Sara Tendulkar, the 27-year-old biomedical scientist, registered nutritionist, and director at the Sachin Tendulkar Foundation, has been soaking in Japan’s blend of tradition and modernity, sharing a curated travel diary that’s equal parts culinary indulgence and luxury retail therapy. From sampling an array of sushi at Michelin-recommended Tachiguizushi Akira to browsing rare vintage Chanel pieces in Ginza, Sara’s itinerary reflects a refined yet authentic exploration of Tokyo’s cultural and fashion capitals—perfectly timed during the city’s crisp autumn season.

At Tachiguizushi Akira in Akasaka, Sara savoured a multi-course omakase featuring nigirizushi—akami (lean tuna), shiromi (white fish), and ebi (prawn)—alongside gunkanmaki topped with ikura (salmon roe) and uni (sea urchin), and a hand-rolled temaki with crab and avocado. She capped the meal at the two-Michelin-starred Akasaka Kikunoi, a kaiseki institution, where she dined on seasonal delicacies with friends, highlighting Japan’s reverence for precision in presentation and flavour. The experience underscores a growing trend among Indian travellers: 68% now prioritise authentic local cuisine over familiar options, per a 2025 Skyscanner report.

In Ginza, Tokyo’s upscale shopping enclave, Sara immersed herself in the world of vintage Chanel at Amore Vintage Tokyo, a boutique renowned for authenticated archival pieces. Her Instagram montage showcased rare quilted flap bags from the 1990s, pearl-embellished brooches, and iconic CC earrings—testament to her well-documented affinity for pre-loved luxury. The vintage market in Japan has surged 40% since 2023, driven by sustainability-conscious Gen Z and millennial buyers who value craftsmanship and investment potential. Sara’s selections align with this shift, blending heritage with conscious consumption.

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Navigating Tokyo’s legendary public transport, Sara boarded a Toei Bus with friends, capturing a candid “bus selfie” that went viral for its relatability. Japan’s transit system—praised for 99.9% punctuality and contactless IC card integration—offers an efficient, eco-friendly alternative to cabs, with fares starting at ¥210 (~₹120). Her choice resonates with a 2025 JTB Tourism survey showing 72% of international visitors now prefer public transport for cultural immersion and cost savings.

Sara’s Japan diary—set against the backdrop of Mount Fuji silhouettes and neon-lit Shibuya crossings—captures the essence of a destination that welcomed over 3.3 million Indian tourists in 2024, up 28% from the previous year. As cherry blossom season approaches, her posts serve as both inspiration and a blueprint for travelers seeking a balance of gastronomy, fashion, and authentic experiences in the Land of the Rising Sun.

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