It’s the land of the rising solar. And likewise the place the place the solar rises in my coronary heart. As a result of the folks, environment, meals, the tradition and structure have one thing about them that makes you’re feeling fully comfortable.
Each step I absorb Japan makes me really feel secure. Each place is clear, the folks you meet are well mannered and respectful and the structure radiates calm and energy. 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 one of the stunning on the planet, to my household.
From my expertise, listed here are my journey suggestions for Tokyo and Kyoto.
Right here is an summary:
Language in Japan
The Japanese language is sophisticated and takes a very long time to be taught fully, particularly due to the characters, that are a mix of Japanese and Chinese language characters.
However understanding just a few phrases will show you how to to talk to folks within the nation in a respectful manner. That is extremely really helpful.
These embody:
‘Kon’nichiwa’ – this implies ‘hiya’ and is the Japanese greeting.
It’s also crucial to say thanks. The Japanese say thanks time and again. In Japanese, you do that with the phrase ‘Arigato’. ‘Arigatogozaimasu’ is a stronger manner of claiming ‘thanks’.
If you wish to draw consideration to your self within the sense of claiming ‘excuse me’ since you wish to make a request, for instance in a restaurant, you utilize ‘sumimasen’.
You also needs to know the phrase for goodbye – ‘sayonara’.
Now you’ve all of the well mannered types of handle at your disposal that can assist you to maneuver round Japan respectfully.
Journey Suggestions for Tokyo
Our journey begins in Tokyo. There are many direct flights to a number of airports round Tokyo.
Haneda Airport is just a little nearer to the town and Narita just a little additional away. Each are splendidly related to the centre of Tokyo by public transport.
A really particular tip for anybody travelling to Japan: Purchase a ‘Pasmo’ or ‘Suica’ go on the airport or at one of many main subway stations. This go permits you to journey freely on all subway or bus strains by way of most cities in Japan. There are merchandising machines the place you’ll be able to high up your go and at each subway exit you’ll be able to see the present steadiness of your credit score while you take a look at. You can even use these passes to pay in some outlets or merchandising machines.
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Whereas we’re with regards to ‘paying’: you’ll be able to pay with a bank card wherever within the vacationer areas. Nonetheless, this isn’t at all times the case in additional authentic locations or smaller eating places. Subsequently, remember to journey with some money and verify along with your bank card firm to just be sure you can withdraw cash from ATMs in Japan along with your bank card.
Ueno
Ueno is a really authentic, 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 you can see 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 recognize individuals who dwell within the nation and you’ll see the nation from their perspective.
So we had the chance to have fun at an actual Mikoshi competition in certainly one of Tokyo’s suburbs. The massive shrine is carried by way of 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 website. They’re accompanied by conventional Japanese music and the good pleasure of all individuals.
Shibuya
If 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 under.
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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 planet. He accompanied his grasp to the prepare station each morning and picked him up once more within the night.
Even when his proprietor immediately 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 comply with your instincts and discover the small alleys to the left and proper of the principle avenue. You’ll want to plan a cease at Takeshita-dori on this route, with its many outlets full of colourful, loopy garments and equipment.
Asakusa
Asakusa is a usually 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 avenue.
Asakusa is positioned on the Sumida River and might 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, you will discover conventional arts and crafts, reminiscent of selfmade 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 significantly charming and filled with the environment of previous Asakusa.
Sensoji
The Sensoji might be essentially the most well-known and most photographed temple in Tokyo. It was in-built 628 and is due to this fact additionally one of many oldest Buddhist temples within the capital.
The historical past of the temple can 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 occasions to return the determine to the river, nevertheless it stored 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 crimson lantern within the middle weighs over 400 kg, the opposite two copper lanterns every weigh about 1000 kg.
Conventional pagodas at all times have an uneven variety of flooring. Do you know that the 5 ranges of Buddhist pagodas characterize the 5 parts? Earth, water, hearth, air and vacancy.
Kokeshi Dolls
These Kokeshi dolls are given as a fortunate appeal for the beginning of a lady, 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 additionally they have a tragic historical past. In Japanese custom, youngsters 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 toddler 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. Usually, the religion is handed down from dad and mom to youngsters.
Shinto means “manner of the gods”. Greater than 100 million folks, or 80% of the Japanese inhabitants, are Shintoists.
The shrines are devoted to varied deities. Everyone seems to be allowed to wish at a Shinto shrine, no matter their faith. I really like the openness of this faith, which reveals nice knowledge and energy.
Ritual cleaning
You possibly can usually see water basins, temizuya with ladles, close to the shrines, that are referred to as hishaku. Right here, earlier than approaching the deity on the shrine, folks carry out the ritual of misogi, a purification of physique and thoughts.
First, you pour just a little 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.
If you arrive, you greet the god by bowing twice, then clap your palms twice. After that, you pray in silence, categorical your want and maintain your palms in entrance of your chest in prayer pose. On the finish, thanks with a deep bow.
The respect that may be felt all over the place in Japan can 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 longer term.
The good factor is, should you draw a paper strip that predicts unhealthy 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 unhealthy luck instantly.
For prayers and desires, there are wood 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 getting into. This ensures that the go to is a closed circle, which can be stated to carry good luck.
Colourful and Various Neighborhoods in Tokyo
Tokyo is a large metropolis with 9.6 million inhabitants. It consists of many very totally different neighborhoods, so it doesn’t appear that huge.
Above all, it appears relaxed and calm to me as a result of the Japanese mentality could be very elegant and reserved on the skin. To ease the site visitors state of affairs, there are sometimes footpaths constructed over the roads or, conversely, massive roads and even railroad strains on stilts one stage larger by way of the town. And if you’re standing at a site visitors gentle in Shinjuku, for instance, one of many busiest prepare stations on the planet, the twittering of birds or the smooth music from the loudspeakers is extremely enjoyable.
I counsel anybody who’s afraid of crowds to make a journey to Tokyo, as a result of there is no such thing as a place the place crowds of individuals are extra enjoyable than there. No person is loud, no person jostles, no person pushes, every little thing is mild, orderly and filled 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 secure, as well mannered, and as orderly as every little thing seems, I’ve by no means seen a extra vibrant flip aspect wherever on the planet. The alternative pole of this construction is the colourful, the wild, the loopy, which is clear 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 specifically are something however reserved or boring; they’re a firework of prospects and quite a lot of braveness is required to put on many outfits.
The reveals that you just see while you zap by way of 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. You’ll want to go to the well-known Omoide Yokocho alley of bars. In case you are 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 can see a variety of specialties in a colourful setting, both on the best way in Kabukicho-Ichiban-gai avenue or within the tower itself.
Culinary Japan
I discover it fascinating that while you consider Japanese meals, you instantly consider sushi, however there are such a lot of totally different delicacies that haven’t but made their option to Europe.
Sukiyaki or Yakiniku, to call just some.
It’s unbelievable how a lot meat, and never simply fish, dominates the menus. Wagyu beef is on the high of the recognition scale right here.
I like the Japanese potential to have fun every little thing that has to do with consuming and having fun with meals. Within the numerous eating places, you’ll be able to put together your personal meal on a small built-in desk grill or you may get a pot of broth on a hob on the desk, much like a Chinese language fondue or scorching pot, in which you’ll put together all types of greens and meat specialties that you may get on the buffet.
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Shabu Sai Ueno is certainly one of our favourite scorching pot spots. And Tokori Japanese Yakiniku in Ueno serves up some incredible yakiniku.
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Yakiniku
At a yakiniku meal, there’s a small, superb grill constructed into the tables on which you’ll fry the varied meat specialties which can be served in skinny slices. Rice and numerous sauces are served as aspect dishes. It’s significantly cozy while 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 an amazing hissing sound, is an actual deal with.
Sukiyaki
Sukiyaki was additionally new to me. It’s a one-pot dish wherein the meat is cooked slowly on the desk, both earlier than or after the noodles and greens which can 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 neglect the favored Onigiri, rice balls with numerous fillings, which schoolchildren and workplace employees pack as a sandwich. So scrumptious and different that I actually miss them right here in Germany.
The wax fashions of the dishes at a lot of the eating places are additionally significantly typical.
Resorts in Tokyo and Kyoto
A lodge on the Yamanote Spherical Line is price its weight in gold. It’s a fast and simple option to get to essentially the most well-known, genuine and attention-grabbing locations in Tokyo.
I can extremely advocate the inns of the Nohga group. We stayed on the Nohga Resort in Ueno, however they’re additionally accessible in different districts reminiscent of Akihabara or different cities reminiscent of Kyoto or Saporro.
This group additionally presents lodging in ryokans, the everyday Japanese inns.
The Mitsui Backyard inns are additionally really helpful and a bit extra worldwide than the Nohga inns. We additionally stayed just a few nights on the Mitsui Backyard Jingugajen Tokyo Premier, however there are 12 extra inns on this group even in Tokyo and so they additionally provide nice lodging in Hiroshima, Yokohama, Osaka and numerous different cities.
On the “Practice”
In case you are planning to journey round Japan, I like to recommend the Shinkansen, the quickest prepare on the planet. It is going to take you from Tokyo Station to Kyoto in simply over 2 and a half hours.
There’s an additional journey tip with suggestions only for the Shinkansen. I additionally advocate reserving a JR Cross, which works completely and permits limitless prepare journey in Japan.
Be sure to don’t miss Mount Fuji in your manner from Tokyo to Kyoto. The Shinkansen passes so near it that you may {photograph} and admire it by way of the prepare home windows, surrounded by clouds of mist or, relying on the season, even with its peak coated in snow.
Kyoto Journey Suggestions
I really like Kyoto. I can’t say it another manner.
Kyoto has develop into extraordinarily fashionable within the 22 years since I final visited. However the authentic corners, the geisha district and the enchanting temples nonetheless inform of the magic of occasions 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 shouldn’t be 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 appear touristy, however as with all experiences, it will depend on your perspective. In case you are curious and have a want to immerse your self in a sure feeling, to grasp 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, reminiscent of 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 remodel your self into a beautiful geisha for a day.
Nittai-ji Tempel
The previous streets across the Kiyumizu-dera Temple are positively price exploring.
Sadly, over the previous 22 years, every little thing right here has not solely develop into extra crowded but additionally extra tourist-oriented, and the previous originality is not really easy to find.
Don’t miss out on following your nostril, trying 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 stunning Nittai-ji Temple, which is positioned instantly on the best way to the Kiyomizu-dera Temple and is totally ignored by most. It’s stunning and abandoned.
Kiyomizu-dera Tempel
The Kiyumizu-dera Temple is without doubt one of the actually spectacular temples in Kyoto.
Good to learn about visiting Kyoto
Admission to the temples is normally free or, within the case of the well-known temples, prices just a few euros per individual.
Don’t guide a tour upfront by way of Viator or GetYourGuide simply since you are afraid of not having the ability to get tickets to the temples on the spot. You will get the doorway ticket spontaneously on the spot, which supplies you way more freedom and adaptability.
Should you completely wish to take a guided tour and be accompanied by a information, you’re in fact welcome to guide such a tour by way of these platforms or domestically.
Fushimi Inari Schrein
The Fushimi Inara Shrine within the Fushimi district is without doubt one of the most magical locations in Japan for me.
Throughout the day, the decrease walkway is especially busy, however as quickly as darkness falls, it turns into just a little quieter. There’s something magical about getting into this highly effective shrine within the moonlight.
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When approaching a shrine, the very first thing you see is the crimson torii, or gate. The crimson coloration is alleged to keep at bay evil spirits and hazard.
To indicate respect, it is 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 principle shrine of about one third of all Inari shrines in Japan and is essentially the most well-known Shintō shrine in Kyōto.
You probably have seen the film “The Geisha”, you will notice little Chio strolling to this very shrine to wish for her best want. It got here true, and guess what? So did the want I expressed there. For me, this shrine is without doubt one of the strongest locations I’ve ever visited.
An exquisite Japanese lady, whose mom is from Kyoto and really spiritual, explains the facility 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 due to this fact all needs are in good palms there.
The avenues of torii, the gates manufactured from wooden or stone and normally painted crimson, are significantly 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 mess of those torii, all of that are donations from people, households or firms. She tells me that it is necessary to not stroll close to the posts or within the center, as these are reserved for the gods.
Greater than 1000 of those crimson gates might 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 whole lot of stamina.
Attribute of all Inari shrines are the fox statues, the messengers of the goddess of fertility Inari, who normally put on crimson bibs round their necks.
Ginkaku-ji
Ginkaku-ji is certainly one of my private favourite temples in Kyoto. For one factor, it isn’t as overcrowded as different temples and since it incorporates quite a lot of magnificence in a small space.
There’s an space with Zen sand artwork, a lake with a typical Japanese wood pavilion within the background and a lovely backyard.
Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion Temple) is a Zen temple and in addition a UNESCO World Heritage Website.
Nobody actually is aware of why the pavilion in the course of the property known as “Silver Pavilion”, despite the fact that it’s manufactured from wooden. Legend has it that the pavilion’s jet-black wooden shined silver within the moonlight, therefore the title.
Perhaps 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 alleged to appear like a smaller model of the well-known Golden Pavilion, Kinkanku-ji, which his grandfather had constructed on the time. As an alternative of gold, it was alleged to be silver, nevertheless it by no means occurred.
Earlier than the shogun’s villa grew to become a temple, it was the middle of Higashiyama tradition, dwelling to tea ceremonies, flower arranging, poetry and No theater. These days, Ginkakuji is without doubt 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 course of the complicated 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 characterize water and the sand cone referred to as Kogetsudai symbolizes Mount Fuji.
You possibly can stroll alongside small paths by way of 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 totally different shades of inexperienced, the interaction of sand and stones towards the backdrop of the wood 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 price 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 Website. The complete district could be very widespread with guests.
Arashiyama – Bamboo forest
Should you don’t wish to share the bamboo forest with so many individuals, you’ll be able to guide a rickshaw tour in a separate space. It’s greatest to guide properly upfront, as these are sometimes booked out days upfront.
The bamboo forest is gorgeous and the environment is spectacular.
Tenryu-ji Temple
The doorway to the Tenryu-ji Temple is true subsequent to the doorway to the bamboo forest. It is without doubt one of the 5 most well-known Zen temples in Kyoto and has been a World Heritage Website since 1994.
The Sogenji Backyard behind the principle corridor, laid out by Muso Soseki within the 14th century, is especially stunning. 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 option to today and frames a lake that may be seen from the steps of the principle home.
Arashiyama – Primate park
The Arashiyama Monkey Park is a specific spotlight for kids, the place they will watch child monkeys swing by way of 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 could get someplace quicker, lots of the temples shut as early as 5 p.m. within the fall, so taxis or Uber are additionally accessible.
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 extensive. One aspect of the eating places faces the river that flows by way of 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.
In case you are curious, you’ll be able to attempt typical Kyoto dishes in one of many eating places, together with eel, snails, radish and fish.
Within the aspect avenue of Pontocho Alley, which can be crossed by a small river, there may be one other row of eating places across the bridges and alleys.
In addition to all of the temples and the geisha district with its alleys, Kyoto additionally has different sides. Fashionable skyscrapers, purchasing streets and the big Nikishi Market.
Karaoke
What is unquestionably worthwhile is a go to to a karaoke bar. We went to Manekineko on Karamachi-dori and actually had a whole lot of enjoyable singing in our sales space.
There’s nonetheless a lot to find in fantastic Japan. You probably have just a little extra time, you’ll be able to definitely go to different cities there or chill out on the gorgeous Okinawa archipelago.
Okinawa is without doubt one of the 5 Blue Zones on earth. Individuals right here dwell 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 glorious nation. “Matane”, which suggests “see you quickly”!
