A Journey Through Japan in 10 Days

Traveling to Japan with you was truly the trip of a lifetime. I’ll be honest — I could have absolutely done without the 12-hour flight to get there and the 12-hour flight to get home, but every single moment in between made it worth it a hundred times over. From the second we landed, everything was seamless, exciting, and so thoughtfully planned. We explored Tokyo’s energy, wandered through shrines and temples that felt frozen in time, and soaked in cherry blossoms that looked like something out of a dream. The Harry Potter Studio Tour, Shibuya Crossing, Mt. Fuji at Lake Kawaguchi, Fushimi Inari, Nara Deer Park — every day felt like another highlight. What made it unforgettable was experiencing it all with you. You somehow balanced adventure, culture, food, and relaxation perfectly. I never felt rushed or overwhelmed — just amazed, happy, and grateful to be there. It was the kind of trip people talk about for years, and I’m so glad I got to share it with you. Long flights aside, I’d do it again in a heartbeat.

I still can’t believe how incredible our 10-day Japan adventure was. Traveling with you made every moment even better — from the big iconic sights to the tiny details that only we would appreciate. It honestly felt like the perfect mix of fun, culture, food, and those “wow, we’re really here” moments that stick with you forever. Tokyo set the tone right away. Wandering through Sasazuka, getting lost (in the best way) in Shinjuku, and watching the chaos of Shibuya Crossing felt like stepping into another world. And the Harry Potter Studio Tour? I swear we were all grinning like we just got our Hogwarts Letters. That was pure magic. Then came the tours — Meiji Shrine, Tokyo Tower, Tsukiji Market, Senso-ji, the Gundam statue… every day felt like a highlight reel. But nothing beat the Mt. Fuji day. Lake Kawaguchi with the cherry blossoms in full bloom looked like a painting. I’ll never forget how peaceful it felt standing there, just taking it all in. Kyoto was a dream. Fushimi Inari’s torii gates, To-ji Temple, Nishiki Market — it all felt like classic Japan in the most beautiful way. And Nara? The deer, the blossoms, Todaiji… it was surreal. Osaka brought the energy right back up with Dotonbori and Osaka Castle, the perfect finale before heading home. What made the trip truly unforgettable, though, was sharing it with you. You planned everything so thoughtfully, and it showed. I never felt rushed, stressed, or overwhelmed — just excited for whatever came next. It was the kind of trip people talk about for years, and I’m so grateful I got to experience it with you. If anyone ever gets the chance to take a Japan trip like this — they should absolutely go. It was truly the adventure of a lifetime.

I spent three unforgettable nights at the Hard Rock Hotel while exploring Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure solo—and it was incredible. Huge thanks to Colette VanderWal with VANDERWAL Travel for making everything seamless, from park tickets to insider tips. Early park admission let me beat the crowds and ride VelociCoaster multiple times. I wandered Diagon Alley, sipped Butterbeer, and enjoyed solo dining at The Cowfish and Toothsome. The Hard Rock’s pool and Velvet Bar were perfect for unwinding. Traveling solo gave me total freedom to explore at my own pace, meet fellow adventurers, and soak in every moment. Universal Orlando is surprisingly solo-friendly, and the Hard Rock Hotel made it feel like a luxury escape. If you're thinking about a solo adventure, go for it—and let Colette at VANDERWAL Travel handle the details. You won’t regret it.