The author of this blog is our dear client Mr.Vanniaperumal sharing his personal experience from his trip to Japan. With his consent we have here published it for reference of anyone looking to visit this beautiful country!
A 10 Day Journey Through Japan - Memories to Last a Lifetime
Ten days. Four cities. Countless unforgettable moments. My journey through Japan was nothing short of a dream. From the neon streets of Tokyo to the cultural charm of Kyoto, the coastal beauty of Kobe, and the vibrant energy of Osaka, every day was packed with experiences I will cherish forever.
Our Travel Route and Stay
We began our journey with SriLankan Airlines, flying from Madurai to Tokyo via Colombo. Our return was with Singapore Airlines from Osaka to Bengaluru via Singapore. To explore Japan efficiently and comfortably, we used the iconic Shinkansen bullet train for the journey from Tokyo to Kyoto.
Accommodation was nothing less than luxurious, thanks to my Hilton Honors and IHG memberships. We stayed at Hilton Tokyo Bay, ANA InterContinental Tokyo, and ANA Crowne Plaza Osaka. These memberships also gave us the benefit of early check-ins and other exclusive perks.
Theme Parks - A World of Magic and Adventure
Visiting the Disney Resorts and Universal Studios in Japan was a highlight of our trip. For DisneySea and Disneyland Tokyo, we booked our tickets well in advance and loaded them onto the Disney Resort mobile app. Creating a Disney account and linking it with an Indian credit card before departure made the process seamless.
Pro tip: People start lining up at 6 AM for a 9 AM opening. Getting in early gave us a head start on securing Premier Access passes and meal reservations through the app.
At Universal Studios Japan, we booked our tickets and the Express Pass for key rides and shows 45 days in advance. The Express Pass made it possible to experience all the major attractions without long waiting times. Like Disney, guests start queueing as early as 5:30 AM for an 8 AM entry.
While these parks are on the pricier side, the experience they offer is unparalleled. It set a new standard for theme parks in my mind. A battery pack for your phone is an absolute must to keep up with ride reservations, mobile orders, and app access throughout the day.
Harry Potter Fans Rejoice
The Warner Bros Studio Tour Tokyo is a must-visit for every Harry Potter fan. Walking through the sets and behind-the-scenes spaces was a magical journey in itself.
Seamless Travel With Coral Holidays
The remaining six days of our trip were dedicated to exploring local sights in and around Tokyo, arranged perfectly by Coral Holidays. This was my fifth international trip with them, and their service continues to impress me more each time. We were fortunate to have a Tamil speaking guide and driver throughout our local tours, which made communication and cultural insights even more enjoyable.
When a rainy forecast threatened our planned Mount Fuji visit, Coral Holidays quickly coordinated with their Japan team and rescheduled our itinerary. We swapped the Mount Fuji tour with the Harry Potter Studio tour and got clear skies the next day. As a result, we were able to witness the breathtaking beauty of Mount Fuji in all its glory.
From airport pick-ups and drop-offs to daily sightseeing, everything was smooth and well-coordinated.
A Piece of My Heart Left in Japan
It has been a week since I returned to India, but my heart still wanders through the peaceful streets and vibrant cities of Japan. There is something about this country that leaves you wanting more. And I know, without a doubt, I will go back again.
Until next time, thank you Japan for the memories!