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So I finally ticked Japan off my bucket list! I am not sure why I waited so long to do this. I have always loved Japanese culture, for instance the cuisine and music. This trip showed me many aspects of the country that turned out to be exactly what I imagined Japan to be. Some others however, turned out to be very surprising for me. For instance, the rumour I heard in Singapore about Japanese people being vertically challenged one big fat lie. I met so many Japanese women taller than me, and I come at a very acceptable height of 1.63 metres. There goes nothing. I just wanted to feel tall for once in my life -_-.

I will go ahead and post my conclusive feelings about Japan right before diving into this post like a true rebel. I am the type of person who loves spoilers. I am the type of person who would google the ending of a movie just before I watch it. So here’s my very own spoiler. Japan was truly a land of contrasts for me. It is so hip and trendy , yet greatly steeped in tradition. I truly dig this contrast!

Accomodation

As I recently settled very comfortably into a house I purchased, I decided to be more experimental with lodging. I went for a very interestingly scattered experience in terms of accommodation types in the Land of the Rising Sun. From the compact capsule hotels, traditional ryokans to the good old hotels I managed to cover a variety of accommodations. The first roof I found over my head was Mycube Asakusa (Tokyo)- saw my very first capsule hotel experience. If you ever go to Tokyo, I highly recommend this place. I paid a very modest sum of 231 SGD for four nights , and got a lot more than what I paid for. I was highly nervous because I am a highly spoilt princess who hates sharing basic facilities with others. But the shared areas were clinically clean and I never had to queue up to take a shower or use the toilet. They thought of everything. By everything , I mean EVERYTHING including highly sanitised noise cancelling earphones drawstring bags. Worth a mention was also an extremely cushy lounge complete with free water and a manga library.

In Kyoto, I booked a Ryokan to experience true Japanese hospitality. It was such a beautiful experience. It felt like I was taken way back in time as the street leading up to my Ryokan looked like it was right from a period movie set. The interior of my lodging was no less impressive. I found myself sleeping on a futon bordered by a traditional Japanese screen. Upon arrival, I was welcomed with a cup of green tea and traditional snacks. I was invited by the owners to the lounge area on my third night to watch a Maiko dance and play typical parlour games with us. Booking.com reviews wrote that staying with the owners were like staying with your favourite aunt and uncle. I truly cannot find a more apt description.

At Osaka , I stayed at a standard regular hotel – The Arty Inn Shinsaibashi , which I can only say is a dream haven for women with the built in spa , sauna and dressing room for the ladies. The room was fantastic and the price was also very reasonable at less than 70 Sgd per night.

My final night was spent in another capsule hotel called Nine Hours at Narita Airport due to the fact that I had an early morning flight. I guess since Mycube set such a high bar for me, Nine Hours Narita just did not do it for me. It was clean, don’t get me wrong. However, it was stuffy and noisy. The amenities provided were kind of basic as well. They didn’t go above and beyond in the provision of items like Mycube did. I don’t regret staying there though, it was the natural choice to combat an early morning mad rush to the airport.

Temples

Senso-ji Temple (Tokyo) -This amazing temple was located near my hotel at Asakusa. It was truly a mystical experience to be there even despite the saturation of tourists in the area. Incense was filling up the air while the street that stretched outwards from the temple was filled with vendors. The entire space was filled in red hues and oriental lanterns that was so iconically Japanese in every sense of the word.

Tofukuji Temple (Kyoto) -The pictures speak for themselves. So picturesque, this place deserves it’s spot on every postcard.

Fushimi Inari Temple (Kyoto)-It was bit like stepping into Emerald City in the Wiz of Oz, but rather , this was Vermillion City. You would find this colour pervading the entire country . It was a concept that originated from Ancient China. This warm colour represents the sun and has evil-repelling qualities. I guess it’s the Eastern version of the Evil Eye?

Todai-ji temple (Nara)– The most outstanding temple among the impressive lineup already mentioned. The very magnitude and ancient quality of this place of worship was truly on an epic level. Again, refer to the pictures because they tend to speak a thousand words.

Sanjusanjendo (Kyoto)

The interior was astounding, very contrasting from the nondescript exterior. It was one of those jaw-dropping moments for me when I entered and saw what was a monumental line-up of an army of countless sculptures of deities. We were not allowed to take pictures, so out of respect, let’s leave it at that. If your curiosity is overwhelming you, I am pretty sure Uncle Google could show you what I mean.

Namba Yasaka Shrine (Osaka)

Reminds me of the old Haw Par Villa with the open dragon mouth in Singapore, doesn’t it? Other 90s kids will recall what I am saying.

Other Highlights

Tokyo National Museum (Tokyo) – I already wrote about my experience on this blog post here , so I will not repeat myself 🙂

Design Festa Gallery (Harajuku, Tokyo) -My version of a diamond in the rough. Not that the rough was literally rough but this was a surprise find as I got lost among the streets of Harajuku. An ultra trendy art gallery, you can enter for free. Every inch of this place was super wacky and cool right from the exterior down to the exit. There is even a quaint little cafe you can chill at while you take in the artsy surroundings.

Lake Kawaguchi and Mount Fuji – I reached the picturesque Lake Kawaguchi to only face the same question in my mind when I was trying to spot Mt Vesuvius in Naples. Which one was Vesuvius? I was too embarrassed to ask anyone which of the numerous ridges laying in front which exactly was the celebrated mountain. To quote someone I know ,’ there is no such thing as a stupid question , but some questions are stupider than others.’ Finally, in my desperate attempt to identify what the Japanese affectionately call ‘Fuji-san’, I took the scenic cable car and confirmed that Mt Fuji was fully visible from the lake , and was not covered in their iconic white caps as shown on Google.

Arayashima Bamboo Grove / Okochi Sanso Garden (Sagano) -I headed to Nagano for it’s amazing bamboo grove , but got more than what I bargained for. There I also found a tremendously beautiful garden that was contained within the meditative forest. The surrounding streets just outside were also filled with whimsical shops. Special mention goes to the Rilakumma merchandise store that was oh so kawaii!

Kyoto Imperial Palace (Kyoto) -It was a long trek to finally reach the entrance upon which I was greeted by a sign that indicated there was a free tour at 2pm. I looked at my phone and saw that it was exactly 2.02pm. I saw a crowd emerge from the entrance and I thanked my lucky stars for my amazing timing, and went on to join this very fun tour. The tour guide was engaging and knowledgeable. Overall it was a very enjoyable afternoon spent on the vast royal grounds.

Nara Deer Park (Nara)– You will find Bambi and it’s entire extended family here. You can purchase a packet of deer crackers to feed them (200 yen). But be careful!I would say wear a belt. Between these crackers in one hand and my phone in another, the deers were using their mouth to pull down my pants to make a point.I just didn’t have a free hand to protect my modesty. Thankfully, my pants stayed in place. Just make sure you pop these crackers fast enough into their waiting mouths. Literally being caught with your pants down is not a good look at Nara Park.

Transport

Japan’s transport system is highly efficient. But due to its high interconnectivity, the learning curve is steep. So the easiest thing you can do is to take it one day at a time and ask for assistance at every point. The Japanese are incredibly kind and helpful, so you won’t have to worry about that. They will go out of their way to help you even if they understand nothing you say.

J-Rail Pass

My heart bled when I paid 326 SGD for the 7 Days Pass. But I quickly learnt how much I was saving with it. Prices will see a crazy increase from September 2023 onwards, so grab your purchase before that! Just bear in mind the three month activation window when booking it.

Miscellaneous Places

Tokyo Dome (Tokyo)- I just had to pay this place a visit because this was where the iconic Japanese girlband Speed held their unforgettable concert ‘Rise’ here in 1998.

Nishiki Market (Kyoto)- Traditional Food Market. Gorgeous selections.

Animal Cafes There were days when I returned from long day trips that I just want to take a low effort stroll down the shopping arcades near my hotel. I would often stumble upon countless animal cafes nestled within the long alleys of shops. There were micropigs, cats, dogs , owls and other selections of furry friends awaiting customer within cafe setups. I had a very enjoyable time in a puppy cafe called the Teacup Club because the adorable cuties were of teacup sizes.

Dotonbori (Downtown Osaka)– I finally got to see the celebrated Japanese neon lights after dark. I wanted to see them in Tokyo, but the weather was being uncooperative. Downtown Dotonbori came alive after sunset were, set ablaze by incredible urban lighting. Remember to have some Takoyaki while you are here. It would be like skipping pasta if you were in Italy. It would be bordering on committing a travelling crime.

Osaka Palace

It was interesting to be able to visit an ancient oriental castle. The interior was very informative and they were presented in technologically advanced displays. It was a pity that the indoor space was crowded. The narrow passageways didn’t help too. I cut my visit short as being caught like a sardine among the crowd was making me grumpy and uncomfortable. I then exited myself and took mental refuge in the great exterior gardens of the castle grounds instead.

I would say ten solid days is a good duration to travel through Japan . It will not be sufficient to see everything , but it is a good duration to experience enough for the first time, and to be able to note down what else to go for the next trip to this Land of the Rising Sun. By the ninth day , I was already experiencing some travelling fatigue and was definitely ready to go home. Travelling solo unfortunately means that one has to be on guard all the time. I had a marvellous experience though, and wouldn’t do it any other way even if I could. I wish you happy travels, and I cannot wait to hear your own experience in this incredible country!