The idea of writing about Japan has consumed me as much as Tokyo consumed me after that first train ride from Narita airport. While I was trying to put my experiences into words I realized that some of the best stories were part of my Instagram posts. I wrote about those experiences while they were still fresh, so it just felt like a good idea to put them together in a post.

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Second day in Tokyo and it has been maddening. I am confused, at times lost but absolutely glad that I chose Japan. People have been tremendously helpful here even if they don't understand the language. I have been walking like crazy and loving it. P.S. – haven't eaten sushi yet #Japan #Tokyo #travel #ttot #japan🇯🇵 #instatravel #travelgram #traveller #natgeo #lonelyplanet #wanderlust

A post shared by Shirin (@shirinmehrotra) on Sep 17, 2016 at 2:20am PDT

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Japan can be really bizarre at times. These guys are selling #iphone7 here at Akihabara Station but just for the locals or from what I guess, people who can speak Japanese. The price is 79,200 yen which is approximately Rs 50,000. The sounds make it look like a fish market. So amazing! #japan #tokyo #travelgram #travel #instatravel #instatrip #natgeotravel #wanderlust #iphone #apple #bizarretravel

A post shared by Shirin (@shirinmehrotra) on Sep 17, 2016 at 5:34am PDT

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While walking around in Tokyo today, we landed at an Asian food festival in a park. There was live music, beer and lots of food. I had this pork and ginger banh mi from a small food truck managed by a lady – simple and delicious. The place had a lovely relaxed vibe. Locals were spread out in the park listening to the music, grabbing a beer, catching up with friends or just sitting by themselves which Japanese do a lot. #travel #japan #tokyo #shibuya #travelgram #instatravel #inststrip #wanderlust #japantourism #food #food #japanese

A post shared by Shirin (@shirinmehrotra) on Sep 17, 2016 at 9:47am PDT

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Golden Gai in Tokyo's Shinjuku area is a street lined with hundreds of bars. These places hardly accommodate 8-10 people and serve only alcohol. This is where the locals come to unwind and the tourists gather to socialize. I spent the first night in Tokyo here and shared stories with strangers over rounds of sake and shochu. The plan is to spend the last night here too. #tokyo #goldengai #travel #travelgram #instatravel #instatrip #wanderlust #japan🇯🇵 #lovejapan #ttot

A post shared by Shirin (@shirinmehrotra) on Sep 17, 2016 at 10:28am PDT

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This pic perfectly describes Tokyo for me. The city is busy as hell and people are constantly glued to their phone screen – in metro trains, on roads everywhere. It feels a bit odd when you want some eye contact, but what's most interesting is that you ask for help and they'll quickly open Google map to find you the way and in few cases walk with you a distance till you are on the right track. We've already had multiple such experiences. #Tokyo #japan🇯🇵 #travel #ttot #instatrip #instatravel #travelgram #wanderlust #citylife #tokyo🇯🇵 #tokyolife

A post shared by Shirin (@shirinmehrotra) on Sep 17, 2016 at 9:50pm PDT

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Shikotikazawa is this cute area in Tokyo full of second hand stores and small eateries. The area is know for its disorderly setup which is unlike Tokyo where order and discipline are key factors. Our Israeli housemates recommended this place so we hopped on to the next train and got here to shop. #japan🇯🇵 #Tokyo #travel #travelgram #instatravel #instatrip #wanderlust #ttot #traveller #travelbug

A post shared by Shirin (@shirinmehrotra) on Sep 18, 2016 at 12:31am PDT

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Octopus in wasabi – my first experience with real Japanese wasabi and trust me what we get in India is seriously toned down version. I also love the bar food culture here which is usually pickled vegetables, or seafood in most interesting forms. There are places serving drinks and just these small plates of bar food. I am already addicted to pickled vegetables. #Tokyo #japan🇯🇵 #traveller #travel #instatravel #instatrip #travelgram #wanderlust #willtravelforfood #food #foodgram

A post shared by Shirin (@shirinmehrotra) on Sep 18, 2016 at 9:08am PDT

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Tokyo is all about discipline. The civic sense in people here is amazing. On stations the walkways and stairs have clear demarcation for people walking to and fro/up and down so that they don't bump into each other; on escalators people stand on one side to leave way for those in hurry; people queue up to get into the train and cars stop at signals even in the night when no one is watching. This kind of sense can not be taught, it's cultivated right from the childhood and when walking amongst the locals even you – an outsider – become a part of it. #japan🇯🇵 #tokyo #travel #traveller #instatrip #instatravel #travelgram #travelstories #tokyolife #lovejapan #wanderlust

A post shared by Shirin (@shirinmehrotra) on Sep 19, 2016 at 7:31am PDT

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While walking on the streets near Osaka Namba station found this pretty street lined with tons of eateries and drinking places. We just hopped into a small sake bar and are already having broken conversations with the staff and other guests. Amazing how the staff is keeping everyone engaged. Love the vibe.as opposed to Tokyo, Osaka has a very relaxed culture and people love to eat and drink. #osaka #travel #japan🇯🇵 #traveller #traveling #osakalife #instatrip #travelgram

A post shared by Shirin (@shirinmehrotra) on Sep 20, 2016 at 4:00am PDT

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First day in Kyoto has been an extremely lucky one. We met a geisha while walking around Gion, the geisha district of Kyoto and she was kind enough to click a picture with us. It was a goosebumpy moment cause geishas have been an integral part of Japan's history and culture. 🙌😇💗 #japan🇯🇵 #kyoto #geisha #gion #geishadistrict #japanculture #travel #traveller #traveling #wanderlust #instatrip #instatravel #travelgram #japanese #japaneseculture

A post shared by Shirin (@shirinmehrotra) on Sep 21, 2016 at 5:01am PDT

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Japan is fascinating and at times strange. The strangest thing I see here are these entertainment zones with bright lights and loud sounds, filled with people glued to the screens. This is Pachinko – Japan's most addictive mode of entertainment. The game is like pinball and yes, there's money involved. Japanese are pretty crazy about it; it's bizarre. #japan🇯🇵 #tokyo #osaka #kyoto #pachinko #bizarretravel #travel #traveller #instatrip #travelgram #wanderlust

A post shared by Shirin (@shirinmehrotra) on Sep 21, 2016 at 5:59pm PDT

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Look at that lone dry tree standing in the midst of green bamboo forest. Arashiyama is truly breathtaking. We walked around this tiny suburb of Kyoto looking at shrines, temples, cute little houses and bamboo trees. Also, took a tram to Arashiyama so yay! #japan🇯🇵 #Kyoto #Arashiyama #bambooforest #greenery #travel #traveller #traveling #wanderlust #instatravel #travelgram #japan_daytime_view ##japantrip

A post shared by Shirin (@shirinmehrotra) on Sep 22, 2016 at 3:07am PDT

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Friday night on the streets of Kyoto. #ttot #japan🇯🇵 #Kyoto #travel #traveling #traveller #instatrip #travelgram #wanderlust #japan_night_view #kyotonightlife

A post shared by Shirin (@shirinmehrotra) on Sep 23, 2016 at 5:49pm PDT

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Doing the touristy stuff in Kyoto. #ttot #japan🇯🇵 #kyoto #shrine #travel #traveling #wanderlust #shrine #beautifulcolours #instatrip #travelgram #instatravel

A post shared by Shirin (@shirinmehrotra) on Sep 24, 2016 at 1:39am PDT

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Standing tall and bright. #ttot #japan🇯🇵 #kyoto #travel #traveling #traveller #instatrip #instatravel #travelgram #wanderlust #japan_night_view #japantrip #japan2016 #kyototower🗼

A post shared by Shirin (@shirinmehrotra) on Sep 24, 2016 at 4:10am PDT

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Last morning in Tokyo; the city wakes up amazing early. There were people on the roads at 5am, some heading to work, some heading home after a night of partying. We spent last night drinking and dancing with strangers from Israel, Iran, America, Korea and Germany at a bar run by a Nigerian. I am definitely going to miss this magical city.

A post shared by Shirin (@shirinmehrotra) on Sep 25, 2016 at 7:29pm PDT