Debasree’s Family Adventure in Japan with Thrillophilia: Laughter, Sushi, and A Few Surprises

“Are we really going to Japan?” This was the first question that popped into my head when the trip was confirmed. I couldn't quite believe it. My husband, our five-year-old daughter, my in-laws, and I—venturing into the land of sushi, shrines, and surprise deer encounters? Japan seemed so distant, so orderly, so… well, different from the chaos of our usual family holidays. But it was happening, and honestly, I couldn’t have been more excited.

With a trip planned through Thrillophilia, everything was laid out for us—hotel bookings, transfers, activities—and all we had to do was show up. The most thrilling part? We were going to experience Japan like never before, without the stress of planning each detail ourselves.

Tokyo and Lots of Sushi

We touched down in Tokyo, ready to tackle the adventure head-on. Now, if you’ve never been to Tokyo, let me paint a picture for you: neon lights blinking like the city was on caffeine, streets bustling with people moving at the speed of light, and robots (ok, maybe not robots, but they sure felt like them) offering the best service at every turn.

Let me tell you, Japanese breakfast buffets are not for the faint of heart. While my in-laws were still trying to figure out how to pronounce "miso soup," my daughter, bless her adventurous spirit, was already deep into her sushi obsession. Raw fish for breakfast? She was living her best life. Meanwhile, my husband and I just eyed the tempura with a level of admiration I usually reserve for fine art.

Tokyo offered everything: shopping, shrines, and seriously confusing vending machines. My in-laws—who, let's just say, come from a generation that finds an ATM to be high-tech—spent half an hour figuring out how to buy a bottle of water from one. Meanwhile, our daughter was completely mesmerised by the local cats in cafes (Tokyo’s cat cafes are a whole world of their own, trust me).

Hiroshima and Unexpected Philosophy

Our next stop was Hiroshima. What we didn’t anticipate was how this city would pull at our heartstrings. The Peace Memorial Park left us all speechless. 

Then, on to Miyajima Island, where we encountered the local deer. We quickly learned these weren’t just any deer; they were little deer royalty. A deer came up to my father-in-law, gently nipped at his bag, and then looked up with eyes that screamed, “You gonna share that or what?” 

Naturally, my father-in-law, never one to back down from a challenge, tried to feed them crackers, which turned into an intense, one-sided standoff. The deer were victorious, of course. 

Culture, Chaos, and Culinary Adventures

Next up—Osaka. This city was a delicious blend of rich history and unrelenting energy. We stayed at the Rihga Royal Osaka, where we were treated to five-star luxury and incredible food that seemed to arrive faster than we could blink. T

The breakfast buffet? Well, it was like being at the world’s best buffet… but with more sushi. Even the vending machines were apparently stocked with sushi. Yes, really.

Osaka Castle, where we explored samurai armour and historic relics, felt like stepping into a different time. My daughter donned a samurai helmet for a picture, looking like she was ready to take on any battle (probably against more deer). Meanwhile, my husband spent half the time trying to convince my father-in-law to pose with him in an oversized kabuki mask—for the memories.

Then, Dotonbori. This neon-lit district is the essence of Osaka’s vibe: bright, loud, and packed with every kind of food you can imagine. We even tried okonomiyaki (Japanese savoury pancakes). My in-laws were impressed and decided that okonomiyaki was the one. It was heartwarming to see them enjoy something completely out of their comfort zone. 

Warmth, Politeness, and the Ever-Present Bow

Every day, Japanese culture continues to surprise us in the best way. They say “the devil is in the details,” but for Japan, it was kindness. From the moment we arrived, we felt surrounded by an air of politeness and respect.

Everywhere we went, there were smiles and bows. I couldn’t help but smile back at every bow—it became a challenge to see how low I could bow in return. 

One of the most touching moments was when a stranger in Kyoto noticed my daughter struggling to understand the vending machine options and—without a word—helped her choose the drink she wanted.

The simplicity of the gesture left me teary-eyed. In a world where many things are rushed and impersonal, Japan felt like a reminder that kindness is never lost, even in the smallest moments.

Homeward Bound

As we boarded our flight back home, our hearts were full—of memories, food (a lot of food), and the knowledge that we’d experienced something truly special. Japan had gifted us not just its famous sights but also its people, its culture, and moments of sheer joy. There were laughs, there were new discoveries, and there were deer—lots of them.

This trip wasn’t just about ticking off a list of attractions; it was about family, bonding, and appreciating the quiet beauty of a place that had opened its arms to us. I’m already thinking of when we can go back—maybe next time, we’ll try to befriend more deer... or maybe just stick to the ramen.

Read more: Thrillophilia Japan Reviews