Japan Bucket List: Fuji views, onsen nights and Tokyo Tower

Your adventure begins – let's go! You're strapped in your seat, headphones in, vibes on point, and your night flight to Japan is about to take off. You shut your eyes and turn on your playlist... and when you open them again, the rising sun is already painting the horizon red. Coincidence? Nope. You're flying straight into the colours of the Japanese flag, and it's proper gorgeous – the perfect start to your trip in the land of cherry blossoms, sushi and Shinkansen vibes.

The Land of the Rising Sun is right below you, and out the window, you see Tokyo's endless sea of concrete and sparkling buildings unfurling in all directions – strange, new and exciting! After you land, you make your way to the railway station and collect your Mount Fuji-Shizuoka Pass. But you won't be activating it till later. For now, you're taking the train on your own and heading to your hotel. If you're still tired, no problem! A stroll through Tokyo's urban canyons is just the thing to perk you up: huge, loud, colourful... yet somehow in state of total flow – 100% organised chaos. And if you come across a 7-Eleven or FamilyMart along the way, pop in! Japan's 'konbini' are next level. Rice balls, sandwiches, matcha ice cream – these aren't ‘just snacks’; they're all a little preview of the top-tier food to come. Craving some ramen? Also no problem. You can hardly walk a block without running into some. Find a spot, grab a steaming bowl and start slurping – and enjoy your first real taste of Tokyo!

Tokyo is massive and full of highlights! Your first adventure: Shibuya, home to the world's largest pedestrian crossing. Here, you cross the street with up to 3,000 other people and quickly learn that there's no chance of standing still. Surrounded by neon signs and skyscrapers, you're bang in the middle of modern Japan! Then it's on to Harajuku for flashy outfits, pop culture and everything colourful. After that, it's time to chill. In the green Yoyogi Park and at Meiji Shrine, you fully immerse yourself in traditional Japan. But you don't stay for too long, as the next contrast awaits you in Shinjuku. Neon lights, izakayas, wooden bars – here, it's all about yakitori, sake and good vibes. Kanpai!

Welcome to foodie heaven! Tsukiji Market is an absolute must-see. Even though the tuna auctions moved to Toyosu years ago, Ginza still has that original vibe: old market halls, amazing seafood and over 400 restaurants. Sushi for breakfast? Why not?! Afterwards, you stroll to the Imperial Palace for green parks, peace and quiet and a little break. But Tokyo has more to offer, so it's on to Asakusa! Incense, temple vibes – the Senso-ji aka Kannon Temple is a classic. And right behind it, you already see the gleam of the next highlight: the Skytree. Between street food and souvenir shops, you head up to the observation deck (tickets available on site), and when you get to the top, it's pure goosebumps. Tokyo stretches to the horizon, bathed in golden light and with the glow of Nihonbashi in the distance, and you never want to go back down.