, and full of old-world charm. We started with Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, which lived up to the hype (go early to beat the crowds), then wandered through Gion in search of geisha glimpses. Kyoto’s famous Fushimi Inari Shrine, with its rows and rows of vermillion torii gates, was stunning, and we also spent time temple-hopping around Philosopher’s Path and Yasaka Shrine.
Nishiki Market was the perfect place to sample street snacks: think sesame mochi, fried fish cakes, and fresh fruit on sticks. For dinner, we loved the okonomiyaki spots near downtown.
Uji: Our Matcha Moment
We set aside one full day to explore Uji, a small riverside town just outside Kyoto — and if you’re a matcha lover, this place is non-negotiable. It’s the birthplace of matcha culture in Japan, and the whole town smells faintly like green tea.
The highlight of the entire trip for me was the tea-making workshop at Fukujuen Uji. We ground matcha powder ourselves using traditional stone mills, whisked it by hand, and sipped it in silence. It was earthy, velvety, and honestly emotional. I’ve never tasted anything quite like it.
If you’re in Uji, also make time to explore local tea shops, grab a matcha latte, and walk along the Uji River. It’s peaceful, scenic, and filled with little hidden shrines.
Osaka: Big City Energy, Short and Sweet
We wrapped up the trip in Osaka, a city that felt like a slightly grittier, more colorful cousin to Tokyo. Our time there was short, but we made it count — indulging in street food, exploring the Namba area, and (of course) visiting Universal Studios Japan for one chaotic, joy-filled day. The Mario-themed world is wild, even if you’re not a huge Nintendo fan.
Though we skipped the crafting workshops and late-night clubs this time, we did a lot of walking, a lot of eating, and a lot of laughing. And isn’t that kind of the point?
Final Notes
Some things I’d want every first-time traveler to know:
- Everyone dresses well. Think business casual, even when it’s hot.
- The streets and stations are so organized. There are literal arrows on the stairs telling you which side to walk on — and people actually follow them.
- Bathrooms in Japan are elite. Heated seats, music, privacy — a luxury in every convenience store.
- Cash is king. Not everywhere takes cards, so come prepared.
This was a trip we planned across multiple time zones, group chats, and spreadsheets — and somehow, it went off (mostly) without a hitch. Japan lived up to every expectation, and I left already dreaming about my next visit.
Maybe next time I’ll try the crafts. Or maybe I’ll just drink more matcha. Either way, I’ll be back.