Have you ever wanted to travel to Japan?
It has a rich natural and cultural landscape that makes countless tourists linger.
I was one of them, and this year I went to Japan with my friends and experienced an unforgettable trip.
Here, I would like to share with you some of my observations and feelings in Japan, hoping to give you some reference and inspiration.
traffic
Public transportation in Japan is very well developed, so you can choose the right card or pass for your trip.
For example, if you're staying longer in the Kansai area, consider purchasing the Kansai Pass;
If you're looking to explore the city, you can consider purchasing a Tokyo Metro One-Day Pass.
This way, you can easily take the subway, tram, bus, etc., to get to where you want to go.
Of course, you can also choose other modes of transportation, such as taxi, bicycle, walking, etc., as long as you feel comfortable and safe.
In the subway in Tokyo, I noticed an interesting phenomenon. There are special seats for the elderly, the sick, and the disabled at both ends of each carriage, and it is best not to use mobile phones when standing nearby.
delicacies
There are many specialty foods and snacks in Japan, and you can try the flavors of different regions and seasons.
For example, eating hot pot in winter, cold noodles in summer, matcha rangan in Kyoto, etc. Each cuisine has its own unique features that will make your taste buds a feast.
My favorite is sushi, which is one of the most representative and delicate Japanese dishes in Japan, consisting of fresh seafood and seasoned rice.
You can enjoy sushi at sushi restaurants of different grades and prices, from traditional nigiri sushi to modern box sushi, from high-end teppanyaki sushi to popular conveyor belt sushi.
I think the charm of sushi lies in its simplicity and purity, and it doesn't need too many seasonings and decorations to bring out the essence and deliciousness of the ingredients.
Also, I would like to recommend you a miracle food that I found in Japan, and that is curry rice.
Curry rice is another beloved national dish of Japan, which is derived from Indian curry but has been modified and innovated by the Japanese.
Attractions
There are many beautiful spots in Japan, and you can enjoy a variety of natural and cultural scenery. My trip in Japan is mainly focused on two cities, Tokyo and Kyoto, so I will use these two cities as examples to introduce some of the places I have visited.
In Tokyo, I went to the following places:
Ueno Park: With more than 1,000 cherry blossom trees, it is one of the oldest parks in Tokyo and a first-class war zone for cherry blossom viewing. You can enjoy various varieties of cherry blossoms here, and you can also visit the museum, zoo and zoo in the park.
Meguro River: More than 800 cherry blossom trees are planted on both sides of the river, forming a pink tunnel. You can take a walk along the river or take a boat tour and soak up the romantic atmosphere.
Sumida River: This is a cherry blossom viewing spot near Sensoji Temple, where you can see the Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Tower, and you can also take a water bus to enjoy the scenery on both sides.
I was in Kyoto, and I went to the following places:
Rokugien: This is a Japanese-style garden with 17 different styles of scenic spots, including an area dedicated to cherry blossom planting. You can feel the traditional Japanese culture and natural beauty here. My favorite is a scenic spot called "White Sand Green Pine", which is a landscape with white sand and green pine trees that imitates waves and islands, which is very intentional and creative.
Kinkaku-ji: This is a temple famous for its golden roof, it is one of Japan's national treasures and one of the symbols of Kyoto. You can see the reflection of Kinkakuji Temple in the water here, which is very spectacular and sacred.
Kiyomizudera Temple: This is a temple located on a hill that has a famous suspended wooden stage that offers a panoramic view of Kyoto. You can pray and make wishes here, as well as admire the buildings and gardens of the temple.
lodging
There are so many different types and prices of accommodation options in Japan that you can book according to your preferences and budget.
My experience of staying in Japan was very enriching and interesting, I tried several different ways of staying and I was impressed with each one.
Onsen inn: This is a type of high-class accommodation that offers hot spring baths and Japanese cuisine, usually in a scenic location, such as a mountain or seaside. You can enjoy the soothing and relaxing hot springs here, or you can taste local specialties such as hot pot, sushi, tempura, and more.
B&B: This is a type of accommodation that offers bed and breakfast, usually located in the city or suburbs, with a family-like atmosphere and service. You can experience the daily life of Japanese people, and you can also interact with your host or other guests.
Capsule hotel: This is a low-cost accommodation that offers small sleeping pods and basic amenities, usually located in the city center or in a convenient place for a short period of time. You can save money here and also enjoy some convenient services such as free wifi, toiletries, lockers, etc.
culture
Japan has a lot of unique cultures, and you can feel their charm and influence while traveling. While I was in Japan, I discovered some cultural phenomena that stood out to me and I would like to share them with you.
Tipping: Japan, like many Asian countries, has no Xi of tipping. Because the service charge has been added to the bill of the hotel and restaurant. Taxis do not have special services and there is no need to tip.
Etiquette: Japanese people pay a lot of attention to etiquette and politeness, and they will show their respect and gratitude on various occasions. For example, they will bow when they meet, say "please take care of yourself" when they call them, say "it's too much" when they receive gifts, etc.
Anime: Anime in Japan is an influential and creative cultural industry that not only attracts fans from all over the world, but also creates a lot of classic characters and stories. You can see traces of anime in various places in Japan, such as advertisements on the streets, goods in shops, statues in parks, etc.
other
In addition to the above-mentioned aspects, there are some other interesting things that I have encountered in Japan that I would like to briefly talk to you about.
Visa: You need a visa to go to Japan, so you can find a reputable travel agency to help you with it, or you can prepare the required documents yourself. Please note that your passport must be valid for six months or more before you can enter the country.
Airfare: After booking your itinerary and specific round-trip dates, you can compare tickets on third-party platforms or airlines' official websites. If you want to save money, you can choose a low-cost airline, but pay attention to the extra charges and the quality of service.
Garbage: There are very few trash cans in Japan, so it's best to bring a plastic bag with you. Please refrain from littering and respect environmental hygiene. When in Japan, be mindful of this and keep your trash in your bag until you find a suitable place to throw it away.
summary
These are some of my experiences and feelings in Japan, and I feel that Japan is a very worthwhile country to visit, with its unique charm and culture, which has opened my eyes and gained a lot.
I hope you will also have the opportunity to travel to Japan and experience its beauty and wonderfulness.
If you have any questions or ideas, please feel free to communicate with me, I will be happy to chat with you. Thank you for reading and have a great trip!