My holiday to Japan was also my first overseas trip, and I was very nervous before I left. Not being able to speak Japanese was my main worry – how would I order food? How would I buy souvenirs? And most importantly – being a chatterbox – who would I speak to for two weeks? I’m glad to report that I shouldn’t have worried. Not a day went by without curious strangers bursting into unexpected, soft smiles at me. Giggly teenagers greeted me in the street, eager to know my name and where I was from, and assured me that Australia was a beautiful place. They would happily pose for pictures, check they approved of them, then carry on with their day. I was also impressed by the Japanese kids out with their grandparents – so playful but well behaved, patiently waiting until granny finished her errands.

My meal times involved lots of pointing at other people’s dishes in restaurants, but I got on well and tried all sorts of sushi, tempura, sashimi and other colourful dishes I can’t remember the names of. I wanted to stay away from fast-food chains, but confess to pigging out on the odd cheeseburger – quickly walked off while sightseeing, though!

Must-sees include the Yasaka-jinja (Yasaka Shrine) in downtown Kyoto, near the famous Gion district. It’s the place to spot geishas, and I couldn’t take photos fast enough! They’re beautiful, walking works of art. Osaka Castle also took my breath away. For gift shopping, a friend recommended Shinkyogoku-dori, a street in the centre of Kyoto which has quite a few temples as well as gift shops, and I wasn’t disappointed. It’s easy to get carried away shopping: the shopkeepers are so friendly, and I wanted to buy everything I saw! My only regret about my trip was that I didn’t visit during cherry blossom season (April). I’ve heard it’s the best time to go – now it’s an excuse to return!