Opening Hook Paragraph:

Japan didn’t just show me its beauty—it made me feel it. Imagine hurtling beneath the sea in one of the fastest trains in the world, only to later find yourself sipping coffee by a lakeside, gazing at the clouds that hide Mount Fuji. That contrast, that emotional range—that’s the kind of magic Japan gives you if you’re willing to explore beyond the tourist brochures.
This wasn’t just a trip—it was a journey of senses, speed, silence, and soul.

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Chapter One: Racing Beneath the Sea

My journey began in Hakodate, a charming city in northern Hokkaido. The air was crisp—around 7 to 8°C—and the morning drizzle gave the cherry trees a stunning glassy shimmer. Hokkaido’s spring lags behind the mainland, offering late-blooming sakura to lucky travelers like myself.

But it was time to head south—destination: Tokyo.

Unlike any ordinary trip, my journey would involve riding one of the fastest bullet trains in the world under the sea, through the legendary Seikan Tunnel—a 23-kilometer engineering marvel connecting Hokkaido to Japan’s main island, Honshu.

After catching a quick local train to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto, I boarded the Hayabusa Shinkansen, Japan’s fastest high-speed train, capable of reaching 320 km/h. My seat—Car 2, Seat 14D—felt like premium economy class on an airplane: spacious, clean, and loaded with features like tray tables, charging ports, and cup holders. The train even had a Gran Class (super luxury), but my JR Rail Pass was already a golden ticket. At roughly $850 for unlimited travel over 14 days, it quickly pays for itself.

At 1:49 PM sharp, the Hayabusa departed—down to the second, of course. Google Maps estimated the journey would take about 4 hours and 25 minutes, covering over 870 kilometers. Driving the same distance? Around 13 hours!

Soon, an announcement came through: we were entering the undersea tunnel. Though the view outside was pitch black, the idea of soaring beneath the sea at hundreds of kilometers per hour was thrilling.







A Smooth Ride, A Small Adventure

Hunger crept in—I'd forgotten to grab snacks beforehand. The train lacked a full dining car or vending machines (unlike local trains), so I wandered the aisles in search of food. Luckily, I found a coffee cart, from which I bought a hot drink and a small snack. Just enough to recharge.

Even the restrooms impressed me—spacious, spotless, and accessible, with some designed specifically for passengers with disabilities. Japan’s attention to detail never disappoints.

As I explored the train, I passed through Green Class and finally Gran Class, where luxury seats and enhanced privacy greeted higher-paying passengers. Still, even economy felt first-class.

About an hour in, we stopped at Aomori, and I realized my car—despite being listed as full—was still 90% empty. With the flexibility of the JR Pass, I decided to pause my journey in Shintai, a chance to stretch my legs.

There, I found a FamilyMart—Japan’s famous convenience store chain—and picked up an egg and tuna sandwich. Stations across Japan also offer coin lockers, which make short city explorations stress-free by securely storing your bags.

Eventually, I returned to the platform and resumed the final stretch to Tokyo. As we whizzed through rural villages and neon-lit cities, I reflected on the seamless harmony between Japan’s natural beauty and technological brilliance.





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Chapter Two: On Two Wheels Toward Mount Fuji

Once in Tokyo, I looked forward to reuniting with my motorcycle. Unfortunately, it hadn’t cleared customs yet. But I had a meeting in a few days that might speed things up.

Luckily, my friend Arif lent me his bike, and the weather had finally improved after days of rain. With Mount Fuji not too far from Machida, where I was staying, I decided to set off on a spontaneous motorbike tour.

Before leaving, I recited a travel prayer for a safe and blessed journey.

The day was humid yet cloudy, and I was already sweating. I planned to cover around 250 kilometers and return by evening. I’d considered camping overnight but didn’t have my passport—it was still with the shipping company. Though I had digital copies, many places in Japan insist on the original passport.


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Rural Roads and Vending Machines

As I left Tokyo behind, the urban landscape gave way to lush countryside and charming villages. Riding Arif’s small but fun bike, I joked to myself: "If I take this too far, I’ll end up in a hospital!"

Biking culture is huge in Japan. After just 30–45 minutes out of the city, you’re surrounded by nature.

I stopped in a village and found one of Japan’s countless vending machines—lifesavers when you’re thirsty with no shops nearby. Although digital payment is growing, cash is still king in Japan, especially in rural areas. I used coins to buy a sports drink and took a short break.

I also collected some drone shots—the view of the clean, rushing river and surrounding mountains was breathtaking.


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The Famous Dōshi Village and Grilled River Fish

I passed through Dōshi, a village known among bikers for its fresh fish café. I rode around 4 kilometers to get there and found it packed with bikers and travelers.

I ordered grilled river fish, simply seasoned with salt and nothing else. At 650 yen (about $4.50), it was a delicious and affordable treat—bones and all!

Nearby, a small village market offered handmade crafts, vegetables, green tea, and traditional Japanese sandals. It felt like a Japanese version of a Pakistani village bazaar—intimate and full of character.


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Lake Yamanaka and a Cloud-Covered Mount Fuji

I finally reached Lake Yamanaka, the first of Mount Fuji’s five famous lakes. Though the summit was hidden behind clouds, the lakeside view was stunning. I found a rooftop café, ordered coffee, and soaked in the scene.

Sipping my drink, I realized how much ground I had covered—from racing beneath the sea on a bullet train to cruising through mountain villages on a motorbike, all in one trip.


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Final Reflections: What I Learned

This trip wasn’t just about visiting places—it was about feeling them. It reminded me that the best parts of travel aren’t always on the itinerary. Stopping in a village for fresh fish, taking a break at a vending machine, soaking in a view no one else is watching—these are the real treasures.

Whether you're speeding at 320 km/h under the ocean or sipping tea near a foggy Mount Fuji, life’s most unforgettable experiences often come from slowing down and letting the road surprise you.