Today I am going to tell you how to take and travel to Japan. This is a wonderful country, about which I have already written a lot in my blog. And now I offer you a simple guide to help you organize your trip yourself. If you like to plan your trips on your own, but are more used to traveling around Europe, this post is for you - here I will explain what is worth seeing on your first trip to the Land of the Rising Sun.
And if you've been to Japan before, flip through this text too to make sure you haven't missed anything. Or, on the contrary, give me advice!
There are many links here to other posts that describe in more detail certain aspects of a trip to Japan. But I tried to make this post as simple as possible to give a general idea of how to drive for the first time. If you have friends who are going to Japan, feel free to send them to read this post, and if you yourself are not ready yet, but would like to go in the future, it is better to bookmark it for the future!
My friends often ask me: "I'm going to Japan for the first time. Where to go there? What to see? How about security? Internet? English?" I also collected this post so that in the future they could simply be given a link! (Yes friends, this is for you!)
When is the best time to go to Japan?
I have been to Japan in spring, summer, autumn and winter, and I am happy to say that any season is a good time to visit this country. At the end of July and in August it is hot here, if the heat is not yours, then it is probably better to choose some other time.The main tourist seasons are (usually at the beginning of April), and (at the end of November). These are rough numbers for Tokyo and Kyoto. During these two periods, Japan is incredibly beautiful, but because of this, there will be many tourists everywhere and many hotels will be booked in advance.
Summer is a great time to travel if you are walking (I did it at the very end of June, a few days before the official season opened). And winter will give you the opportunity, it is also a very beautiful sight.
If it doesn’t work for that long, then in general it doesn’t matter either, any time spent in Japan will make you feel that you need to come here for longer.
Where to go in Japan?
Most likely you will arrive at one of the airports, as this is where most international flights arrive. In addition to the capital of the country, you should definitely visit, it is this city that has preserved the old Japanese culture the best.If you do not have too much time, try to spend at least 2-3 days in Kyoto, and Tokyo you will see how it goes. If you have more time, then it is worth traveling around the country, and maybe even driving to one of the islands besides the main Honshu (there are four main islands in Japan in total).
How to get around the country?
Here you can give an unambiguous answer. You will ride trains. Japan has the most developed rail network in the world. Numerous subways and electric trains run in and around cities, and for long journeys there are ones that can cover 450 km between Tokyo and Kyoto in two and a half hours!Trains run strictly on schedule, and you can get on them wherever you need - the Japanese love of rail transport shows itself throughout the country.
True shinkansens are expensive. A one-way ticket from Tokyo to Kyoto costs about $ 100! To save money on these moves, it is worth ordering in advance JR-Pass, a pass that allows you to use most trains for 7, 14 or 21 days. A seven-day pass costs about $ 250 (depending on the exchange rate of the yen), and generally pays off if you go to Kyoto and ride a little more shorter distances. Please note that it can only be ordered before arriving in Japan! ()
If you come to Japan for 10 days, then it is better to spend the first two in Tokyo, and then, after activating the seven-day JR-Pass, go to Kyoto and beyond. Then return back to the capital in the evening of the seventh day, when the pass expires.
And for those moments when the JR-Pass is not activated, or for private metro lines where it is not accepted, I advise you to purchase a card Suica... Suika costs 500 yen, which you can get back by returning it before you leave. Then cash is put on it, and the card is used to pay for trains, and a bunch of other things. More and more points are accepted by suikas; it is convenient to pay with them throughout the country.
Unlike JR-Pass, Suika can be taken upon arrival in Japan, at any railway ticket office. Don't forget to put money on it, and it will make your trip a lot easier.
Is it safe there? Am I not lost?
Safely. Don't get lost. All train stations have excellent navigation and signs to the main attractions. And in cities where tourists often come, there are information departments right at the railway stations, where you will be given a map of the area, and they will explain in English what you can see in the area.Plus, Google Maps knows everything about Japanese streets and trains. You can poke a point on the map, and Google will tell you how best to get to it by public transport, when the next train, and how much it will cost! (.)
In addition to this, Japan is one of the safest countries in the world. Nothing bad will happen to you.
Tell us about Tokyo!
Tokyo is a huge, bustling metropolis. What's the best way to watch it? It won't be possible to settle in its center, because Tokyo has at least five different centers! Ask any resident of the city, and he will tell you that in order to properly study it a little and a week! But for the first time, three days will be enough for you. I wrote about how to watch them in two days!"So two, or three ?!" you ask. "Yes!" I will answer you.
The whole secret is that you need to rent a hotel in the area upon arrival in Tokyo. Ueno- it is convenient to get here by express from Narita airport. Ueno is a relatively inexpensive and relatively quiet area. On the first day in Tokyo (let's say it's Friday), you can see its eastern part, moving from Ueno to the south, or going down to Ginza, and going up north. Your JR-Pass will not be valid yet, so you will be using Suika to move around.
And on the second day (Saturday), you will go to Kamakuru- one of the ancient capitals of the Japanese Empire. It is a beautiful place, an hour's drive from the central districts of Tokyo, with the seaside, ancient temples and the Big Buddha statue. Here you can spend most of the day, and even go for a ride.
Well, on Sunday, your JR-Pass will begin to operate, you sit on the shinkansen and go to the side. It is important to take window seats on right! You don't want to miss this view:
You will return back to the capital by the evening of the seventh day (Saturday), when the validity of the railway pass comes to an end. And this time you will settle in the west of Tokyo, in the area named Shibuya.
If you've ever seen a picture of Japan with crowds running through a huge crosswalk, then this is exactly what Shibuya is. It's a crazy drive here, and it seems like an endless number of people, but if you spend an evening here, you will be drawn into this crazy Zen. ...
In the morning, it's time to go explore the western part of the city - this is the second half of my guide. We'll see the trendy neighborhood Harajuku, the shrine of Emperor Meiji, and located next to him Yoyogi Park... Oh, did you notice that we were here on Sunday? It's not easy! It is on Sundays that they pass in front of the park entrance!
Well, in the evening you can get to Shinjuku, the area where it is located! After an evening spent here, you will not be sorry to fly home.
What about Kyoto?
For a thousand years, Kyoto was the capital of the Japanese Empire. Built on the model of the Chinese capital (), it has a rectangular structure uncharacteristic for Japan. The city is located in a beautiful valley between two mountain ranges, and has preserved many aspects of the cultural heritage of feudal Japan.But besides the temples, you should just walk along the old streets of the city. Here you will meet Japanese people in beautiful traditional clothes (most likely they are, like you, tourists), you can taste old local cuisine, etc.
I advise you to settle in the area Sanjo Ohashi Bridge and spend about four days in Kyoto. No, you will not be walking around the temples all this time. In Kyoto and besides them, there is something to see. Here are just a few of the nearby attractions (you can spend half a day, or a whole day on each):
- with a huge wooden temple and tame deer
- - the sanctuary of the red gate
- Arashiyama- a mountain in the northwest of the city, where the famous bamboo grove is located
- Philosopher's Trail in the northeast, sakura blooms especially beautifully along it, and there are many ancient temples.
About other places.
Typically a 10-day trip can squeeze in one or two of the spots from this section. Take your pick! There are two directions ...If you have a few extra days of JR-Pass action and want to see some more unique spots, feel free to board the Shinkansen in Kyoto and head further southwest!
And between Osaka and Himeji there is also Kobe, the city that.
As you can see, there is plenty of choice to complete the seven-day, 14-day, and even 21-day JR-Pass. And what's great: all these places are easily accessible by trains!
What's with the money?
Perhaps I should say a few words about money. The Japanese currency is the yen. The exchange rate is constantly changing, but you can estimate that a hundred yen is somewhere in the dollar (in fact, recently the yen is cheaper).You can often hear that it is expensive in Japan. Compared to the rest of Asia, no doubt. But if we compare, for example, with Europe, then in Japan only housing and trains are expensive, and even then not much more expensive than European ones. We have already saved on trains with the help of JR-Paz, but you have to pay for housing if you want to live in the center of everything (I recommended these places). But if you wish, you can save here too. Yes, in Japan there are many high-quality expensive things - restaurants, clothes, etc., but if you wish, you can make your way here on a modest budget.
One problem is that credit cards are not accepted everywhere (especially far from cities). Cash will help us out, but there are few exchangers, and some ATMs refuse to understand Western cards. Fortunately, the ATMs at 7-Eleven are ready to dispense money to tourists from Europe and America. And there are a lot of these 7-Elevens in Japan. (ATMs are not in every, but in many there are.) Also, they say in post offices there are also friendly ATMs.
Hotels? Ryokans? Apartments?
As I said, housing in Japan is not cheap. But some are more expensive than the rest. Let's see it in order:Ryokans: These are classic Japanese "flophouses", in a traditional style. Because of this, staying in them is the most expensive option. But it's very cool: you can sleep on straw mats. tatami(don't worry, you will have a mattress) and get dressed in. Many ryokans have traditional hot baths - onsens, and the opportunity to dine like the Japanese ate back in feudal times. In short, ryokan is total immersion. But they also cost from $ 100 per person per night! One ryokan room can accommodate up to 4-5 people, although the price for each will not drop much from this, since the payment is made for the number of people.
The best place to live in a ryokan is Kyoto. But I advise you to book them in advance, as places in those that are relatively affordable can be occupied in a few months.
Next we have rented apartments on sites like AirBnB. (and sometimes -!) but the price can be cheaper than comparable hotels. An apartment can be a good option for Tokyo, especially if you are traveling in a group of 3-4 people, it will be cheaper than taking several hotel rooms.
Regular Western-style hotels in Japanese cities are quite expensive. Personally, I try to avoid them. But I love to shoot. They are relatively inexpensive, and I love how thoughtful it is to squeeze all the amenities into a small space. It is profitable to rent such hotels in small towns, where a double room can cost $ 60-80, or in Tokyo, where they will already be $ 80-120.
In Japanese hostels I have never stopped, but I know they are. Although if you really decided to save money, I would recommend it to you. They cost $ 20- $ 30 a night, many have great onsen, and in general, it is a great experience of Japanese culture. The only thing is that, as a rule, they are either only male, or only female (there are fewer of the latter).
Every way of life - food, internet, English.
Well, let's talk about a few more things that were not included in other departments:Sockets: The sockets in Japan are similar to the North American ones, with two flat pins. Most US, Canadian or Chinese plugs can be inserted without adapters (except for plugs where one of the pins is wider than the other). But Russians and other Europeans will definitely need adapters.
Well. I hope you are now roughly clear on how to go to Japan, and what to watch there. If you have any questions or comments, I will be glad to see them in the comments. I will also update this post as needed.
It is the cherished dream of many Russians. However, not everyone succeeds in fulfilling it because of the high cost of this trip. The Land of the Rising Sun is considered one of the most expensive in the world, and Tokyo has been one of the five most expensive cities for tourists for several years. But still, nothing can prevent those who want to see Fujiyama and the blooming spring sakura with their own eyes. Our article is specifically for such travelers, here we collect the most important information that will allow you to spend an inexpensive and interesting vacation in the original Japan.
A little about the country
If you are planning a trip to Japan, then prepare to be amazed. You will have to do this constantly, because the Land of the Rising Sun cannot be compared with other Asian states. There is nothing from China, Vietnam or Thailand, but, nevertheless, traveling in Japan, you seem to penetrate into the very heart of Asia and hear its beating on every street of noisy metropolitan areas.
Tourists are attracted here by the incredible combination of modern technology with ancient traditions, which are rigorously observed by every generation of the Japanese family. If you are lucky, you can see a colorful holiday dedicated to, for example, kokeshi Or sit quietly in the garden, enjoying the beauty of cherry blossoms at sunrise or sunset. And in megalopolises you will be greeted by numerous cafes, shops and shopping centers. Here you can buy something, dine, and in some even stay overnight. All in all, traveling to Japan will be the biggest and most significant adventure in your life. And, which is doubly pleasant, you will never regret the money spent on it.
Japan: solo or group trip?
First of all, before traveling to the Land of the Rising Sun, you need to decide on the budget and travel options. And there are not many of them - a group trip to Japan or an independent one. What to choose? It directly depends on your budget and capabilities.
Traveling to Japan on your own is quite possible, but it will require very careful preparation. You will have to think through absolutely everything:
- flight to Japan;
- hotel booking;
- route of movement around the country;
- food outlets and excursion program;
- money exchange options;
- types of communication with the local population.
All of these aspects of a good travel will take you a very long time and also require some experience in independent travel. In addition, on the road you will encounter certain difficulties, which can only be overcome by non-spoiled and sociable tourists. For example, it is worth knowing that in Japan, few of the local population speaks English. Therefore, you will not be able to simply ask for directions from a passer-by. Perhaps, after a while, a young Japanese man who knows the basics of the English language will come across, but there is a high probability that this will not happen. In addition, the inscriptions in the country are not duplicated, they are all written in hieroglyphs. This fact significantly complicates the rest in Japan.
If the above difficulties scare you, then it is better to buy a travel package. It, of course, is not cheap, but you will be free from all worries, including visa.
Travel cost
If you are planning a flight from Moscow, then two weeks in Japan will cost you one hundred and fifty thousand rubles. This amount includes flights, travel around the country, accommodation and several excursions. Meals are served according to the breakfast system, the rest of the meals must be paid by the tourist himself. Traveling to Japan from Vladivostok is much cheaper. Our compatriots can choose a ferry tour, which on average costs about sixty thousand rubles. From Vladivostok, you can get to the Land of the Rising Sun in different ways and having various travel packages on hand. This is the most popular tourist destination among locals.
Reviews of independent travel in Japan allow you to plan your trip perfectly and save a lot. On average, courageous tourists can spend thirty to forty thousand less on a trip than buying a tour. This money will be very useful to you on vacation, because you can bring home quite a lot of useful gizmos from the Land of the Rising Sun. How to plan a budget trip to Japan on your own, we will tell you a little later. Now let's try to find out the most important aspects of preparing for the trip.
When to go to Japan?
A big trip to Japan can be planned for any time of the year, but traditionally tourists try to visit the country in spring or autumn. In these seasons, the Land of the Rising Sun appears in a particularly beautiful form. In the spring she is dressed in the pink foam of sakura flowers, and in the fall she just cuts her eyes from the red maple leaves. It seems that they are everywhere here, and the Japanese even came up with several special rituals to observe this beauty.
In winter, it is possible to ski in Japan, and several main resorts are characterized by high comfort and equipped with the latest technology. But for those who are not attracted to skiing, it will be rather uncomfortable to see Japanese sights in winter and enjoy the trip. In addition, in the winter season, the country is very windy, which is quite unusual for most of our compatriots.
In summer, the country is very hot and stuffy. Air conditioners are ubiquitous in cities, and tourists suffer from fluctuations in temperature. Many take their sweaters or jackets with them to wear in restaurants or shopping malls. But if you prefer a beach holiday, then head to Okinawa. Here you will receive an incredible level of service and enjoy swimming in the hot sun.
Where to go to Japan?
If you take the trouble to study reviews of independent travel in Japan, then it's easy to create your own travel itinerary. For the first time, a week will be enough for you to get acquainted with the Land of the Rising Sun. The following cities are suitable for this:
- Tokyo.
- Nara.
- Kyoto.
Moving between settlements on high-speed trains, in seven days you will explore the most beautiful parks, swim in hot springs, visit the most famous temples and, of course, taste the bustling and noisy life of megacities.
If you are already a little familiar with travel, you can choose a little different, and the time of stay in this country can be increased to two weeks. During this period, tourists will be able to see Hiroshima, Osaka, Kobe and other extraordinary places. In general, you can schedule a tour of one city per day. In this case, the trip program will be very eventful.
Visa processing: nuances and features
Any trip to Japan begins with the most difficult thing - obtaining a visa. Not every even a very experienced tourist can do this. The thing is that in order to apply for a visa, Russians need a special letter on an official letterhead. In addition to him, you will need to confirm the hotel reservation (and this is quite problematic for independent trips) and send a package of documents using a special mail (the cost of postage will be at least seventy dollars).
Many of our compatriots negotiate with travel agencies and pay for their visa. This usually takes two weeks and saves a lot of time.
Where are the best places to stay in Japan?
To remember your trip to Japan for a long time, a photo must be taken almost everywhere. Hotels and small hotels deserve special attention. It is worth noting that in the Land of the Rising Sun there is a fairly large selection of places to stay. But, if you want to save a little, then they will all be very unusual and entertaining.
Many tourists stay overnight at spas. Don't be surprised, this is quite common in Japan. For about thirty-five dollars, you get a small room with a bathtub and sun lounger. There will also be a TV and all other amenities, and for dinner you can go down to the restaurant. Guests will be offered a variety of treatments and massages.
This is exotic for Russians. They are fairly inexpensive and have a very high level of comfort. There are even double capsules for couples traveling. This pleasure will cost approximately thirty-five dollars a night.
Hotels for love seem to be a very unusual place to spend the night. These structures are intended for love dates and provide the possibility of renting from one hour to several days. The design of these hotels is quite exotic, but equipped in the highest class. In addition, they are much cheaper than regular rooms. A night in such a hotel will cost from eighty to one hundred and fifty dollars.
Meals while traveling
Of course, you can eat in restaurants every day, but a budget vacation does not imply such a luxury. Therefore, make your choice in favor of Japanese fast food, it is extremely healthy and tasty here. No burgers or fries, only seaweed, sushi and seafood. This pleasure will cost about 5-6 dollars.
If the choice of dishes in a cafe confuses you a little with a large number of incomprehensible names, then buy a ready-made lunch in a supermarket. Its cost will be the same as in a cafe, and through the transparent film you will always see the contents of the package.
Gourmet trip
Experienced tourists choose a special type of vacation - a culinary trip to Japan. It's worth noting that this is something incredible. Of course, there are still few Russians willing to spend on such a tour, but every year their number is increasing. What attracts gourmets in the Land of the Rising Sun so much? Michelin-starred restaurants, of course.
The fact is that as soon as Tokyo was included in the Michelin Guide, restaurants with stars appeared in it. And tourists who want to experience gastronomic delight rushed to them. Every year, the number of gourmet restaurants is increasing and Tokyo has already significantly surpassed the recognized gastronomic center - Paris in terms of these characteristics.
For example, in the oldest quarter of Tokyo, Ginza, there are sushi restaurants with three Michelin stars. In one of them, the cook Jiro works, about whom feature films were even filmed. His work seems to be a real art, and the price of dishes prepared by him exceeds several thousand dollars.
Each city in Japan has its own culinary traditions, so gourmets can travel the whole country in search of a special taste. One of the most popular Japanese foods is noodles. There are just a lot of options for its preparation - boil, fry, steam and the like. Each region in the country has its own recipe. We can say that a culinary tour allows tourists to discover new facets of an already familiar country.
Money exchange
Many inexperienced tourists often have problems with exchanging money. Keep in mind that buying yen is best at home. Otherwise, you may find yourself in a very unpleasant situation, because in many ATMs and terminals the card of the European payment system may not be accepted. This is due to the fact that Japanese terminals operate on their own system. Only a few ATMs in large shopping centers accept absolutely all bank cards.
It will not always be possible to exchange money in a bank, because tourists can get on holidays, and it is impossible to exist in Japan without money. Therefore, experienced travelers advise to carry the main amount of money in cash, and leave funds on a bank card to pay for restaurants and purchases.
Going to the Land of the Rising Sun, tourists need to know a few simple rules of stay in Japan that will make the trip easier. We have collected the most important recommendations:
- Don't try to tip in Japan, you shouldn't. There is no tipping system throughout the country.
- In Japanese bars, in honor of a friendly location, it is customary to pour alcohol from your bottle, so if you are honored with such an honor, be sure to make a return gesture of respect.
- Never point your finger at objects and people - this is extremely impolite, but you can point at yourself.
- In a restaurant, it is enough to wave your palm in front of your nose, and the waiter will remove the dirty dishes.
- In the Land of the Rising Sun, it is customary to take off your shoes in many rooms. You may be asked to take off your shoes in some areas of a restaurant, hotel, apartment building, temple, and so on. It is considered especially indecent to step on the mat with a booted foot, it is perceived as an insult.
- When heading to the hot springs, keep in mind that those with tattoos on their bodies are escorted to separate baths. They are not allowed to be in the common room with the rest of the guests.
- When you receive an invitation, be sure to bring a gift with you. This is considered an act of courtesy and respect.
Of course, it is difficult to list all the nuances of traveling in the Land of the Rising Sun, because a lot is learned only after an independent trip.
Japan travel: reviews
Not a single tourist had an angry comment about Japan, in any case, we did not meet such. This means only one thing - you can and should go to this country. It will open up a lot of interesting things even for those who are very poorly informed about the culture and traditions of the Land of the Rising Sun.
Seasoned tourists prefer Japan to all other Asian countries. Ask them why. We think the explanation will take several hours. After all, it is simply impossible to describe this amazing country and its people in a nutshell. Travelers are delighted with the historical monuments of Japan, its cities, cuisine and distinctive traditions. Tourists say that you can come here many times, and each time you find something extraordinarily exciting for yourself.
What do you need to decide on a trip to the Land of the Rising Sun? Yes, quite a bit - desire, the spirit of adventurism and more money. And then you can tell your friends when you return home about what an incredible journey through Japan you have had.
Not all mobile phones will work on Japanese cellular networks. We advise you to rent a phone at Narita or Kansai Airport. We also recommend renting a portable modem for the Internet connection.
Some Russian tour operators provide tourists with pocket routers for the entire trip.
Language and communication
The Japanese language as a means of communication is truly multifaceted. There are degrees of politeness of the language, the highest forms of which are sometimes difficult to use even by the Japanese themselves. They sometimes use completely different words and grammatical constructions when communicating within the family, with strangers, friends, colleagues, service personnel, bosses, women, men, animals and children. Words differ in male and female speech, in different dialects, depending on age and social status.
| Hey: 1. In the morning 2. In the afternoon 3. In the evening | 1. おはよう 2. こんにちは 3. こ ん ば ん は | 1. Ohayo 2. Konnichiva (relatively versatile option) 3. Konbanwa |
| thanks | ありがとう | Arigato |
| Goodbye bye | さよなら | Sayonara However, when parting, we advise you to say "Arigato" |
| sorry | 1. す み ま せ ん 2. ごめんなさい | 1. Sumimasen (simple excuse *) 2. Gomennnasai (asking for forgiveness, in case of a serious misconduct, for example, if a person was pushed or something was broken) * is also used to address Japanese or to attract attention. There is even a joke that the Japanese do not have names, they are all called "sumimasen" |
| What is the price? | いくら | * point (not with your finger) to the product you like * Ikura |
| Bring the bill, please | かいけいで | Kaikei |
| I want to order this ... this ... and this | これと・・・これと・・・これをおねがいします | * point (not with your finger) to the dish you like ... and then to the next ... and the next * Coreto ... coreto ... core o onegai shimas. |
| No | いえ | Ie |
| Yes | はい | Hai |
| I do not understand | わかりません | Wakarimasen |
Features of the mentality
The Japanese try to live without creating problems and inconveniences ("meiwaku") for those around them. Therefore, they are sure that outsiders will not interfere with their personal space and their personal affairs.
The number of traditions and rituals is simply enormous. Almost all spheres of activity in the country are regulated, which is especially noticeable in communication between people.
Handshakes are not accepted, they are replaced by bows.
Hasi chopsticks should not be crossed or stuck into rice (this is associated with death). You cannot point with chopsticks at anything or wave them while eating - this is considered a sign of bad taste. Also, you should not move food on the plate or dishes on the table. Drinking "to the bottom" and pouring yourself is not accepted. It is recommended that you refill your neighbor's glass or bowl, and he in turn should do the same for you.
You cannot step on the tatami straw mats with your booted foot - this is regarded as sacrilege. Especially in dwellings and temples. You should also change your shoes into special slippers before and after using the toilet.
Tipping is not accepted.
Shopping. What is worth bringing?
As a gift to your family and friends, buy souvenir cats "maneki-neko", traditional Japanese sweet buns, daruma figurines, key rings and magnets.
Take a closer look at Japanese electronic wristwatches. Not only are they several times cheaper in Japan than in Russia, there is a discount for holders of foreign passports.
We do not recommend buy household appliances and electronics in Japan. Of course, from a technological point of view, Japanese household appliances are beyond any competition, but they are designed for a completely different voltage of the power grid, so in Russia you can only use them with a powerful step-down transformer.
Consider buying alcohol even if you don't drink. This is not just about the traditional Japanese sake. A bottle of good alcohol can be a great gift. There is a huge selection of drinks in Japan, and they cost several times cheaper than in Russia. It's all about excise taxes.
Local kitchen. What to try?
Japan is a true gourmet paradise. But Japanese cuisine is not limited to rolls and sushi. This is an incredible amount of the most varied types of meat, seafood, noodles, desserts and gourmet combinations of traditional Japanese cuisine "kaiseki". The most popular dishes among the Japanese are:
Ramen. Japanese noodles in broth, the most popular type of soup in Japan. There are four types of broth. It has a rich taste and high energy value. Ramen usually contains meat, eggs, vegetables and pickles, nori - dried seaweed. Other ingredients vary by region, season and institution.
Kare-Rice. Rice with a thick spicy vegetable and meat sauce. The most popular hot dish in Japan. Sometimes apples or pineapples are added to the sauce.
Katsudon. Rice with fried chop. The most popular lunch dish in Japan. Served in a bowl. A chop in batter with scrambled eggs, onions and herbs is laid on the rice. According to Japanese legends, a criminal after a portion of katsudon at a police station must necessarily repent.
Takoyaki. It is a dough balls stuffed with octopus. Sprinkle onion and tenkatsu (fish shavings) on top. Served with a special sauce. The most popular Japanese fast food.
It should be noted that in Japan, rice is the main dish, and everything else is perceived as a kind of side dish.
Holidays and events
Japanese holidays are, first of all, the atmosphere of a fairy tale. We will never forget how on a summer evening, on the Tenjin Matsuri festival in Osaka, we discovered a snowy mountain next to our house. The organizers of the holiday brought snow and made a mountain out of it so that the children could ride on it. Well, not only children, we also took a ride then. The attitude to holidays in Japan is serious, everyone should have fun.
Initially, describing the holidays in Japan, we covered almost 8 pages. I had to cut it. Therefore, here are the most interesting, in our professional opinion.
April 29 - May 5. Golden Week. Golden Week is the longest holiday period in Japan. It coincides with the best weather of the year and is the perfect time to travel around the country.
July 1 - 29. Kyoto Gion Matsuri Festival. It is one of the most lavish festivities in Japan, culminating in a massive procession of flamboyant platforms. Each of them has a different design and is dedicated to a specific folklore theme.
July 7. Tanabata. This is the most romantic holiday in Japan, when the stars Altair and Vega meet in the sky. Embodying Bootes and the Weaver, they are forever torn apart by the Milky Way and only see each other once a year. On this evening, festivals and fairs are held where you can taste Japanese delicacies and play traditional games. The festivities end with colorful fireworks.
December 23rd. Emperor's birthday. This is a national holiday when people can see the imperial family live.
January 1st. Japanese New Year. A family holiday, when the inhabitants of the country in the morning in their best kimonos go to Shinto shrines to meet the sunrise and receive predictions for the next year.
Security
Japan is a very safe country. You could even say "the safest in the world." For example, the Japanese can leave the phone on the summer terrace table in the coffee shop, thus making it clear that the place is occupied. They carry wallets in the back pockets of their trousers, car keys in the ignition. The police in Japan enjoy great authority and respect, and the citizens are very law-abiding. In stores, goods are simply on the shelves, there are no surveillance cameras. None!
During your stay in Japan, you are unlikely to come across scammers as such, however, sometimes enterprising restaurant or shop owners can take advantage of your lack of knowledge of Japanese and offer you, for example, a separate place on the terrace or balcony for a cozy dinner in a romantic setting. You will indeed have a wonderful dinner and atmosphere waiting for you, but you may not understand the large inscription on the menu that a separate balcony costs a lot of money. Therefore, to the best of your ability, try to specify the price of "special offers".
3 tips that will definitely come in handy when traveling in Japan
1. If you get lost, then do not ask for help from passers-by. The fact is that if a Japanese does not know the area, then he will never admit it, and he will not be able to refuse help. Therefore, it is very likely that he will send you in a completely different direction. It all depends on luck, your "friend" can guess. Therefore, try to find a police officer or ask for directions from shop or restaurant workers. The convenience stores will even print a card for you.
2. Always keep cash with you. The Japanese pay mainly in cash, and not all shops have cashless payment terminals.
3. Try to buy an adapter for Japanese sockets and be prepared for the fact that your gadgets will take longer to recharge. It's all about the difference in mains voltage. In Japan, it is 100 V.
Japan is a multifaceted country. Here you can find any leisure to your liking, whether it is walking in noisy neighborhoods or ultra-modern areas, visiting historical and architectural monuments, even beach and ski holidays. You can just walk the streets and enjoy the thoughtfulness of the details. Even manholes in Japan are sometimes a work of art. Go to numerous cafes and restaurants, arranging a gastronomic tour for yourself. Shopping while admiring the Japanese service. Attend numerous workshops and try traditional Japanese crafts such as making fans, sweets, and even Japanese swords. You can have fun on Japanese holidays and relax in hot springs. Conquer mountains and river rafting. And most importantly, no matter what you do in Japan, you will be able to remain yourself.
The material used photos: allabout-japan, pixabay, unsplash.
We continue to consider the features of tourism in the Land of the Rising Sun. In order not to seem to everyone and everyone in this country as an ignorant “red-skinned barbarian” who has visited this marvelous land, it is worth knowing the rules and being able to follow them. In continuation of the previous article, we will tell you about the intricacies of life and culture of the mysterious Japanese people.
The safety level of tourists in Japan is perhaps one of the lowest in the world. Of course, do not forget about the basic safety rules and precautions that are typical for all countries. Here you just need to remember that foreign languages are not very favored in Japan and you will be incredibly lucky if you meet a person who speaks English more or less tolerably. However, the locals will quickly float the lost tourists to the police, and the latter are responsible for the delivery of noisy ignorant foreigners to hotels. Also, all the inscriptions in the metro and buses are duplicated in Latin. It doesn't help much, but at the very least, you can navigate.
A few words about the seasons. The climate in Japan is divided into 4 traditional seasons and 2 rainy seasons. In winter, the islands are usually dry and above zero. Snow falls in the mountains. Spring begins with plum blossom (usually March) and lasts until the start of the “bayou” (plum rain), the summer rainy season. So, if you want to watch the legendary, many times sung cherry blossoms, try to get to Japan by the beginning of the month of April. The rainy season starts and lasts differently in different parts of the country. Summer is a really hot season that lasts until September, when the autumn wind finally brings coolness. Autumn is the most comfortable time of the year in Japan, in my opinion. It is important to remember that there are no “cheap” or “low” seasons in this country (like in Egypt or Turkey). At any time of the year, prices for most services for foreigners remain the same. Therefore, plan your trip according to your climate and weather preferences.
Now about Japanese cuisine. The most popular, of course, are 3 products: rice, fish and seaweed (how else on the islands?). Hence the most famous Japanese "sushi" and "sashimi" (the Japanese themselves say "sushi" and "sashimi" and many of them do not pronounce the letter "sh" at all). In general, everything that somehow floats in the sea near the islands indiscriminately turns into these very sushi and sashimi. Other interesting things are Japanese soup “miso”, “tempura” (specially fried fish) and Japanese national shish kebab - “kushiyaki”.
In all cafes and restaurants - full service with smiling and polite staff. They speak, however, only in Japanese, but that's okay. There is, of course, European cuisine, however, it is European only in appearance. Well, but full service. The Orekhovo hotel in Moscow with its 4 hundred hotel rooms and well-trained staff can compete with the level of service in all (I emphasize, in all) serving establishments of the Land of the Rising Sun. Well, it doesn't matter. Be that as it may, it seems to me impossible to have a good rest in Japan without full involvement. This means no European cuisine and everything else "Western". Only local food, local hotels, local baths, transport. Then the trip to Japan will be unforgettable.
