niracler

A perfect ending requires at least a second playthrough [^1]
Youth has no second playthrough
Hence youth must have flaws

Preface - Character Introduction?#

This is a travelogue about my trip to Japan, documenting my first experience abroad. There were many regrets during this journey, but just like youth, because it cannot be relived, those flaws became the most profound memories.

This travelogue is mainly written for my future self ten years later and my travel companion Linkke, as well as for friends with 0-1 experiences of traveling to Japan and netizens who love gossip.

The story may involve some characters:

1. Linkke: A classmate who traveled with me, photographer, mobile videographer, information officer, wallet, hotel arranger yuan. He is also a good friend often mentioned in the blog. For example, this time and that time.
2. Classmate C: A classmate who went to Japan two days later. I unexpectedly learned during the trip that he was also going to Japan this holiday, with almost identical itineraries. However, our schedules were offset by two days, which led to an achievement.
3. Me: An overweight person in an unpublished vlog, actually someone who isn't thinking about anything 😊.

Reasons for traveling:

1. Since ancient times: As early as before graduating from university in 2019, we had planned to travel to Japan during the Spring Festival of the first year of work. Unfortunately, first the pandemic, then work pressure (corporate slave), delayed repeatedly, and rounding up, it was already this year's National Day.
2. Trend of the times [^3]: As a corporate slave, it's hard to take leave during non-public holidays; domestic travel during holidays is already hellishly difficult [^2]; I didn't want to join a tour group, and Japan is very friendly to first-time independent travelers; plus Japan has achieved cultural victory (pseudo) — under various factors, choosing to go to Japan during National Day became a logical choice.
3. Japanese fan: Yes, I basically spend my free time reading manga, so I naturally have a strong interest in otaku culture.

(What's Our Problem? [^5])

Before Departure - There's Always More to Prepare#

Well, traveling abroad is nothing more than passports, visas, hotels, routes, tickets, leave (slightly), internet, payment, language, culture, and so on, very simple (hindsight 🙈, I wouldn't dare do it alone). The minority has a very good tutorial "Traveling Cannot Be Predicted, But You Can Prepare Better: Things You Need to Know Before Going to Japan | Minority," so I won't elaborate. Combining various guides from Xiaohongshu and assistance from major LLMs, it's basically a perfect solution. Here I will just mention the diff items related to me:

Passport and Visa (late): I only went to apply for the passport in August and sent out the visa materials on September 1. The visa result took ten days to come out, which delayed the entire preparation process quite a bit. Thus, I ended up spending an extra three thousand yuan. It would have been much better if I could have done it a month in advance. However, this was also my first time personally going through the entire visa process [^4], and I finally had a practical understanding of this procedure.

6. Processing Conditions (Choose one of five)

1) 【Annual Income of 100,000】:

【Salary Flow Processing】
  Basic materials + Employment certificate + Proof of participation in the last two years +
  Verifiable salary flow with a salary of over 100,000 for the past year

【Tax Payment Processing】
  Basic materials + Proof of participation in the last two years +
  Tax records for January-December 2024 and January to the most recent month of 2025 (provide separately) +
  Tax income details for 2024 with screenshots of 12 months over 100,000 and
  screenshots for all months from January 2025 to the most recent month

2) 【Annual Income Less than 100,000】:
【Salary Flow Not Enough for 100,000 Processing】
  Can + Proof of fixed deposit over 100,000 for three months,
  Salary flow for 12 months and a balance of over 30,000 after each transaction in the last three months,
  No large transfers in the recent three months + Employment certificate

3) 【Credit Card Processing】:
  Basic materials + Proof of participation in the last two years +
  Credit card with a limit of over 30,000, front and back images + limit screenshot +
  Recent three months of statements with at least 10 transaction records + supplementary materials

4) 【Retired Persons】:
  Basic materials + Copy of retirement certificate + Retirement fund flow over 100,000 for the past year
  (Retirement certificate + retirement fund flow (over 100,000 retirement fund),
  If not satisfied, retirement fund flow for 12 months and a balance of over 30,000 after each transaction in the last three months,
  No large transfers in the recent three months + 100,000 fixed deposit for three months)

5) 【Special Processing】:
  Full-time undergraduate or higher education verification report
  (Supplement student ID for foreign residents);
  Degree registration form within three years of graduation
  (Supplement graduation certificate + residence permit for foreign residents, Shenzhen additional information form)

Route (Osaka to Tokyo): From September 29 to October 5, a total of seven days. 2 days in Osaka → 3 days in Kyoto → 2 days in Tokyo. This is a classic first-time Japan travel route, without retracing steps, allowing for exploration of both the eastern and western sides of Japan's main island (Classmate C's route is basically the same). Before landing, I didn't set too many must-visit places; although I marked quite a few points I wanted to go to, only Universal Studios and Akihabara were must-visits. The rest were decided the night before for the next day's travel plans.

Leave: If we had set off on National Day, round-trip tickets would have cost at least six thousand yuan. So we took three days off in advance to depart.

Tickets & Hotels & Admission: By early September, ticket prices started to soar, and I almost thought I wouldn't be able to go. If I hadn't encountered a good price on the way, I would likely have canceled. The hotel and Universal Studios tickets were arranged by friends, and I didn't try Airbnb or other homestays this time.

Internet & Payment: I bought a Japanese SIM card for travel. Public transport was all done using the Suica card [^6], which can be activated directly in Apple Wallet. As for payment, the places I went to were mostly popular tourist spots, so 95% of payments were covered by Alipay or WeChat. Generally, carrying about 50,000 yen (approximately 2,500 RMB) is absolutely fine.

Language & Culture: If you know Japanese and have a good understanding of various Japanese cultures, that's naturally great. Unfortunately, I scored 0 and 40. However, language was definitely not a problem; firstly, simple communication can be done in English, and secondly, there are always compatriots speaking Mandarin around, so just follow what they do, and gesturing is also very simple. (Translation software was indeed a trump card)

There was a classic scene. When buying things, the sales staff usually prepare various common language scripts in front of them. Many times, if the staff only speaks Japanese, they can achieve simple communication by clicking the corresponding script. For example, "I need to apply for tax exemption," "Pay with Alipay," "Do you need a bag?"...

Travel Diary#

D0 On the Road - From Tension to Relaxation on the First Day#

After all, it was a budget flight, requiring transfers. Two flights, exiting and entering the country, back and forth at the airport, I finally arrived in Osaka at 7 PM Japan time. You can see the itinerary recorded below using rond [^7]. My phone automatically switched time zones, losing an hour. When I went to Yunnan before, I crossed more time zones, but still used Beijing time.

On the way, I chatted with Linkke about various work and life topics; this trip was considered his "escape from reality journey." Later, I found the photos I took for him with his camera; apart from the blurry, crooked, and eyes-closed ones, the rest all captured him looking like a corporate slave, a bit like the Hatsune Miku above 😂.

After getting off the plane, I saw a lady who had no experience and came to Japan alone. We helped her take the train to Osaka Station. Looking at her, I sighed that I wouldn't dare come alone. My friend said he would also come alone; there's no such thing as daring or not. Indeed, during this trip, I left all the work of putting myself out there and talking to others to him; he speaks English well, knows a bit of Japanese, and is good at communicating with people. At that moment, I thought they were all amazing. (But now that I'm back, I can also say that I can go to Japan alone.)

In Osaka, everyone speaks Mandarin, so there's no need to fear language barriers. In the eight months before 2025, the number of Chinese tourists visiting Japan exceeded 6.71 million [^3], while the total for last year was only 6.98 million [^8]. During this year's National Day, there was a significant influx. At the airport and train stations, it felt like one in every three to five people was Chinese [^8]. People on the same flight felt like they were in the same tour group, and it was easy to find assistance. (Is that so? Even so, I was still very nervous on my first trip abroad. Fortunately, I had a travel companion.)

After entering the hotel, I finally experienced a Japanese bathroom. There was actually a bathtub! The last time I encountered a bathtub was probably twenty years ago. I bought a bottle of Japanese sake at a nearby supermarket, drank a bit while soaking, and ended up with my feet turning red. Later, I realized it wasn't from the bath but from an alcohol allergy; my whole body turned red. All the hotels I stayed in during this trip had bathtubs; Japanese people have had the habit of bathing since the Edo period [^9], so it's no wonder even business hotels come standard with bathtubs.

The toilet design is truly perfect. First, the splash-proof design means there's no need to use tissue; secondly, the washing function is very common, even public toilets in parks have bidet functions; third, the toilet seat is temperature-controlled (at least the hotels I stayed in were), and the feeling of warm water washing is so advanced. I've heard that 80% of Japanese households have smart toilets [^10], and this time I deeply experienced why the Japanese praise them so much. (Should I order one when I get home?)

Tap water is also drinkable; hotels don't provide natural water, and the bathroom faucet is labeled drinking water, as are tourist spots. Only 15 countries in the world can achieve this [^11], relying on strict water quality testing and advanced purification technology. However, I only drank tap water on the first night; I bought natural water every day afterward.

The only downside was that the hotel Wi-Fi was particularly bad. All the hotels I stayed in during these seven days were like this; during peak hours at night, it was basically unusable, and I could only use it in the morning when I woke up. This is a common problem in Japanese hotels [^12], with outdated equipment and everyone online from 8 to 11 PM, the bandwidth simply isn't enough.

D1 Universal Studios Japan#

This day at Universal Studios Japan reminded me of my experience at Hong Kong Disneyland years ago, a similarly profound experience. All the staff were very smiling, and at the end of each attraction, there were a bunch of people applauding for you 👏, that scene was just amazing, creating a very joyful atmosphere. The cashiers were also very proactive in chatting with you; when they saw I was Chinese, they tried hard to squeeze out a few sentences in Chinese to strike up a conversation, and when they saw me wearing a Shirobako T-shirt, they said it was great 😊.

I played four attractions that day: Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Mario Kart, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, and Hollywood Dream - The Ride. Except for Mario Kart being a bit boring, the others were fantastic. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey was especially impressive; I regretted not buying a magic wand as a souvenir.

After waiting in line for an hour, it was only natural to go buy various souvenirs; that impulse was real 😂.

Riddle: Waited in line for 1 hour, played for 3 minutes
Hint: A game name from V 社
Answer: Half-Life, only half a life left, my whole brain only has "Halloween" left.

Universal Studios Japan opened in 2001, the first Universal Studios in Asia. In recent years, new areas like Harry Potter (2014), Mario (2023), and Donkey Kong (2024) have opened [^13], no wonder there are so many people. Beijing also opened Universal Studios in 2021, reportedly on a larger scale; I can compare it next time [^14].

Practical advice for visiting Universal Studios:

1. Try to buy a fast pass; although the price doubles, otherwise it's a cycle of waiting in line for 1 hour to play for 3 minutes.
2. Get plenty of sleep the night before; the ideal state is to sleep from 9 PM to 6 AM.
3. Depart at 6:30 AM; arriving early allows you to play one or two more attractions (physically 🏃).
4. Pay attention to the weather forecast; it rained that morning, and we didn't set off until around 10 AM (although this was an act of God 😂).

D2 Umeda, Osaka - Slow Recovery Day#

I slept a long sleep, which revived me from the exhaustion of Universal Studios, but I was still a bit out of it. The exhaustion from yesterday was the kind where my brain only had the words "Halloween." Today I decided to recover at a slow pace, mainly wandering around Osaka's Umeda shopping district. I also tricked Linkke into not bringing his camera to reduce the load, so the number of photos decreased significantly 😂.

For lunch, I had some okonomiyaki, but encountered a reservation mishap. Okonomiyaki is said to be "Osaka's soul food," made by mixing shredded cabbage into the batter and frying it with various meats and seafood [^15]. However, the one I ordered, although the photo may not have captured much, still had meat when I picked it up with chopsticks 😂. I accidentally ordered two servings of a double portion while ordering online. The ordering platform couldn't cancel the order, so I had to eat one and take the other away. As a result, the takeaway okonomiyaki became a burden for the rest of the itinerary.

In the afternoon, I went to NAGASAWA Umeda Chayamachi Store, which was my first time visiting a manga bookstore in Japan. This store is special; the bottom floor sells manga, and the top two floors are for second-hand merchandise. Upon entering, I immediately saw Masakazu Ishiguro's "Sleeping Idiot" series and grabbed it. I pre-ordered three Taiwanese editions on Taobao, but they haven't shipped yet; I estimate it will be next year. According to Rond's records, I spent two hours and eight minutes here.

After visiting NAGASAWA, I also went to the Nintendo Osaka store. Linkke is a fan of "Xenoblade Chronicles," and he immediately bought a glowing amiibo.

The biggest problem today was the unreasonable route design, frequently entering and exiting the subway to switch places. Several locations required multiple train transfers, and in the evening, I had to take a train from Osaka to Kyoto, feeling like I was always on the road. To make matters worse, I bought a bunch of books and was carrying that takeaway okonomiyaki, making it a heavy load throughout. I should have found a place to store my luggage, but my mind wasn't very clear at the time, leading to a poor experience.

While taking the train to Kyoto in the evening, I thought: the pace of this trip needs to be adjusted. The NAGASAWA I visited today might be the largest bookstore in this trip to Japan; after visiting, I wanted to avoid bookstores for the next few days. Although I later went to Maruzen & Junkudo, by then I was completely uninterested in browsing. Who would want to buy Japanese books when they can't understand them?

D3 Nishiki Market - Shinkyogoku - Yasaka Shrine#

Finally arrived in Kyoto, and I could finally set off at 11 AM! The previous two days had over 20,000 steps each, setting off at eight or nine in the morning was unsustainable for a seven-day trip. Today, Gemini optimized the itinerary, compressing the travel time to 11:00-18:00, aiming to keep the daily step count around 15,000. The following days followed this rhythm. These three days in Kyoto were the most comfortable for me, with a slow enough pace. (During the trip, I often mispronounced Kyoto as JD, fuck.)

The atmosphere in Kyoto is completely different from Osaka. Upon arriving in Kyoto, I noticeably felt fewer people speaking Mandarin, and more Western tourists appeared. In the hotel we stayed at, most of the people we saw were Westerners, and I didn't see any Asian tourists. Even though it was the National Day Golden Week, I suspected that tourists from other countries hadn't arrived here yet. Perhaps because Kyoto, as a city of world cultural heritage, has a stronger appeal to Western tourists [^16].

The exteriors of the buildings here are very, very clean. Japan has regulations requiring buildings to be regularly inspected and maintained [^17]. Walking down the street, I saw old houses that were forty or fifty years old, yet their exteriors looked like they were less than ten years old, with hardly any water stains visible. What surprised me even more was that even the car windows on the street were incredibly clean, with almost no water stains [^19]. Is there not much dust in Japan? The entire city gives a serene beauty. In contrast, in the urban villages of Shenzhen, I have to fight against dog poop every day 😂.

In the morning, I first went to Yodobashi Camera to buy accessories for Pocket 3, starting to shoot vlogs from today. Then I went to Nishiki Market for lunch, which is known as "Kyoto's Kitchen," a 400-meter-long shopping street with over 130 shops [^18]. I drank matcha pearl milk tea, bought black bean tea as a souvenir (another burden), and ordered a fish roe chicken skewer, which cost 1,700 yen per skewer. I couldn't eat it on the go, so I had to sit down and eat slowly.

In the afternoon, I wandered around Shinkyogoku and Teramachi Street; when I had enough energy, I really tended to buy more things 😂. I bought cheap bagged two-leaf merchandise at Lashinbang and even turned a gacha for a Gundam. Looking back now, I should have used the remaining thousands of yen coins to finish turning gacha in Akihabara; they could have been souvenirs.

While shopping, I noticed a strange phenomenon: there are almost no trash cans on the streets. After buying something and finishing eating, I could only hold onto the trash until I either returned to the hotel or found a convenience store or vending machine to throw it away. This isn't unique to Kyoto; it's the same throughout Japan. Later, I learned that this is related to the 1995 Tokyo subway sarin gas attack [^20]. That terrorist attack resulted in 14 deaths and over 6,000 injuries, and afterward, the government removed public trash cans to prevent terrorists from hiding dangerous items in them, and this has continued for thirty years. The Japanese have also gotten used to bringing their trash home or finding convenience stores or stations to throw it away; the streets are very clean.

In the evening, I went to Yasaka Shrine, but it was a flop; it was too dark at night, making it inconvenient to take photos. The route should have been reversed for a better experience. However, the overall pace of the day was very comfortable, and I wasn't too tired. With Gemini's assistance, the route was much smoother, and there was no back-and-forth.

After wandering around today, I had a feeling: Japan seems to be frozen in the most glorious time of the last century. Many infrastructures were built in the 80s and 90s; they look old but are well maintained. There are braille signs everywhere, buses lower their ramps for wheelchairs when stopping, and you can still see delivery guys riding bicycles. These accessibility facilities began construction as early as the 60s and 70s [^21], and now they have completely integrated into daily life.

### **Plan One: Final Optimized Version - "Classic Central Area, Quiet Amidst the Noise"**

* **Theme**: Shopping, Food, Classic Attractions, Anime Merchandise, Camera Stores
* **Leisure Index** - Still: ★★★☆☆ (There will be many people, so be mentally prepared)
* **JR Pass Utilization Rate**: Low (Mainly relying on walking and buses/subways)

**Itinerary Arrangement (New Locations Added):**

* **11:00 AM | Kyoto Station Electronics City (Buy DJI Accessories)**
    * Depart from your hotel and walk to **Yodobashi Camera** or **Bic Camera** next to Kyoto Station. This is a large electronics city with a full range of accessories, making it easy to find what you need.

* **12:00 PM | Nishiki Market & Lunch**
    * Take the **Karasuma Line subway** from Kyoto Station to "Shijo Station" (only 2 stops, about 3 minutes), and walk about 5 minutes to reach **Nishiki Market**.
    * **Food**: Start your culinary journey in "Kyoto's Kitchen," tasting tamagoyaki, soy milk donuts, takoyaki, and various seafood skewers. Eat while walking and feel the lively atmosphere of the market.
    * **Photography**: This place is full of life and vibrant colors, perfect for your friend to do cultural photography.

* **2:00 PM | Shinkyogoku & Teramachi Street (Anime & Camera Stores)**
    * After leaving Nishiki Market, directly enter **Shinkyogoku Shopping Street** and the parallel **Teramachi Street**.
    * **Photo House K**: **This store is located within Teramachi Street**, and you can easily find it. It's a great place for photography enthusiasts.
    * **Anime Pilgrimage**: In Teramachi, you'll also find Kyoto's largest anime store **Animate**, as well as **Lashinbang**, **Melonbooks**, etc. You can indulge in shopping for merchandise and figures here.
    * **Shopping**: **Daiso** is also in this area, so you can finish shopping there as well.

* **4:30 PM | Nintendo KYOTO**
    * Walk from the shopping area to **Takashimaya Department Store**, where **Nintendo KYOTO** is located on the 7th floor. Experience the charm of Nintendo and purchase limited edition items.

* **5:30 PM | Kamo River & Gion**
    * After leaving Takashimaya, take a walk along the **Kamo River** and take some photos; the scenery here is very pleasant.
    * Then cross the Kamo River Bridge and enter the **Gion** area. Stroll along the quaint **Hanami Lane** and feel the traditional atmosphere of Kyoto.

* **6:30 PM | Yasaka Shrine & Dinner**
    * The end of Gion is **Yasaka Shrine**. In the evening, the lanterns of the shrine will light up, presenting a solemn and beautiful scene that is very suitable for photos.
    * Afterward, you can have dinner in Gion or return to the livelier **Kawaramachi** area, which has a rich variety of dining options.

This updated plan perfectly connects all your needs, making the itinerary very smooth. I wish you a great time tomorrow and hope you take many good photos!

D4 Uji - Matcha - Byodoin Temple - K-On! Pilgrimage#

Arriving in Uji felt like escaping from the city to the countryside. The scenery outside the train window gradually changed from high-rise buildings to bungalows; after getting off, I looked around and saw no tall buildings and not many people. The weather was particularly nice that day, not hot or sunny, with the sunlight just right. The feeling was completely different from the crowdedness of the previous three days in the city; it was so quiet that I could hear my own heartbeat. Only D4 and D5 were not in the city; when in the city, it was basically crowded, and I could finally catch my breath.

At noon, I wanted to eat matcha soba, but when I got to the restaurant, I saw there was a two-hour wait, which was quite the internet celebrity spot. We took a number and then went to visit Byodoin Temple while waiting. Byodoin is the building printed on the ten-yen coin; to be honest, it didn't leave a deep impression, just that the Japanese really preserve cultural relics well. Interestingly, the people waiting in line around were all Chinese tourists, and those who didn't know how to order could guide each other; that scene was quite warm 😂.

Returning to the restaurant, while waiting for our number in the pavilion, sunlight filtered through the leaves, and a gentle breeze blew; that feeling was particularly relaxing, probably the most comfortable moment of the entire trip. I made a mistake when ordering — I didn't realize it was vegetarian soba, and even the fried tofu had to be added separately. As a result, I added noodles, turning it into vegetarian soba with extra noodles, which was a bit too much. Moreover, the menu seemed to have no meat dishes. However, the matcha soba plus two servings of sundae totaled 8,000 yen, averaging 4,000 yen per person, and it tasted pretty good.

In the afternoon, I started the K-On! pilgrimage. It's quite interesting; I actually haven't watched "K-On!", but since I was in Kyoto, I thought of KyoAni and came here. There were obviously more Cantonese tourists here, and fewer foreigners; East Asian people probably empathize more with this work. Along the way, I could see some fans, groups of male otaku traveling together (I am too 😂), discussing "what this character did here" and similar plot points, while I just took photos and checked in.

The most profound experience was at the Daikichiyama Observation Deck. We climbed the mountain around five in the afternoon, and there weren't many people on the way. At the top of the mountain, you could see the entire city of Uji, and the view was great, with only four or five people at the summit. I had originally filmed a lot for the vlog during this trip, but unfortunately, I accidentally deleted it that day, which was a bit regrettable.

To be honest, since graduating from high school nearly ten years ago, I have found it increasingly difficult to watch campus-related works. There’s a feeling of time being irreversible — youth is gone and will not return. Standing at the pilgrimage site of K-On!, watching those fans discuss the plot, this feeling suddenly surged up. If I had watched K-On! before, my feelings along this journey might have been even stronger. For older people, reminiscing about campus life feels like recalling lost friends; that kind of fear is real.

Finally, returning to the vicinity of JR Uji Station, I went to buy souvenirs at Ito Kyuemon. Although I took a roundabout way back, it allowed me to time the souvenir shopping for the return trip. I still bought too few matcha souvenirs; I brought too many clothes for this trip, and my suitcase couldn't fit, so I could only buy a little as a token. When I got back, I could only pick a few from a box to give to friends, rather than giving a whole box.

A completely relaxing day; this day was the best practice, the most comfortable day of the entire trip. The rhythm, scenery, and mood were all great. Compared to the previous days, the rhythm of this day was finally right — no rushing, not many people, and I could sit down and rest anywhere. If I could adjust the other days to this rhythm, that would be great.

### **Your Designed "KyoAni Pilgrimage & Uji Matcha Healing Journey"**

* **Theme**: Anime pilgrimage, top-notch matcha, world heritage, natural scenery
* **Leisure Index**: ★★★★★ (Very relaxing, can stroll at your own pace)
* **JR Pass Utilization Rate**: High (Round-trip transportation fully covered)
* **Photography Friendliness**: ★★★★★ (Both anime scenes and classical gardens are very photogenic)

**Itinerary Arrangement:**

* **11:00 AM | Depart from Kyoto Station to Uji**
    * Take the **JR Nara Line** (JR Pass free) from Kyoto Station to **JR Uji Station**, about a 30-minute ride.

* **11:30 AM | Ito Kyuemon (JR Uji Station Front Store) & Lunch**
    * Right across from **JR Uji Station** is the famous **Ito Kyuemon**. You can choose to enjoy lunch at their tea house here.
    * **Food Recommendation**: Their **matcha soba** is very famous and an excellent choice for a savory lunch. For dessert after the meal, you can have a classic **matcha parfait** (Parfait), which includes matcha ice cream, mochi, red beans, and matcha jelly, with a rich texture.
    * **Souvenirs**: This is also a great place to buy souvenirs, with beautifully packaged matcha snacks and tea.

* **1:00 PM | Byodoin (World Heritage)**
    * After leaving Ito Kyuemon, it's about a 10-minute walk to **Byodoin**.
    * **Highlights**: This is the building printed on the 10-yen coin and is one of Kyoto's world cultural heritage sites. The courtyard and the architecture of the Phoenix Hall are stunning, worth spending time to appreciate and take photos.

* **2:30 PM | K-On! Pilgrimage**
    * After leaving Byodoin, you can start your leisurely pilgrimage journey. Here are a few core check-in points, all concentrated along the Uji River, easily accessible by walking:
        1. **Tachibana Bridge & Asagiri Bridge**: These two red bridges connecting the Uji River's island (Tower Island) have appeared countless times in the anime and are excellent photo spots.
        2. **Uji Shrine & Uji Takamiyama Shrine**: Walking upstream along the river, you'll pass these two ancient shrines. Especially **Uji Takamiyama Shrine**, which is also a world cultural heritage site, has ancient and tranquil architecture.
        3. **Daikichiyama Observation Deck**: This is the place where the protagonists Kumiko and Reina climbed the mountain and talked after the festival in the first season of the anime, making it one of the most important spots in the pilgrimage. There is a small hiking trail next to Uji Takamiyama Shrine, which takes about **15-20 minutes** to reach the top. From the observation deck, you can overlook the beautiful scenery of Uji City.
        4. **Uji Bridge**: Returning to the center of Uji, the **Uji Bridge** spanning the Uji River is the location of the classic scene in the first season where Kumiko cries out, "I want to get stronger!" (うまくなりたい！).
        5. **Keihan Uji Station**: The design of the station itself is very distinctive and has appeared multiple times in the anime.

* **5:30 PM ~ 6:00 PM | End of Pilgrimage, Prepare to Return**
    * You can return to the shopping street near JR Uji Station for a bit more shopping or sit by the river to rest.
    * Take the **JR Nara Line** back to Kyoto Station.

* **Dinner**
    * After returning to Kyoto Station, you can have dinner at **Ramen Alley** or at a restaurant on the upper floor of **Isetan Department Store**.

This itinerary perfectly combines the culinary experience of Ito Kyuemon and the anime sentiment of KyoAni, allowing you to spend a relaxing and meaningful day in beautiful Uji. Enjoy your trip!

D5 Arashiyama Moss - Bamboo Grove#

This day was spent in Arashiyama, a day full of moss. I visited Jojakko-ji Temple and Gio-ji Temple, and Linkke took plenty of photos. Unfortunately, I didn't make a reservation, so I couldn't ride the Arashiyama tram, which was a bit regrettable; next time I need to remind Gemini about which tickets need to be purchased in advance.

While wandering, I saw a pilgrimage article for "Spring 物" and realized that the great teacher's footprints are all over Kyoto; many places are where he fought. Unfortunately, I haven't watched "My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU." It was also here that I realized that although I often read manga, I basically revolve around reality; the closer a work is to reality, the more I tend to avoid it. The same feeling as yesterday's inability to watch campus anime — the result is that there are no suitable pilgrimage spots for me to empathize with during this trip to Japan 😂. Maybe there will be more in Tokyo, like Shinkai Makoto's works.

That night, I stayed at a hotel in Kameoka, the most expensive and luxurious night of the entire trip. Initially, I planned to take a late-night bus directly to Tokyo, but in the end, I decided not to fuss and chose this hotel in Kameoka for a transitional night. Mainly because other hotels were fully booked, this one cost 1,400 RMB per night, including breakfast and a hot spring, and the room was much larger than the previous ones. The hotel also hosted a baseball team, and next door was a large sports field, apparently with competitions happening these days. Seeing those players made them seem very young and energetic; their spirit was completely different. The next morning, I took the Shinkansen to Tokyo.

### **Arashiyama Moss and Bamboo Grove Healing Journey (October 3)**

* **Theme**: Moss secret realm, natural scenery, luggage delivery, internet celebrity photography spots
* **Leisure Index**: ★★★★★ (Perfectly avoids mainstream crowd routes)
* **JR Pass Utilization Rate**: High

**Itinerary Arrangement:**

* **10:00 AM | Depart from Kyoto Station to Kameoka**
    * Take the **JR Saga Line/San-in Line** (JR Sagano/San-in Line) from Kyoto Station towards "Sonobe" or "Fukuchiyama," taking the **Rapid** or **Local** train.
    * The journey takes about 20 minutes to reach **Kameoka Station**.

* **10:30 AM | Store Luggage at Hotel**
    * **Hotel Route-Inn Kyoto Kameoka Ekimae** is right at the Kameoka Station exit, very convenient. You can quickly store your luggage here and set off lightly.

* **11:00 AM | Ride the Sagano Romantic Train (Internet Celebrity Experience)**
    * Walk about 10 minutes from Kameoka Station to reach **Torokko Kameoka Station**.
    * Ride this retro sightseeing train that travels along the Hozu River Gorge for about 25 minutes. The scenery along the valley is magnificent, making it a great photography spot. This is one of the classic internet celebrity experiences in Arashiyama.
    * **Get off at the terminal station "Torokko Arashiyama Station."**

* **11:30 AM | Explore the Moss Secret Realm of Oku Arashiyama (Greenery, Few People)**
    * After getting off, you will be on the north side of the Arashiyama scenic area, which is the essence away from the crowds.
    * **First Stop: Jojakko-ji Temple**: This is a temple covered in maple trees and moss, built along the hillside, very tranquil. The stone steps leading to the main hall are lined with thick moss, lush and vibrant, creating excellent light and shadow effects.
    * **Second Stop: Gio-ji Temple**: About a 10-minute walk from Jojakko-ji Temple. This is the **"temple covered in moss"** you want! Gio-ji is a small and exquisite nunnery known for its moss garden that resembles a carpet. Sunlight filtering through the maple trees onto the green moss creates a dreamlike scene, making it an excellent photography spot.

* **1:30 PM | Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (Internet Celebrity Spot)**
    * Walking south from Gio-ji Temple, you will naturally enter the back section of the **Arashiyama Bamboo Grove**. Entering from this direction usually has fewer people than coming from Tenryu-ji Temple, making it easier to take good photos.

* **2:00 PM | Lunch Time**
    * After passing through the bamboo grove, you will reach the central area of Arashiyama. There are many restaurants and convenience stores (like Family Mart, 7-11). You can buy some rice balls or sandwiches and find a bench at **Kameyama Park**'s observation deck or by the **Togetsukyo Bridge** to sit down and enjoy your lunch while admiring the scenery, which is very pleasant.

* **3:00 PM | Stroll Around Arashiyama Center**
    * **Tenryu-ji Temple**: As a world cultural heritage site, its garden is worth seeing, being a model of Japanese gardens.
    * **Kimono Forest**: Located inside Arashiyama Station, the 600 Kyoto Yuzen pillars are very gorgeous and a must-visit photo spot.
    * **Togetsukyo Bridge**: The symbol of Arashiyama. Walking on the bridge, you can feel the expansive river view and mountain scenery.

* **4:30 PM | Prepare to Return**
    * Walk about 10 minutes from the Togetsukyo Bridge area to reach **JR Saga-Arashiyama Station**.
    * Take the JR Saga Line, and it only takes 2 stops to return to **Kameoka Station** to retrieve your luggage and check into the hotel. The sunset time in early October is around 5:30 PM, so this timing is more than enough for returning.

D6 Shinkansen - Tokyo - Shinjuku - Ikebukuro Animate#

In the morning, I took the Shinkansen to Tokyo, but it was delayed, and it was raining that day. On the way, I organized today's itinerary with Gemini, and the rest of the time I was sleeping, not seeing much scenery. I only arrived in Tokyo in the afternoon.

As soon as I arrived in Tokyo, it felt completely different. This time, there were more Japanese people, a bunch of corporate slaves with tired faces; you could feel the living pressure from the flow of people and the rhythm at the station; this is a place with a lot of life stress.

Today's plan was for the western route of Tokyo: Shinjuku → Ikebukuro → Shibuya. First, I went to Five Star Camera in Shinjuku, where Linkke bought another second-hand film camera (yes, he bought one in D3 too). This store had a student from Guangzhou working as a part-time sales assistant who could speak Cantonese; they hit it off immediately and placed an order while getting a tax exemption. Sales assistants usually mark which languages they can speak on their chests. I can't help but feel that locals from Guangzhou and Shenzhen can only meet overseas 😂. This store also had many Chinese customers.

Next, I went to the Animate Ikebukuro main store, which is said to be the largest anime mall in the world certified by Guinness [^22]. I browsed for an hour and a half but didn't find anything that excited me; in the end, I bought a few original soundtracks. Hmm, I haven't finished the game, and I haven't finished the anime; I don't even know why I bought them. The video from Water Cooling [^25] said that Akihabara has declined; I should have come to Ikebukuro Animate, but I got severely disappointed. The next day, I went to Akihabara and found that the skinny camel is bigger than the horse; Akihabara is still on a higher level than here.

The key point is, for someone like me whose knowledge of otaku culture is still stuck ten years ago, Animate actually sells newer and larger IP works, such as various mobile games, Hololive VTubers, and works that have become popular in the last five years. I later realized that I am more suited to rummaging through second-hand stores for merchandise related to IPs that were active ten years ago.

I had lunch at a ramen shop full of Indians, which also allowed me to experience Tokyo's diversity.

That night, there was even a 4.0 magnitude earthquake, which was ridiculous. I've heard that Japan experiences about ten earthquakes a day on average [^23], which is a Japanese specialty.

Originally, the plan for today was to connect Shinjuku → Ikebukuro → Shibuya, but due to the rain and not finding a place to sit, after wandering around Ikebukuro Animate for an hour and a half, I was completely out of energy, so I skipped Shibuya directly.

The most obvious feeling from this trip to Tokyo was that the service attitudes of staff in Kansai are better than those in Kanto. Although it's said that Japan is repressive, I feel that this is viewed from the perspective of domestic vested interests. Compared to domestic couriers, Didi drivers, waitstaff, and factory workers, the differences in salary and work standards for similar positions in Japan are not small [^24]. When I see people in these positions domestically, I feel a big "trapped" word; it seems they are trapped in a place they don't want to be, yet have no way out.

### **Core Idea**

* **First Day (Today): Focused Tour of the Western Loop (Shinjuku → Ikebukuro → Shibuya)**
    * These three places are in the western part of **JR Yamanote Line**, making it very smooth to connect. Today focuses on the modern, trendy, and commercial entertainment core of Tokyo.
* **Second Day (Tomorrow): Eastern Classic and Cultural Tour (Asakusa → Akihabara → Ueno/Kanda)**
    * These places are geographically close, allowing for a huge contrast from Tokyo's traditional downtown atmosphere to the world-class ACG holy land.

---

### **First Day (Today): Western Tokyo Loop Tour (Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, Shibuya)**

**Theme**: Experience the bustling heart of Tokyo, blending photography gear, anime merchandise, and trendy culture.
**Time**: 14:00 - 20:30+

* **14:00 - 14:30 | Depart from Hotel to Shinjuku**
    * **Route**: Depart from **Nihonbashi Station**, take the subway to **Shinjuku Station**.

* **14:30 - 17:30 | Explore Shinjuku (About 3 Hours)**
    * **First Stop: Map Camera (Five Star Camera)**
        * **Address**: Near the west exit of Shinjuku Station.
        * **Highlights**: For your photography-loving friend, this is paradise. One of Japan's largest and most professional second-hand camera stores, with everything from film cameras to the latest digital cameras and lenses. Even if you don't buy, window shopping is also a pleasure.
    * **Second Stop: Shinjuku Street Tour and Photos**
        * 📸 **Photo Spot 1: Godzilla Head at Toho Building**: As soon as you exit Shinjuku Station's east exit, you can see it; it's one of Shinjuku's landmarks and very suitable for photo check-ins.
        * 📸 **Photo Spot 2: Entrance to Kabukicho Ichibangai**: This iconic red archway is the filming location for countless anime, games (like the "Yakuza" series), and movies; when night falls, the lights come on, creating a cyberpunk vibe.
        * **Anime Pilgrimage Point: "LOVE" Art Sculpture at Shinjuku Station West Exit**: This scene appeared in the anime "Your Name." and is a very well-known city sculpture, easy to find and suitable for quick check-ins.

* **17:30 - 19:30 | Ikebukuro ACG World (About 2 Hours)**
    * **Route**: Take the **JR Yamanote Line** from **Shinjuku Station** to **Ikebukuro Station**, just a few stops away.
    * **Core Goal**: Head straight to **Animate Ikebukuro Main Store**, which is your main shopping destination.
    * **Quick Overview of Surroundings**: If time permits, you can also browse nearby K-BOOKS or Lashinbang for second-hand merchandise.

* **19:30 - 20:30+ | Shibuya Night and Dinner**
    * **Route**: Continue on the **JR Yamanote Line** from **Ikebukuro Station** to **Shibuya Station**.
    * **Core Experience**:
        * 📸 **Photo Spot 3: Shibuya Scramble Crossing**: This is when the crowd is the most intense, and the lights are the brightest. The best shooting point is the second-floor corridor connecting Shibuya Station to Mark City, where you can safely capture the spectacular scene through the glass.
        * **Hachiko Statue**: Take a photo with Tokyo's most famous dog.
    * **Dinner**: Shibuya has a plethora of restaurants, from ramen and sushi to barbecue, so you can settle down here after a tiring day.

D7 Akihabara - Senso-ji Temple - Akihabara#

Finally, I've come to the right place. Regretting the late arrival, I wanted to browse every building in Akihabara. From 11 AM to 3 PM, I first visited the RADIO Kaikan [^27], the landmark building of Akihabara, spending almost three hours on its ten floors (it felt much larger than Ikebukuro Animate, mainly because I liked more IPs). After browsing, I was exhausted and lay down at the hotel for a bit.

In the afternoon, I went to Senso-ji Temple around 6 PM, but I was thinking about going back to browse Akihabara the whole time, so I didn't have much impression of it.

After 7 PM, Linkke went to Shibuya, and I returned to Akihabara for a second visit. This time I browsed TRADER and Surugaya [^28], mainly rummaging through second-hand stores. I saw the physical game of HENPRI at TRADER, but I didn't dare to buy it that day; I later regretted it and had Classmate C bring it back for me, which is the box I touched in the photo. Now I think, if only I had brought back the new work from Yuzu Soft too, at least I could show off in front of Colleague M. 🤣

This trip to Akihabara made me realize what stores are worth visiting: second-hand stores. For example, CDs of Ryuichi Sakamoto and Hikaru Utada for 500 yen each; if you listen to Japanese songs, buying some back as souvenirs is quite nice. There are also pop-up stores that only sell for a short time, which will have niche merchandise. For someone who isn't a pro at this, we can only encounter them by chance, and we can only see the goods that pop-up stores release in second-hand stores.

When traveling to Japan, you should buy things that are double the price or unavailable domestically 😇.

I also bought a series that was foolish: buying domestic export goods at double the price in Japan (didn't take a photo). For example, the collaboration between Blue Archive and China's Pizza Hut, which made me laugh; I couldn't believe I could find it in a second-hand store in Japan.

From this day on, I no longer had any fear of traveling alone in Japan. I could go ten more times without any problem; it's just that funds don't allow it.

### **Second Day (Tomorrow): Tokyo Eastern Classics and Subculture Tour**

**Theme**: From Tokyo's oldest temple to the world's number one anime and electronics street, experience a strong cultural shock.
**Time**: 9:30 - 18:00 (can be extended)

* **9:30 - 12:00 | Experience Asakusa's Traditional Style**
    * **Route**: Take the subway **Asakusa Line** from **Nihonbashi Station** directly to **Asakusa Station**.
    * **Tour Highlights**:
        * **Thunder Gate & Nakamise Shopping Street**: Pass through the giant lantern, browse the shopping street, and taste traditional snacks like ningyo-yaki while buying some unique souvenirs.
        * **Senso-ji Temple**: Visit Tokyo's oldest temple and feel the Edo atmosphere.
        * 📸 **Photo Spot 4: Asakusa Culture and Tourism Center 8th Floor Observation Deck**: This is **free**! You can overlook the entire Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise Shopping Street from above, with Tokyo Skytree in the background, making it a postcard-level photo spot.

* **12:00 - 13:00 | Lunch & Head to Akihabara**
    * **Lunch**: You can have lunch in Asakusa, where there are many century-old shops, such as tempura and eel rice.
    * **Route**: From **Asakusa Station**, take the **Tsukuba Express (TX)**, which takes only 2 minutes to reach **Akihabara Station**.

* **13:00 - 16:30 | In-depth Tour of Akihabara ACG and Electronics Culture**
    * **Core Experience**: This is a paradise for anime fans and tech enthusiasts.
        * **Chuo Street**: On Sunday afternoons, it becomes a "pedestrian paradise," with vehicles prohibited from passing, allowing for plenty of photo opportunities.
        * **Store Exploration**: Yodobashi/Bic Camera (electronics and models), Mandarake Complex (second-hand goods), Super Potato (retro games), Akihabara Gachapon Hall, etc.
        * 📸 **Photo Spot 5: Akihabara Street Scene**: The huge anime billboards, diverse shop signs, and bustling crowds along the entire street are the best scenery.

* **16:30 - 17:30 | Kanda Myojin Shrine: A Must-Visit for Anime Lovers**
    * **Route**: About a 10-15 minute walk from Akihabara.
    * **Anime Pilgrimage Point**: This is an important filming location for the famous anime **"Love Live!"**, and fans can easily recognize the "Men's Slope" steps.
    * **Unique Feature**: Kanda Myojin is also the "IT Guardian" shrine, selling "IT information security amulets" that protect computers and phones, making it a unique and excellent souvenir. The shrine itself has vibrant colors, making it very photogenic.

* **After 17:30 | Free Arrangement or Return**
    * **Dinner**: You can have dinner in Akihabara, where there are various themed cafes and delicious food.
    * **If you still have energy**: You can take the **JR Yamanote Line** from Akihabara to **Ueno Station** to stroll through the lively **Ameyoko Market**, experiencing another kind of urban atmosphere, which is also very suitable for photos.

This reshuffled itinerary is smoother and more focused, and I believe it will make your Tokyo trip more enjoyable while allowing you to take more wonderful photos!

Practical Tips Sharing#

Duty-Free Shopping Guide#

During my trip to Japan, I found that many products are priced in multiples of 11, which seems to be because the tax-inclusive price of 1,100 yen (including tax) becomes exactly 1,000 yen (excluding tax) after duty-free. The consumption tax is 10%.

Duty-free shops use passports for duty exemption; generally, items (electronics, clothing, bags, etc.) over 5,000 yen (excluding tax) can be exempted [^26]. For my loot, as long as I made a single purchase over 5,000, I got it duty-free. It was just a matter of scanning my passport; very simple.

"Can make tax free?" Usually, just saying this is enough; if not, there will generally be a corresponding sign in front of the sales staff. There are usually many prepared scripts in various languages in front of the sales staff; if communication fails, just point to the script. If that doesn't work, then translation software is needed.

The duty-free policy is for foreign travelers; as long as the store is connected to this duty-free network, it can be exempted. Meals cannot be exempted; anything consumed within Japan cannot. After all, the places we went to were mostly crowded with foreigners, so they basically supported duty-free.

AI Itinerary Planning Prompt#

Here’s the prompt template I used with Gemini to plan the itinerary during my trip, which worked very well (possibly aided by Google Maps). You can modify it according to your needs:

• Replace the {…} parts with your actual information
• You can add or remove constraints as needed

{Destination} Travel Planning

We plan to start a trip to {Destination} in the next two days. Please organize a reasonable travel itinerary based on some basic information we provide. Initially, our schedule is mainly divided into two segments, and here are some of our requirements:

## Day One Itinerary

1. **Goal**: {Main goal, e.g., visiting ACG merchandise stores, cultural experience, natural scenery, etc.}
2. **Time**: {Departure time}-{Return time}, e.g., 14:00-20:00
3. **Must-Visit Places**: {List specific places you want to go}

## Day Two Itinerary

1. **Goal**: {Main goal}
2. **Time**: {Time range}, e.g., 9:00-18:00
3. **Must-Visit Places**: {List specific places you want to go}

## Basic Information

1. This is my first visit to {Destination}, I have no experience, and I don't speak {local language}, but I can use translation software.
2. {Number of people} are traveling, {special preferences, e.g., love photography, anime, etc.}
3. Currently staying at {Accommodation location}
4. {Transportation information, e.g., have JR free pass, renting a car, etc.}
5. I want to arrange various foods as well.
6. I also want to consider souvenirs.

## Constraints

1. The must-visit places may be far apart, please help balance them; some places may need to be sacrificed.
2. Try to minimize the number of times switching scenes by taking transportation.
3. Remind me which places need to be booked in advance.
4. Consider area-based travel, reshuffling attractions based on proximity.
5. Recommend photo spots or unique attractions along the way.
6. {Other special requirements}

Please provide a detailed time arrangement and route planning, thank you!

Travel x Interpersonal Relations x Generational Differences#

[!NOTE]
This section was written before the trip; I had just read "The Anxious Generation" and wanted to apply it to the different behavioral habits between my family and me. I originally planned to write a separate article, but I was too lazy to move, so I just pasted it here together.

However, many times it can be the other way around. I don't know if you've heard some travel stories from my family. My dad particularly loves to travel; sometimes he goes with a tour group, sometimes with friends or relatives, and he also has quite a few experiences traveling independently. Therefore, he often encounters various interesting things during his trips. Here, I’ll briefly mention two of their journeys, which clearly reflect the differences in how I and they interact with strangers:

The first trip was my parents taking me on my first trip out of the province, to Beijing:

1. They went on a tour group when I was about eight, and since they didn't take me, I cried at home for a long time. Later, when I got into a good high school at 15, they took me on a free trip to Beijing during the first winter vacation, following the scenic spots from their memories.
2. The route was to fly to Shijiazhuang first and then take the high-speed train to Beijing. However, my first flight was delayed, and the delay was quite long. As compensation, the airline sent us to a hotel for lunch. During lunch, we met two girls with tour guide qualifications who were also preparing to travel to Beijing (they would stay in Shijiazhuang for a few days first). So we chatted, and my mom even exchanged WeChat with them mainly to share travel tips.
3. After that, we took the high-speed train to Beijing. Upon arrival, we had a bit of trouble finding our way, as it was already 11 PM when we got to Beijing due to the delay. This time we encountered a tall guy from Shandong, nearly 1.9 meters tall, and his girlfriend, who were in a similar situation to us. So we teamed up to find the hotel and even ordered 24-hour KFC delivery to eat together at the hotel. The next day, we all went our separate ways and never saw each other again. But the height of that Shandong guy left a deep impression on me; he seemed to have to bend down to talk to us the whole time. That was also my first experience with delivery.
4. A few days later, we reconnected with those two girls with tour guide qualifications. They suggested they act as our guides while we played tourists, allowing them to enjoy ticket discounts. So we traveled together for a few days, visiting places like the Temple of Heaven and the Great Wall.

Another time, about eight years ago, my parents traveled to Changsha, Hunan with a tour group (I didn't go this time):

1. During the trip, they met a couple of overseas Chinese who were older than my parents and had lived in Europe for decades. This couple had a residence in China and signed up for a tour group while vacationing back home. They met my parents in the group, which was quite a serendipitous encounter.
2. This couple became close friends with my parents. Almost every winter, they would return to China for vacation and would come to visit us. The connection was interrupted for a few years during the pandemic, but starting in 2023, they resumed contact. This spring, they even invited me to join them for a few days in Hong Kong, treating me very well.
3. This year, both of my parents retired, but my dad was rehired by his unit and plans to work for a while longer. Next year, they plan to travel to Europe for a month, and this couple will act as their guides.

These two trips are quite typical, and I believe they have similar experiences in other travels. These stories are not thrilling; they are not about encountering robbers and being heroically saved by strangers during the trip. But even so, I can feel that "this is something I cannot do."

Last year, I took them to Chongqing, and this trip was led by me, so there weren't many "serendipitous encounters." You could say that since I started university, I haven't encountered such things in my travels. Today, while planning my trip, I suddenly realized the difference:

1. When I lead a trip, I tend to make detailed plans in advance, arranging where to stay and where to go on which day. When encountering problems, I prefer to use search engines to solve them rather than seeking help from people around me. Now, in this AI era, it feels even further away from real people.
2. In contrast, when they encounter problems during their travels, they always seek help from nearby people, naturally establishing connections with various strangers. Not just in travel, but in daily life as well. Every time I return home, I am amazed at how extensive my parents' network is in the county town.

These two things almost determine that I won't have similar "serendipitous encounters." This may be a common story for their generation regarding how to build relationships with strangers. In recent years, what I want to do more is to "go to more places and meet all kinds of strange people." But the unfortunate situation is that I unconsciously score myself and the people I face, then measure. Those with high scores I dare not chat with, and those with low scores I look down upon, which is completely contrary to this idea.

Postscript - A Self-Talking Conclusion#

I won't write about the return journey; just ask the major manufacturers' large models about the return notice, such as the 5,000 RMB limit and how to get home from the airport. Of course, there were also some foolish moments, like getting stuck for more than two hours in the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Tunnel after landing in Macau.

Thanks to Linkke for the invitation at the beginning of the year, which helped me avoid the embarrassment of traveling abroad alone.

I bought a lot of things throughout the trip (who suggested exchanging 100,000 yen in cash to Japan...), and my all-in index was MAX. But it also felt like settling the bill for a 20-year interest in ACG. Or rather, it was the first time I met a netizen I had known for 20 years in person. After all, I was still a freeloader, whether it was manga, anime, music, let alone galgames.

This trip also completed a mindset shift: from a long-lived mindset to a short-lived mindset. I used to think there was plenty of time, and everything could be done slowly. After returning, when I sleep, I can even see death in my dreams; this feeling is quite wonderful, as if suddenly realizing that life is limited, and what needs to be done cannot be delayed any longer.

Writing this travelogue is also an attempt. I generally wouldn't consider who the article is for; I guess I was avoiding this question to avoid reaching a professional level. But this time, having an audience allows me to complete the context, preventing it from being too self-talking.

In the end, I still bought that HENPRI (this is a feat only achievable through the dual-body travel method). Thanks to Classmate C, who went to TRADER two days later, for bringing it back for me.

Writing Postscript: After a week of intense writing in the evenings, my mind is now filled with thoughts of finishing quickly so I can go play on netizen L's Minecraft server (they are about to finish). However, finishing it does feel quite rewarding, as I have at least fully recorded this experience.

Image Processing Tool: The image stitching in the article was done using Online Collage Maker, an online collage maker that completes various image collages in the browser. Just enough to use.

Postscript of the Postscript: Many friends are curious about the prompts I used to write this article, so I'll paste them here.

## Role Positioning

You are my travelogue writing teacher and editing assistant, helping me improve the writing of my travelogue.

## Assistance Process

### Phase One: Structure Diagnosis and Restructuring

1. **Reading and Analysis**
   - Read the current paragraph content
   - Break down the paragraph, identify themes (psychological changes, timelines, cultural shocks, etc.)
   - Point out places where themes are confused, rhythm is poor, or reader context is missing

2. **Propose Restructuring Plans**
   - Provide 2-3 structural adjustment plans
   - Explain the core clues of each plan (e.g., "from tension to relaxation," "by timeline," etc.)
   - Indicate content that needs to be deleted/moved and the reasons

3. **Wait for Confirmation**
   - Let me choose a plan or propose modifications
   - Do not directly modify; first discuss

4. **Create Material File**
   - Do not discard deleted content
   - Move it to a dedicated "XXX - Material.md" file
   - Note the reason for deletion and possible uses

### Phase Two: Marking Supplement Points

1. **Rewrite Paragraphs According to Selected Plan**
   - Maintain my writing style and tone
   - Mark places needing supplementary information with: `<!-- TODO: Supplement XXX -->`
   - Do not immediately check data; let me confirm the structure first

2. **Wait for Structure Confirmation**
   - Let me check if the overall structure is satisfactory
   - If there are issues, continue adjusting
   - Only proceed to the next phase once confirmed satisfactory

### Phase Three: Supplementing Details One by One (Core)

**Work Rhythm: Check one → Discuss → Write one → Confirm → Next**

For each `<!-- TODO -->` mark:

#### 1. Find Information

**Source Priority (from high to low):**

- First Level: Government official data (e.g., Japan Cabinet Office, Ministry of Internal Affairs), Wikipedia
- Second Level: Official organizations (JNTO, industry associations), well-known media (First Financial, Bloomberg, etc.)
- Third Level: Academic papers, professional industry reports
- Avoid: Unreferenced blogs, unknown websites

**Search Strategy:**

- First, look for authoritative sources
- If the source level is insufficient, continue searching for more authoritative ones
- Extract key data and calculation logic
- If I question the reliability of the source, immediately look for a higher-level source

#### 2. Discuss Writing with Me

**Propose Suggestions:**

- Summarize in one sentence + key data
- Use my tone (conversational, natural)
- Avoid stiffly inserting data

**Comparison Examples:**

- ❌ Stiff: "The penetration rate of smart toilets in Japan exceeds 80%, with TOTO alone selling over 60 million units."
- ✅ Natural: "I've heard that 80% of Japanese households have smart toilets; I finally experienced it."

**Iterate Based on Feedback:**

- If I say "too stiff," reorganize the language
- If I say "the source isn't authoritative enough," search again
- Until I am satisfied

#### 3. Write into the Article

**Main Text Writing:**

- Integrate personal experiences (e.g., "I only drank tap water on the first night.")
- Use phrases like "I've heard" or "This time I finally experienced" for conversational expressions
- Scientific content should be concise, avoiding textbook-like detail
  - ❌ Detailed: "Japan's Building Standards Act stipulates that specific buildings must undergo a small-scale inspection of external walls every 3 years and a comprehensive inspection every 10 years."
  - ✅ Concise: "Japan has regulations requiring buildings to be regularly inspected and maintained externally."
  - Detailed information can be placed in footnotes.
- Historical timelines should be summarized, avoiding piling up years
  - ❌ Detailed: "In 1964, XX, in 1967, XX, in 1972, XX."
  - ✅ Summary: "Construction began in the 60s and 70s."

**Footnote Writing:**

- Include authoritative source links
- Key data summaries
- Necessary calculation logic (if applicable)

**Example:**

```
Main Text: I've heard that 80% of Japanese households have smart toilets [^10], and I finally experienced it.

Footnote: [^10]: [Source] - According to a survey by the Japan Cabinet Office, the penetration rate was 76% in 2014 and has now exceeded