The eleventh most populous country in the world is Japan and it is also one of the most densely populated and urbanized ones as well.

The best places to be once you set foot in Japan in 2021 – 

Tokyo – Tokyo would be the most happening city in Japan in the summer of 2021 as it is hosting the postponed 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympic Games. There are three core concepts for the Tokyo Olympic Games which are also known as the games’ vision. They are ‘Striving for your personal best’, ‘Accepting one another’ and ‘Passing on the legacy for the future’. The country’s capital Tokyo is the best place to be as you can enjoy the legacy of the summer Olympic sports and the diverse cultures of the athletes. Tokyo is the world’s most populous metropolis and a variety of incredible yet unique options for shopping, entertainment, and exploration.

Yokohama – Yokohama is a beautiful city that lies south of Tokyo, on the scenic western coast of Tokyo Bay. It is known for being Japan’s first port city that officially opened to foreign trade in 1859. It’s not a stretch to say that international influences have shaped Yokohama’s character, from the city’s signature brick architectural structure to the famous Yokohama Chinatown city that was formed by Chinese immigrants who settled in the nineteenth century. People who visit Yokohama can take in a scenic harbor view via waterbus or atop the iconic Ferris wheel, as well as enjoy various museums and multiple shopping opportunities.

Kyoto – Kyoto was the official capital city of Japan for over a thousand years and it remains one of the topmost destinations to experience traditional Japanese culture. The city has around two thousand temples and shrines including the Golden Pavilion. Ryoanji in Kyoto known for its Zen rock garden and Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto is known as the shrine with a tunnel of five thousand vermilion torii gates. One of the most talked-about areas of Kyoto is undoubtedly the Geisha district. While Geiko and Maiko are known for being elusive if you are lucky enough you may find one of these kimono adorned ladies taking a stroll here! People who love art and history would definitely not want to miss the Kyoto National Museum, which houses over 230 designated National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties.

Osaka – Osaka is one of the largest cities in Japan and the largest city in the Kansai region and it is really known for its colorful and lively character. It has a very distinct dialect and exceptionally unique cuisine that is extremely popular throughout Japan. Osaka is a great place to experience the urban atmosphere in Japan in its most unique form, with entertainment for both kids and adults alike. One of the world’s largest public aquariums is located in Osaka and Universal Studios Japan is also located in Osaka. A trip to Osaka can never be complete without a visit to the entertainment district of Dotonbori, which has its iconic neon signboards, amusement facilities, and numerous restaurants that are over there. Osaka also has locations to enjoy traditional Japanese culture and history, such as Osaka Castle, Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, and even Bunraku puppet shows.

Things to do in Japan – 

Things to do in Tokyo – 

Watch a Sumo Wrestling Match – Kokugikan, which is Japan’s most famous sumo wrestling arena, hosts tournaments three times each year. The sumo wrestling that we see today dates back to the seventeenth century, though its origins date back even further than that. Even to this day, it’s still one of the most popular and well-known traditions in the country. If you’re in town at the right time, this is a must-watch. Tickets sell out quickly so you must definitely book early. To learn more about the sport, visit one of the sumo stables called “heya”. There you’ll get to see where the wrestlers train and live. The visits must be arranged well in advance. Ticket prices vary but expect to pay around 2200 JYN for a sumo wrestling match but it is an experience that you will relish.

Gaze at Mount Fuji from Hakone – Hakone is an extremely beautiful place to gaze in the eye of Mount Fuji. Located just over an hour away from Tokyo, Hakone is one of the best places to get away from the city, relax for a few days, and look at the Fuji-san, one of Japan’s three holy mountains. There are countless guest houses in the area, many with their own private onsen (hot springs). It’s a great romantic getaway spot if you’re traveling as a couple. For a unique view of the region, grab a seat on the Hakone Ropeway whose tickets are priced at 400 JPY.

See the Hachiko Statue – The Hachiko Statue is a complete life-sized statue of a dog from 1925. When the dog’s owner died, Hachiko still went to the train station to wait for him to return from work, each and every day, just as every loyal creature should do. And he did so for over ten years. The dog is a national hero in Japan and his story is well known as it highlights characteristics of loyalty and devotion, which the Japanese value very highly. The incredible statue stands in front of the Shibuya Station.

Shop at Akihabara Electric Town – This is the Tsukiji Market of the electronics world of Tokyo. You can find pretty much anything you’ve ever imagined, as well as all the things you’ve never even dreamed of over here. Many up-and-coming electronic devices and gadgets are tested here and then brought to life. The area has a very futuristic feel to it, with tons of bright lights and huge billboards around. It looks like something out of a sci-fi movie like Blade Runner. There are also lots of local artists selling their music out here too if you like indie music.

Wander Roppongi Hills – There are various buildings to see, all of which have been designed by leading architects of Japan, as well as various public art displays. A visit here is free — all you have to do is catch a ride up the hill. You’ll find Mori Tower here, one of the tallest buildings in the city, as well as the Tokyo City View, which offers one of the best views in the city. Admission to the viewpoint will cost you 1800 JPY.

Drink in Golden Gai – This little alleyway of back-street bars is a lively place to drink at night in the wondrous city of Tokyo. There isn’t much going on during the day here, but come sundown, these zigzagging hallways and closet-sized beer rooms are filled with interesting people, cheap drinks, and interesting music. It has a bit of a red-light district feel to it as it lacks the polish of the rest of the city. But it is not to be missed.

Hop onto A Suijo Bus – For centuries, Tokyo has been centralized around its rivers and the river canals. One of the traditional ways to get around has always been via the water-bus. This is a fun alternative to the subway and offers a different perspective of the bustling city. There are even beautiful floating restaurants, known as the legendary yakata-bune as well as lunch and dinner cruises that you can book. You can expect to pay at least 6000 JPY for a cruise with a meal, whereas the regular ferry costs as low as 600 JPY.

Visit the Great Buddha – Make a day trip to the small city of Kamakura to see a thirteen metre bronze statue of Buddha. This statue was built in the year 1252, the statue was initially constructed within a temple, but the temple was washed away on several occasions by storms so the statue now sits in the open air. You can even go inside the statue as well, quite remarkably. However, there’s nothing to really see inside but it’s neat to be able to step inside a centuries-old work of artworks and inscriptions. The journey to Kamakura takes around an hour from Tokyo and is free with a Japan Rail Pass. Admission to see the Buddha is 200 JPY.

Have Dinner With Ninjas – For a unique dining experience, head to Ninja Akasaka. It’s a ninja-themed restaurant designed like an Edo-era building from medieval Japan that would definitely blow your mind away! The wait staff are clothed in stereotypical all-black “ninja” garb and trained in all sorts of tricks, simple illusions and will entertain you. You’ll order your meal off of old scrolls while being entertained by the skillful tricks of your server. It’s super fun and unlike any other restaurant that people usually visit in Japan.

Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum – Built in the year 1933, this small museum used to be the official residence of the Prince and Princess Asaka of Japan. The prince had come back to Japan after studying from Paris and wanted to bring the art deco style to Japan, which explains the building’s style and decorations. In the year 1983, the residence became a museum and is now home to a rotating series of modern art exhibitions. Admission is 200 JPY.

Things to do in Yokohama – 

Explore Japan’s biggest Chinatown – Visit Yokohama’s vibrant Chinatown and prepare to be mesmerized by the sights and smells of nikuman, also known as meat buns, geppei, also known as mooncakes, and other varieties of steamed deliciousness lining the streets. Never come here with an empty stomach cause it won’t be long until you step in line to try it all yourself.

Elevate your view at the Landmark Tower Sky Garden – Step into the elevator in the second-floor lobby of Landmark Tower and forty super fast seconds later you’ll be able to see the beautiful bay area from nearly three hundred meters up and with a three sixty-degree view.

Travel back to the year 1958 at Shin-Yokohama Raumen Museum – Shin-Yokohama’s Raumen Museum is a collection of rare ramen shops in which visitors can partake in as many bowls of regional ramen as their stomach can withstand. The ‘museum’ part comes in the form of the blast-from-the-past recreation of the 1958 Japanese neighborhood where the shops are located.

Land on history at the Redbrick warehouse – Experience and feel the incredible sight of  Yokohama’s old and new atmosphere at Akarenga Soko or the Red Brick Warehouse. The two brick-clad buildings were constructed in 1911 and 1913 and are located very near the spot where Commodore Perry’s Black Ships arrived in 1859. Step inside, though, and you’ll discover a whole new world of designer stores and stylish restaurants to keep you busy all day long.

Climb aboard the Nippon Maru Sailing Ship – Built to train cadets, this full-sized vessel is nearly as long as a soccer field. A rich hundred and fifty-year-old maritime history lesson awaits within, as you can see the rooms that cadets, cooks, and the room that the captain lived in. Delve deeper into Yokohama’s seafaring story through interactive exhibits at the maritime museum next door to you.

How to get around in Japan’s Cities – 

Bus – Buses are widely available almost everywhere in Japan, though you can usually get by without them as the subway and train system in the city is comprehensive. If you do need to take the bus, fares are around two hundred and ten Japanese Yen for adults and a hundred and ten Japanese Yen for kids. Toei is the main bus company providing service in Tokyo. You can get a single-day bus pass for Toei lines for five hundred Japanese Yen . You can get them from the bus driver. Buses usually run from six in the morning to ten at night. If you plan on using the buses often, you can get discounted fares by using a prepaid Pasmo card or Suica card in Tokyo, which would lower the fare to two hundred and six Japanese Yen and save you fumbling for your change every time you ride. 

Subway/Train – The metro and train system in Tokyo is one of the most iconic and well known in the world. It ferries almost nine million riders around the city each and every day and is known for being on time. The metro system is made up of thirteen different lines with tickets starting at one hundred and seventy Japanese Yen (one hundred and sixty-five Japanese Yen with a Pasmo or Suica prepaid card). You can get a twenty-four-hour pre-paid hour pass for eight hundred Japanese Yen, a forty-eight-hour pass for one thousand two hundred Japanese Yen, and a seventy-two-hour pass for one thousand five hundred Japanese Yen. It works on all Tokyo Metro and Toei Lines in Japan. The metro lines in the other major metropolitan cities such as Yokohama and Osaka have similar rates. Trains are available from five in the morning to twelve in the night and there are women-only cars for added security and safety as well. Things get busy at rush hour so try to avoid it if you can. It’s from 7:30 am to 9:30 am and 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm on weekdays. There are also many JR trains in Japan, so if you have a Japan Rail Pass you can travel around Japan for free.

Taxi – Taxis in Japan aren’t cheap so avoid them if you can. Fares start at four hundred and seventy-five Japanese Yen and go up by four hundred and fifteen Japanese Yen per kilometer. Avoid them if you can!

Bicycle – Japan is a relatively safe country to bike in as there are lots of bike lanes in all the cities and a ton of local cyclists who commute via bicycle. For a full-day rental, expect to pay between thousand to one thousand two hundred Japanese Yen. Hourly rentals can usually be found for two hundred to three hundred Japanese Yen as well if you just need a short-term rental.

So see you in Japan in the Spring of 2021, all ready to witness the incredible summer Olympic Games in Tokyo and have fun around in Japan in 2021

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The origin of this great dish is unclear yet. It is said that legendary lord Tokugawa Mitsukuni was the first to savour Ramen in the 17th century. Some say that it was brought by Chinese with a noodle soup known as laa-mian which was handmade noodles served in a chicken broth. And the last tale is that it was created by a shop called Rai- Rai Ken in Asakusa.  But none of these have any familiarity with today’s Ramen. 

Japanese categorize their food into 6 groups, and Ramen belongs to the “Menrui” category. Menuri dishes are those served hot or cold that have noodles as its main ingredient. It is made of 4 kinds of noodles:

Soba :It is made out of buckwheat, Soba are thin noodles and making Soba by hand is an intensely complicated process. Soba noodles are considered the most elegant noodles of Japan. 

Udon: This noodles is contrary to Soba in its texture because it’s a thick noodle which can be served cold or hot. They take a relatively shorter time to cook despite being thick and slurpy. 

Somen: This noodles form is very thin and made of wheat flour. It is extensively used in east Asian cuisines. It can be served cold for dipping.

Ramen: The “true” ramen noodle is made of wheat flour and alkaline salt to help retain its chew in hot broth. It’s often served with meat or fish broth, flavoured with soy sauce or miso .

Ramen has four core flavours itself. The type of the Ramen is usually determined by the color and consistency of the broth.

Shoyu (Soy Sauce) : This flavour has a  soy sauce base with brown color and these curly noodles are popularly found in Tokyo.

Tonkotsu(Pork bone): It is made up from boiling ground up pork bones for 

12 to 20 hours until the collagen is dissolved into the soup.

Shio (Salt) : This type of Ramen is considered as the oldest of the ramen broths.

Typically, a shio broth is made with chicken or pork base.

Miso: This broth is considered as the youngest of the 4 types; it is sweet opaque soup with a  nutty color. 

So Ramen is not as simple as it appears. it has a history and taste of its kind. After knowing this depth about Ramen, one can’t resist tasting it on their next Japan Tour. 

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Urban Japan Image Credits – Gaby OBS

Fuji is the counterweight to Tokyo and urban Japan as a whole. Fuji is impressive, iconic and mesmeric in every manner. A natural representation of Japan, Fuji is precise, clean, elusive, mysterious. When Tokyo became Japan’s capital in the 1600’s Fuji lead from the pages of Japanese fable and folklore into the collective consciousness of the entire nation as legions of people saw the mountain for the first time while travelling on the Tokaido road to the new capital. A figure of legend suddenly became a stark, perfect reality to those who would eventually build Tokyo into the megalopolis it is today.

Mount Fuji Image Credits – kimura2

Japan’s most revered mountain, Mount Fuji is roughly the center of the island nation. At 3,776 metres Mount Fuji is Japan’s tallest peak and one of the most iconic peaks around the world.  Mount Fuji’s mere perfect symmetry, majestic white-capped summit and volcanic activities have made it the subject of art, adoration and worship. Located just west of the Kanto plain, near the mid point of the country, Mount Fuji is easily accessible from Japan’s largest cites. On the north side the mountain is surrounded by Fuji’s five lakes region, also known as Fujigoko, which is known for its lake resorts, a plethora of outdoor activities and hot springs.

The most basic way to experience Mount Fuji is of course to climb it. Like all other Japanese mountains, Mount Fuji is divided into ten stations. The fifth station is the most common starting point for travelers, halfway up the mountain. On the popular trails, there are mountain hunts where hikers can seek shelter, pay and use the restroom, buy food or even get a good night’s sleep. There are four main trails to choose from – Yoshida, Fujinomiya, Subashiri and Gotemba. The most popular by far being the Yoshida, whose fifth station has the most shopping options and is accessible by direct bus from the widest variety of locations, even downtown Tokyo.

Trails and mountain facilities are only available during the official Fuji climbing season, which generally from early July to mid-September, when the trails are free of snow.

While preparing for the hike make sure to be properly equipped for a range of temperatures, wear sturdy footgear and pack plenty of water and edibles. Climbing Mount Fuji is an unforgettable experience, the scenic views of the mountains and valley will certainly leave you spellbound!

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Shinto Shrine At Japan  Image Credits – wikimedia.org

The few things that first come to mind while thinking about Japan are – sublime Zen gardens, enigmatic Buddhist temples, colorful Shinto shrines and elegant geisha. The must-see attractions and activities in Kyoto are- Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, Japanese gardens, a night in a ryokan, Japan’s exquisite traditional accommodation, a meal in a Japanese restaurant-whether gourmet or hole in the wall, an evening stroll through the Gion entertainment district.

Amanohashidate  Image Credits – wikimedia.org

Beyond the city lies Kyoto’s many striking rural areas. In the north, Amanohashidate has long been considered one of Japan‘s three most picturesque places. Nestled in the mountains, Miyama is one of the last towns with thatched-roof farmhouses, many of which are still inhabited where one can enjoy delish local vegetables and the famous green tea grown in Uji.

Japan is never too hot, too rainy or too cold to visit. Spring and fall are the ideal times to visit, with warm to cool temperatures and mostly bright skies. The late March/early April cherry blossom season is very popular, for obvious reasons, but it’s also very crowded. The November and early December fall foliage season is also great and not quite as crowded as the cherry blossom season.

Spring

Late March to April is the time to view the cherry blossoms and the fresh green maple leaves in shrine and temple gardens.

Summer

The summers (from late June to early September) can be hot and humid, but not appallingly so. Highlights of the hottest season comprise riverside dining, cormorant fishing performances, beach excursions, the month-long Gion Festival, and fire displays to honour the spirits of ancestors.

Autumn

Kyoto’s autumn foliage entices travelers from the world over. Harvest moon festivals, such as the Jidai Matsuri, are another autumn highlight. The cool temperatures are seamless for mountaineering at Mt. Ponpon and Mt. Atago.

Winter

The winters (from early December to late March) are not freezing but can be cold. It is during winters that Kabuki’s biggest stars come to perform, plum blossoms emerge after the snows, and countryside offer plenty of warmth. Winter festivals like Arashiyama Hanatoro illuminate the city of Kyoto.

Kyoto is the most gratifying city in Japan and a place all travelers should visit at least once in their lives.

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Take a tour in a coach in the morning, for two hours to Mt Fuji, Japan’s highest mountain, or drive up the mountain in a private car as you admire the remarkable scenery as you make your way to the 5th station, the highest point on Fuji that can be reached by vehicle. Just get off to enjoy some free time as you enjoy the beautiful views, go across the gift shop or visit some lovely Japanese restaurants around the corner.

              Aokigahara Forest (Sea of Trees)   Image Credits – wikimedia.org

The next part of your itinerary begins with your visit to the Aokigahara Forest (Sea of Trees), which is located at the base of Mt Fuji. Well, this place is known for its exceptional domain, because of its volcanic makeup. The forest is home to above-ground tree roots, exposed lava flows, dispersed remains of volcanic rock and caves created by volcanic gas that collected below the ground and then exploded.

Icicle in Narusawa Ice Cave Image Credits – wikimedia.org

Your guide would help you enter the Narusawa Ice Cave, which is covered with ice all year round, as this cave is off-limits to travellers without a guide. It is important to walk carefully over the wet, uneven icy surfaces as you might get lost in admiration of ice formations deep in the cave. Once you are out of the cave, we drive back to Tokyo. Buy some souvenirs or snacks at the concession stand or check out the large gift shop where you can buy some candy and local wine or just extend your hand at the bowling Alley.

P.S. The views around Mt Fuji are subject to weather conditions, as it is unpredictable, being mountainous. The colder months have better visibility, so is the case in the early mornings and late evenings.

Mount Fuji, Japan

About Mt Fuji:-

Mt Fuji is the most inspiring of all places in Japan. The earliest recorded literature about these mountains dates back to the 8th century. Fuji-san was given the UNESCO World Heritage status in 2013, since then 300,000 people take the trip each year. Well, reaching the top is definitely exhausting, as it is not known to be beautiful scenery either. The climbing season has packed routes, landscape looking devastating, yet it looks like it is another world when viewed from afar. The summit has a crater, with a circumference of 4km, but can get clouded at any time.

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