The world is vast, and those little things that maybe remind us of home we can find in places further afield. The humble cherry blossoms are wonderful blooms that we can find around America as well as, of course, Japan.
Japan is one of those places that so many of us are intrigued by but may not necessarily feel ready to attempt. It’s easy to see why.
Japan is a place that offers a blend of rich culture, stunning landscapes, and all of the modern conveniences. Therefore, we need to embody a number of key strategies.
We always need to prepare for the trip of a lifetime, so for those venturing to this incredible land, here is how you can maximize your visit to Japan.
How To Get The Most Out Of Your Japan Adventure
Plan Your Itinerary In Advance
There are so many things that we need to put in place to ensure that we get the most out of it. A lot of it is about demystifying the places we’re going to before we get there.
There’s, of course, the language barrier, but the whole navigation side of things can be overwhelming, to say the least. Ensuring we have enough data on our phones can help us make quick work of Japan’s complex public transport system and have access to travel apps. This is why a local SIM card can make a huge difference.
An eSIM Japan card can be incredibly useful in other ways, as having a Japanese phone number can be beneficial for a number of different transactions, as some services may require a local number rather than a credit card for verification.
Additionally, think about your timing, as Japan is a country with distinct seasons, such as cherry blossom season (known as Sakura) in spring and Koyo (the autumn foliage) that attracts many tourists. Therefore, if you want to go during these peak times, you’ve got to be prepared.
When you are planning, perhaps think beyond the major cities. For example, Naoshima and Teshima in the Seto Inland Sea are renowned for their contemporary art museums and installations, providing a unique cultural experience.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site Nikko is home to an amazing collection of shrines as well as natural beauty sites like waterfalls, or, if you want to experience Japanese culture in the most traditional way, Takayama in the Japanese Alps is famous for its spring festival and old town.
Be Clever With Transport
Using public transport in Japan can be a massive task, and therefore, you’ve got to be very aware of how you can get the most out of it.
The Japan Rail Pass (also known as the JR Pass) is ideal for travelers who are looking to traverse between multiple cities. This pass allows unlimited travel on JR trains, including the Shinkansen bullet trains, so you can adjust your itinerary, but you have to purchase this JR Pass outside of Japan!
If you’re traveling locally, there are a number of ways to save time and make things far more convenient. For example, the Pasmo or Suica Japan cards are rechargeable smart cards that you can use on trains, buses, and even in some stores, which saves time by eliminating the need to purchase individual tickets.
Big cities like Tokyo also offer day passes that provide unlimited travel on subways and buses, which can be very cost-effective if you want to explore somewhere within the space of one day.
Even bicycles can offer a more intimate way to explore scenic spots. Renting bicycles in rural areas or smaller towns could be one of the best decisions you will make.
Ensuring You Embrace Local Culture
It is a world apart from what we’re used to, but you need to ensure that you are getting the most out of your experience by embracing every aspect of Japanese culture.
Capsule hotels are incredibly unique accommodations and are very affordable, particularly in urban areas like Osaka and Tokyo. While they very much typify the compact nature of Japan, which we’ve all seen on TV, they are incredibly comfortable.
You can also experience rural life by staying on farms, where you can participate in activities like harvesting crops or just learning about local agriculture.
It’s also worth looking at some of the most famous festivals held in Japan. In February, the Sapporo Snow Festival shows incredible snow sculptures that are absolutely breathtaking to see.
The festival in Kyoto every July, Gion Matsuri, shows a grand procession of floats, or if you’re staying over the summer months, in August, the Awa Odori festival takes place in Tokushima.
All The Food!
If there’s one reason to visit Japan, it’s all of the beautiful dishes that you can gain access to on almost every street corner! If you are exploring the cities on foot, you can find standing sushi bars, and while they may very well be the equivalent of fast food, this sushi is absolutely beautiful and reasonably priced.
Food halls (known as depachika) in department store basements also offer a wide variety of prepared foods, which are perfect for sampling different Japanese cuisines.
Many convenience stores introduce limited-edition snacks that reflect the current season or holidays, such as sakura mochi (rice cakes filled with sweet red bean paste and wrapped in a cherry blossom leaf) during cherry blossom season.
Engage With The Locals
There are a range of cultural workshops that can deepen your experiences. You could visit a number of shrines and temples, such as Tokyo’s oldest temple, the Sensoji, or you could stay overnight at shukubo (temple lodgings) on Mount Koya.
Being Aware Of The Basic Customs
If there’s one thing that many people get wrong when they venture to Japan, it’s that they misunderstand so much in terms of etiquette.
For example, understanding chopstick etiquette is crucial when you are dining in Japan. You should avoid sticking chopsticks upright in rice, as this is a practice associated with funerals in Japan and can be disrespectful.
Another example is not rubbing disposable wooden chopsticks together. If you use chopsticks and think nothing of doing this to remove splinters, it’s actually impolite, and it’s better to accept them without complaint.
In terms of the language, it is, of course, complex to most people, but if you want to learn a few simple Japanese phrases, this can greatly enhance your interactions. While there’s “konnichiwa,” which means hello, you may also benefit from “Eigo o hanasemasu ka?” which means “Do you speak English?” Japan is a culture built on respect and effort, and it’s always important to remember this.
Additionally, while you are walking around Japan, make sure that you don’t eat. It’s always best to consume food while seated, particularly when you visit those pop-up sushi bars, and, of course, removing shoes before entering homes or certain establishments is a deeply ingrained custom, particularly in temples and ryokans (inns).
Also, bear in mind that this custom reflects a cultural emphasis on cleanliness and respect for personal space, so you should always wear clean socks or bring indoor slippers if you have any concerns about comfort in general.
There are so many different things to consider, and we’re barely scratching the surface here. While you may wonder how to get around Japan like a local, the fact is if you’re not Japanese, then you will stick out like a sore thumb.
This is why you have to focus on making things as simple and straightforward for yourself, but also remember that a little bit of cultural mindfulness can go a long way.
Japan is one of those places that can be absolutely life-changing when you see it up close and personal. If it’s something you’ve always wanted to do, you can definitely benefit from doing it at least once in your life. Just make sure you are prepared.
Thanks for stopping by!
Magda
xoxo