Sparkloft’s Discovery Trips are designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and cultural connection. Ines chose Japan for her first journey into Asia, where she experienced how a culture rooted in consistency, care, and thoughtful design can leave a lasting impression. The smallest details revealed the most memorable moments on this unforgettable trip:
Setting the Bar at 35,000 Feet
My Discovery Trip started with Japan Airlines, and honestly, I didn’t expect to enjoy a 12+ hour flight. But this was different. The plane was cleaner, roomier, and more comfortable than any airline I’ve flown across the Americas, Europe, or Africa. Every little detail felt intentional—from spotless tray tables to perfectly arranged meals—and the service was warm without being over the top. I felt genuinely cared for.
It was my first lesson in what Japan does so well: exceed expectations not through luxury, but through consistency, thoughtfulness, and pride in the experience. And it all started before I even touched the ground.
Why Japan?
This was my first time visiting Asia, so I wanted a destination that would feel like a welcoming introduction to a completely new part of the world. Japan struck me as the perfect place to start: it’s known for its safety, hospitality, and balance of deep tradition with cutting-edge modern life. I was excited to experience new customs, try my first real Japanese meals, and see how daily life works in a culture so different from my own. On a personal note, I’m a huge foodie, I'm obsessed with Japanese skincare, and I’ve always been drawn to the kawaii side of Japanese culture, the cute designs and colorful shops (and of course, Hello Kitty). It felt like a trip that would excite me on every level, from cultural discovery to personal passions.
Tokyo: The World’s Largest City, Perfectly Run
Tokyo was a revelation. With over 37 million people in the metro area, it’s the most populated city in the world—yet it’s also one of the cleanest, calmest, and most organized places I’ve ever experienced. It felt futuristic without being overwhelming. The trains were spotless, the streets quiet, and everything seemed to run on invisible systems powered by shared values: respect, cleanliness, efficiency. Tokyo doesn’t try too hard to impress—it just is impressive. Effortlessly cool.
While I was there, I visited a number of temples, including Senso‑ji and Meiji Jingu. One thing that stood out was how different religion feels in Japan. It’s subtle. There’s no designated “day of worship,” no pressure to participate. Instead, people drop by on their own time—some to pray, some just to pause—and blend Shinto and Buddhist practices in quiet, personal ways. It’s deeply rooted, but not performative.
And then there’s the food. I could honestly write an entire blog just on Tokyo’s food scene. Every meal felt like an experience. From fatty tuna and raw wagyu beef to mochi, fluffy pancakes, and comforting bowls of ramen, I loved it all. But the dish that completely blew me away? A creamy, rich, udon carbonara from Menchirashi that instantly became my favorite meal of the entire trip. Everything—from casual snacks to sit-down meals—was beautifully prepared and packed with flavor. You could feel the care in every single bite.
Osaka: Big-City Energy with a Side of Skincare Joy
Osaka felt like a more relaxed, smaller version of Tokyo, with big-city energy, but a little more breathing room. We explored modern malls, parks, and restaurants, but for me, the real highlight was the skincare. I’m obsessed with Japanese and Korean products, so stepping into Don Quijote (“Donki”) was pure joy—multiple floors of serums, sunscreens, and sheet masks. Pro tip: if Donki feels overwhelming (and it will), check out local drugstores too. They’re easier to navigate, and often cheaper. The quality and variety of skincare in Japan is on another level. You will truly understand why these products have earned a global reputation.
We also spent a day at Universal Studios Japan, and as a theme park and rollercoaster lover, I was in heaven. But what really blew me away wasn’t just the rides—it was the people. Everyone lined up calmly, no skipping, just complete order even in the middle of rollercoaster chaos. It sounds small, but it made such a big difference. The whole experience felt smoother, more enjoyable, and just more respectful. Nintendo World was the cherry on top. It was fully immersive and designed down to the tiniest detail. It felt like a perfect reflection of what Japan does so well: delivering joy through intentional design and thoughtful experiences.
Kyoto: Timeless Traditions in Every Step
Kyoto felt like stepping into a completely different side of Japan—slower, softer, and deeply rooted in tradition. One of the most memorable moments of the trip was a tea ceremony with a geisha. Before this, I’ll admit I didn’t fully understand what being a geisha actually meant. They’re not entertainers in costume, they’re highly trained artists who spend years mastering traditional music, dance, etiquette, and hospitality.
During the ceremony, we got to watch her perform, learn how to prepare matcha the traditional way, and even ask her questions about her work and training. She was calm and incredibly gracious. It was one of those experiences that makes you pause and realize how much depth and discipline lies behind something that, from the outside, can be so easily misunderstood. (And for anyone planning to go: you can’t photograph a geisha’s face without permission, and you're never allowed to share their faces on social media.)
Outside of that, Kyoto’s temples were just as impressive. We visited places like Kinkaku‑ji and Fushimi Inari, and I was blown away not just by the architecture and history, but by how beautifully everything is maintained. The smallest paths were perfectly clean, gardens looked like they’d been combed by hand.
It reminded me of something I’ve seen a lot on this trip: in Japan (and honestly in tourism more broadly) details matter. They’re not just nice-to-haves. They’re what make an experience feel thoughtful, considered, and worth remembering. As someone who works in client services, it hit home: the extra care we put into the small things can be what turns a good partnership into a lasting one.
Nara: Beautiful, Bizarre, and a Little Bit Bitey
Nara is known for its free-roaming deer, which are considered sacred messengers in Shinto tradition. It’s one of those must-visit places in Japan, but honestly, my experience was a bit mixed. The deer may look adorable (and they are), but they’re definitely not tame. I got bitten and quickly realized I wasn’t alone. Afterward, I fell down a rabbit hole of videos showing tourists being nipped or head-butted by these deer, and suddenly the whole thing made sense.
A lot of people were petting or feeding the deer when they shouldn’t, which clearly stresses them out. It made me wonder if this setup is really the best for the animals or for the visitors, to be honest. So if you’re planning to go: admire them from a respectful distance, follow the rules, and maybe don’t wave crackers around unless you’re ready for a deer ambush.
Lessons I learned
Everywhere I went in Japan, there was a consistent theme: exceed expectations, even in the smallest details. It wasn’t about flashy gestures. It was about quiet consistency and deep care.
Here’s what stood out most:
- Consistency is everything. From the airline to convenience stores to high-end restaurants, the standard never dropped. Clean, organized, thoughtful experiences were everywhere.
- Details make the difference. Hotels left out pajamas and skincare. Food wasn’t just delicious, it was beautifully presented, even at casual spots (yes, even my coffee and ice cream came decorated with flowers or cartoon art).
- Pride shows up in the work. Whether it was a geisha performing a tea ceremony, a tour guide or a staff member sweeping temple paths, there was a clear sense of pride in every role. People cared not just about what they did, but how they did it.
What this trip reminded me of is that the magic is in the execution. Japan didn’t impress me because it promised big things. It impressed me because it consistently delivered better than expected.
