When I first visited Japan, everything felt new—every corner held surprises, and every moment was filled with wonder. By my second visit, I had gained a bit of familiarity with the surroundings, and I found myself walking at a slower, more thoughtful pace. On the third visit, I began to notice the subtle expressions and atmosphere I had missed the first time. Now, on yet another trip to Japan, I’ve come to realize: this country isn’t one you simply “get used to”—it’s a place that deepens with each visit.
Traveling in Japan isn’t about “conquering famous spots.” It’s about gradually finding places where you feel at home. A location that was once just a tourist site might become something more personal on a return visit—where you sip coffee quietly at a local café, pick up seasonal fruits at the neighborhood market, or spend time beneath the trees of a shrine, simply feeling the breeze.
The purpose of the journey shifts—from “seeing” to “feeling.” Japan has a way of telling its visitors, “It’s okay to experience this place quietly and deeply.” The scenery may not be dramatic, but every detail holds beauty. The people may be reserved, but their warmth runs deep. The food may be simple, yet the flavors linger in your memory.
What struck me most is how, in Japan, everyday life itself becomes a journey. Taking the train, stopping by a convenience store, soaking in an onsen, choosing prepared foods at a supermarket—none of these are grand events, yet each one stays with you. Within the ordinary, Japan gently hides the extraordinary, waiting to be noticed.
Before I knew it, I realized that I become a bit more mindful whenever I’m in Japan. I find myself aligning my shoes neatly, putting my hands together in quiet respect, choosing my words more carefully. It’s not that I’m trying to imitate someone—it’s simply the atmosphere here that naturally brings out that kind of behavior. Even after returning home, part of that feeling lingers, and in small, unguarded moments, I find myself thinking of Japan again.
Japan is a country that can’t be fully captured by guidebooks. That’s exactly why it’s worth visiting again and again. With each trip, a new version of Japan reveals itself. Perhaps this experience of “change” is one of Japan’s greatest charms—it’s a country that evolves with you as you evolve yourself.
I wonder what kind of version of myself I’ll meet on my next trip to Japan, and what kind of scenery I’ll encounter. Each visit reshapes the way I feel and observe the world. That’s why, even when I’m far away, Japan is never far from my mind. It stays quietly in my heart, long after the journey ends.
“To visit once is to want to return again and again”—that’s not just a catchy phrase. It’s a genuine truth felt by those who have walked its streets. That’s why I’m already certain: my next journey to Japan will be special, just like all the ones before.