We visited the biggest cities, took in all things Pokémon and Sanrio, and it was everything we could have ever wanted and more, but one thing challenged me physically and mentally
I learned a valuable lesson in Japan – always be prepared
Japan appears to be the most popular destination among young millennials right now, and my fiancé and I had spent years planning our visit.
From the dazzling urban landscapes of its major cities to everything Pokémon and Sanrio-related, Japan has long captivated us both, making it the perfect choice for our adventure. We carefully mapped out the essential spots for my inaugural journey beyond Europe.
Our itinerary began in Tokyo, followed by Fujiyoshida, Matsumoto, Shibu Onsen, Togakushi, Kyoto, Osaka, then a flight to Ishigaki near Okinawa, before returning to Tokyo for a final celebration ahead of our Manchester homecoming.
Naturally, the main attractions everyone mentions are Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, and we timed our visit to coincide with the blossom season, anticipating extensive sightseeing.
I should mention that since January 2025, I’ve maintained a strict, nearly daily fitness routine to prepare for the reality that certain underground stations require climbing 100 steps just to exit, and countless travellers post videos expressing amazement at their daily step counts.
My goal was to experience Japan fully without feeling physically restricted, and I successfully achieved it!
Yet, what caught me completely off guard was developing blisters nearly covering my entire feet by our third day in Tokyo due to the sheer amount of walking, leaving me tearful and concerned that my trip might be compromised, forcing me to drastically reduce my activity levels.
Nothing could have prepared me for this in Japan
Having anticipated potential problems on this front, we’d wisely packed a substantial supply of reliable Compeed plasters. I purchased additional plasters from a convenience store, and each day I was bandaging my feet with a makeshift solution, layering blister plasters on top of one another, hoping they’d hold.
Remarkably, this approach proved successful, and with each passing day my feet improved considerably, allowing me to keep walking. Throughout the entire journey, we accumulated an impressive 420,556 steps – and that’s despite spending much of our time in Ishigaki simply unwinding at our villa!
My Ugg Tasman’s became my go-to footwear, and I’m uncertain how I would’ve managed without them. They offered both comfort and adequate support throughout the trip, except for occasions when I switched to my Teva sandals and Primark x Rita Ora sneakers for a slightly smarter look.
However, if you’re planning a Japanese adventure and experience foot pain (believe me, it’s inevitable), then Don Quijote, commonly known as Donki, Japan’s largest discount retailer (complete with an incredibly memorable jingle that’ll draw you back repeatedly!), stocks a brilliant solution.
The moment my feet began aching, we made our way to the shop and purchased some foot packs – though these aren’t like the ones you can buy in the UK that make your feet feel soft as a baby’s.
These were available individually or in multipacks, which we eventually opted for. The heat pads that you attach to the soles of your feet appear to significantly reduce fatigue.
The warming sensation feels wonderful underfoot, and you leave them on throughout the night. The combination of rest and heat seems to rejuvenate your feet, leaving them ready to tackle yet another day of 30,000 steps.
Naturally, they do nothing for the inevitable blisters, so it’s well worth carrying plasters at all times, allowing you to treat a blister before it fully develops.
But you live and learn, and despite the blister woes, the experience was absolutely fantastic. Within a few days, my feet were completely back to normal.
So if you’re planning a trip to Japan, factor in how much walking you’ll do and pack comfy shoes. Trust me, it’s a lesson I learned the hard way.
AloJapan.com