If Japan isn’t already on your bucket list, I hope this story bumps it to the top. This summer, my daughter Isabelle and I took the trip of a lifetime to Japan—and I’m still pinching myself that it was real. From the bustling glow of Tokyo to the peaceful coastlines of Kamakura, every moment was full of awe, laughter, gratitude, and lots (I mean lots) of walking!

We packed in a full itinerary, but also left room to be flexible and flow with the day. Japan has a way of surprising you in the best possible ways. The people are kind, the cities are spotless, the trains are magical, and the food? Let’s just say... flavored popcorn at Tokyo DisneySea was my downfall (no regrets).

Below, I’ve shared a few favorite highlights from our journey, along with some travel tips to help you plan your own adventure with ease. Whether you’re just dreaming or already booking flights, I hope this helps!

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Yes, we’re theme park girls—and Tokyo DisneySea is absolutely next level. It's clean, beautiful, immersive, and so affordable compared to U.S. Disney parks. Our advice? Get there before the gates open and head straight to the back of the park to hop on top rides before the lines build. Join digital line queues through the app as soon as you enter the park and early—they move fast—and definitely bring a UV-protective umbrella. It gets hot! The food is so fun, delicious, and affordable (I may or may not have eaten my weight in flavored popcorn... oops!).

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We made sure to snag tickets to Shibuya Sky Tower in advance (they book out months ahead), and it was absolutely worth it. Watching the sun set over Tokyo and seeing Shibuya Crossing light up from above was breathtaking. If you can, go at golden hour or after dark—it’s pure magic.

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We took some time to slow down with a visit to Japan’s National Gardens and serene parks, which are peaceful, pristine, and picture-perfect. But our favorite escape? Kamakura and Kamakura Beach! The charming streets, coastal views, and the oldest trolly train that winds along the sea had us swooning. We loved the temples—each one uniquely beautiful and rich with history. Kamakura is home to some of Japan’s oldest and most significant temples, including Hasedera and the iconic Great Buddha at Kōtoku-in. The serene bamboo garden was a personal favorite, offering a quiet place to reflect and breathe. Add in an easy-going, dog-friendly beach scene, and you’ve got the perfect day trip. If you only take one day trip from Tokyo, let it be Kamakura. I am absolutely in love with it. It's where we plan to stay our next time around.

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We also spent a day exploring Enoshima Island. Heads-up: wear breathable clothes and be ready for stairs—lots of them! This tiny island has a spiritual vibe, dramatic coastlines, and charming little shops, plus incredible views if you make the climb.

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From sushi to ramen to convenience store snacks (7-11s or gourmet compared to the US), every bite in Japan felt like a discovery. The culture around food is deeply respectful—finish what’s on your plate, as leaving food is seen as rude. One of the biggest complaints from locals about tourists is unfinished foods, so we made sure to eat it all (no problem there!). No tipping, either—just sincere gratitude. Also diet before coming because the bakeries and desserts, so yummy. You will gain weight even with all the walking!

Japan is so much easier to navigate than you'd think—even without knowing the language! Here are a few of our must-know tips:

Every day in Japan began with gratitude. Isabelle and I felt so lucky to be there together, experiencing something new and beautiful at every turn. We left with full hearts, tired feet, and memories that will last forever.