We join Umhlanga locals Wesley and Zane on their enchanting exploration of the charming and mystical country of Japan.
Our trip to Japan in January 2024 was a beautiful blend of holiday and business venture. Zane and I have always been fascinated by Japan’s rich culture, its advanced beauty products, and the attention to detail in everything they do. The trip served as a perfect opportunity to explore these interests further while also taking a well-deserved vacation. We were particularly drawn to the country’s reputation for innovative skincare, makeup products and hair care solutions, as we both work in the beauty industry.
Preparations for our trip were meticulous, as we wanted to ensure a smooth experience. We started by applying for our visas one month in advance, which was a straightforward process as South Africans can apply for an electronic visa. It takes up to a week to complete this process. Packing was an exciting challenge, considering Japan’s cold winter weather in January. We focused on warm clothing, layering pieces and, importantly, comfortable footwear for the extensive walking we planned. Additionally, we packed a range of skincare products to protect our skin from the harsh winter conditions and made sure to leave enough space in our luggage for all the products and collectables we anticipated bringing back.
The journey to Japan was long but exhilarating. We flew from Durban to Tokyo with a stopover in Dubai. The flights were comfortable, and the stopover gave us a moment to stretch and prepare for the next leg of our journey. The total travel time was about 24 hours, but the elation of arriving in Japan made every hour worth it.
Our trip was a whirlwind of amazing experiences. In Osaka, we were mesmerised by the bustling Dotonbori area, and visiting the historic Osaka Castle was like stepping back in time. Our adventure continued at Universal Studios Japan in Osaka, where the magic of movies and entertainment came alive. Walking through the park, we were transported into the worlds of our favourite films and franchises. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter was a dream come true – walking the streets of Hogsmeade and stepping into Hogwarts was like living in the pages of the books. Tasting ‘Butterbeer’ and the thrill of the rides added layers of excitement to our visit.
Tokyo offered an incredible contrast of the modern and traditional, with highlights including the vibrant Shibuya Crossing and the serene Meiji Shrine. Our days at Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea were straight out of a fairytale. Tokyo Disneyland, with its enchanting attractions and parades, wrapped us in the timeless magic of Disney. Meanwhile, Tokyo DisneySea offered us a voyage into the unknown. The attention to detail was incredible, immersing us in magical stories and adventures.
Kyoto captivated us with its beautiful temples and traditional tea ceremonies, which provided a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle. Nara’s friendly deer and magnificent Todai-ji Temple were unforgettable, and the cosmopolitan vibe of Kobe, coupled with its renowned beef, was a culinary delight.
Driving around Mount Fuji was an experience I’ll never forget. The majestic mountain offered us a breathtaking backdrop as we wound our way through scenic roads. The mountain was capped with snow, and every view of Fuji was a postcard come to life.
Throughout our travels, we indulged in an array of Japanese cuisine, from sushi and ramen to matcha desserts. Trying Japanese tea and sake was also an experience in and of itself. A surprise delight was the numerous 7/11 and Family Mart stores that stocked the best egg sandwich we’ve ever tried – adding their crispy chicken made this an even tastier treat that we had numerous times on our journey.
Of course, we visited numerous beauty stores, from high-end boutiques in Ginza, Tokyo, to local stores, each offering a treasure trove of skincare, makeup and hair care products. We were particularly impressed by the innovation in hair care and makeup formulations and the variety of gentle yet effective skincare products tailored for every skin concern.
Returning home was bittersweet. We were excited to share our findings and experiences with our friends but sad to leave the beautiful country behind. Plans for our next trip are already in the making, with a focus on visiting other regions of Japan we didn’t get to explore this time.
For anyone wanting to travel to Japan, my advice would be to plan well in advance, especially when it comes to accommodation and train passes, which can save you a lot on transportation if you’re planning to explore multiple cities. Embrace the local culture and try as many traditional foods as you can; the culinary experiences are as integral to understanding Japan as visiting its historic landmarks.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to step off the beaten path – some of our most memorable moments were in quieter, less touristy areas. Japan is a country that balances its rich history with forward-thinking innovation, making it a fascinating destination for both leisure and business travellers.
Words: Wesley Singh