It’s the land of the rising solar. And in addition the place the place the solar rises in my coronary heart. As a result of the individuals, environment, meals, the tradition and structure have one thing about them that makes you’re feeling utterly comfy.
Each step I soak up Japan makes me really feel protected. Each place is clear, the individuals you meet are well mannered and respectful and the structure radiates calm and power. For me, it’s a particular place within the midst of a wild and more and more careless world.
I used to be there 22 years in the past and now I want to present this place, which I then selected as probably the most lovely on the earth, to my household.
From my expertise, listed here are my journey ideas for Tokyo and Kyoto.
Right here is an summary:
Language in Japan
The Japanese language is difficult and takes a very long time to study utterly, particularly due to the characters, that are a mix of Japanese and Chinese language characters.
However understanding a couple of phrases will enable you to to talk to individuals within the nation in a respectful method. That is extremely beneficial.
These embody:
‘Kon’nichiwa’ – this implies ‘howdy’ and is the Japanese greeting.
Additionally it is crucial to say thanks. The Japanese say thanks again and again. In Japanese, you do that with the phrase ‘Arigato’. ‘Arigatogozaimasu’ is a stronger method of claiming ‘thanks’.
If you wish to draw consideration to your self within the sense of claiming ‘excuse me’ since you need to make a request, for instance in a restaurant, you employ ‘sumimasen’.
You also needs to know the phrase for goodbye – ‘sayonara’.
Now you’ve all of the well mannered types of tackle at your disposal that can assist you to maneuver round Japan respectfully.
Journey Ideas for Tokyo
Our journey begins in Tokyo. There are many direct flights to a number of airports round Tokyo.
Haneda Airport is a bit of nearer to town and Narita a bit of additional away. Each are splendidly linked to the centre of Tokyo by public transport.
A really particular tip for anybody travelling to Japan: Purchase a ‘Pasmo’ or ‘Suica’ cross on the airport or at one of many main subway stations. This cross lets you journey freely on all subway or bus traces via most cities in Japan. There are merchandising machines the place you’ll be able to prime up your cross and at each subway exit you’ll be able to see the present stability of your credit score once you try. You too can use these passes to pay in some outlets or merchandising machines.
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Whereas we’re as regards to ‘paying’: you’ll be able to pay with a bank card anyplace within the vacationer areas. Nevertheless, this isn’t all the time the case in additional unique locations or smaller eating places. Subsequently, you’ll want to journey with some money and verify together with your bank card firm to just be sure you can withdraw cash from ATMs in Japan together with your bank card.
Ueno
Ueno is a really unique, enjoyable and colourful district with loads of life and exercise always of the day and night time, and a spacious park that gives temples, a lotus flower lake and house for festivals and culinary discoveries.
Reverse the Ueno prepare station one can find the pedestrian space of Ameyokocho. Right here you’ll be able to instantly immerse your self in Japanese tradition. The colourful sea of night, the scrumptious smells and the number of Japanese specialties within the numerous eating places are an actual El Dorado for all explorers.
The particular spotlight when touring is when you already know individuals who reside within the nation and you may see the nation from their perspective.
So we had the chance to rejoice at an actual Mikoshi competition in considered one of Tokyo’s suburbs. The massive shrine is carried via all the city by many women and men all through the day.
Within the night, the Mikoshi carriers arrive on the competition’s massive shrine and celebration web site. They’re accompanied by conventional Japanese music and the nice pleasure of all contributors.
Shibuya
Whenever you consider Tokyo, you mechanically consider the well-known Shibuya Scramble Crossing. Crossing it’s a actual spotlight. So is watching others cross it.
You get a very good view from the Starbucks proper on the intersection. From right here, you’ll be able to movie, {photograph} or simply watch the hustle and bustle on the road beneath.
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Hachiko
Right here additionally, you will discover the well-known statue of Hachiko, in all probability essentially the most loyal canine on the earth. He accompanied his grasp to the prepare station each morning and picked him up once more within the night.
Even when his proprietor all of a sudden died, he continued to attend for him each night – for nearly ten years. He was given this monument in reminiscence of this. It’s a touching story that has even been made right into a film. These days, the monument of Hachiko is a good assembly place.
Omotesando
The Omotesando within the Harajuku/Jingumae district is an excellent place for purchasing and strolling.
Simply observe your instincts and discover the small alleys to the left and proper of the primary road. Be sure you plan a cease at Takeshita-dori on this route, with its many outlets full of colourful, loopy garments and equipment.
Asakusa
Asakusa is a sometimes Japanese and genuine district, centered round Senso-ji, one of many oldest temples within the nation.
It extends over a big space and is bordered by quite a few conventional outlets and eating places on the favored Nakamise-dori purchasing road.
Asakusa is positioned on the Sumida River and will be simply explored on foot or by rickshaw, passing fantastic bridges and colourful lanterns. Not removed from there, additionally, you will discover the Tokyo Tree, a lookout tower from which you’ll see all the metropolis.
Right here in Asakusa, yow will discover conventional arts and crafts, similar to do-it-yourself knives or Japanese paper, alongside typical sweets or scrumptious snacks such because the tasty rice crackers, the well-known dorayaki, stuffed egg pancakes, fried manju rolls or motchi skewers.
The vigorous streets of Denpoin-dori, Kannon-dori and Asakusa Chuo-dori are notably charming and stuffed with the environment of outdated Asakusa.
Sensoji
The Sensoji might be essentially the most well-known and most photographed temple in Tokyo. It was inbuilt 628 and is subsequently additionally one of many oldest Buddhist temples within the capital.
The historical past of the temple can also be very thrilling. Legend has it that two fishermen within the close by Sumida River caught a golden statue of Kannon – the goddess of kindness and mercy – of their nets. They tried a number of instances to return the determine to the river, nevertheless it saved coming again to them. Lastly, they determined to construct a temple for the statue. This was named Senso-ji.
The trail to the temple is lined with white lanterns bearing Japanese characters.
Would you’ve thought that? The pink lantern within the heart weighs over 400 kg, the opposite two copper lanterns every weigh about 1000 kg.
Conventional pagodas all the time have an uneven variety of flooring. Do you know that the 5 ranges of Buddhist pagodas signify the 5 components? Earth, water, fireplace, air and vacancy.
Kokeshi Dolls
These Kokeshi dolls are given as a fortunate appeal for the start of a woman, a marriage, a enterprise opening or as a memento from Japan. They’re made by hand to a excessive commonplace and largely from fruitwood.
However in addition they have a tragic historical past. In Japanese custom, kids as much as the age of about 9 years belonged to God; this view got here from the time of excessive toddler mortality. When a baby died, the household took consolation in the truth that God had taken the kid again. These dolls have been thought-about to be reminders of the kid who had been taken again “by God”.
Shintoism
Shintoism is an enchanting and really open faith and, together with Buddhism, crucial faith in Japan. The Japanese don’t study their religion in school, as is the case with many different religions. Typically, the religion is handed down from dad and mom to kids.
Shinto means “method of the gods”. Greater than 100 million individuals, or 80% of the Japanese inhabitants, are Shintoists.
The shrines are devoted to varied deities. Everyone seems to be allowed to hope at a Shinto shrine, no matter their faith. I really like the openness of this faith, which reveals nice knowledge and power.
Ritual cleaning
You may usually see water basins, temizuya with ladles, close to the shrines, that are known as hishaku. Right here, earlier than approaching the deity on the shrine, individuals carry out the ritual of misogi, a purification of physique and thoughts.
First, you pour a bit of water over your left hand after which over your proper hand with the ladle. Subsequent, you rinse your mouth with water, however don’t swallow it. Lastly, empty the water from the ladle over your left hand and the deal with.
Praying in Japan
If you find yourself standing in entrance of the shrine, first throw some cash into the slot. 5-yen cash are very appropriate for this as a result of they sound like “go-en”, which suggests luck. Then pull on the thick rope to ring the bell. The sound of the bell retains evil spirits away.
Whenever you arrive, you greet the god by bowing twice, then clap your fingers twice. After that, you pray in silence, categorical your want and maintain your fingers in entrance of your chest in prayer pose. On the finish, thanks with a deep bow.
The respect that may be felt in every single place in Japan can also be evident in its faith.
There are numerous actions devoted to luck on the shrine grounds. Omikuji are small Japanese paper strips that predict the long run.
The great factor is, if you happen to draw a paper strip that predicts dangerous luck, you’ll be able to tie the strip to a small rope or, as right here, to a tree and thus do away with the dangerous luck instantly.
For prayers and needs, there are picket plaques referred to as ema that may be held on the shrine. That is how the gods are stated to obtain the prayers and fulfill the needs.
When leaving Japanese temples and shrines, the identical guidelines apply as when coming into. This ensures that the go to is a closed circle, which can also be stated to convey good luck.
Colourful and Numerous Neighborhoods in Tokyo
Tokyo is a large metropolis with 9.6 million inhabitants. It consists of many very completely different neighborhoods, so it doesn’t appear that massive.
Above all, it appears relaxed and calm to me as a result of the Japanese mentality may be very elegant and reserved on the skin. To ease the site visitors scenario, there are sometimes footpaths constructed over the roads or, conversely, massive roads and even railroad traces on stilts one degree increased via town. And if you’re standing at a site visitors gentle in Shinjuku, for instance, one of many busiest prepare stations on the earth, the twittering of birds or the gentle music from the loudspeakers is extremely stress-free.
I counsel anybody who’s afraid of crowds to make a journey to Tokyo, as a result of there isn’t a place the place crowds of persons are extra stress-free than there. No person is loud, no one jostles, no one pushes, all the pieces is mild, orderly and stuffed with mindfulness, even at rush hour. That is an artwork that I discover admirable.
What I’m describing is just one aspect of the coin, as a result of no tradition has just one dimension. As protected, as well mannered, and as orderly as all the pieces seems, I’ve by no means seen a extra vibrant flip aspect anyplace on the earth. The other pole of this construction is the colourful, the wild, the loopy, which is obvious within the bars and playing halls within the neighborhoods of Tokyo that come to life at night time.
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The outfits of many Japanese girls particularly are something however reserved or boring; they’re a firework of potentialities and an excessive amount of braveness is required to put on many outfits.
The reveals that you just see once you zap via the Japanese TV program in your lodge room additionally present the wild variety inside this strictly ordered world.
At night time, the Shinjuku district is dazzling. Be sure you go to the well-known Omoide Yokocho alley of bars. If you’re alone or in a pair, you might be able to get a desk within the quaint, tiny bars of this small alley.
In any other case, simply stroll on to Kabukicho Tower. You’ll discover a variety of specialties in a colourful setting, both on the best way in Kabukicho-Ichiban-gai road or within the tower itself.
Culinary Japan
I discover it fascinating that once you consider Japanese meals, you instantly consider sushi, however there are such a lot of completely different delicacies that haven’t but made their strategy to Europe.
Sukiyaki or Yakiniku, to call only a few.
It’s unbelievable how a lot meat, and never simply fish, dominates the menus. Wagyu beef is on the prime of the recognition scale right here.
I love the Japanese means to rejoice all the pieces that has to do with consuming and having fun with meals. Within the numerous eating places, you’ll be able to put together your individual meal on a small built-in desk grill or you may get a pot of broth on a hob on the desk, just like a Chinese language fondue or scorching pot, in which you’ll put together all types of greens and meat specialties that you could get on the buffet.
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Shabu Sai Ueno is considered one of our favourite scorching pot spots. And Tokori Japanese Yakiniku in Ueno serves up some improbable yakiniku.
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Yakiniku
At a yakiniku meal, there’s a small, advantageous grill constructed into the tables on which you’ll fry the assorted meat specialties which might be served in skinny slices. Rice and numerous sauces are served as aspect dishes. It’s notably cozy once you enter eating places and take off your footwear and garments on the door.
The Wagyu beef on the Narita Airport restaurant Yakisuki Yanma was an actual deal with. Uncooked meat that is dropped at the desk on scorching stones, the place it’s poured with a scrumptious sauce accompanied by quite a lot of elements in small bowls, creating a terrific hissing sound, is an actual deal with.
Sukiyaki
Sukiyaki was additionally new to me. It’s a one-pot dish through which the meat is cooked slowly on the desk, both earlier than or after the noodles and greens which might be additionally within the stew. Earlier than you benefit from the slowly roasted meat, you dip it in a uncooked egg. Scrumptious!
Onigiri
And to not overlook the favored Onigiri, rice balls with numerous fillings, which schoolchildren and workplace employees pack as a sandwich. So scrumptious and diversified that I actually miss them right here in Germany.
The wax fashions of the dishes at many of the eating places are additionally notably typical.
Motels in Tokyo and Kyoto
A lodge on the Yamanote Spherical Line is value its weight in gold. It’s a fast and straightforward strategy to get to essentially the most well-known, genuine and fascinating locations in Tokyo.
I can extremely advocate the resorts of the Nohga group. We stayed on the Nohga Lodge in Ueno, however they’re additionally out there in different districts similar to Akihabara or different cities similar to Kyoto or Saporro.
This group additionally gives lodging in ryokans, the everyday Japanese inns.
The Mitsui Backyard resorts are additionally beneficial and a bit extra worldwide than the Nohga resorts. We additionally stayed a couple of nights on the Mitsui Backyard Jingugajen Tokyo Premier, however there are 12 extra resorts on this group even in Tokyo and so they additionally supply nice lodging in Hiroshima, Yokohama, Osaka and numerous different cities.
On the “Practice”
If you’re planning to journey round Japan, I like to recommend the Shinkansen, the quickest prepare on the earth. It would take you from Tokyo Station to Kyoto in simply over 2 and a half hours.
There’s an further journey tip with ideas only for the Shinkansen. I additionally advocate reserving a JR Go, which works completely and permits limitless prepare journey in Japan.
Be sure you don’t miss Mount Fuji in your method from Tokyo to Kyoto. The Shinkansen passes so near it that you could {photograph} and admire it via the prepare home windows, surrounded by clouds of mist or, relying on the season, even with its peak lined in snow.
Kyoto Journey Ideas
I really like Kyoto. I can’t say it another method.
Kyoto has turn into extraordinarily fashionable within the 22 years since I final visited. However the unique corners, the geisha district and the enchanting temples nonetheless inform of the magic of instances passed by.
The Higashiyama district, with the very conventional lanes of Sannenzaka and Ninnenzaka, which lead off from the Kiyomizu-dera temple, continues to be so unspoilt that you just get the sensation that Kyoto isn’t a metropolis however a small, touristy mountain village.
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Kimono
A particular expertise is to borrow a kimono for a day from one of many many kimono outlets. It’s a fantastic feeling to immerse your self within the historical past of this metropolis, the place the geishas have been at dwelling.
Strolling round in a kimono on a temple tour could seem touristy, however as with all experiences, it will depend on your angle. If you’re curious and have a need to immerse your self in a sure feeling, to know higher and expertise extra intensely, then it’s a profound expertise that you shouldn’t miss.
For the Kinomos, I can advocate the rental store proper on the bus cease on Higashioji Dori, throughout from the Seven Eleven. However it’s also possible to discover different rental outlets to the left and proper of it, similar to First or Kyokomachi. We didn’t have a reservation and simply walked in. For 4500 yen and 1600 yen for the coiffure, you’ll be able to rework your self into a beautiful geisha for a day.
Nittai-ji Tempel
The outdated streets across the Kiyumizu-dera Temple are positively value exploring.
Sadly, over the previous 22 years, all the pieces right here has not solely turn into extra crowded but in addition extra tourist-oriented, and the outdated originality is now not really easy to find.
Don’t miss out on following your nostril, wanting into inviting archways, letting your self drift and following your eye. This manner, you’ll uncover abandoned temples, small subtleties, deserted courtyards and particular locations past the tourist-lined alleys. Like this lovely Nittai-ji Temple, which is positioned immediately on the best way to the Kiyomizu-dera Temple and is totally ignored by most. It’s lovely and abandoned.
Kiyomizu-dera Tempel
The Kiyumizu-dera Temple is likely one of the really spectacular temples in Kyoto.
Good to find out about visiting Kyoto
Admission to the temples is often free or, within the case of the well-known temples, prices a couple of euros per individual.
Don’t guide a tour prematurely through Viator or GetYourGuide simply since you are afraid of not with the ability to get tickets to the temples on the spot. You may get the doorway ticket spontaneously on the spot, which supplies you way more freedom and adaptability.
When you completely need to take a guided tour and be accompanied by a information, you might be after all welcome to guide such a tour via these platforms or regionally.
Fushimi Inari Schrein
The Fushimi Inara Shrine within the Fushimi district is likely one of the most magical locations in Japan for me.
Through the day, the decrease walkway is especially busy, however as quickly as darkness falls, it turns into a bit of quieter. There’s something magical about coming into this highly effective shrine within the moonlight.
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When approaching a shrine, the very first thing you see is the pink torii, or gate. The pink coloration is claimed to thrust back evil spirits and hazard.
To indicate respect, it’s best to bow earlier than the gate and solely then enter the shrine.
Fushimi Inari Taisha is a Shintō shrine. It’s thought-about the primary shrine of about one third of all Inari shrines in Japan and is essentially the most well-known Shintō shrine in Kyōto.
In case you have seen the film “The Geisha”, you will notice little Chio strolling to this very shrine to hope for her best want. It got here true, and guess what? So did the want I expressed there. For me, this shrine is likely one of the strongest locations I’ve ever visited.
A beautiful Japanese lady, whose mom is from Kyoto and really non secular, explains the ability of this place to me as follows: These shrines are the gateway to the world of the gods, of which there are greater than 800 in Shintoism, every assigned to a subject and subsequently all needs are in good fingers there.
The avenues of torii, the gates made from wooden or stone and often painted pink, are notably attribute of this shrine. They symbolize the transition between the world of people and the world of the gods.
The Fushima Inari Shrine consists of a large number of those torii, all of that are donations from people, households or corporations. She tells me that it can be crucial to not stroll close to the posts or within the center, as these are reserved for the gods.
Greater than 1000 of those pink gates will be discovered at this spectacular shrine.
There’s a small half-hour path and a big round route up the greater than 230-meter-high Inari Mountain, which takes 2-3 hours and a number of stamina.
Attribute of all Inari shrines are the fox statues, the messengers of the goddess of fertility Inari, who often put on pink bibs round their necks.
Ginkaku-ji
Ginkaku-ji is considered one of my private favourite temples in Kyoto. For one factor, it’s not as overcrowded as different temples and since it comprises quite a lot of magnificence in a small space.
There’s an space with Zen sand artwork, a lake with a typical Japanese picket pavilion within the background and a lovely backyard.
Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion Temple) is a Zen temple and in addition a UNESCO World Heritage Web site.
Nobody actually is aware of why the pavilion in the midst of the property known as “Silver Pavilion”, despite the fact that it’s made from wooden. Legend has it that the pavilion’s jet-black wooden shined silver within the moonlight, therefore the title.
Possibly there’s a much less magical rationalization. The Pavilion by the Lake, the Kannon-den, was constructed within the fifteenth century by the Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa as a retirement dwelling and was speculated to appear like a smaller model of the well-known Golden Pavilion, Kinkanku-ji, which his grandfather had constructed on the time. As a substitute of gold, it was speculated to be silver, nevertheless it by no means occurred.
Earlier than the shogun’s villa turned a temple, it was the middle of Higashiyama tradition, dwelling to tea ceremonies, flower arranging, poetry and No theater. These days, Ginkakuji is likely one of the most well-known temples in Kyoto and much much less touristy than its “golden” brother, Kinkaku-ji, particularly simply after opening or simply earlier than closing time.
Ginshadan
Proper in the midst of the advanced is the sand backyard and an roughly 2-meter-high sand sculpture.
The sand backyard known as Ginshadan, which interprets as ‘sea of silver sand’. In Buddhism, a sand backyard is a part of meditation. The waves within the sand signify water and the sand cone known as Kogetsudai symbolizes Mount Fuji.
You may stroll alongside small paths via the moss-covered and hilly backyard panorama, previous a splashing waterfall that flows right into a stream, and as much as a lookout level the place you’ll be able to catch a glimpse of Kyoto. The association of the completely different shades of inexperienced, the interaction of sand and stones towards the backdrop of the picket temple is a feast for the eyes.
It’s best to plan about an hour on your go to to the temple. From there, you’ll be able to attain many different well-known temples and shrines alongside the Thinker’s Stroll, a small path that runs alongside a stream. These embody the Chion-in Temple and the Nanzen-ji Temple.
Arashiyama
The Arashiyama district is value visiting, as it’s dwelling to the well-known Arashiyama bamboo forest, the Arashiyama Monkey Park and the Tenru-ji Temple, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Web site. The whole district may be very in style with guests.
Arashiyama – Bamboo forest
When you don’t need to share the bamboo forest with so many individuals, you’ll be able to guide a rickshaw tour in a separate space. It’s finest to guide properly prematurely, as these are sometimes booked out days prematurely.
The bamboo forest is gorgeous and the environment is spectacular.
Tenryu-ji Temple
The doorway to the Tenryu-ji Temple is correct subsequent to the doorway to the bamboo forest. It is likely one of the 5 most well-known Zen temples in Kyoto and has been a World Heritage Web site since 1994.
The Sogenji Backyard behind the primary corridor, laid out by Muso Soseki within the 14th century, is especially lovely. Muso was a grasp of backyard design and a Zen grasp who developed the Japanese tea ceremony.
The backyard, with its watercourses, moss and mild hills, has been preserved on this strategy to today and frames a lake that may be seen from the steps of the primary home.
Arashiyama – Primate park
The Arashiyama Monkey Park is a specific spotlight for youngsters, the place they’ll watch child monkeys swing via the bushes from the branches or teams of monkeys chilling within the meadow.
In Kyoto, as in Tokyo, it’s straightforward to get round from place to put by subway or bus. If you’ll want to get someplace sooner, most of the temples shut as early as 5 p.m. within the fall, so taxis or Uber are additionally out there.
Culinary Kyoto
The place to eat in Kyoto is the well-known Pontocho alley. Right here, one restaurant follows the opposite.
The alley is car-free and just a few meters huge. One aspect of the eating places faces the river that flows via Kyoto, the Kamo. In summer time, it’s fantastic to take a seat and eat on the spacious terraces by the river. In winter, the motion strikes indoors.
If you’re curious, you’ll be able to strive typical Kyoto dishes in one of many eating places, together with eel, snails, radish and fish.
Within the aspect road of Pontocho Alley, which can also be crossed by a small river, there may be one other row of eating places across the bridges and alleys.
Apart from all of the temples and the geisha district with its alleys, Kyoto additionally has different sides. Fashionable skyscrapers, purchasing streets and the massive Nikishi Market.
Karaoke
What is certainly worthwhile is a go to to a karaoke bar. We went to Manekineko on Karamachi-dori and actually had a number of enjoyable singing in our sales space.
There’s nonetheless a lot to find in fantastic Japan. In case you have a bit of extra time, you’ll be able to actually go to different cities there or chill out on the attractive Okinawa archipelago.
Okinawa is likely one of the 5 Blue Zones on earth. Folks right here reside longer than elsewhere on earth.
My private insider tip!
Right here: Okinawa – Japan’s oasis
For me, it was positively not the final journey to this excellent nation. “Matane”, which suggests “see you quickly”!
