30/04/2025
Travel Blog 🇯🇵
A Mother-Son Adventure in Japan: Culture, Cuisine & Connection by Tammy Runia.
Some trips are more than travel—they leave a mark on your heart. My recent journey through Japan with my 18-year-old son was just that: a perfect blend of bonding, discovery, and wonder in a land where tradition meets modernity.
Kyoto: Warm Welcomes & Ramen Making
We started in Kyoto, arriving via the ultra-comfortable Shinkansen with a clear view of Mount Fuji—breathtaking! Staying at the stylish Nogha Hotel in Gion, we enjoyed rooftop dining, delicious food, and a fun ramen cooking class that left us smiling and slurping.
Seki: Crafting Memories
In Seki, a hidden gem in Gifu, we joined a knife-making workshop with master artisans. Polishing our own Damascus knives was a hands-on, soulful experience and a highlight of the trip.
Nakatsugawa: History on Foot
Next, we walked the Nakasendo Trail in Nakatsugawa with a local guide, learning the stories of samurais past. Staying at Hotel Onn made it a cozy and convenient stop.
Tokyo: Food Tours & Sumo Wrestling
Tokyo brought vibrant energy—from food tours in Shinjuku’s alleys to an unforgettable sumo training visit, where we even entered the ring ourselves! Sharing a meal and stories with the wrestlers added a rare cultural insight.
Reflections
Japan was everything I hoped for—safe, welcoming, and endlessly fascinating. But the real treasure was sharing these moments with my son. We came home with not only memories but a deeper bond.
Please reach out I’d love to chat about Japan and make your dream of going a reality.
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