Japan Diaries: Aishwarya and Akshaya’s Exciting Thrillophilia Review
I never expected a trip with my younger brother to remind me how well we knew each other. But as our plane descended into Narita Airport, I felt that unspoken spark of adventure between us. I am Aishwarya, and my younger brother, Akshaya, are two very different souls bound by shared history.
“Did you pack the travel adaptor?” I waved the immigration form.
Akshaya smiled sleepily, “I packed six power banks, covering all bases.”
I shook my head and laughed. “Classic you.”
We retrieved our bags and stepped into Tokyo where the humidity felt like a warm welcome hug. We hopped into our hotel shuttle, and all the noise of expectations faded away when he high-fived me, saying, “We are really here.”
Tokyo Days
Our first day in Tokyo was about exploring the place on foot. We wandered through Asakusa, visited Sensoji Temple, and soaked in the golden glow of the Kaminarimon gate.
Akshaya posed with his hands together, “Can I wish for better grades?”
I nudged him, “Aim higher.”
He laughed, and we ended up in a tiny back alley curry shop where the chef tossed plates with flair, and we celebrated our first Japanese meal. By the time we headed back, our footsteps and laughs were in sync.
Picnic at Yoyogi Park
On our second day in Tokyo, we carried bentō boxes and sodas to Yoyogi Park. Among the Sakura and ancient ginkgo trees, we talked about everything: his first semester, my recent promotion, and plans for the future.
“Do you ever regret moving abroad?” he asked between bites.
“Not once,” I replied. “But I wish you had visited more often.”
He reached out. “Now I am here.”
That evening, we visited Harajuku and Omotesando. We bought quirky souvenirs, and he insisted on paying for a vinyl hat. It felt right as our roles shifted while growing.
Shibuya Lights and Shinjuku Nights
Our third day was a sensory overload. We crossed the iconic Shibuya Scramble together with hundreds of people. There were neon ads and street musicians everywhere. I snapped a photo of him stepping into a stream of people.
Later, we sang badly to 90s Bollywood amid skyscrapers and karaoke bars in Shinjuku. Tourists stared at us, but it felt liberating.
“Next time, we’ll bring our cousins,” he insisted as we stumbled back with arms over each other’s shoulders.
Magic at Tokyo Disneyland
It was Disneyland Day, and I was not sure what to expect. But when we walked past Cinderella Castle, we felt like kids again.
We raced through Space Mountain, got drenched on Splash Mountain, and cried together at the parade. He bought me mouse ears, and I bought him a lightsaber.
At dinner, under stirring lights, he whispered, “Thanks for this.”
I held his hand. “Thanks for being my partner in crime.”
We ended the day watching fireworks sparkle above the castle, and nothing made sense except that moment.
From Skyscrapers to the Shinkansen
On the 5th day, we boarded a bullet train to Osaka, which was a dream switch from neon to the promise of neon lights served with okonomiyaki.
We arrived at dusk, and the air felt softer. We checked into our hotel, dropped our bags, and immediately hit Dōtonbori. The neon signs moved off the canal as we tasted spicy takoyaki.
The Comforting Chaos of Osaka
It was our exploration day in Osaka, and it was slower and more introspective.
We visited Osaka Castle and listened to stories of samurais amid manicured gardens. We paused by koi-filled ponds, which were a quiet reflection after Tokyo’s frenzy.
In the evening, we travelled to Umeda Sky Building to sip mochaccinos above the city. The skyline glowed, and we silently raised our cups to where we had been, and where we were going.
We sat there a while longer before returning to street-side ramen and comfy hotel beds.
The time to leave Osaka arrived fast. We boarded the Shinkansen back to Tokyo. The train felt like a time capsule. We watched landscapes, like rice paddies, distant peaks, and tiny villages, pass by.
Akshaya finally spoke, “Can we do this every two years?”
I replied, “It is a promise.”
At Tokyo station, we packed our bags and wrapped our trip in umbrella rides back to our first Tokyo hotel.
Final Moments at Narita
Our final morning in Japan was gentle and reflective. We boarded the airport shuttle and sat beside each other.
In Narita café, we ordered hot chocolates. I looked at him and realised how different our bond felt now. It had indeed been deeper and richer.
He took my hand as we waited to board. “Thanks for the ride.”
“Always, little brother.”
We hugged. I watched him walk away to board the flight, and our journey paused until the next adventure.
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