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 are feeling utterly comfy.
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 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 one of the vital lovely on this planet, to my household.
From my expertise, listed here are my journey ideas for Tokyo and Kyoto.
Right here is an outline:
Language in Japan
The Japanese language is sophisticated and takes a very long time to be taught utterly, particularly due to the characters, that are a combination of Japanese and Chinese language characters.
However realizing just a few phrases will provide help to to talk to folks within the nation in a respectful method. That is extremely beneficial.
These embrace:
‘Kon’nichiwa’ – this implies ‘good day’ and is the Japanese greeting.
It’s also essential to say thanks. The Japanese say thanks over and over. 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 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 have got all of the well mannered types of tackle at your disposal that will help 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 somewhat nearer to the town and Narita somewhat 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 most cities in Japan. There are merchandising machines the place you possibly can prime up your go and at each subway exit you possibly can see the present steadiness of your credit score whenever you try. You may as well use these passes to pay in some retailers or merchandising machines.
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Whereas we’re with reference to ‘paying’: you possibly can pay with a bank card wherever within the vacationer areas. Nonetheless, this isn’t all the time the case in additional unique locations or smaller eating places. Due to this fact, remember 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 evening, and a spacious park that provides 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 possibly can 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 individuals who stay within the nation and you may see the nation from their perspective.
So we had the chance to have a good time at an actual Mikoshi competition in one in all Tokyo’s suburbs. The massive shrine is carried by the whole 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 good pleasure of all contributors.
Shibuya
Once 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 possibly can 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 probably the most loyal canine on this planet. 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 procuring and strolling.
Simply comply with your instincts and discover the small alleys to the left and proper of the principle road. Make sure you plan a cease at Takeshita-dori on this route, with its many retailers 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 retailers and eating places on the favored Nakamise-dori procuring road.
Asakusa is positioned on the Sumida River and may be simply explored on foot or by rickshaw, passing great bridges and colourful lanterns. Not removed from there, additionally, you will discover the Tokyo Tree, a lookout tower from which you’ll be able to see the whole metropolis.
Right here in Asakusa, you could find conventional arts and crafts, resembling 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 outdated Asakusa.
Sensoji
The Sensoji might be probably 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, however 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 have got thought that? The crimson 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 allure for the start of a lady, a marriage, a enterprise opening or as a memento from Japan. They’re made by hand to a excessive normal and largely from fruitwood.
However additionally 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, an important faith in Japan. The Japanese don’t study their religion at college, as is the case with many different religions. Usually, the religion is handed down from dad and mom to kids.
Shinto means “method 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 like the openness of this faith, which exhibits nice knowledge and power.
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 somewhat 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
When 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 implies luck. Then pull on the thick rope to ring the bell. The sound of the bell retains evil spirits away.
Once you arrive, you greet the god by bowing twice, then clap your palms twice. After that, you pray in silence, specific 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 in all places 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, in case you draw a paper strip that predicts unhealthy luck, you possibly can tie the strip to a small rope or, as right here, to a tree and thus eliminate the unhealthy luck instantly.
For prayers and needs, there are wood plaques generally known as ema that may be held on the shrine. That is how the gods are mentioned to obtain the prayers and fulfill the desires.
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 also be mentioned 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 massive.
Above all, it appears relaxed and calm to me as a result of the Japanese mentality could be very elegant and reserved on the surface. 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 degree greater by the town. And in case you are standing at a site visitors gentle in Shinjuku, for instance, one of many busiest prepare stations on this planet, the twittering of birds or the mushy 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 is no such thing as 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 light, 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 all the pieces seems, I’ve by no means seen a extra vibrant flip aspect wherever on this 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 evening.
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The outfits of many Japanese girls specifically are something however reserved or boring; they’re a firework of potentialities and quite a lot of braveness is required to put on many outfits.
The exhibits that you just see whenever you zap by the Japanese TV program in your lodge room additionally present the wild range inside this strictly ordered world.
At evening, the Shinjuku district is dazzling. Make 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 can find 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 whenever you consider Japanese meals, you instantly consider sushi, however there are such a lot of totally different delicacies that haven’t but made their approach 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 capacity to have a good time all the pieces that has to do with consuming and having fun with meals. Within the varied eating places, you possibly can put together your individual meal on a small built-in desk grill or you will get a pot of broth on a hob on the desk, much like a Chinese language fondue or sizzling pot, in which you’ll be able to put together all types of greens and meat specialties that you may get on the buffet.
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Shabu Sai Ueno is one in all our favourite sizzling 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, high-quality grill constructed into the tables on which you’ll be able to fry the varied meat specialties which are served in skinny slices. Rice and varied sauces are served as aspect dishes. It’s significantly cozy whenever you enter eating places and take off your sneakers 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 sizzling stones, the place it’s poured with a scrumptious sauce accompanied by quite a lot of components in small bowls, creating an excellent hissing sound, is an actual deal with.
Sukiyaki
Sukiyaki was additionally new to me. It’s a one-pot dish during which the meat is cooked slowly on the desk, both earlier than or after the noodles and greens which are 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 varied 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 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 straightforward approach to get to probably the most well-known, genuine and fascinating locations in Tokyo.
I can extremely advocate the lodges of the Nohga group. We stayed on the Nohga Resort in Ueno, however they’re additionally out there in different districts resembling Akihabara or different cities resembling Kyoto or Saporro.
This group additionally gives lodging in ryokans, the everyday Japanese inns.
The Mitsui Backyard lodges are additionally beneficial and a bit extra worldwide than the Nohga lodges. We additionally stayed just a few nights on the Mitsui Backyard Jingugajen Tokyo Premier, however there are 12 extra lodges on this group even in Tokyo they usually additionally supply nice lodging in Hiroshima, Yokohama, Osaka and varied different cities.
On the “Prepare”
If you’re planning to journey round Japan, I like to recommend the Shinkansen, the quickest prepare on this planet. It’ll take you from Tokyo Station to Kyoto in simply over 2 and a half hours.
There may be an additional 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 to don’t miss Mount Fuji in your method from Tokyo to Kyoto. The Shinkansen passes so near it that you may {photograph} and admire it by 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 like Kyoto. I can’t say it every other method.
Kyoto has develop into extraordinarily trendy 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 will not 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 retailers. It’s a great 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 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 you can even discover different rental retailers to the left and proper of it, resembling First or Kyokomachi. We didn’t have a reservation and simply walked in. For 4500 yen and 1600 yen for the coiffure, you possibly can remodel your self into an exquisite geisha for a day.
Nittai-ji Tempel
The outdated streets across the Kiyumizu-dera Temple are undoubtedly price exploring.
Sadly, over the previous 22 years, all the pieces right here has not solely develop into extra crowded but additionally 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 straight 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 without doubt one of the really 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 e-book a tour prematurely by way of 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 provides you far more freedom and adaptability.
When you completely wish to take a guided tour and be accompanied by a information, you might be after all welcome to e-book such a tour by these platforms or regionally.
Fushimi Inari Schrein
The Fushimi Inara Shrine within the Fushimi district is without doubt 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 somewhat 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 colour is alleged to beat back evil spirits and hazard.
To point out 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 probably the most well-known Shintō shrine in Kyōto.
When you’ve got 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.
A beautiful Japanese lady, whose mom is from Kyoto and really non secular, 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 subsequently 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 large number of those torii, all of that are donations from people, households or corporations. She tells me that it is vital 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 may 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 variety 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 one in all my private favourite temples in Kyoto. For one factor, it’s not as overcrowded as different temples and since it incorporates quite a lot of magnificence in a small space.
There may be an space with Zen sand artwork, a lake with a typical Japanese wood pavilion within the background and a ravishing 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 is named “Silver Pavilion”, although 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 clarification. 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, however 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 midst of the advanced is the sand backyard and an roughly 2-meter-high sand sculpture.
The sand backyard is named 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 referred to as Kogetsudai symbolizes Mount Fuji.
You possibly can stroll alongside small paths by 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 possibly can 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.
You need to plan about an hour in your go to to the temple. From there, you possibly can attain many different well-known temples and shrines alongside the Thinker’s Stroll, a small path that runs alongside a stream. These embrace 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 Web site. All the district could be very standard with guests.
Arashiyama – Bamboo forest
When you don’t wish to share the bamboo forest with so many individuals, you possibly can e-book a rickshaw tour in a separate space. It’s greatest to e-book nicely 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 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 Web site since 1994.
The Sogenji Backyard behind the principle 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 delicate hills, has been preserved on this approach to this present day and frames a lake that may be seen from the steps of the principle home.
Arashiyama – Primate park
The Arashiyama Monkey Park is a selected spotlight for youngsters, the place they will watch child monkeys swing by 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 position by subway or bus. If it is advisable 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 only some meters broad. One aspect of the eating places faces the river that flows by Kyoto, the Kamo. In summer season, it’s great to sit down and eat on the spacious terraces by the river. In winter, the motion strikes indoors.
If you’re curious, you possibly can attempt 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’s 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. Trendy skyscrapers, procuring streets and the massive 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 variety of enjoyable singing in our sales space.
There may be nonetheless a lot to find in great Japan. When you’ve got somewhat extra time, you possibly can definitely go to different cities there or loosen up on the gorgeous Okinawa archipelago.
Okinawa is without doubt one of the 5 Blue Zones on earth. Individuals right here stay longer than somewhere else on earth.
My private insider tip!
Right here: Okinawa – Japan’s oasis
For me, it was undoubtedly not the final journey to this glorious nation. “Matane”, which implies “see you quickly”!
