Japan has become a must-visit destination for many young travellers, and my fiancé and I had been planning a five-week trip for years. From the neon-lit streets of Tokyo to the serene temples of Kyoto, we wanted to experience it all. However, despite rigorous physical preparation, there was one thing I could never have fully prepared for: the sheer amount of walking and the inevitable blisters that followed.
Our Japan Itinerary
We started our journey in Tokyo, then moved on to Fujiyoshida, Matsumoto, Shibu Onsen, Togakushi, Kyoto, Osaka, and flew to Ishigaki off the coast of Okinawa before returning to Tokyo for a final few days. We travelled during cherry blossom season, which meant plenty of walking through parks and crowded streets. Since January 2025, I had been exercising almost daily to prepare for the fact that some tube stations have up to 100 steps just to exit. I wanted to enjoy Japan to the fullest without physical limitations, and that part worked well.
The Blister Problem
By day three in Tokyo, I had developed blisters nearly the size of my entire feet. I was in tears, worried that the rest of the trip would be ruined. Fortunately, we had brought a large pack of Compeed plasters. I bought additional plasters from a convenience store and created a DIY remedy by layering blister plasters over other plasters, hoping they would stay. Miraculously, it worked. Each day, my feet felt better, and I could keep walking. Over the entire trip, we logged a staggering 420,556 steps, even though we spent most of our time in Ishigaki relaxing at our villa.
Footwear and Remedies
I practically lived in my Ugg Tasman shoes, which provided comfort and support. I also wore Teva sandals and Primark x Rita Ora sneakers for fancier occasions. For foot pain relief, we visited Don Quijote, a popular discount store in Japan. There, we found foot heat pads that reduce fatigue. These pads are applied to the soles overnight, and the warming sensation feels amazing, making your feet ready for another day of 30,000 steps. However, they do not prevent blisters, so I recommend keeping plasters handy to catch blisters early.
Despite the blister drama, I had an incredible time. Within a few days of returning home, my feet were fine. If you plan a trip to Japan, bring your most comfortable walking shoes and plenty of blister plasters. Trust me, you will need them.
