Japan! This country is full of contrasts, where ancient traditions harmoniously coexist with ultra-modern technologies. It is like a dream, but real, and each of us can touch its miracles.
The beginning of the journey
Before going to Japan, it is important to plan your trip wisely. Comparing prices of different airlines on specialized platforms will help in finding an interesting offer.
The Hard Road to Japan
The flight from European countries will take at least 13 hours, which, you will agree, is tiring. Therefore, our advice to you is to stock up on entertaining content: download TV shows, books, podcasts or games. Statistics show that most travelers prefer to watch long TV series that can be truly captivating. Maybe it's time to rewatch Game of Thrones or Breaking Bad?
Visa is not a problem
Now about bureaucracy. A visa to Japan can be obtained for free, and this is pleasing. The process will take about three days, which is quite tolerable. Do not forget to collect all the necessary documents: passport, application form, photo and confirmation of hotel reservation or invitation; the full list of documents can be found on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.
Best time to visit
Japan is good at any time of the year, except for July and August: in summer, it is unbearably hot, so it is better to choose more comfortable months. Spring is especially beautiful thanks to the cherry blossoms, and autumn explodes with the bright colors of falling leaves. By the way, one of the most popular festivals, Hanami, also known as the cherry blossom festival, takes place in late March and early April.
Tokyo is a metropolis of contrasts
The beginning of our journey is Tokyo, a huge and diverse metropolis. Each area here is special and has its own atmosphere. If cosplay and youth fashion are your thing, head to Shibuya or Harajuku. In Shibuya, appreciate the most congested intersection, where hundreds of thousands of pedestrians pass every day, rub the nose of the Hachiko statue. In Harajuku, check out the shops of unusual clothes - it is difficult to find such even on the Internet!
Lovers of technology and geek culture will find their happiness in Akihabara, where you can spend the whole day without noticing how time has flown by. Check out the latest gadgets, play computer games, buy manga if you can read Japanese or English, and be sure to have a bite to eat at the café, where there is a daily show of girls in maid costumes.
Don't forget to visit Tsukiji Market, where you can sample the freshest sushi and sashimi. Founded in 1935, Tsukiji Market was once the world's largest seafood and fish wholesale market. Today, the freshest seafood is being prepared right in front of you, and the market itself is very clean and beautiful.
If you want to see the affluent area of Tokyo, then go to Ginza, where the most expensive boutiques and restaurants are located.
If the weather is sunny and cloudless, you can look at Tokyo from above: to do this, get to Shinjuku Station and go to the City Hall, where there is a free observation deck on the 45th floor. If you want to climb higher, then climb the Tokyo Skytree TV tower. And at night, fans of adult fun are waiting for Kabuki-cho, also known as the "red light district".
No less remarkable is the Asakusa area - here is the ancient Buddhist temple Senso-ji with a luxurious pagoda and garden. At the foot of the temple is an old shopping street with traditional Japanese goods, where you can buy souvenirs for the whole family.
Kyoto, the Capital of Culture
After modern Tokyo, our road leads to Kyoto, the cultural capital of Japan. Here, every stone breathes stories from the past, and the air is saturated with the spirit of imperial palaces and temples. Kyoto was the capital of Japan from 794 to 1868, with more than 1,600 Buddhist temples and 400 Shinto shrines.
It is better to plan at least two days for visiting Kyoto, and we recommend staying in a ryokan, a traditional Japanese guesthouse. Here you can spend the night on the tatami mat and drink tea in peace and privacy.
All excursions in Kyoto begin with the Kinkakuji Temple, a magnificent gilded pavilion. From there, take a stroll to the rock garden of Ryoan-ji Temple, and if you're interested in the history of ancient Japan and geisha history, take a tour of the Gion district.
Be sure to try the local street food at the Nishiki market - it is very tasty and unusual!
Osaka and its surroundings
Next, we go to Osaka, a city with a special charm and warmth. By the way, Osaka is famous for its street food, so don't miss the chance to try okonomiyaki (Japanese pancakes with various fillings) and takiyaki (balls of dough stuffed with octopus and other shrimp) - these are real gastronomic masterpieces! Osaka is considered to be quite a party city, so if you are interested in nightlife, then take a walk along Dotonbori Street, the local Broadway.
Lovers of history and architecture will also find a lot of interesting things in Osaka, for example, a real samurai castle.
Near Osaka is Nara, where you can meet friendly reindeer walking freely in parks. These animals are so used to humans that they even bow in response to your bow! An unforgettable experience! Nara Park is Japan's first public park, founded in 1880.
In Kobe, be sure to try the marbled wagyu beef steak. The meat melts in your mouth, and this is not an exaggeration: kobe beef is considered one of the most expensive and high-quality types of beef in the world.
The Little Joys of Japanese Everyday Life
Enjoy the minutiae of Japanese life. For example, pay attention to the vending machines with drinks, which are literally on every corner: you can find both cold and hot drinks, even soups. Go shopping at 100 yen and be surprised by the variety of inexpensive but high-quality products. Take a look at onsen, hot springs where you can relax your mind and body. One of the most famous onsen is Beppu on the island of Kyushu, known for its "sand baths".
Japan is a country where everyone will find something of their own: someone likes the modernity of Tokyo and its energy, someone will be imbued with the spirit of antiquity in Kyoto, and someone will fall in love with the comfort of Osaka and its surroundings. Don't be afraid to go on a long journey, the world is huge and beautiful! Rediscover it every day!
