Bolele Polisa and Friends Take Japan: The Girls Trip That Finally Left the Group Chat

South African content creator and radio host Bolele Polisa had been planning the perfect girl’s trip for a long time. You know the one — the group chat full of screenshots, Instagram reels, voice notes, and big plans that somehow never quite turn into an actual holiday. This time, they booked it. Japan was the destination, and it delivered on every expectation they had built up.

2min read

Published 8 April 2026

BySophie Baker

Guest Blogger

"Our girls trip to Japan, though chaotic, was honestly everything we needed and more," Bolele says. Four cities, a mountain, immersive art, temples, theme parks, and more than a few shopping bags later, this trip became exactly what a great girl’s holiday should be. Need a sign from the universe that you should just go ahead and book the trip? This is it.

Tokyo: First Stop, Full Immersion

First up: Tokyo, the capital city and the perfect first immersion into the Japanese way of life.

Bolele and her besties based themselves in the famous Shinjuku area, one of Tokyo’s busiest and most well-connected neighborhoods, known for its neon-lit streets, late-night food spots, and constant energy. The group said it was the perfect choice and recommend it as a base if you’re planning your own Japan trip.

“It felt like the perfect home base. It was busy, exciting, and full of energy at all hours." Bolele said Tokyo felt a little reminiscent of Joburg or Cape Town nightlife, with streets that stay alive well into the early hours and always something going on. There’s a reason they call it the East’s “city that never sleeps.”

Tokyo is absolutely enormous, so deciding what to prioritize is always one of the hardest decisions for first time visitors. Bolele and her friends crammed in as much as they could, but one of the highlights was a visit to Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. It’s a wide, peaceful stretch of greenery sitting right in the heart of the city, and great place to wander for a couple of hours and soak up the great outdoors. Another memorable moment was a trip up the Tokyo Skytree. "Seeing the city stretch out endlessly from above really reminded us just how massive and magical Tokyo is," Bolele recalls. "It was one of those moments where you just go quiet for a second." They also visited TeamLab Borderless, the immersive digital art experience in Azabudai Hills, which Bolele said was "like walking through a dream."

And of course, there was plenty of shopping. When in Japan, you have to pick up some kind of cute socks, anime souvenir, or unusual KitKat flavours at the very least. Bolele and crew shopped till they dropped, One of their fave buys of the trip was Japanese Onitsuka Tigers that are now safely on home soil and ready to hit the streets of SA.

Hakone: Mount Fuji and Some Much-Needed Breathing Room

Just over an hour from Tokyo, Hakone is one of the easiest ways to experience Japan’s natural side without committing to a full countryside stay. Known for its views of Mount Fuji, lakes, and hot springs, it’s a popular escape from the intensity of the city.

A day trip from Tokyo took the group to Hakone, and for Bolele, this was the highlight of the whole trip. A lake cruise led them up towards Hakone Komagatake, where the summit opened up a full view of the surrounding forests, the lake below, and Mount Fuji in the distance.

"It was scenic, serene, and everything my nervous system needed," is how Bolele described Hakone. After the pace of Tokyo, Hakone can feel like a real break from the madness. The air is cooler, the views are wide open, and the whole experience slows down in a way that resets you.

Japan

Expert tip

If you’re putting together a Japan itinerary, do not skip Hakone. It’s lesser known and often skipped in favour of Kyoto or Osaka, but it’s absolutely worth the detour.

Kyoto: Where Japan Gets Quiet

Next up was Kyoto, a must-visit spot on any Japan itinerary. Once Japan’s imperial capital, it’s known for its temples, shrines, and preserved districts that give a deeper sense of the country’s history and traditions. "Calmer, more traditional, and honestly quite centred around culture," is how Bolele describes it.

It’s famous worldwide for the gorgeous traditional buildings, temples, and of course, the cherry blossom trees which bloom during spring. The group visited temples and shrines throughout the city, and the Inari Shrine stood out most.

The thousands of torii gates at Fushimi Inari wind their way up through forested hillsides, and the walk through them is built for taking things slowly. "The Inari shrine had multiple stories to tell," Bolele says. For a group trip, Kyoto works well because everyone finds their own pace naturally. Some walk further up the path, some stop at a tea house, and the morning becomes a shared experience without needing a fixed plan. There’s plenty to do for everyone, and it’s nearby to Osaka too for nightlife, in case you want a change from tradition.

Osaka: The Right Way to Finish

The group ended in Osaka, and Bolele says the energy was exactly what a final stop should feel like. "The vibe was more playful," she recalls. A visit to Universal Studios was a highlight, and the Harry Potter section in particular brought back a wave of nostalgia. "We got to recollect some memories that we thought we had let go of," Bolele said.

Beyond the theme park, Osaka is one of the best food cities in the country. Street food in Dotonbori, takoyaki from a roadside stall, late-night ramen — Osaka is a city most visitors leave wanting to return to purely for the eating. It was the right place to close out the trip.

Why Japan Should Be Your Next Holiday: Culture, Cuisine and Captivating Sights

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Why Japan Works for a Girls Group Trip

Japan tends to exceed expectations for first-time visitors. The country is well-organised, incredibly safe, and easy to navigate even without speaking the language. The train network connects cities efficiently, the food covers every taste and budget, and the mix of city energy, nature, history, and culture means every person in the group finds something for them.

From South Africa, flights to Japan are regular and have multiple options for connecting hubs, including Singapore, Hong Kong, and Doha, amongst others. A 10 to 14-day trip gives you enough time to move through Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, and Osaka without rushing through any of them.

"Japan gave us memories we will never forget," Bolele says. "Chaos, laughter, beautiful views, quiet moments, and the kind of friendship time that fills your cup. Already thinking about the next trip."

If your group chat has been circling a trip like this for years, this might be the moment to finally book it. Flight Centre has Japan holiday deals to suit everyone, whether you want a DIY itinerary or a tour.

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