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, ambiance, meals, the tradition and structure have one thing about them that makes you’re feeling fully relaxed.
Each step I absorb 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 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 wish to present this place, which I then selected as probably the most stunning on this planet, to my household.
From my expertise, listed below 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 fully, particularly due to the characters, that are a mix of Japanese and Chinese language characters.
However realizing a number of phrases will enable you to to talk to individuals within the nation in a respectful approach. That is extremely advisable.
These embrace:
‘Kon’nichiwa’ – this implies ‘hiya’ 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 approach 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 employ ‘sumimasen’.
You also needs to know the phrase for goodbye – ‘sayonara’.
Now you may have all of the well mannered types of handle 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 somewhat nearer to the town and Narita somewhat 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 permits you to journey freely on all subway or bus strains by means of most cities in Japan. There are merchandising machines the place you may high up your cross and at each subway exit you may see the present steadiness of your credit score whenever you try. You too can use these passes to pay in some outlets or merchandising machines.
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Whereas we’re with reference to ‘paying’: you may pay with a bank card anyplace within the vacationer areas. Nonetheless, this isn’t at all times the case in additional authentic locations or smaller eating places. Due to this fact, be sure you journey with some money and examine along with your bank card firm to just remember to 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 evening, and a spacious park that gives temples, a lotus flower lake and house for festivals and culinary discoveries.
Reverse the Ueno prepare station you will see that the pedestrian space of Ameyokocho. Right here you may 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 stay within the nation and you may see the nation from their perspective.
So we had the chance to have fun at an actual Mikoshi pageant in one among Tokyo’s suburbs. The big shrine is carried by means of all the city by many women and men all through the day.
Within the night, the Mikoshi carriers arrive on the pageant’s giant shrine and celebration website. They’re accompanied by conventional Japanese music and the good pleasure of all members.
Shibuya
Whenever you consider Tokyo, you routinely 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 may 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, most likely essentially 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 instantly 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 superb assembly place.
Omotesando
The Omotesando within the Harajuku/Jingumae district is an excellent place for buying and strolling.
Simply comply with 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 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 buying road.
Asakusa is situated on the Sumida River and will 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 see all the metropolis.
Right here in Asakusa, you could find conventional arts and crafts, corresponding to home made 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 energetic streets of Denpoin-dori, Kannon-dori and Asakusa Chuo-dori are notably charming and filled with the ambiance of outdated Asakusa.
Sensoji
The Sensoji might be essentially the most well-known and most photographed temple in Tokyo. It was in-built 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 occasions 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 may have thought that? The purple lantern within the heart 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 components? Earth, water, fireplace, air and vacancy.
Kokeshi Dolls
These Kokeshi dolls are given as a fortunate appeal 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 interesting and really open faith and, together with Buddhism, crucial faith in Japan. The Japanese don’t find out about their religion in school, as is the case with many different religions. Usually, the religion is handed down from mother and father to kids.
Shinto means “approach of the gods”. Greater than 100 million individuals, or 80% of the Japanese inhabitants, are Shintoists.
The shrines are devoted to numerous 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 energy.
Ritual cleaning
You’ll be able to 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, individuals 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’re 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.
Whenever you arrive, you greet the god by bowing twice, then clap your arms twice. After that, you pray in silence, specific your want and maintain your arms 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 also be evident in its faith.
There are various actions devoted to luck on the shrine grounds. Omikuji are small Japanese paper strips that predict the longer term.
The good factor is, in case you draw a paper strip that predicts unhealthy luck, you may 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 picket plaques often known 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 could be very elegant and reserved on the surface. To ease the visitors scenario, there are sometimes footpaths constructed over the roads or, conversely, giant roads and even railroad strains on stilts one degree greater by means of the town. And if you’re standing at a visitors gentle in Shinjuku, for instance, one of many busiest prepare stations on this planet, the twittering of birds or the gentle 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 isn’t a place the place crowds of individuals are extra enjoyable than there. No one is loud, no one jostles, no one pushes, the whole lot 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 protected, as well mannered, and as orderly as the whole lot seems, I’ve by no means seen a extra vibrant flip aspect anyplace on this planet. The alternative 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 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 reveals that you simply see whenever you zap by means of 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. Be sure you 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’ll 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 completely different delicacies that haven’t but made their solution 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 high of the recognition scale right here.
I love the Japanese capacity to have fun the whole lot that has to do with consuming and having fun with meals. Within the numerous eating places, you may put together your personal meal on a small built-in desk grill or you will 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 may get on the buffet.
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Shabu Sai Ueno is one among 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, effective grill constructed into the tables on which you’ll fry the varied meat specialties which might be served in skinny slices. Rice and numerous sauces are served as aspect dishes. It’s notably cozy whenever 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 a wide range of components 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 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 staff pack as a sandwich. So scrumptious and diverse 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.
Inns in Tokyo and Kyoto
A lodge on the Yamanote Spherical Line is value its weight in gold. It’s a fast and straightforward solution to get to essentially the most well-known, genuine and attention-grabbing locations in Tokyo.
I can extremely suggest the accommodations of the Nohga group. We stayed on the Nohga Resort in Ueno, however they’re additionally obtainable in different districts corresponding to Akihabara or different cities corresponding to Kyoto or Saporro.
This group additionally presents lodging in ryokans, the everyday Japanese inns.
The Mitsui Backyard accommodations are additionally advisable and a bit extra worldwide than the Nohga accommodations. We additionally stayed a number of nights on the Mitsui Backyard Jingugajen Tokyo Premier, however there are 12 extra accommodations on this group even in Tokyo they usually additionally supply 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 this planet. It can take you from Tokyo Station to Kyoto in simply over 2 and a half hours.
There’s an additional journey tip with ideas only for the Shinkansen. I additionally suggest reserving a JR Move, which works completely and permits limitless prepare journey in Japan.
Be sure you don’t miss Mount Fuji in your approach from Tokyo to Kyoto. The Shinkansen passes so near it that you may {photograph} and admire it by means of 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 some other approach.
Kyoto has change 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 simply 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 outlets. It’s a great feeling to immerse your self within the historical past of this metropolis, the place the geishas have been at house.
Strolling round in a kimono on a temple tour could seem 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 suggest the rental store proper on the bus cease on Higashioji Dori, throughout from the Seven Eleven. However you may also discover different rental outlets to the left and proper of it, corresponding to First or Kyokomachi. We didn’t have a reservation and simply walked in. For 4500 yen and 1600 yen for the coiffure, you may remodel your self into an exquisite 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, the whole lot right here has not solely change 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 fashion, 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 situated 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 often free or, within the case of the well-known temples, prices a number 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 provides you far more freedom and adaptability.
For those who completely wish to take a guided tour and be accompanied by a information, you’re after all welcome to guide such a tour by means of 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 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 purple torii, or gate. The purple colour is alleged to push 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 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 biggest 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 subsequently all needs are in good arms there.
The avenues of torii, the gates fabricated from wooden or stone and often painted purple, 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 mess of those torii, all of that are donations from people, households or firms. She tells me that it will be significant to not stroll close to the posts or within the center, as these are reserved for the gods.
Greater than 1000 of those purple 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 lots of stamina.
Attribute of all Inari shrines are the fox statues, the messengers of the goddess of fertility Inari, who often put on purple bibs round their necks.
Ginkaku-ji
Ginkaku-ji is one among my private favourite temples in Kyoto. For one factor, it isn’t as overcrowded as different temples and since it comprises a wide range 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 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 course of the property is named “Silver Pavilion”, though it’s fabricated from wooden. Legend has it that the pavilion’s jet-black wooden shined silver within the moonlight, therefore the identify.
Possibly 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 house and was presupposed to appear to be 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 presupposed 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, house 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 is named Ginshadan, which interprets as ‘sea of silver sand’. In Buddhism, taking a look at 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’ll be able to stroll alongside small paths by means 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 may catch a glimpse of Kyoto. The association of the completely different shades of inexperienced, the interaction of sand and stones in opposition to the backdrop of the picket temple is a feast for the eyes.
You must plan about an hour in your go to to the temple. From there, you may 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 value visiting, as it’s house 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 complete district could be very well-liked with guests.
Arashiyama – Bamboo forest
For those who don’t wish to share the bamboo forest with so many individuals, you may guide a rickshaw tour in a separate space. It’s greatest to guide nicely prematurely, as these are sometimes booked out days prematurely.
The bamboo forest is gorgeous and the ambiance 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 primary 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 solution to at the present time and frames a lake that may be seen from the steps of the primary home.
Arashiyama – Primate park
The Arashiyama Monkey Park is a selected spotlight for youngsters, the place they will watch child monkeys swing by means of the bushes from the branches or teams of monkeys chilling within the meadow.
In Kyoto, as in Tokyo, it’s simple to get round from place to position by subway or bus. If you have to get someplace sooner, lots of the temples shut as early as 5 p.m. within the fall, so taxis or Uber are additionally obtainable.
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 means of Kyoto, the Kamo. In summer time, it’s great to sit down and eat on the spacious terraces by the river. In winter, the motion strikes indoors.
In case you are curious, you may 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.
In addition to all of the temples and the geisha district with its alleys, Kyoto additionally has different sides. Fashionable skyscrapers, buying 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 lots of enjoyable singing in our sales space.
There’s nonetheless a lot to find in great Japan. In case you have somewhat extra time, you may definitely go to different cities there or chill out on the attractive Okinawa archipelago.
Okinawa is without doubt one of the 5 Blue Zones on earth. Folks right here stay 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 implies “see you quickly”!
