The Robillard Family recount their amazing vacation in Japan
To the uninitiated, Japan is a world away. There are many misconceptions about Japan, but most of these stereotypes are perpetuated through the lens of Western bias. In reality, Japan is like any other country—it has its gorgeous landscapes, a diverse food and drink palate, it has its different sights and sounds, its vibrant cities, but also its eccentricities that make it special.
In March, Marnie Robillard, her husband Jeff, and their children Rhys, Hunter, and Stuart, as well as Jeff’s brother Chris and his adult children, Myah and Jarrett, went on the vacation of a lifetime to The Land of the Rising Sun. Not quite knowing what to expect, they were blown away with what they discovered—how special of a place Japan is—and brought home with them a treasure trove of lifelong memories!
Japan was never really on Marnie’s radar as a vacation destination. She admits she’s not an adventurous eater and wasn’t sure how Japan’s food would mix with her palate. However, when Rhys started talking about how much he wanted to go, she got curious. “He was really into the culture, the food, the whole vibe,” explains Marnie. “We decided to plan a family trip.” In the end, she says that Japan ended up being one of the most meaningful travel experiences she’s ever had.
Staying in Airbnbs throughout the trip, which lasted for a little over two weeks, the family started their trip in Tokyo, then ventured to Kyoto and Osaka, with day trips in Kamakura and Nara. “It was beautiful—peaceful, clean, and incredibly organized,” she recalls. “The scenery was stunning, but what really stood out was how calm and intentional everything felt. Even in a massive city like Tokyo, it never felt overwhelming.”
While in Kyoto, the Robillards visited Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, which Marnie described as akin to stepping into a dream. “It was surreal—tall, swaying bamboo in every direction and this peaceful hush all around you.” In Osaka, they visited the Dotonbori neighbourhood—full of lights, signs, and street food—a fascinating contrast to their experience in Kyoto. The also hit up Universal Studios Japan, which, she says, was a hit for the whole family.
“At a time when the world often feels chaotic and unpredictable, Japan offered something rare: a sense of structure, and self-awareness,” states Jeff. “The people are respectful of one another, grounded in who they are, and deeply connected to their traditions. These customs are not only honoured—they are woven seamlessly into everyday life, and you can’t help but find yourself embracing them. There’s a collective understanding of the importance of social order, and a shared commitment to the rules and rituals that shape their culture.”
His niece, Myah, adds, “I’ll never forget the sense of comfort and community I felt while walking about—even in their largest city. Japan holds so much beauty in whatever you’re looking for. Whether it’s soft, traditional tea ceremonies, bustling neon-lit cities like Tokyo, listening to the rain drops in the quiet of the bamboo forest or staying out until 5 a.m. at a karaoke bar—you’re sure to find a side of Japan that’s for you.”
Jeff was amazed by how incredibly clean Japan was. He spotted no garbage cans, yet there was no litter. He was impressed with the efficiency of their public transit system, how on-time it was, and that the network was designed for ease and speed. He also noted that living spaces in Japan are smaller than what we are used to and tend to stretch to the vertical as opposed to the horizontal—so, be ready for stairs.
Both Marnie and Jeff were amazed by Japan’s food quality, as well as the variety of options. Marnie also praised the washrooms—always clean, heated toilet seats, privacy music.
Marnie says that Japan successfully passed the Paris Syndrome test. Paris Syndrome is when a vacationer visits Paris with a preconceived notion of its beauty, only to be bitterly disappointed that it didn’t live up to the hype. “With Japan, it was the exact opposite,” she explains. “I had seen the videos, the TikToks, the travel blogs—it all looked amazing. So, I went in with really high expectations—and somehow, it still surprised me.
“Japan didn’t try to impress with grand gestures. It impressed with how beautifully it handles the everyday. The way people line up, the soft-spoken manners, the sense of shared responsibility for keeping public spaces clean—it’s quiet, but powerful. That’s what really moved me. Instead of feeling let down, I felt something totally different: admiration. I didn’t just see a beautiful country—I experienced a culture that’s deeply thoughtful, respectful, and intentional in ways that stayed with me long after the trip ended. It made me reflect on how rushed and noisy things often feel at home. Since coming back, I’ve caught myself slowing down, being more mindful, and even craving a bit more quiet. Japan reminded me that travel doesn’t have to be flashy to be life changing. Sometimes, it’s the quiet places that make the deepest impact.”
