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 folks, environment, meals, the tradition and structure have one thing about them that makes you’re feeling fully comfy.
Each step I absorb Japan makes me really feel protected. 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 wish to present this place, which I then selected as one of the stunning on the earth, to my household.
From my expertise, listed below are my journey suggestions for Tokyo and Kyoto.
Right here is an outline:
Language in Japan
The Japanese language is difficult and takes a very long time to be taught fully, particularly due to the characters, that are a combination of Japanese and Chinese language characters.
However understanding a couple of phrases will make it easier to to talk to folks within the nation in a respectful method. That is extremely beneficial.
These embody:
‘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 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 must also 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 slightly nearer to town and Narita slightly 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’ move on the airport or at one of many main subway stations. This move lets you 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 prime up your move and at each subway exit you’ll be able to see the present stability of your credit score while you try. You may as well use these passes to pay in some outlets or merchandising machines.
Associated learn: The Complete Guide to Experiencing the Shinkansen High-Speed Trains in Japan
Whereas we’re with regards to ‘paying’: you’ll be able to pay with a bank card anyplace within the vacationer areas. Nonetheless, this isn’t all the time the case in additional authentic 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 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 practice station you 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 individuals who stay within the nation and you’ll see the nation from their perspective.
So we had the chance to have fun at an actual Mikoshi pageant in certainly one of Tokyo’s suburbs. The massive shrine is carried by way of your complete city by many women and men all through the day.
Within the night, the Mikoshi carriers arrive on the pageant’s massive shrine and celebration website. They’re accompanied by conventional Japanese music and the nice pleasure of all members.
Shibuya
While 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.
Associated learn: A Guide to Nightlife in Shibuya and Shinjuku, Tokyo
Hachiko
Right here additionally, you will discover the well-known statue of Hachiko, in all probability probably the most loyal canine on the earth. He accompanied his grasp to the practice station each morning and picked him up once more within the night.
Even when his proprietor all of the 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 superb assembly place.
Omotesando
The Omotesando within the Harajuku/Jingumae district is a superb place for buying and strolling.
Simply observe 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 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 buying road.
Asakusa is situated 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 be able to see your complete metropolis.
Right here in Asakusa, you will discover conventional arts and crafts, reminiscent of 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 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 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, but it surely 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 purple 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 symbolize the 5 parts? Earth, water, hearth, 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 customary 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, a very powerful faith in Japan. The Japanese don’t find out about their religion at college, 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 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 exhibits nice knowledge and energy.
Ritual cleaning
You possibly can 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, folks carry out the ritual of misogi, a purification of physique and thoughts.
First, you pour slightly 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.
While 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 in all places in Japan can be evident in its faith.
There are a lot of actions devoted to luck on the shrine grounds. Omikuji are small Japanese paper strips that predict the long run.
The good factor is, when 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 picket plaques often 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 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 completely 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 may be very elegant and reserved on the surface. To ease the 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 town. And in case you are standing at a visitors mild in Shinjuku, for instance, one of many busiest practice stations on the earth, the twittering of birds or the comfortable 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, all the pieces 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 facet 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 facet anyplace on the earth. 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 night time.
Associated learn: Tokyo: A City of Ordered Chaos
The outfits of many Japanese girls particularly 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 exhibits that you just see while you zap by way of the Japanese TV program in your resort room additionally present the wild range inside this strictly ordered world.
At night time, 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. One can find a variety of specialties in a colourful setting, both on the way in which in Kabukicho-Ichiban-gai road or within the tower itself.
Culinary Japan
I discover it fascinating that while you consider Japanese food, you instantly consider sushi, however there are such a lot of completely different delicacies that haven’t but made their method 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 prime of the recognition scale right here.
I love the Japanese capacity to have fun 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 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 be able to put together all types of greens and meat specialties that you may get on the buffet.
Associated learn: Discover Unique Food Experiences in Tokyo
Shabu Sai Ueno is certainly one of our favourite scorching pot spots. And Tokori Japanese Yakiniku in Ueno serves up some unbelievable yakiniku.
Associated learn: Discover Unique Food Experiences in Tokyo
Yakiniku
At a yakiniku meal, there’s a small, wonderful grill constructed into the tables on which you’ll be able to fry the varied meat specialties which might be served in skinny slices. Rice and numerous sauces are served as facet dishes. It’s notably cozy while 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 delivered to the desk on scorching stones, the place it’s poured with a scrumptious sauce accompanied by quite a lot of substances 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 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 assorted that I actually miss them right here in Germany.
The wax fashions of the dishes at a lot of the eating places are additionally notably typical.
Resorts in Tokyo and Kyoto
A resort on the Yamanote Spherical Line is value its weight in gold. It’s a fast and straightforward method to get to probably the most well-known, genuine and fascinating locations in Tokyo.
I can extremely suggest the inns of the Nohga group. We stayed on the Nohga Hotel in Ueno, however they’re additionally obtainable in different districts reminiscent of Akihabara or different cities reminiscent of Kyoto or Saporro.
This group additionally provides lodging in ryokans, the standard Japanese inns.
The Mitsui Garden hotels are additionally beneficial and a bit extra worldwide than the Nohga inns. We additionally stayed a couple of nights on the Mitsui Garden Jingugajen Tokyo Premier, however there are 12 extra inns on this group even in Tokyo they usually additionally provide nice lodging in Hiroshima, Yokohama, Osaka and numerous different cities.
On the “Prepare”
If you’re planning to journey round Japan, I like to recommend the Shinkansen, the quickest practice on the earth. It would take you from Tokyo Station to Kyoto in simply over 2 and a half hours.
There may be an extra travel tip with tips just for the Shinkansen. I additionally suggest booking a JR Pass, which works completely and permits limitless practice 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 may {photograph} and admire it by way of the practice 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 some other method.
Kyoto has change into extraordinarily trendy 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, remains to be so unspoilt that you just get the sensation that Kyoto is just not a metropolis however a small, touristy mountain village.
Associated learn: Complete Kyoto Travel Guide
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 is dependent upon your angle. If you’re curious and have a want 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 suggest the rental store proper on the bus cease on Higashioji Dori, throughout from the Seven Eleven. However you too can 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 an exquisite geisha for a day.
Nittai-ji Tempel
The outdated streets across the Kiyumizu-dera Temple are undoubtedly value exploring.
Sadly, over the previous 22 years, all the pieces 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, 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 situated straight on the way in which 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 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 a couple of euros per particular person.
Don’t guide a tour prematurely through Viator or GetYourGuide simply since you are afraid of not having the ability to get tickets to the temples on the spot. You may get the doorway ticket spontaneously on the spot, which supplies you rather more freedom and adaptability.
Should you completely need to take a guided tour and be accompanied by a information, you’re after all welcome to guide such a tour by way 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.
Throughout the day, the decrease walkway is especially busy, however as quickly as darkness falls, it turns into slightly quieter. There’s something magical about getting into this highly effective shrine within the moonlight.
Associated learn: Must Visit Sites in Kyoto
When approaching a shrine, the very first thing you see is the purple torii, or gate. The purple colour is claimed to keep at bay evil spirits and hazard.
To point out respect, you must 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.
You probably have seen the film “The Geisha”, you will note 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 girl, 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 due to this fact all needs are in good arms there.
The avenues of torii, the gates fabricated from wooden or stone and normally 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 large number of those torii, all of that are donations from people, households or corporations. She tells me that it will be important 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 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 quite a lot of stamina.
Attribute of all Inari shrines are the fox statues, the messengers of the goddess of fertility Inari, who normally put on purple 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 comprises quite a lot of magnificence in a small space.
There may be an space with Zen sand artwork, a lake with a typical Japanese picket pavilion within the background and an attractive backyard.
Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion Temple) is a Zen temple and likewise a UNESCO World Heritage Web site.
Nobody actually is aware of why the pavilion in the course of the property known as “Silver Pavilion”, although it’s fabricated 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 to be 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, but it surely 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 symbolize water and the sand cone known 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 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.
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. Your entire district may be very fashionable with guests.
Arashiyama – Bamboo forest
Should 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 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 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 method 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 specific spotlight for youngsters, 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 simple to get round from place to position by subway or bus. If you have to get someplace quicker, most 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 broad. One facet of the eating places faces the river that flows by way of Kyoto, the Kamo. In summer season, 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 facet road 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.
Apart from all of the temples and the geisha district with its alleys, Kyoto additionally has different sides. Fashionable skyscrapers, buying 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 quite a lot of enjoyable singing in our sales space.
There may be nonetheless a lot to find in fantastic Japan. You probably have slightly extra time, you’ll be able to definitely go to different cities there or loosen up on the attractive Okinawa archipelago.
Okinawa is without doubt one of the 5 Blue Zones on earth. Individuals right here stay longer than in different places 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 suggests “see you quickly”!
