My First Trip to Japan: From Tokyo Lights to Mountain Escapes

Welcome to Tokyo

As this was my first time visiting Japan, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect on arrival – but I was pleasantly surprised by just how easy and efficient everything was. The airport was extremely well organised, with clear signage in both Japanese and English, making the arrival process very straightforward even for first-time visitors. Before travelling, I highly recommend registering your details through Visit Japan Web, as this makes immigration and customs much faster and more seamless upon arrival.

After collecting my luggage, I made my way to the Airport Limousine Bus for the transfer to my hotel. Although I had originally booked a later service, the staff were incredibly accommodating and happily moved me onto an earlier shuttle.

My stay at the Keio Plaza Hotel certainly didn’t disappoint. Located just a short 10-minute walk from Shinjuku Station – the busiest train station in the world, with around 3 million passengers passing through each day – it was the perfect base for exploring Tokyo. Right next door is the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, where you can head up to the free observatory on the 47th floor for breathtaking panoramic views across the city and, on a clear day, even catch a glimpse of Mt Fuji.

One of the biggest surprises during my stay was discovering the hotel’s own sky lounge on the 47th floor, which is included for hotel guests. With complimentary coffee and soft drinks available, it was the perfect place to sit back, relax and soak in the incredible Tokyo skyline without even having to leave the hotel.

A day with a local guide

My first full day in Tokyo had me meeting my guide Shu. Born and bred in Tokyo he was a wealth of information while showing me his home town. I was surprised how easy it was to walk everywhere. We walked through quite a few neighbourhoods and made our way to Meiji Jingu Shrine. Shu showed me how I could make a wish at the shrine by throwing a coin into the offering box (bow twice, clap twice, make a wish and bow once more). You can also leave you written wishes at the divine tree. From here we walked to Takeshita Street – the epicentre of teenage culture, pop culture, cute fashion and colour food. But venture outside Takashita street are quiet streets, beautiful traditional style entry to homes and a stop for some iced green tea (not something I have experienced before but on this hot day it was divine).

From here we walked to the train station for my first experience on the train system in Tokyo – and what an experience it was. Squashed sardines – everyone has places to be! No room to move! But it was fun! Off to Shibuya for the fluffiest pancakes I have ever had – and the perks of having your own local guide is they can take you to the places where there are no lines! Shopping options galore before we experienced the Shibuya Scramble!

Hit Tip: Get yourself a local guide in Tokyo. Shu was incredible, it was a privilege to spend the day with him.

A big kid for a day

Time to change up the pace and experience the train system myself as I headed out to Tokyo Disney. Rush hour (which I think might be any time of day in Tokyo) meant busy trains and walking as fast as you can to keep up with the crowds. An easy 2 trains from Shinjuku took me to the main gates of Disney! Game plan was to hit my favourite rides first (Tea Cups, Carousel and It’s a Small World) and then wonder and enjoy the rest of the park. There were some similarities to the original Disneyland, but also some differences. Overall it was an epic day!

Hot Tip: where possible jump in the single lane! The wait time for Beauty & The Beast was 160 minutes but through the single lane I was on in 10 minutes!

To finish the day, I visited teamLab Planets – a completely different experience but equally unforgettable. Walking barefoot through the immersive digital art installations felt surreal, with rooms filled with lights, water and interactive displays that changed around you. It was one of those experiences that’s hard to explain properly until you see it for yourself.

Places to stay in Tokyo:

• Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo – perfect if you want to stay in the heart of Shinjuku with easy access to shopping, restaurants and transport.
• Fairmont Tokyo – ideal for a more luxury stay with incredible city views and beautifully designed spaces to relax after a busy day exploring.

Hotel Hot Tip: Tokyo is huge, so choosing a hotel close to a major train station makes exploring the city so much easier – especially after long days walking through Disney, shopping districts and attractions.

Matsumoto

Just a 2.5 hour train trip from Tokyo you will find Matsumoto – a charming mountain city filled with history, incredible food and stunning views of the Japanese Alps.

Our first day in Matsumoto was the perfect mix of culture, local experiences and amazing food. We started the morning at Ishii Miso where we toured the traditional stone storehouses, learnt about the centuries-old miso making process and enjoyed a delicious miso-inspired lunch – including miso ice cream!

We then explored the Matsumoto City Museum before heading to the iconic Matsumoto Castle. Climbing all the steep wooden stairs to the top was definitely worth it for the incredible views and the chance to experience one of Japan’s most beautiful original castles up close.

To finish the day, we enjoyed a beautiful six-course dinner at Sanrokunana – the perfect ending to our first day discovering Matsumoto. The menu focused heavily on fresh local produce sourced from the Nagano region, showcasing seasonal ingredients and flavours unique to the area. It was the perfect way to end our first day in Matsumoto.

A Taste of Matsumoto: Wasabi Farms & Sake Traditions

Day 2 in Matsumoto took us from peaceful countryside landscapes to incredible local dining experiences. We started the morning at Daio Wasabi Farm, one of the largest wasabi farms in Japan, surrounded by crystal-clear spring water, scenic walking paths and beautiful mountain views. It was fascinating to see how fresh wasabi is grown and, of course, we couldn’t leave without trying some wasabi-inspired treats along the way.

We then visited the Daishinshu Sake Brewery where we learnt about the traditional sake brewing process and sampled a range of locally produced sake unique to the Nagano region. It was such a great way to experience another important part of Japanese culture and craftsmanship.

Day 3 was all about experiencing the incredible natural beauty surrounding Matsumoto. We headed to the breathtaking Norikura Highlands where we explored the area on a guided e-bike tour, cycling through stunning alpine scenery with fresh mountain air and spectacular views in every direction.

We then continued with a guided trekking tour through the highlands, taking in peaceful forests, flowing streams and panoramic mountain landscapes along the way. Stopping for a picnic lunch surrounded by the Japanese Alps was definitely a highlight and the perfect way to fully appreciate the beauty and tranquillity of the region. It was the perfect final day to end our Matsumoto adventure.

Places to stay in Matsumoto:

• Matsumoto Honbako – perfect for a unique and relaxing stay combining modern design, books, wellness and incredible local food in a peaceful setting.
• Hotel Koyanagi – ideal if you’re looking to experience a traditional Japanese ryokan stay with beautiful onsens, exceptional hospitality and relaxing countryside surrounds.
• Tobira Onsen Myojinkan – a luxury mountain retreat surrounded by nature, offering peaceful hot springs, elegant Japanese-style rooms and a truly tranquil escape from the city.

Hotel Hot Tip: Staying in a traditional ryokan or onsen-style hotel while visiting the Nagano region adds so much to the experience. From incredible multi-course meals to relaxing hot springs and peaceful mountain surroundings, it’s the perfect way to slow down and experience traditional Japanese hospitality.

Why Japan Left Such a Lasting Impression

Japan completely exceeded my expectations.

From the bright lights and fast pace of Tokyo to the peaceful mountain landscapes of Matsumoto, every destination offered something so unique and memorable. What stood out most was how seamlessly tradition and modern life exist side by side – ancient shrines tucked between skyscrapers, centuries-old food traditions and some of the most innovative experiences imaginable.

Japan is a destination that keeps surprising you, and I already know this won’t be my last visit.