Journal 1
Our First Self-Guided Trip: Kansai Region, Japan
The Beginning of Our Journey
In early October, my boyfriend and I embarked on our very first self-guided trip to Japan. The ten-day journey focused on the Kansai region, covering Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Nara, and Uji. It was our first time planning the entire itinerary ourselves, and the feeling of freedom and excitement made this trip incredibly special.
Kobe: Port City & Cultural Fusion
Among all the cities, Kobe left the deepest impression on me. As a historic port city, its streets are filled with traces of cultural fusion like Chinatown. It’s easy to observe the clear flow of history here. Kobe’s early role as a major port and trading city explains these diverse characteristics found throughout the area. Beyond the history and architecture, I was delighted to enjoy the world-famous Kobe beef, one of Japan’s top three wagyu brands.
Osaka: Neon Nights & History
Osaka was absolutely bustling, bursting with energy and laughter, especially at night. My visit began with a deep dive into history at Osaka Castle to explore its cultural roots. As night fell, we headed to the famous Glico running man sign. The neon lights glowed in every color, filling the streets with energy. Surrounded by the lively atmosphere, I felt completely immersed in the heartbeat of Osaka and its dazzling nightlife.
Kyoto: Early Mornings & Kawadoko
Compared to Osaka’s lively energy, Kyoto’s simplicity and calmness brought me a deep sense of peace. To embrace this quiet beauty and avoid the crowds, we woke up early and headed to Ninenzaka. We arrived by bus around six in the morning. The historic streets were still peaceful, with only a few early visitors. After finishing our walk in Ninenzaka, we took a train to the outskirts of Kyoto to experience kawadoko (riverside) dessert dining. Sitting by the stream, we enjoyed the desserts and listened to the gentle sound of flowing currents. The weather was perfect that day, and everything felt just right.
Uji & Nara: Matcha and
Deer Encounters
In the morning, we went to Uji, the hometown of matcha. We walked into a small local shop and enjoyed authentic matcha desserts. The air was filled with the comforting scent of green tea, and nearly everything here seemed to come in matcha flavor. In the afternoon, we headed to Nara, where it began to rain softly. The drizzle didn’t stop us from interacting with the gentle deer. Watching them bow politely for food made us laugh with pure joy. What’s more, it was my first time to pet them at such a close distance!
Trip Reflections
This trip taught me not only how to plan, but also how to enjoy the unknown. To be honest, traveling as a couple wasn’t always perfect. We argued about directions and got tired at times, but those moments made the journey real and also allowed us both to learn how to deal with these difficulties during the trip. Our Kansai trip was more than just sightseeing. It was a reminder to cherish each moment and to go with the flow together. Traveling with someone you love truly turns every mistake into a memory worth keeping.
