By Christina Kawamoto-Butler | CKB Travel
Waking up that morning, I was feeling a lot. Sad to leave Tokyo, excited for Kyoto, low-key stressed about the train tickets I paid $400 for, and incredibly proud of how far we’d come.
We were catching the Shinkansen—Japan’s famous bullet train—and moving into the next chapter of our trip. And spoiler alert: it went smoother than I imagined… because we’ve grown.
Early Start and Travel Nerves
We left our hotel at 7:45 AM, even though our train wasn’t until 8:55. Why? Because this was our first time using the Shinkansen side of Shinagawa Station, and I wasn’t about to risk being late. With six suitcases, three kids, and limited Japanese, I was determined to be early and over-prepared.
To my surprise, everything was clearly marked, the staff were helpful, and the process was far less intimidating than I expected. We found the right platform heading toward Osaka, and I even asked a JR employee to confirm—because I’m still me.
We waited comfortably on the platform, snacks in hand, bags organized, and for the first time I realized: we weren’t panicking. We had this.
All Aboard: The Shinkansen Experience
We boarded the sleek bullet train, and I couldn’t help but notice—no seatbelts. I laughed to myself: guess if this thing crashes, there’s no surviving anyway.
Once it took off, I was blown away by how smooth and quiet it was. I didn’t nap (too excited), but I loved watching the scenery change—from Tokyo’s sprawl to peaceful countryside.
We even caught a quick view of Mt. Fuji. It reminded me of seeing Mt. Tahoma for the first time—majestic, powerful, grounding.
It stopped me in my tracks.
As the Shinkansen glided through the countryside, I found myself gazing out the window, soaking in the rolling hills, the farmland, the quiet towns tucked between forests and rice paddies. It was peaceful and surreal. Then, from her seat, Keao turned to me and said,
“Mom, it looks like where Tillamook lives.”
She was remembering our trip to Tillamook, Oregon, a place we visited a few summers ago. And in that simple sentence, she was mapping her inner world to this outer world, making sense of a new country by connecting it to a past adventure.
And in that moment, I felt it—the weight of what we’re doing. We’re not just taking our kids on vacation. We’re showing them the world. We’re giving them experiences that go beyond the classroom or YouTube or imagination.
This trip wasn’t just about ticking off landmarks or riding rides—it was about building a library of memories they can draw on for the rest of their lives. And there it was, happening right in front of me:
My seven-year-old, riding a bullet train across Japan, drawing connections between her memories and this vast, beautiful place we were discovering together.
I held back tears, because that’s the kind of moment I’ll carry with me forever.
Arrival in Kyoto: Kindness, Confidence, and My Favorite Japanese Phrase
When we arrived at Kyoto Station, we did things differently. No rushing toward random exits like lost tourists. We paused. Used the restroom. Regrouped. We trusted ourselves.
At the taxi stand, there was a “Foreign Friendly” line full of unsure travelers. Pat looked at it and said, “We’re not in that group anymore.” It felt true—we were officially seasoned.
We caught a cab, and the driver greeted us warmly. I decided to try something I’d been practicing:
“Ikura des ka?”
The driver’s face lit up with joy. He clapped and said, “Your Japanese is very good!”
I panicked a little and forgot to reply with “mada mada des”, but I managed to say, “Sōchi!” Then I added, “Kawamoto-san.”
He laughed—not in a mocking way, but in a you’re-one-of-us kind of way.
I gave him some mac nut candy from Hawai‘i and he lit up again.
That interaction meant so much. It was proof that all my nervous practice, my attempts to connect and respect the culture—it mattered. And it worked.
First Impressions of Kyoto: Temple Views & Family Wins
When the driver pulled up and pointed out Hokan-ji Temple, our jaws dropped. We were staying steps away from this iconic pagoda, and it looked even more beautiful in person.
Pat turned to me and said, “Wow, great job Mom.”
That moment hit hard. Everything I researched, booked, and stressed about—it was all worth it.
We wheeled our suitcases down the quiet stone street, found our machiya rental, and took it all in. We had made it from the neon of Tokyo to the soul of Kyoto. Just a bunch of Big Island folks, raised around cows and green pastures, now walking the ancient paths of a city older than the U.S. itself.
Final Thoughts: The Shinkansen Was More Than a Train Ride
Sure, it was fast and convenient. But for me, this ride symbolized so much more.
We didn’t just change cities—we leveled up.
We didn’t just arrive—we belonged.
And we didn’t just travel—we grew.
Planning a Japan trip and intimidated by trains, tickets, or travel with kids? I’ve been there. Let me help you do it without the overwhelm.
Follow @CKBTravel or reach out to build your own unforgettable family adventure—one train ride, one temple, one memory at a time.
Discover more from CKB Travel
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
