My first trip to Japan was a dream come true, filled with incredible food, breathtaking sights, and warm hospitality. However, I learned several valuable lessons from my planning mistakes that can help future travelers. One major oversight was stressing over dinner reservations; despite my extensive research, I found spontaneous dining experiences to be the most rewarding. Local eateries often provided the best meals, proving that sometimes, it's best to embrace the unexpected. Additionally, I packed revealing outfits unsuitable for Japan's conservative culture, which made me feel out of place. I also realized that spending only two full days in Kyoto was a mistake; the city’s charm and culinary delights warranted more time. Another hiccup was opting for a physical PASMO card instead of using Apple Wallet, which led to inconvenient delays. Lastly, booking a ryokan too far from Kyoto resulted in a lengthy travel ordeal. These lessons will guide my future adventures in Japan and beyond.
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