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From the last week of November to the first week of December 2024, my friends and I went on an autumn trip to Japan, an adventure that started in Nagoya and concluded in Tokyo. As the designated planner, I curated our itinerary to maximize our time in each destination. Though I had often heard my colleagues say that a trip to Japan would leave you longing to return, I set out with modest expectations – this was my reward for completing my masters degree. Little did I know how deeply Japan would capture my heart.

Our journey began with a flight to Nagoya. The city’s quiet charm was immediately apparent. Despite its reputation as a less prominent destination than Tokyo or Osaka, Nagoya had its allure. Everything felt peaceful and laid-back, a welcome reprieve from the bustle of daily life. I was transported to the anime that I fondly watch on Netflix. Sadly, we had only half a day to explore this city before heading to Osaka.

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Upon landing, I was curious about the famed Japanese toilets. True to the hype, they were incredibly convenient, with everything operating at the push of a button. I forgot to take a picture though.

After a smooth process of collecting our luggage and navigating through the airport, we boarded a bus going to the MTR bound for Nagoya station.

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There, we found luggage storage facilities for just 100 yen – a convenient option for travelers like us.

Our first meal in Japan was an unforgettable experience. We discovered early on that communication could be challenging; many locals spoke little to no English. Thankfully, pointing at menu items and using Google Translate made things manageable. I ordered an omelet with rice and soba noodle soup, which came in a generous serving. It was delicious and a perfect introduction to Japanese cuisine.

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After lunch, we began our whirlwind tour of Nagoya’s highlights. Our first stop was Noritake Garden, a serene park, showcasing the city’s natural beauty.

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I was struck by the cleanliness – even the waterway sparkled, revealing its bottom surface.

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The vibrant autumn foliage painted the garden in shades of yellow, red, and orange, providing a stunning backdrop for photos.

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Next, we visited an unexpected gem: an Instagram-worthy library located inside the Aeon Mall, just a few steps away from the Noritake Garden. We took a few photos and videos of the charming library.

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I couldn’t resist purchasing stickers as souvenirs, both for my tumbler and as mementos of Nagoya.

Our final stop was the Mirai Tower and Oasis 21. By the time we arrived, it was already dark, but the city’s charm was still there, accentuated by the glittering Christmas lights.

Mirai Tower, formerly known as Nagoya TV Tower, is an iconic structure that offers panoramic views of the city. Standing at 180 meters tall, it’s one of Japan’s oldest TV towers, serving as Nagoya’s symbol since its completion in 1954.

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Nearby, Oasis 21 is a futuristic shopping and entertainment complex. Its most striking feature is the “Spaceship-Aqua” roof, a massive glass canopy filled with water, which reflects the city lights at night.

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As the evening deepened, the temperature dropped significantly. We found ourselves shivering and hurried to a convenience store to buy heat packs – a lifesaver in the cold. With a mix of exhaustion and satisfaction, we returned to Nagoya station, took our luggage, and purchased train tickets for our journey to Osaka. However, we had a mishap when purchasing the tickets. The navigation system in Japan turned out to be one of the hardest I had ever encountered.

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What we thought was the train going to Osaka was headed far from our intended destination. Thankfully, we were able to refund the tickets and purchase the correct ones just in time.

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Though our time in Nagoya was brief, it left a lasting impression. The city’s blend of tranquility, history, and modernity provided a perfect prelude to the rest of our Japan adventure. As we boarded the train, I could not help but reflect on how this trip had already exceeded my expectations. And this was only the beginning.

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