Kendall Forbes

I’ve wanted to travel to Japan for as long as I can remember. Finally, on my 40th birthday I jumped on a plane to the largest city in the world.

When I was a kid, we would often have Japanese students billet with us and I learned some of the language at school. I grew up with omiyage (おみやげ) being a default part of travelling, to bring souvenirs and treats to hosts and loved ones.

In 2021, I started karate which added more Japanese language and culture in my life, and in 2023 I again picked up Japanese language lessons in night school. I’d long-thought I would be overseas for my next milestone birthday in 2024, but life threw a few hurdles my way and I had all but given up.

Then, like fate, one night in late January while unable to sleep, I stumbled upon a Qantas sale with flights to Tokyo… for the day after my birthday.

It felt like it was meant to be, and was too perfect of an opportunity to pass up. A few days later when I booked flights, the best pricing and timing ended up being on my actual birthday! Perfect!

What quickly followed after booking was a search for affordable accommodation, what events were on and how to secure access, and whether to stay just in Tokyo or explore as much of the country as possible. Add into the mix that my birthday falls within Japan’s Golden Week of public holidays, and I had my work cut out for me.

I learned many popular attractions, including sporting events, only open ticket sales 30 days out from the event, or the first day of the month prior.

The best decision I made was to keep my adventure to Tokyo. And I had the following itinerary confirmed a month out before my flight:

Day 1: Land early morning, train into the city, and check into hotel. Exploring local attractions.

Day 2: Day tour to Mt Fuji, including gondola ride, cruise, and shinkansen (bullet train), night out in Shibuya.

Day 3: Team Labs Planets, exploring local attractions including shrines, shopping in Ginza and Harajuku.

Day 4: Tokyo Skytree, Pokemon Cafe, tea ceremony, visiting shrines, and attending a Giants baseball game at Tokyo Dome.

Day 5: Warner Bros Studio Tour: Harry Potter, shopping in Harajuku.

Day 6: Shopping in Shibuya, and exploring local attractions.

Day 7: Check out of hotel, final omiyage purchases, train to airport.

It was an amazing time and I would love to return soon. Next time I’d like a lot more time to be able to explore the rest of the country (and a lot more funds too!)

I highly recommend Tokyo, either for solo travel, as a couple, family, or group. Here’s are some highlights, and photos/videos below.