Japan – quick travel guide

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Ultra-dense, ultra-modern technology yet traditional culture, super fun and safe country of polite perfectionist people.

Japanese is one of the most “known” and recognized Asian cultures by westerners. The other most “known” Asian cultures (by westerners) are probably China and Korea. It helps a lot that Japanese culture has been previously introduced in Western media and other subcultures. And that many westerners have tried Japanese foods. And so many people have heard many things about Japan already.

But what do you realize when you actually get there?

  1. That Japan is everything you thought it would be. Just like how Italy is very Italian. Japan is very Japanese. It’s very much a caricature of itself (in a good way).
  2. That Japan is even more than what you thought it would be. Many people think because they ate heard Jpop music, seen it in movies, and ate sushi, ramen, curry, teppan grill, etc…that they are familiar with Japan. But no! Just like how Mexico is more than just tacos, beaches, and mariachi music…Japan is so much more than how western pop culture portrays it.
  3. Japan is a comfortable blend of exotic yet familiar, modern yet traditional, fun yet safe place to travel. Foods are not too crazy. And things function more or less in a familiar western way. The people here are polite and helpful, and speak enough English to make even first time travelers feel comfortable.
  4. Very easy to get around in Japan. Lots of public transportation. The language although is not similar to English or other Western languages, can be pronounced easier than other Asian languages (since Japanese isn’t a tonal language), and is also written in legible latin characters.
  5. I highly recommend Japan for first-time travelers wanting a new

2 weeks is a good amount of time to pass through the main 3 destinations in Japan…Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. With maybe a day trip out to nearby destinations here and there.

  • 3 weeks would allow a much fuller image if you’re already enjoying what you see.
  • And a month would be great if you really want to experience the far ends (northeast and southwest).

General tips for traveling in Japan:

  • Transportation – Japanese public transportation is A+, best in class, best in the world. Transportation is fast, frequent, reliable, affordable, predictable. The only annoying part is the machines only take cash. To pay with card, requires annoying visit to the office (where you may have to wait in line).
    • Trains:
      • Please beware before buying an expensive JR Rail Pass. You probably don’t need the JR Pass. (It’s most likely cheaper and faster without.)
      • Trains are usually very modern, comfortable and with lots of leg room. Best in class.
      • Trains are 99.99% always on time unless someone commits suicide on the tracks.
    • Metro – very frequent. If you miss one, the next is just 2-3 minutes away. Easiest way (to me) to use ticket machines is to choose language, then type in station name of where you want to go.
    • Buses – very convenient. You can pay with cash right on the bus.
  • Rideshare – I never had to use any. The public transportation is really good, and likely cheaper and faster.
  • Weather – summer (Jul, Aug) if you want the heat. Spring (Mar, Apr) for the blossoms. Winter if you want to see snow landscapes, or you don’t mind the cold.
  • Free WIFI – can be found almost everywhere in many public places.

Miscellaneous tips:

  • Japan is also not as expensive as you may have heard. Tokyo, widely considered an “expensive city”, is still far more affordable than many places in the US.

Safety tips:

  • Japan is freakishly safe and crimefree. Probably the safest country in the world (at least from what I see). You can forget your phone or purse on a public bench and nobody will take it. Come back the next day even and it’s still there. Ask around and you may have already heard tales about this. Japanese people just don’t steal or commit crimes. It’s virtually unheard of.

Foods to try:

Customs & Language:

  • Thank you – arigato gozaimasta
  • Excuse me – soony masan

Japan cities (* = recommended, ** = must see):

  • Tokyo** – first and must see destination. It’s like the New York of Japan. Big dense cities with many places to go and many things to see. Many iconic Japanese things are found here.
  • Kyoto** – second destination. Ancient capital city of Japan with many cultural buildings and architecture. Nearby is Nara Park area with wild deer overrunning the city and parks. Absolute can’t-miss pairing this old cultural center with Tokyo’s modern cultural center.
  • Osaka* – Japan’s 3rd largest city. But you can consider it like a smaller, friendlier, cheaper Tokyo…with better food (considered the best food in Japan), and water passing through the tourist areas. Nice vibe to hang out and take pictures. If you didn’t see Nara Park yet, you can also visit it from here. (Nara Park is near both Kyoto and Osaka. 30mins.)
  • Hiroshima* – the city is like a giant open museum and memorial where the US dropped the atom bomb. Absolutely worth seeing as a human being to learn about history, and knowing the horrors of what the US did to innocent Japanese people. Having the beautiful Miyajima island nearby to pair it with makes it even more worthwhile. Oh, and there’s also the Hiroshima castle (if you’re not already sick of those).
    • Itsukushima “Miyajima” (island)* – beautiful island with huge temple gates among beautiful nature landscapes (water, trees, rocks).
  • Okayama – boring! My friend is from here, and took us here to stay with his family, and everyone now unanimously agrees it’s boring. Even if you want to enjoy it, it’s barely worth a day of activities. If you got time, go to Himeji instead for the grandest castle in Japan (largest & most visited). Skip this unless you just want a break before going further south.
  • Hokkaido – haven’t been.
  • Sapporo – haven’t been.
  • Fukuoka – haven’t been.

Itineraries:

  • 2 weeks:
    • 5 days in Tokyo (fly in)
    • 2 days in Kyoto
    • 2 days Hiroshima & Miyajima
    • 3 days in Osaka
    • 2 days in Tokyo (fly out) – extra time can be day trips to Himeji or Kobe
  • 3 weeks: –
  • 4 weeks:
    • –

Nearby countries:

  • Korea –
  • China –
  • Taiwan –
  • Phillipines –

Unfiltered notes:

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