I Think I’m Turning Japanese (I Really Think So)
Ever since I was little, I’ve always wanted to go to Japan. I don’t know why and I don’t even know how it began. It’s a small obsession really. I’ve taken classes about Japanese politics, art, and history. I’ve also read as many novels that take place in Japan as I’ve been able to get a hold of.
So, when I turned 30 there was only one thing I wanted to do—fly to Japan and finally go EXPERIENCE it for myself. It was my first time in Asia and all I wanted to do was spend as much time as I could Immersing myself in this incredible culture; no other country nearby tugged at me in that way. I spent countless hours researching for my trip and in the end, Japan was all I expected it to be and more!
We spent a total of 5 nights in Tokyo, 2 nights in Kyoto, 2 nights in Osaka, and 1 night in a Ryokan (Japanese bed and breakfast) somewhere way off the tourist grid, but still with a view of Mt. Fuji.
The people were friendly and so helpful, even though we had a very hard time communicating. They’d even walk us to where we were trying to go instead of the typical point in the right direction.
Every day of our trip, my husband would look at me and say, “This is the best meal I’ve ever had in my life,” and he wasn’t exaggerating. Whether we were eating street food or at a 2 Michelin star rated restaurant, the food was just beyond anything we’d ever had, and it enhanced the entire experience of the trip. The restaurants specializing in just one of each kind of food: ramen noodles, the tempura, the okonomiyaki, the kaiseki dinners, the sushi! I could write ten pages just about the sushi.
But there’s more to the culture than just the food. No trip to Japan would be complete without sumo wrestling, baseball and karaoke. There are so many different choices for karaoke as it is part of each city’s culture—nothing like what you’ve seen in the States.
As for getting around there are a few options and each one is an experience in and of itself. Just seeing how the train station operates is awesome—Tokyo station felt like a whole other underground city. Everything was so impeccably clean. The bullet train is so fast, like when a plane is taking off and you feel gravity pushing you into your seat, except the feeling lasts for the entire trip! Though it is more expensive than the regular train, it shortens the trip significantly and was so different—worth trying!
Every day of my trip was so amazing that each day ended with a strange feeling somewhere between fulfillment and satisfaction. I hope this post enhanced your appetite for Japan.
Yes! Planning a trip like this might be daunting, but call me and I’ll help you make it as unforgettable as it was for us.
Ps:I took only a carry on for this trip which is one of my greater traveling accomplishments—stay tuned for a “Tips for Packing” post.