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, ambiance, 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 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 vital 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 figuring out a couple of phrases will enable you to talk to folks within the nation in a respectful approach. That is extremely beneficial.
These embrace:
‘Kon’nichiwa’ – this implies ‘hiya’ and is the Japanese greeting.
It is usually crucial to say thanks. The Japanese say thanks time and again. 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 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 gotten all of the well mannered types of tackle 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 town and Narita just a little 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’ go on the airport or at one of many main subway stations. This go means that you can journey freely on all subway or bus traces by means 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 if you take a look at. You may as well use these passes to pay in some retailers or merchandising machines.
Associated learn: The Full Information to Experiencing the Shinkansen Excessive-Velocity 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 unique locations or smaller eating places. Due to this fact, be sure you 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 gives temples, a lotus flower lake and area for festivals and culinary discoveries.
Reverse the Ueno practice 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 realize individuals who stay within the nation and you’ll see the nation from their perspective.
So we had the chance to rejoice at an actual Mikoshi competition in certainly one of Tokyo’s suburbs. The big shrine is carried by means of the complete city by many women and men all through the day.
Within the night, the Mikoshi carriers arrive on the competition’s giant shrine and celebration web site. They’re accompanied by conventional Japanese music and the nice pleasure of all members.
Shibuya
While 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’ll be able to movie, {photograph} or simply watch the hustle and bustle on the road under.
Associated learn: A Information 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 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 a superb place for buying and strolling.
Simply observe your instincts and discover the small alleys to the left and proper of the primary 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 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 retailers and eating places on the favored Nakamise-dori buying 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 complete metropolis.
Right here in Asakusa, yow will discover conventional arts and crafts, akin to do-it-yourself knives or Japanese paper, alongside typical sweets or scrumptious snacks such because the tasty rice crackers, the well-known dorayaki, stuffed egg pancakes, fried manju rolls or motchi skewers.
The full of life 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 probably 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 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 gotten thought that? The pink lantern within the middle 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 characterize the 5 components? Earth, water, fireplace, air and vacancy.
Kokeshi Dolls
These Kokeshi dolls are given as a fortunate attraction 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 normal 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 baby died, the household took consolation in the truth that God had taken the kid again. These dolls had been thought of 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 study their religion in school, as is the case with many different religions. Typically, the religion is handed down from mother and father to youngsters.
Shinto means “approach 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 energy.
Ritual cleaning
You may typically 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
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.
While you arrive, you greet the god by bowing twice, then clap your fingers twice. After that, you pray in silence, specific your want and maintain your fingers in entrance of your chest in prayer pose. On the finish, thanks with a deep bow.
The respect that may be felt in all places in Japan can be evident in its faith.
There are lots of actions devoted to luck on the shrine grounds. Omikuji are small Japanese paper strips that predict the longer term.
The great factor is, in the event 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 often called ema that may be held on the shrine. That is how the gods are stated 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 stated to deliver good luck.
Colourful and Various Neighborhoods in Tokyo
Tokyo is a big 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 state of affairs, there are sometimes footpaths constructed over the roads or, conversely, giant roads and even railroad traces on stilts one degree larger by means of town. And if you’re standing at a visitors gentle in Shinjuku, for instance, one of many busiest practice stations on the earth, 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 isn’t a place the place crowds of persons are extra stress-free than there. No one 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 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 evening.
Associated learn: Tokyo: A Metropolis of Ordered Chaos
The outfits of many Japanese ladies specifically are something however reserved or boring; they’re a firework of potentialities and an excessive amount of braveness is required to put on many outfits.
The exhibits that you simply see if 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. 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 way in which in Kabukicho-Ichiban-gai road or within the tower itself.
Culinary Japan
I discover it fascinating that if 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 unimaginable 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 means to rejoice all the pieces that has to do with consuming and having fun with meals. Within the numerous eating places, you’ll be able to put together your individual meal on a small built-in desk grill or you may get a pot of broth on a hob on the desk, just like a Chinese language fondue or scorching pot, in which you’ll be able to put together every kind of greens and meat specialties that you may get on the buffet.
Associated learn: Uncover Distinctive Meals Experiences in Tokyo
Shabu Sai Ueno is certainly one of our favourite scorching pot spots. And Tokori Japanese Yakiniku in Ueno serves up some incredible yakiniku.
Associated learn: Uncover Distinctive Meals 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 assorted meat specialties which can be served in skinny slices. Rice and numerous sauces are served as aspect dishes. It’s notably cozy if 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 a wide range of substances in small bowls, creating a terrific hissing sound, is an actual deal with.
Sukiyaki
Sukiyaki was additionally new to me. It’s a one-pot dish 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 various 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.
Inns in Tokyo and Kyoto
A lodge on the Yamanote Spherical Line is price its weight in gold. It’s a fast and straightforward solution to get to probably 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 Lodge in Ueno, however they’re additionally out there in different districts akin to Akihabara or different cities akin to Kyoto or Saporro.
This group additionally affords lodging in ryokans, the standard Japanese inns.
The Mitsui Backyard accommodations are additionally beneficial and a bit extra worldwide than the Nohga accommodations. We additionally stayed a couple 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 “Prepare”
If you’re planning to journey round Japan, I like to recommend the Shinkansen, the quickest practice on the earth. 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 suggestions only for the Shinkansen. I additionally suggest reserving a JR Move, which works completely and permits limitless practice journey in Japan.
Ensure 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 practice home windows, surrounded by clouds of mist or, relying on the season, even with its peak coated in snow.
Kyoto Journey Suggestions
I like Kyoto. I can’t say it every other approach.
Kyoto has turn into extraordinarily fashionable within the 22 years since I final visited. However the unique corners, the geisha district and the enchanting temples nonetheless inform of the magic of 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 is just not a metropolis however a small, touristy mountain village.
Associated learn: Full Kyoto Journey Information
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 had 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 suggest the rental store proper on the bus cease on Higashioji Dori, throughout from the Seven Eleven. However you may also discover different rental retailers to the left and proper of it, akin to First or Kyokomachi. We didn’t have a reservation and simply walked in. For 4500 yen and 1600 yen for the coiffure, you’ll be able to remodel your self into an exquisite geisha for a day.
Nittai-ji Tempel
The outdated streets across the Kiyumizu-dera Temple are positively price exploring.
Sadly, over the previous 22 years, all the pieces right here has not solely turn 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, trying 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 positioned immediately 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 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 a couple of 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 may get the doorway ticket spontaneously on the spot, which provides you far more freedom and suppleness.
When you completely need to take a guided tour and be accompanied by a information, you might be after all welcome to guide such a tour 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.
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.
Associated learn: Should Go to Websites in Kyoto
When approaching a shrine, the very first thing you see is the pink torii, or gate. The pink shade is alleged to chase away evil spirits and hazard.
To indicate respect, it’s best to bow earlier than the gate and solely then enter the shrine.
Fushimi Inari Taisha is a Shintō shrine. It’s thought of the primary shrine of about one third of all Inari shrines in Japan and is probably the most well-known Shintō shrine in Kyōto.
In case you have seen the film “The Geisha”, you will note little Chio strolling to this very shrine to wish 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 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 subsequently all needs are in good fingers there.
The avenues of torii, the gates fabricated from wooden or stone and normally painted pink, are notably attribute of this shrine. They symbolize the transition between the world of people and the world of the gods.
The Fushima Inari Shrine consists of a mess of those torii, all of that are donations from people, households or corporations. She tells me that it’s important to not stroll close to the posts or within the center, as these are reserved for the gods.
Greater than 1000 of those pink gates 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 numerous stamina.
Attribute of all Inari shrines are the fox statues, the messengers of the goddess of fertility Inari, who normally put on pink 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 a wide range 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 phenomenal 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 is known as “Silver Pavilion”, despite the fact that it’s fabricated from wooden. Legend has it that the pavilion’s jet-black wooden shined silver within the moonlight, therefore the identify.
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 presupposed 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 presupposed 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 is 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 may 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’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 wood temple is a feast for the eyes.
It is best to plan about an hour to 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 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 in style with guests.
Arashiyama – Bamboo forest
When you don’t need to share the bamboo forest with so many individuals, you’ll be able to guide a rickshaw tour in a separate space. It’s finest to guide nicely upfront, as these are sometimes booked out days upfront.
The bamboo forest is gorgeous and the ambiance is spectacular.
Tenryu-ji Temple
The doorway to the Tenryu-ji Temple is correct 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 delicate hills, has been preserved on this solution to this present day 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 kids, the place they’ll watch child monkeys swing by means of the timber 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 should get someplace sooner, lots 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 means of Kyoto, the Kamo. In summer season, it’s great 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 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 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 numerous enjoyable singing in our sales space.
There may be nonetheless a lot to find in great Japan. In case you have just a little extra time, you’ll be able to actually go to different cities there or calm down on the attractive Okinawa archipelago.
Okinawa is without doubt one of the 5 Blue Zones on earth. Folks right here stay longer than in different places 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”!
