Debasree Panda’s Incredible Journey through Japan with Thrillophilia
"Why just dream about Japan when you can pack your bags and make it happen?” That is exactly what I did.
One minute, it was a far-off fantasy, and the next, I found myself there, right in the middle of all the magic, sharing my dream with the people I love most. Japan had always been on my bucket list—its neon-lit cities, serene temples and experiences you cannot capture in a postcard.
This trip was something my family and I had talked about for a long time. We were excited, curious and ready to dive into a country we had only ever seen in movies or read about in books.
But, from the moment we landed, we quickly realized that Japan was much more than we had imagined.
It wasn’t just about checking off famous sights from a list. It was about discovering a way of life, one that was rich in history, culture and experiences that we hadn’t even dreamed of.
Japan has a way of surprising you, making you feel like you have stepped into a different world at every turn. And as we stood here, surrounded by it all, we knew that this was just the beginning of our adventure.
Where Skyscrapers Meet Sacred Shrines
As soon as we landed in Tokyo, we could feel the warmth and helpful nature of the Japanese people. Their kindness and hospitality were unmatched.
It was evident that Japan holds a special regard for its visitors.
Thrillophilia organised everything quite well, from transfers to hotel check-ins, which allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the experience.
Tokyo was a wild mix of the old and the new. One minute, we were staring up at the towering skyscrapers and the next, we were surrounded by centuries-old temples.
The best part for me was walking through Asakusa, with the towering Senso-ji Temple. The serenity of the shrine amidst the hustle and bustle of the surrounding market was surreal.
And then there was Mt. Fuji. Years of imagining what it would look like, but standing in front of it was a completely different feeling.
It was majestic and simply took my breath away.
We lucked out with clear skies, which only made the view even more beautiful. The Hakone Ropeway was the cherry on top-gliding above, with panoramic views of Lake Ashi and the Owakudani Valley stretching beneath our feet.
It is a kind of beauty that words struggle to capture.
A Walk Through History and Resilience
From the quick pace of Tokyo, we headed to Hiroshima, and the shift in energy was immediate.
The city has a weight to it, one that is impossible to ignore. Walking through the Peace Memorial Park, we felt the full force of the city’s tragic past.
Standing before the Atomic Bomb Dome, it hit me— this wasn’t just a place on a map. This was a site where history changed forever.
We stood in silence, thinking about how much humanity has gone through, and how much more we have to learn.
The Peace Memorial Museum took us even deeper into that history. It was emotional, no doubt, but somehow, amid the sadness, there was also home.
Hiroshima is living proof of resilience, a city that rose from the ashes, stronger than before.
It wasn’t just about the past-it was about the future, too, a symbol of how far we have all come.
Miyajima, Osaka and Kyoto: A Feast for the Senses
Our trip to Miyajima Island afterwards was a breath of fresh air, literally and figuratively. The sight of the red torii gates of the Itsukushima Shrine, seemingly floating on the water, was mesmerizing.
We took countless pictures of the gate, trying to capture the magic of the sun’s golden glow.
My daughter couldn’t stop laughing at how obsessed I was with photographing every angle of the gate. But how could I not? It was a scene straight out of a dream.
Next up was Osaka. Laid back but still buzzing with life, it was a food lover’s paradise. We had heard of the street food here, and yes, it lived up to every bit of hype. My daughter and I couldn’t get enough of the sushi and ramen!
There were a few dishes that did not hit the spot for our Indian taste buds, but the Indian restaurants here, as well as in Kyoto, were a pleasant surprise-like finding a little piece of home far away from home.
Kyoto and Nara made us feel like we had stepped into another era altogether. The golden Kinkakuji Temple looked like it was pulled straight out of a picture postcard. And Nara? It was a different kind of magic.
Watching my daughter feed the deer and giggle as they bowed in return was one of those moments that I will never forget.
How Japan Made Us Feel At Home
The places we visited were beautiful, no doubt about that. But what made this trip truly unforgettable was the people here.
The Japanese, with their kindness that seems woven into the very fabric of their culture, were unlike anyone we had ever met.
There was the shopkeeper—going beyond just selling us goods—helping us navigate the network of Tokyo’s trains.
And then the hotel staff, who went above and beyond to make us feel not just welcomed, but comfortable, at home even, in a place so distant from our own.
Thrillophilia made everything run like clockwork. Not once did we feel any confusion or a hint of stress—and trust me, when you are travelling with kids, that is no small miracle.
As we flew back home, I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of gratitude. This trip was more than just a vacation.
Japan, with all its contrasts-modern yet traditional, bustling yet peaceful-left a lasting impression on our hearts.
And one thing’s for sure, this won’t be our last adventure.
Read more: Thrillophilia Japan Reviews