Japan Intense: From neon lights to chanting monks

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.

Time to wake up – the Land of the Rising Sun awaits! Tokyo's endless concrete jungle spreads like a sparkling sea in every direction. When you arrive at the airport, everything around you is foreign, new and exciting. You quickly exchange your voucher for your Japan Rail Pass, then board the train and head off on your own to your accommodation.

Your first impression? Overwhelming and difficult to put into words. You're surrounded by rows of towering buildings that light up in a sea of glowing neon signs and polished skyscrapers stacked alongside wooden houses and hidden temples. Swarms of black-suited businessmen rush through the streets past people whose wild outfits starkly contrast their own. Jingles resonate from the entrances of convenience stores as an advertising truck decked with the faces of a J-pop group drives by blasting colourful beats into the street. Tokyo is a metropolis in overdrive – and you want to explore every corner of it!

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.