I spent an incredible year in Japan, with most of my time in Tokyo. I studied Japanese at a Japanese language school, and explored the city. Between semesters, I travelled around Japan, spending several weeks in Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima. The highlight by far was climbing Mt Fuji. I hope you enjoy reading about my trip to Japan.
Attending KAI Japanese Language School in Tokyo was an incredible experience. The classrooms were lively, filled with students from different backgrounds, all eager to master Japanese. Lessons were interactive, with teachers guiding us through grammar, kanji, and conversation practice.
I remember standing at the whiteboard, working through sentence structures, and engaging in discussions with my classmates. Beyond the lessons, learning extended into cultural immersion—writing calligraphy, celebrating milestones, and enjoying everyday conversations that made the language feel alive.
The school wasn’t just about studying—it was about community. Birthdays were celebrated with food, laughter, and heartfelt conversations, bringing students and teachers together.
One of the most memorable moments was the annual performance, where I gave a speech in Japanese. Standing on stage, speaking fluently, I felt the impact of my progress. The school provided a space not only to learn but to grow, surrounded by people who shared the same passion for the language and culture. Video below (please don’t laugh!).
My Motorbike
I had a sleek black Yamaha Drag Star cruiser in Japan, and it quickly became my favorite way to explore the city. With its chrome details and low-slung design, it felt powerful yet smooth on the road. Whether parked neatly outside my apartment or roaring down quiet streets, it always turned heads. I loved the freedom it gave me—no crowded trains, no delays, just me and the open road. Even routine rides felt exciting, weaving through urban landscapes and scenic backstreets. It wasn’t just a bike; it was a part of my experience in Japan.
Japanese Food - Oishii (おいしい)
Japan is a paradise for food lovers, and I had the chance to try an incredible variety of dishes. Conveyor belt sushi was one of the most exciting experiences, with plates of fresh tuna, salmon, and shrimp circling the restaurant, ready to be picked up and enjoyed.
I also had crispy tempura, rich bowls of ramen, and perfectly grilled yakitori skewers. The presentation of food in Japan is truly an art, from neatly arranged bento boxes to delicate wagashi sweets served with matcha. Every meal felt like a feast, whether it was from a street vendor, a casual eatery, or an elegant restaurant.
Beyond sushi and ramen, I discovered the incredible variety of Japanese cuisine. There were onigiri rice balls wrapped in seaweed, steaming bowls of udon noodles, and katsu curry with crispy breaded pork.
Convenience stores had an impressive selection of ready-made meals, including fresh sashimi, sandwiches, and even hot oden in winter. The plastic food displays outside restaurants made it easy to choose dishes, and every meal was both delicious and beautifully prepared. Whether it was a simple bowl of miso soup or an elaborate kaiseki course, Japan’s food culture was an unforgettable part of my journey.
The Colors of Autumn and Spring
Autumn in Tokyo (紅葉 – Kōyō)
Autumn in Tokyo brings breathtaking hues of red, orange, and gold as the leaves change color. Parks like Shinjuku Gyoen and Meiji Jingu Gaien glow with vibrant maple and ginkgo trees, creating a warm and nostalgic atmosphere.
The crisp air and rustling leaves make strolling through gardens like Rikugien a magical experience. Kōyō season is a time for quiet reflection, photography, and enjoying the beauty of nature as Tokyo shifts into the cooler months.
Spring in Tokyo (桜 – Sakura)
Spring in Tokyo is a dreamlike spectacle as the city bursts into shades of pink and white with the arrival of cherry blossoms, or Sakura. Popular spots like Ueno Park, Chidorigafuchi, and Sumida River attract crowds who gather for hanami (flower viewing) under the delicate petals.
The fleeting beauty of sakura, lasting only a couple of weeks, symbolizes renewal and the transient nature of life. Whether seen by day or illuminated at night, the blossoms create a breathtaking scene that defines the essence of Japanese spring.
Snow in Tokyo
Snow in Tokyo transforms the city into a quiet, almost ethereal landscape. The familiar streets and parks become blanketed in white, softening the edges of towering buildings and historic landmarks.
People walk carefully along slushy sidewalks, umbrellas shielding them from the falling flakes, while bicycles leave delicate tracks in the snow. The Imperial Palace grounds, usually vibrant with greenery, take on a serene beauty, with snow-covered trees reflecting in the still waters of the moat. Though rare, snowfall in Tokyo brings a moment of calm, a fleeting winter wonderland amid the city’s usual rush.
Areas of Tokyo
I had an apartment in Motohasunuma, so spent many days wandering the area.
When first arriving in Tokyo, I had an apartment in Roppongi. I live in the Izumi Garden and often spent my time at Tokyo Midtown plaza for food.
Christmas Lights in Tokyo
Christmas in Roppongi and Tokyo Midtown transforms the city into a dazzling wonderland of lights and festive cheer. Roppongi Hills glows with thousands of sparkling LED lights along Keyakizaka Street, creating a breathtaking view with Tokyo Tower in the background.
Tokyo Midtown’s Starlight Garden is a mesmerizing display of blue and white illuminations that dance in sync with music, drawing visitors into a magical winter dream. The elegant decorations, Christmas trees, and festive markets make this area a must-visit during the holiday season, capturing the warmth and joy of Christmas in Tokyo.
