Around the World in 80 Days: Japan – Trains, Traditions, and Samurai

Japan – Trains, Traditions, and the Sound of a Samurai Sword

For George Jerjian, Japan wasn’t just another stop – it was the only country on his Around the World in 80 Days journey where he stayed for three full weeks. Travelling with his Caxton card in hand, George stepped into a world of bullet trains, samurai heritage, and ancient pilgrim paths – and left with a deep respect for discipline, beauty, and silence.

George had never visited Japan before. “That was one of my main criteria – I only wanted to go to countries I hadn’t seen,” he said. India was a contender, but it was too vast to explore in two weeks. Japan, by contrast, offered structure and clarity – the very essence of Japanese culture.

He began his journey in Tokyo, arriving via Qantas from Brisbane. “I flew from Queenstown to Auckland, then Auckland to Brisbane, and on to Tokyo,” he explained – a long journey made smoother with careful planning and his Caxton card keeping costs under control.

Tokyo, he admitted, was more about box-ticking than immersion. “36 million people. You could spend three weeks and still get lost,” he said. So, after a quick look at temples and department stores, he left the city behind to seek deeper experiences in the countryside.

Travelling entirely by train, George marvelled at the Japanese rail system: “They make Swiss trains look sloppy. You need to be ready to get off instantly – they don’t wait.”

He journeyed into the Kiso Valley to walk the Nakasendō Trail – an ancient 500km pilgrimage route between Kyoto and Tokyo. George walked one of the most beautiful sections, from Tsumago to Magome. “It’s pure nature – water flowing everywhere, trees, moss. And the most fascinating thing? The gutters on the side of the road carry fresh mountain water. People respect it. No rubbish anywhere.”

He then visited Kanazawa, where a highlight awaited: a private session with a samurai expert descended from a 600-year-old lineage. “He showed me swords hundreds of years old, still razor sharp. His wife soaked a tatami mat overnight – and with one strike, he sliced it into three, making it hiss like a snake.”

In Osaka, Japan’s food capital, George tasted Wagyu beef skewers with wasabi prepared fresh in front of him. “Even in shopping malls, food is an art form. It’s extraordinary.”

Throughout the journey, one lesson stood out: “Don’t compare Japan to home. Just accept it for what it is – completely different. And in that difference, there’s real joy.”

Top Destinations

• Tokyo – A whirlwind of activity, but a good place to land, reset, and move on quickly.

• Kiso Valley & Nakasendō Trail – George walked 8.5km of pristine history between Tsumago and Magome.

• Kanazawa – An old castle town where George met a direct samurai descendant.

• Osaka – Known for food, markets and a deep love of flavour and tradition.

Top Tips

• Use trains, but be prepared: “There are no second chances. You miss your stop, you miss your destination.”

• Leave the cities quickly: “The deeply cultural experiences are outside Tokyo.”

• Don’t expect rubbish bins: “You take your waste home. That’s how much pride they have.”

• Embrace politeness and discipline: George admired how train conductors bowed before entering and exiting carriages.

Top Recommendations

• Walk the Nakasendō Trail: “One of the most serene and reflective places I visited. Nature is part of the path.”

• Watch a real samurai in Kanazawa: “The hiss of that sword slicing the tatami – I’ll never forget it.”

• Take multiple trains: “Even the local trains are spotless and punctual.”

• Eat on the street: “Wagyu skewers grilled right in front of you – with fresh wasabi. Pure joy.”