Hello my Wander Friends! ☀️
Let’s just start with this: Tokyo Disneyland is cheaper than the U.S. parks… and way more crowded. Like “did I accidentally come on the busiest day of the year?” crowded. 😄 Reservations sold out on my day, and apparently this is a common occurence.
But here’s the thing—it’s still magical, joyful, and absolutely worth every step (and you will get your steps in… trust me).
If you go in a little more prepared than I did, you’re going to have an even better day.
I stayed at Hyatt Regency Tokyo Bay
Beautiful property, lovely breakfast, and close to Tokyo Disney. They have a free shuttle that starts at 7am to get you to the park early. Read on, and you'll see why that is so very helpful!
Kyoto is where old Japan meets cool Japan—and somehow they blend together effortlessly. One moment you’re standing in front of a centuries-old shrine, and the next you’re wandering into a hip café serving impossibly fluffy pancakes or spotting a geiko gliding through lantern-lit streets. Kyoto isn’t just historic; it’s vibrant, stylish, and full of surprises around every corner. Ancient temples sit comfortably beside ramen counters, vintage shops, and tiny cocktail bars tucked behind wooden doors. The city has a way of feeling both timeless and totally modern at the same time. It’s the kind of place where the best plan is simply to wander, turn down interesting alleys, and follow the delicious smells drifting through the air. And somehow, between all the exploring, temple hopping, and snack stops, we still managed to get our 10K steps in every single day. ✨🚶♀️Check out the videos I have linked throughout to get a feel of the places.
Sometimes the best adventures start long before the sun even rises. The alarm goes off while the world is still asleep, bags are packed, and there’s that electric mix of excitement and anticipation in the air. The streets are quiet, the sky is still dark, and it feels like you’re getting a head start on something special. Usually, I wouldn't be very excited about waking before 4 am to catch an Uber, but hey, we're going to Japan!
Shoes laced, bags in hand - we are off to adventure! Let's go!
Japan is a dream trip for so many — and for good reason.
Ancient temples. Neon skylines. Bullet trains. Onsens. Incredible food. A culture that feels both beautifully traditional and wildly modern at the same time. It’s bucket-list magic.
But let’s be honest — planning Japan can feel overwhelming.
Multiple airports. A complex train system. IC cards. Cash vs. credit. Where to stay. How many cities to visit. How to avoid exhaustion. It’s easy to fall down a research rabbit hole and suddenly feel more stressed than excited.
That’s where WanderLyn comes in.
Because the truth is, Japan becomes absolutely incredible when you plan it well. Choosing the right airports, mapping your itinerary intentionally, booking hotels in strategic locations, and understanding transportation ahead of time makes all the difference.
We’re not just visiting Japan.
We’re experiencing it.
We’re getting our 10K steps in.
We’re doing it smart.
In this series, I’m sharing exactly how I planned my 10-day adventure through Tokyo, Hakone, and Kyoto — so you can skip the overwhelm and go straight to fabulous.
Let’s get you ready to board. ✈️💕
Hello my Wander Friends! ☀️ This week we traded schedules, responsibilities, and “what’s for dinner?” for ocean breezes and endless horizons...
