17 Days in Japan: Baby Kicks, Bullet Trains, and All the Okonomiyaki You Can Eat

When my husband and I decided to go to Japan for 17 days, we had no idea it would be the most exhilarating, spontaneous, and, let’s be real, exhausting trip of our lives. Oh, and did I mention I was four months pregnant? Yeah, that added a tiny twist to our adventure. But don’t worry, I powered through the endless walking (and occasional exhaustion) because, let’s face it, you don’t miss out on Japan just because you’re carrying a tiny human! Here’s a peek into our wild and wonderful journey across Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.

Tokyo: The City of Anime, Bullet Trains, and Baby Kicks

We kicked off our Japan adventure in Tokyo, a city so busy and exciting that even the subway feels like it’s on overdrive. We spent 4 days exploring the city, starting with Akihabara district—aka the land of anime, manga, and everything nerdy you could possibly imagine. I’m talking about shops stacked to the ceiling with action figures, Pikachu paraphernalia, and a million other things I never thought I’d want but suddenly couldn’t live without.

One of the highlights of Tokyo was a spontaneous day trip to a town near Mt. Fuji. We woke up at 5:30 AM, which, let’s be honest, was a little ambitious, but we were determined. We rushed to buy bus tickets, and—drumroll please—we didn’t even have return tickets! So there we were, in a small mountain town with no idea how we were going to get back to Tokyo. (Spoiler: we figured it out, as one does when in very pregnant mode.)

We ended up hopping on a tam (yep, that’s a thing) and visited a beautiful garden by Mt. Fuji. Surrounded by cherry blossoms and the majestic mountain in the distance, it felt like we were in a dream. But the real magic came on the way back. We were sitting at a train station, waiting to head back to Tokyo, when… I felt it. That little kick. Yes, my husband and I had our first “baby kick moment” in a random train station near Mt. Fuji. Cue the tears of joy. (Trust me, we were both crying.)

Kyoto: Bamboo Forests, Bullet Trains, and Monkeys

After Tokyo, we hopped on a bullet train to Kyoto, and let me tell you, the bullet train is as fun as it sounds. People were practically cheering as the train zoomed into the station like a futuristic marvel. It’s like the transportation equivalent of a rockstar entrance.

Kyoto, however, was where my heart really took flight. The city is absolutely stunning. We went to Glanta, a ring shop where we got to make custom rings together (no big deal, just a forever keepsake from our Japan trip). But the real magic happened on our anniversary. We treated ourselves to a photoshoot in traditional kimonos—yes, we were full-on Japan-style glam. It was an unforgettable experience, strolling through the picturesque streets of Kyoto, surrounded by temples and gardens, while feeling like we had stepped into another time. I’m not crying, you’re crying!

Kyoto only got better from there. The food? Unforgettable. We stumbled upon a spot that sold the most amazing takoyaki (fried dough balls stuffed with octopus), and I may or may not have tried every flavor they offered. Then there was the butter chicken and naan, which... let’s just say I still think about it at least once a week.

Of course, we had to check out the iconic Bamboo Forest, which was as magical as you’ve seen in the photos, and we even climbed a mountain to visit the wild monkeys. And let me tell you, climbing mountains while four months pregnant is an experience. My legs were burning, my back was sore, and I had to remind myself repeatedly that, yes, I was carrying a little one. But the view at the top? Worth every step.

Osaka: Okonomiyaki, Rest, and More Okonomiyaki

By the time we hit Osaka, we were pretty much exhausted from the nonstop sightseeing in Kyoto. We were so tired from all the walking and exploration that we were tempted to just lay down in the middle of the street (but we didn’t, because, you know, people).

That being said, Osaka still had some magic left to offer, namely in the form of Okonomiyaki—a savory pancake filled with all kinds of deliciousness. Picture crispy, doughy goodness topped with meat, cheese, and all kinds of saucy toppings. It was the perfect way to refuel after days of exploring. Seriously, I think about that Okonomiyaki all the time.

Final Thoughts: A Trip to Remember

Japan was everything I hoped it would be—magical, bustling, and absolutely unforgettable. Between the bullet trains, the beautiful gardens, the delicious food (I mean, who can forget the Okonomiyaki?), and the once-in-a-lifetime experience of feeling my baby kick in the middle of a Japanese train station, it was a trip I’ll cherish forever. And don’t even get me started on that kimono photoshoot—such a beautiful memory to celebrate our anniversary in one of the most picturesque places on Earth.

So if you’re thinking about a spontaneous trip to Japan, go for it! It’s the kind of adventure that will surprise you in the best ways. And if you happen to be four months pregnant, don’t worry—there are plenty of delicious snacks and cozy places to rest your tired feet. Just make sure to bring comfy shoes and a solid appetite for Okonomiyaki.