A 13-Year-Old’s Inspiring Journey Through Japan: Tokyo, Kyoto, Hakone & Lessons for Life

Neil Badgujar, a 13-year-old, recently traveled to Japan with his elder sister. He enthusiastically shares first-hand experiences of their trip to Japan.

In October 2024, I took a week-long trip to Japan—my initial foray into the nation that has intrigued me for years. What started as a travel itinerary soon evolved into something else entirely: a cultural immersion that left a lasting impression on how I think, act, and interact with the world around me.

We landed in Tokyo on the morning of October 9th. Upon arrival at Haneda Airport, we went directly to Shinjuku, Tokyo's busiest and most vibrant district. The sheer size of Shinjuku Station—a huge, bustling complex in which millions pass through each day—was astonishing. But all ran with effortless order. Individuals moved swiftly, courteously, and always on the right side of escalators. I spent the day wandering through Shinjuku's shopping arcades and back streets, as well as Japan's renowned convenience stores such as Family Mart and 7-Eleven, where even instant snacks are carefully packaged and displayed. I realized that day that in Japan, even the mundane is taken care of.

Neil's visited Ueno Zoological Gardens later, Japan's oldest zoo

The next morning, I went ahead to Ueno and had breakfast at a local McDonald's before venturing into the market area hidden beneath the rail tracks. The attractiveness of Ueno is its contrast—old-fashioned street stalls side by side with international labels, all blending so easily. I went to the Ueno Zoological Gardens later, Japan's oldest zoo. The symbiosis of modern and traditional was clear again. At night, I strolled in Akihabara—Tokyo's technology and gaming paradise. Despite the throngs of individuals and garish neon lights, the streets were immaculately clean and tidy. I was particularly taken with the digital markets, where technology at the cutting edge was combined with courteous and long-suffering customer service.

Day three saw us board the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo to Kyoto. The Tokyo Station was a wonder in itself—immense, streamlined, and well labeled in several languages. The train left exactly on schedule. In Kyoto, we were able to see the stunning Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), which loomed peacefully above autumn-hued gardens. We then moved on to Osaka, sampling the shopping and restaurants of the Umeda district before a return to Tokyo by the evening. The convenience and smoothness of high-speed rail over such vast distances was inspiring and impressive.

Tokyo Bay tour, departing at sundown to see the stunning skyline

Our fourth day was more relaxed. We took a brief cruise across Tokyo Bay, departing at sundown and seeing the skyline dissolve into a silhouette of twinkling lights. Afterwards, we reeturned to Akihabara for a second peaceful dinner—at that point, it had become our usual spot for late night meals and easy strolls.

Day five found us closer to our Koto City hotel, visiting the serene temples and shrines in the area like Fukagawa Fudodo and Kameido Tenjin. These less-popular spots provided some of the most serene moments of the journey. Residents moved in silence, kids bowed respectfully, and even the birds appeared to sing in harmony with the calm environment. In the evening, we went to the Indian Embassy, and it was wonderful to see other Indian citizens and feel a small slice of home in a foreign land.

The sixth day was the highlight of the trip. We went to Hakone, a mountainous region famous for hot springs naturally formed. Following a picturesque Shinkansen ride to Odawara and a hill bus ride, we reached a special spa with thematically designed baths—green tea to ramen. It was something I had never seen before. Having relaxed at the different baths, we returned by the local train due to traffic problems. Even that mundane ride on the local train was well-behaved and enjoyable. It taught me that Japan's dependability is not just reserved for high-quality services—there is a part of the day-to-day system too.

On our last full day, we went back to Kyoto for a few hours of wandering. We walked down old streets, toured temples, and gazed upon ancient architecture—each building combining centuries of heritage with modern-day deference. The day concluded, appropriately enough, with one final dinner in Tokyo before we set off for home.

What I still practice to this day

• Discipline and Efficiency: Wherever I went, be it from Shinjuku to Hakone, I noticed how the Japanese focus on their work with sheer concentration. From station attendants directing people in an organized manner to shopkeepers in convenience stores carefully restocking items, their commitment has taught me to appreciate discipline and time-based aims.

• Integrity: In Tokyo, I saw one person apologize nonchalantly for a mistake at a ticket desk and staff resolved it with elegance. That willingness—without fear of being judged—said a lot about a culture that trusts more than it demands perfection.

• Punctuality: From the Shinkansen leaving to the second city or metro trains arriving dead on time, Japan showed me that time is not only money—it is respect. I am now more responsible for being punctual in my personal as well as academic life.

• Cleanliness and Order: The streets were immaculate, and even busy places such as Akihabara were litter-free. It's not law but a habit—kids clean schools, and adults take their garbage with them. This culture has changed my perception of public duty.

• Respect and Empathy: From gentle voices on the subway to orderly lines at temples, all interactions in Japan appeared to value others' ease. The deeply ingrained culture of respect, particularly towards elders and strangers, made a lasting impact on me.

Neil’s unwavering passion for Japan has not only shaped his personal journey but also earned him the honor of being named the brand ambassador for the Konichiwa Japan festival in New Delhi last year—a recognition of his deep cultural engagement and commitment. His firsthand experience of Japan, rich with tradition, innovation, and hospitality, continues to fuel his enthusiasm. It is this very spirit that will hopefully inspire more Indian children to explore and embrace the beauty of Japanese culture with the same curiosity and admiration.