Things That Surprised Me About Japan (First Trip)

Summary

After dreaming about Japan for more than a decade, travel vlogger LOGANATOR spent 16 days there with friends. The trip felt less intimidating—and proved more memorable for its everyday moments—than expected.

Getting Around

• English appeared on many station and street signs, menus, and tourist attractions.
• The trains seemed confusing at first but became manageable after a few days. A reusable transit card worked for more than train rides, and walking and buses often made cars unnecessary.
• Download an eSIM while reliable airport Wi-Fi is available, and carry some cash in case your phone service does not work. A few Japanese phrases can help, while Google Translate can fill in the gaps.

Everyday Life and Cultural Surprises

Convenience stores became regular stops for meals and snacks, while vending machines offered a surprising range of drinks—including hot soup in a can. The cities felt compact and efficient, with small vehicles and spaces, orderly queues on train platforms, passengers waiting for others to exit, and relatively quiet train rides.

The group also encountered a few surprises. They visited an onsen without realizing they would share it with many other nude bathers. On another occasion, they boarded the wrong train, but it still took them to their destination—just more slowly.

Memorable Moments

Some of the most meaningful experiences were unplanned. A meal at a Wagyu restaurant became a favorite because of the people and a shared toast. A chance encounter with a hometown friend in Tokyo led to exploring the Imperial Palace together. Meeting other travelers and a local friend also helped shape the trip.

Mount Fuji remained hidden by clouds or darkness during the creator’s opportunities to see it. In the end, the missed view mattered less than the memories made along the way.

The creator’s main takeaway is that Japan’s famous attractions were impressive, but smaller moments—station jingles, convenience-store visits, unexpected friendships, and quiet neighborhoods—left the strongest impression.

Notable Locations and Items

Narita Airport, Tokyo, Tokyo Skytree, Kyoto, Shibuya Crossing, the Imperial Palace, Mount Fuji, an onsen, Universal Studios, a Wagyu restaurant, an eSIM, a transit card, convenience stores, and vending machines.