Our First Trip to Japan – Osaka, Nikko & Tokyo

After years of dreaming about it, we finally made our first trip to Japan – and what an incredible experience it turned out to be! We actually combined Japan with a visit to China (more on that in a separate article soon), but for now, let’s dive into the Japanese part of our journey.

We spent a total of ten nights in Japan, splitting our time between three different cities and hotels:

• 4 nights at the Osaka Station Hotel

• 3 nights at The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko

• 3 nights at The Tokyo Edition, Ginza

(Detailed hotel reviews will follow in upcoming posts.)

Osaka – A Vibrant Start

Our adventure began in Osaka, a city bursting with energy, neon lights, and fantastic food. Staying right at Osaka Station made it super convenient to explore not only the city itself but also nearby destinations.

We took day trips to Kyoto and Nara, both easily reachable by train. Kyoto wowed us with its temples and traditional atmosphere, while Nara’s friendly deer made for an unforgettable experience.

Back in Osaka, we dove straight into the fun at Universal Studios Japan, where we couldn’t resist checking out Super Nintendo World. As Mario fans, it was like stepping straight into the game—an absolute highlight of the trip. Beyond the theme parks, we loved simply wandering through the busy streets, soaking up Osaka’s liveliness and atmosphere.

Nikko – Relaxation in Nature

After the buzz of Osaka, we moved on to Nikko, a destination known for its natural beauty and historic shrines. Here, we slowed things down and gave ourselves a few days to simply relax.

The onsen at The Ritz-Carlton Nikko was the standout experience. Soaking in the hot springs while surrounded by mountain scenery was both peaceful and rejuvenating—exactly the reset we needed mid-trip.

Tokyo – Endless Energy & Inspiration

Finally, we spent three nights in Tokyo, and even after those days, it felt like we had only scratched the surface of this massive, dynamic city.

One of our favorite experiences was visiting teamLab Planets, the immersive art installation that completely blew us away with its creativity and beauty.

We also loved exploring the hip neighborhoods of Yoyogi and Harajuku, each offering their own mix of quirky shops, trendy cafes, and unique street style.

Another surprise highlight was Tokyo’s abundance of luxury second-hand stores. The range and quality were unlike anything we’d seen before, making it a fascinating (and at times tempting!) shopping experience.

And for something truly unique, we stopped by a pig café in Tokyo. At first, it was a bit of a rough start—the pigs were playful, energetic, and not exactly gentle with our laps. But as time went on, they calmed down, and to our delight, some even curled up and fell asleep on our legs. It was such a quirky and heartwarming experience, and definitely one of those “only in Japan” memories.

Final Thoughts

Our first trip to Japan was everything we hoped for and more—full of culture, fun, relaxation, and discovery. From the lively streets of Osaka to the tranquil onsen in Nikko and the endless excitement of Tokyo, every stop had its own unique charm.

We’re already dreaming of going back one day, but for now, we’re looking forward to sharing more detailed hotel reviews soon. And stay tuned for the next article where we’ll dive into the China part of our journey!