Japan, Unfiltered: A First International Trip That Turned Into Amazing Memories

Some trips are fun while you’re there. Others stick with you long after you’re home.

For Jonathan (20) and his younger sister Valentina (17), Japan was their first time traveling internationally, and it turned into one of those trips they still talk about. Not because they saw everything, but because of how it felt to be there together.

Jonathan summed it up best later:

“Wow, dude. I miss Japan so much.”

This wasn’t a rushed itinerary or a highlight reel. It was a trip that let them explore, wander, and enjoy being somewhere completely new without feeling overwhelmed.

Starting Strong: First International Trip, Feeling Taken Care Of

Because this was Jonathan and Valentina’s first international adventure, and because their mom wanted to be sure they were safe and supported, the trip was planned so everything felt clear and manageable from the start.

That made a difference right away.

Japan felt welcoming almost immediately. Everything was clean, organized, and easy to navigate once they got their bearings. Jonathan noticed how comfortable it felt being there, even in busy cities. Instead of feeling unsure, they felt confident enough to explore on their own, try new things, and figure things out together.

That sense of ease set the tone for the rest of the trip.

Tokyo: Art, Arcades, Pokémon, and Neon Everywhere

Tokyo didn’t overwhelm them. It pulled them in.

Their first full day flowed from teamLab Planets straight into Shibuya, and instead of hopping all over the city, they stayed in one area and let the day unfold.

“We went straight to Shibuya and just stayed,” Jonathan said. “The whole day.”

Shibuya delivered everything you'd imagine. Neon lights, fun shops, arcades, Pokémon stores, and nonstop energy. Later, they headed up to Shibuya Sky, where the city felt completely different from above.

“It looked so shiny,”

Busy below, calm and glowing from the top.

Joypolis added another layer of fun. They skipped the longest lines, played arcade games, and explored interactive attractions, including a creepy maze inspired by The Ring. It wasn’t about doing every ride. It was about choosing what sounded fun and enjoying it.

Between busy days, Hotel Niwa gave them a calm place to reset. Quiet spaces and a relaxing atmosphere made it easy to recharge before heading back out into the city.

Osaka: Nintendo, Theme Parks, and Zero Rules

Osaka changed the vibe immediately.

This was where the trip leaned fully into fun.

Universal Studios Japan became the highlight, especially Super Nintendo World and Donkey Kong. Any attempt at sticking to a budget disappeared almost instantly.

“All the rules went out the window,” Jonathan laughed. “The amount of Nintendo hats I bought…”

Osaka also delivered one of the most talked-about food moments of the trip. The cheesecake. Big, indulgent, and unforgettable.

“It’s like an eight-inch round cheesecake,” Jonathan said. “Wow. Yeah, that was really nice.”

Osaka didn’t ask them to slow down or plan carefully. It invited them to enjoy the moment and have fun doing it.

Kyoto: Slower Days and Wanting More Time

Kyoto surprised Jonathan the most. This was the city he kept thinking about afterward. The one he wished he could have stayed in longer.

“If I went back,” he said, “I’d spend more time in Kyoto than Osaka.”

Calligraphy art

Japanese Tea Ceremony

Kyoto blended fun and culture naturally. The Manga Museum was a standout, along with Pokémon shops and neighborhoods that felt easy to explore. Cultural experiences like calligraphy and a traditional tea ceremony added depth without feeling formal or heavy.

Fun Stops, Planned Experiences, and Shared Laughs

Some of the most memorable moments came from experiences that were intentionally built into the trip.

Animal cafés were definitely planned, and they ended up being some of the most fun stops. Visiting cafés with hedgehogs and capybaras added playful breaks between sightseeing days. Feeding animals, choosing drinks, and laughing over small moments turned into memories they still talk about.

These were the moments that balanced the trip. Not rushed. Not serious. Just genuinely fun.

Finding Their Way (and Feeling Confident Doing It)

At first, Japan’s transportation system looked intimidating. That feeling didn’t last long.

Before they knew it, Jonathan and Valentina stopped checking Google Maps constantly and started reading signs themselves. Even accidentally getting on the wrong train once became a story instead of a problem.

The bullet train became its own experience. Smooth, quiet, and surprisingly calming, it turned travel days into something to enjoy instead of something to get through.

Why Japan Stayed With Them

Jonathan didn’t come home listing must-see sights.

He came home talking about how Japan felt.

Each city brought something different. Each day had room to breathe. The trip didn’t rush them through the country. It let them grow into it, and that’s why it stayed.

If Japan is on your list, whether you’re planning a first international trip for your kids or dreaming about going yourself, it doesn’t have to feel intimidating. It can feel fun, confidence-building, and deeply memorable. Connect with us if you'd like some help!

And when you go, take photos of the people you’re with, not just the places. Those are the memories that last the longest.

Japan, Unfiltered

Japan, Unfiltered