Fushimi Inari in all its glory. / Courtesy -Preetibala

I’ve visited Japan twice, once in the heat of summer and most recently amidst the golden hues of November, and each time, I’ve returned with a deeper reverence for a country that seems to breathe mindfulness into every moment. From Tokyo’s neon pulse to Kyoto’s moss-covered serenity, Japan is a country that doesn’t just impress—it transforms. It is a place where silence speaks, where beauty is both seen and felt.

What strikes you first—softly, without announcement—is the immaculate cleanliness. Not a scrap of litter lines the sidewalks or clutters train stations. There are no public trash cans. A remnant of past security measures and an enduring nod to personal responsibility, citizens simply take their trash home. It’s not a rule—it’s a way of being. A collective understanding that public spaces are sacred and worthy of respect.

And respect, in every form, is the heartbeat of Japanese culture. From the gentle bow of greeting to the melodic repetition of arigatou gozaimasu for even the slightest kindness, every interaction feels sacred. Bowing, rooted in Buddhist and Shinto traditions, symbolizes humility and gratitude. In Nara, I even shared a bow with a deer, and in that quiet exchange, I understood the soul of Japan: a reverence for life in every form.

Children, some no older than six, walk to school with tidy backpacks and quiet confidence, politely waiting at crosswalks, often alone. There’s trust, safety, and a collective awareness that instils independence and grace early on. No one jostles for space; no one talks loudly in public transport. People stay in their lane, both metaphorically and literally. It’s a society built on silent agreements of dignity.

In Tokyo, I found myself swept up in the sensory overload of Shibuya Crossing, where thousands of people move in sync, like a ballet of humanity. I took refuge at the L’Occitane Café, perched above the iconic intersection, where I sipped coffee and savored pastries as the city danced below. Just steps away, I stood before the Hachikō statue, and tears welled up. A testament to loyalty and devotion, it reminded me that Japan’s truest stories live not just in temples and mountains—but in hearts.

The maze of humanity walking in perfect harmony at the very famous Shibuya Crossing. / Courtesy -Preetibala

Ginza, often described as Tokyo’s elegant jewel box and luxury playground, dazzles with its sleek facades, curated lighting, and impeccable design sensibility. Among my most memorable stops was the Shiseido flagship store, a luminous sanctuary that offers far more than skincare. It’s an immersive experience that bridges science, art, and tradition. From innovative cosmetics to exclusive wellness offerings and even a café that reflects the brand’s holistic ethos, the store embodies the philosophy that beauty is a lifestyle.

I returned home not just with the coveted Shiseido Ultimune serum and Vital Perfection wrinkle treatment but also a renewed mindset. In Japan, beauty is not about vanity—it’s a daily act of self-respect, a quiet ritual of care. Skincare becomes meditative, a graceful gesture toward one’s own well-being.

But it was Kyoto that whispered most clearly to my soul. As maple leaves flamed crimson and gold, I wandered through narrow alleys and centuries-old temples. One morning, I sat in a 100-year-old machiya, now thoughtfully repurposed into a Starbucks, sipping matcha and reflecting on the harmony of old and new. Kyoto holds a stillness, a silence that invites introspection. I found myself speaking less, observing more, and slowing down.

This remote temple Bodaisencho was a spiritual and magical place, where nature and zen were both present. / Courtesy -Preetibala

And then came Fuji-san. Our first attempt to summit the sacred mountain was thwarted by fog and fierce winds. Disappointed but undeterred, we returned in November. Standing at Churieto Pagoda, we were finally granted a full, radiant view—majestic and utterly humbling. We then headed to the village of Fujikawaguchiko, where the air was crisp, the fall colors ablaze, and I felt, at that moment, as if nature itself had blessed us.

Nara brought a different kind of magic. Yes, the deer roam freely and gently bow in response—a delightful ritual—but what stayed with me most was our visit to a temple in Bodaisencho. There, I sat quietly on worn tatami mats, letting the incense and chants draw me inward. It was a moment of sacred stillness, a whisper from the divine.

Nikkō, too, stole a piece of my heart. From its Kimono Station, where tradition wraps you in elegance, to the majestic bamboo forest, everything seems infused with story and spirit. And the ramen? Let’s just say Ichiran became our unofficial home. The solo booths, the focus on flavor, the ritual of the meal—it’s a celebration of food as mindfulness.

Japan’s allure lies not only in its destinations but in its devotion to detail. Trains are upholstered in velvet. Handle heights vary to accommodate all statures—a detail I deeply appreciated. Nothing is random; everything is refined. Even silence has a purpose.

Having visited twice, I feel I’ve only scratched the surface. Japan is more than a destination—it’s a philosophy. A zen elegance, a spiritual discipline, a technological marvel wrapped in humility. I will go back again. To learn, to absorb, to align my soul to that quiet rhythm that the Japanese live so effortlessly.

This quiet alignment is also at the heart of my work. As the founder of Feng Shui for Life and Lifestyle by Preetibala, I help individuals and spaces achieve harmony through the ancient sciences of Feng Shui, Vedic astrology, and philosophy. Whether you’re looking to invite prosperity into your home, gain clarity in your career, or align with your soul’s timing, I offer personalized consultations rooted in tradition, intention, and grace.

To book a session or learn more, please reach out via Feng Shui for Life (Facebook) and Lifestyle by Preetibala (Instagram). Let’s bring balance, beauty, and purpose—and maybe a trip to Japan—into your life!

The author is a seasoned traveler who weaves together the timeless wisdom of Feng Shui, Vedic astrology, and ancient philosophy with cultural insights.