Japan had always felt inevitable. From the neon overload of Tokyo to the quiet reflection of Hiroshima, it’s a country that overwhelms and grounds you in equal measure. Arriving straight into Tokyo’s sensory chaos, there’s no gentle introduction - just bright lights, bullet trains, and a culture that moves at its own perfectly ordered pace. Travelling independently by Shinkansen made the journey part of the experience, revealing cities rich in history, food, and quiet respect. Whether sharing skewers in smoky alleyways, singing karaoke with locals, or watching Mount Fuji emerge from the clouds, Japan doesn’t just meet expectations - it quietly rewrites them.