My Japan Trip: Some Adventures Between History and Tradition
Updated: Nov 7
During a fascinating 17-day tour, I discovered the extraordinary history of Japan through its most iconic sites.
This trip took me from the modern sky scrapers of Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka to the enchanted atmospheres of small villages like Shirakawago and Takayama, where time seemed to stand still. I explored cities like Hiroshima, laden with history and memory, and breathtaking natural landscapes like Miyajima Island.
In my column “Within Manu's reach,” I offer you ideas and itineraries or suggestions of things to do if you come to these parts. Write to us at apugliesearoundthewolrd@gmail.com
I leave as coordinator of World Travel Adventures, and have been coordinating Japan Short Discovery. 8 participants including myself from north to south of the boot. I tailored the tour according to my style dedicated to adventure, discovery, and food without sacrificing comfort in the choice of hotels. I tried to listen to the needs of my group (new friends, travelers I met at the airport in Rome on departure but whose demands I had tried to construe during our pre-departure chats and phone calls). After a morning wake-up call and at least 20 km of walking each day, I always opted for hotels with a minimum of three stars and close to at least one Metro stop.
WHERE JAPAN IS AND HOW TO GET THERE
Japan is a set of islands located in the northern hemisphere, facing the two Koreas and partly Russia and China. The country, therefore, is located in East Asia and stretches almost 750 kilometers. It is washed on the east by thePacific Ocean and on the west by three seas: the East China Sea , the Japan Sea and the Okhotsk Sea . Its strategic location and vast expanse allow for different types of travel arrangements. Usually if you are going to Japan for the first time, I recommend you choose to visit themain island of Honsu, where the most important metropolises are located (Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Nara) or, you can opt for a sea voyage, in which you can explore its tropical islands. and visit Okinawa Prefecture: a complex of atolls located in the East China Sea and constituting the southernmost area of the Land of the Rising Sun. Here you can find crystal-clear waters, tropical plants, and pristine white beaches where you can spend a relaxing vacation. With 90 airports serving domestic and international flights, Japan is an extremely efficient country on the air travel front, although the main airports in Japan are Tokyo Narita (NRT), Tokyo Haneda (HND) and Osaka Kansai (KIX).
Japan surprised me with its unique balance of tradition and modernity-I discovered an Eastern but profoundly different country, Asian but far from any stereotypical
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Each spot visited gave me a new perspective on this fascinating and uniquely beautiful land. Imagine a trip to a place where the future runs on the fastest trains in the world, known as projectile trains or Shinkansen while the past is revealed in the Geishas in Kyoto (rare to see but in the Gion district you can always spot a few) in the kimonos and ancient traditions, such as the tea ceremony for which there are still academies today to pass on this custom. Here, even greetings are made with a bow, an ancient gesture that tells stories of respect and culture.
Personally, I was amazed by this world and its culture in which every detail was incredible. We stayed in a Ryokan in Takayama, we meditated in a hidden temple, Shukubo, on Koyasan Mountain and explored ancient sacred paths, and we boarded a Shinkansen more than once, which thrilled us as soon as we saw it arrive in its unique design.
We discovered the wonders of Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Shirakawago and Takayama, walked alone among the reeds in the bamboo forest of Arashiyama, the red temple Fushimi Inari Shrine, strolled with fawns through the streets of Nara and admired the imposing Torii on the spiritual island of Miyajima
We departed from Tokyo, It was here that our food and wine tour began , an adventure among the authentic flavors of the Rising Sun that led us to discover an outstanding culinary tradition. The journey began with the famous sushi, one of the icons of Japanese cuisine. But forget about the many Western or European variations: here, sushi is an art. Local ingredients, fresh and of the highest quality, come together in perfect balance, providing a unique taste experience. Every bite is an explosion of flavors that is unmatched by what you've tried elsewhere.
We did not stop, of course, at Sushi. Ramen, with its rich soup and fragrant noodles, was another star of our trip. Although now known all over the world, tasting it in Japan is a different story. The traditional version, steaming hot and flavorful, is a treat for the palate, despite the muggy summer days
Among the specialties we have had the pleasure of discovering, we must include udon, those thick and tasty noodles , and the prized Wagyu and Kobe beef. You may have heard of Kobe beef , but it is Wagyu, with its perfect marbling and unmistakable taste, that steals the show in local restaurants. Grilled, griddled, or marinated (do-it-yourself at the table) it is a real treat not to be missed.
Okonomiyaki, a kind of Japanese omelet made freshly with eggs, flour and cabbage, was another dish that won us over. Imagination is the limit here-you can customize it with meat, fish, vegetables, or cheese to create a combination of flavors that satisfies every palate.
And then there is Katsudon, a true highlight of Japanese cuisine. This breaded and fried pork dish, served over rice, differs in detail depending on the region in which you enjoy it, but wherever you taste it, it is a guarantee of goodness. Crispy, flavorful, yet incredibly light, it is one of those delicacies you won't be able to forget.
At each stop on this culinary journey, we were rediscovering the pleasure of enjoying authentic food, prepared with fresh, local ingredients. An experience that goes beyond just eating, turning into a true ritual.
Do not miss the street food with a taste to so much other food such as Cheesecake, fish and meat street food and giant oysters in Miyajima
TELEPHONY AND DATA
To be connected to the Internet at all times, buy prepaid E-SIMs with unlimited data traffic. choosing from Airalo or Holafly plans. I suggest Holafly which we purchased from Italy for 48 euros each, install it before you leave, and activate it as soon as you land. Unlimited data for 2 weeks. Otherwise if your phone is not compatible you can order a Poket wifi (again from Italy and before you leave) and have it shipped to the first hotel you stay in. We used this POCKET WIFI
BEST APPS FOR GETTING AROUND JAPAN
Google Maps: the easiest and most widely used
Navitime Japan co: Very popular navigation app, provides information on trains, with filter to include only those vehicles included in the JRP
HOURS.
+ 7.00 hours
Standard time + 8.00 hours
MONEY AND CREDIT CARDS
The currency of Japan is the Yen. Even today, despite the fact that the Japanese are considered very tech-savvy, cash is widely used. However, you can bring from Italy a base of YEN ( JPY 85,000 if you order them from the bank at least 30 days in advance) as well as 600 euros in cash to change there. It is also sometimes convenient to withdraw directly from ATMs. Everywhere especially in big cities (Tokyo - Kyoto - Osaka) you can pay by card or exchange euros. When paying by credit card, it is always convenient to pay in local currency. Tour guides, transfers and some restaurants do not accept cards. Find out before entering any activity so you don't run out of money. At the ATM they always ask you the question IS THE CARD SAVING OR CREDIT? The answer is always SAVING (cost 5 euros the withdrawal)
SUICA CARD FOR ON-SITE PAYMENTS AND TRAVEL
Basic essentials for traveling in Japan. SUICA is a prepaid card without which you absolutely cannot stay in Japan. It can be used to take the train, the subway, purchases at vending machines (in the sweltering summer heat you only find vending machines around that accept SUICA) and at 7eleven (where we went every day several times a day to buy groceries and get sushi as early as breakfast) at certain stores and at Coinlockers, very common pay-as-you-go lockers . SUICA can be used throughout Japan. For those who have an iPhone smartphone, you can load the Suica on the wallet and top it up time after time. Otherwise for ANDROID you can buy it as soon as you go to a JRP (Japan Rail Pass) office and it is valid for 10 years (JPY 2000 first recharge with JPY 500 activation fee). The card will take away the BIG hassle of making a ticket each time. In fact, you only need to put it down (also applies to IPHONE) at the turnstile at the entrance of the station and then do the same operation at the exit. The cost of the ticket will be automatically deducted from your card. It is possible for ANDROIDs to reload the card at vending machines or at some 7-eleven equipped with this service.
TOUR GUIDES
It is always recommended to have a tour guide especially in Tokyo, When you arrive in these latitudes you feel that everything is chaos, which you then discover is only apparent after a few days. In Tokyo we were followed by Riccardo Rossetti, an Italian who has lived here for more than 10 years, a restaurant guru who gave us a concise but essential smattering of the city and never missed a place for us to go to eat. Riccardo is invaluable especially in the preparatory part of the trip and was an exquisite and helpful person. In Kyoto we relied on Roxana Russo an Italian who has been perfectly integrated in Kyoto for more than 30 years prepared about the places, a writer she has written books - Ainu The Hidden Shadows - about the history of the indigenous people of Japan, long forgotten and marginalized. With her it is possible to tailor-make and build a tour of this city to your needs
JAPAN RAIL PASS FOR SUBWAY AND INTERCITY TRAVEL
If you plan to travel by public transportation but also travel between cities, it is essential to purchase the Japan Rail Pass ( JRP) by booking it already from Italy.
It is valid 7-14-21 days from the time of its activation. The 7-day one is usually the most popular, although it does not cover the entire period so it may be necessary to purchase individual fast train tickets that on average cost from 60 euros and up. To activate the JRP we went to the JR office at Tokyo station and changed it by simply providing vouchers and passports. It is necessary to indicate the day from which you intend to activate it. If you have an established schedule, you can also reserve seats at least for the Shinkansen fast trains (Timetable and Seat). Otherwise, you can go through the turnstiles with the JRP and stand in line in one of the three Shinkansen cars where reservations are not required. If you unluckily miss the JRP, it will not be possible to get a copy and you will be forced to buy individual tickets. The JRP allows you to take JR train lines throughout the country, plus unlimited rides on most Shinkansen ( “bullet trains” EXCEPT NOZOMI and MIZUHO ) and express, express and local trains in the JR network. The JR Pass can be used on the Tokyo Monorail, the Yamanote (Tokyo subway) line, as well as JR local buses.
Baggage service note: the freedom and luxury of Hands Free travel
If you are planning a trip to Japan, one tip that may prove extremely useful is to consider shipping your luggage directly from the airport to your hotel, or from one hotel to another. Although at first glance this may seem like an unnecessary or expensive option, it can actually make your trip much more enjoyable and less stressful.
Imagine you have your hotel in Tokyo, but your next stop is Shirakawago, with an overnight stay in a Ryokan in Koyasan. You have two options: travel with all your luggage in tow, facing the journey and the night with a bulky load, or do as many experienced travelers in Japan do, ask the front desk of your hotel to help you ship your luggage directly to the next hotel.
For example, if you are in Tokyo (as in our case) you could easily arrange for your luggage to be shipped from your hotel to your hotel in Kyoto, scheduling your arrival two days later (so that you spend a night out in Koyasan) so that you can face the journey with only a light backpack. This will allow you to explore mindlessly, enjoying each leg of your itinerary with greater freedom and comfort.
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