10 Days In Japan
10 days of organised chaos.
Greeted by a sea of people and signs with nothing but symbols was draughting at first, though once you get the feel for sharing a seat in a bar with strangers you will see why the world raves about Japans epic culinary and cultural experiences! With a royal entrance into every restaurant greeted by each member of staff in the local language no matter how busy, their culture proves that respect goes both ways. This beautiful country makes you feel right at home from the minute you step off the plane. I’ll show you how best to spend 10 days here but you might want to loosen the belt first, the food is going to be next level….
Tokyo. One of the most expensive and technologically advanced cities in the entire world, this place is anything but slow. The morning sunshine beams down on the streets outside our hotel as push bikes cruise past, the smell of coffee wakes us up after a 7 hour flight direct from Cairns, Queensland. We’re going to need more than a double shot latte to tackle one of the busiest train stations in the world this morning.
Before flying to Japan a lot of people, blogs, books, websites recommended getting a JR rail pass. At $300 per pass for 7 days I was expecting this to get me on every train in, out and around the country. Little did we know the JR lines around Tokyo are mainly regional with only the basic old select lines going through the city, leaving us with a lot of walking and not much value. The bullet train to Kyoto was only $80 per seat so for the 4 days we were in Tokyo we would have been much better off with a subway pass.
What seems deserted through the day comes alive once the sun drops. No trip to Tokyo is complete without a night out in the streets of Golden Gai. Small bars with some only seating 4 or 6 people make for a very intimate experience, bartenders who get to know your tastes extremely quickly also have their seats reserved for the daily regulars, something your liver can’t handle becoming. Trying rice wine here is a great way to get to know the locals or sampling some of the best tasting yet most potent whiskeys available around the world.
Make sure to stop in and line the stomach before, by heading down the famous “Memory Lane” also known formerly as “Piss Alley”. This lane way is sure to leave you wanting more with every meat known to man kind flame grilled with smoke bellowing out these tiny restaurants doors and people lining around the corner for a seat. This might not be the most relaxing place to sit but let me assure you, the experience is one not to miss. Food cooked literarily within an arms distance, thrown from pan to plate it’s hard not to feel the heat and respect the chefs Michelin rated expertise.
Kyoto. 2 Hours by bullet train has you in the more traditional and far more relaxed former capital until 1869, known for it’s spectacular cherry blossom trees and beautiful bamboo forests, nature really does leave you speechless here. Getting out to the bamboo forest early before the crowds roll through is a must as it allows you to see these huge natural wonders standing tall in the morning sun with flickers of light bouncing down through the trunks.
Once the sun goes down be sure to visit Hohei gyoza restaurant and put your name down for one of twenty four seats inside. We waited over an hour for a table in this place and it was worth every minute spent on the street outside.Trust me of the best dumplings all trip were had here cooked fresh in front of our eyes.
Okynomiaki literally meaning “Cooked with anything on top” is a local savoury pancake that had us going back night after night. This dish is whipped up at your table by the chef and then cooked to your liking on the hot pan in front of you with multiple combinations. If you’re lucky enough some chefs will even do unique designs with the Japanese mayo on top, drawing pictures like only a restaurant in Japan could from Pikachu to where’s Wally!
Osaka. Finishing the 10 day Japan trip in what’s known as “The nations kitchen” is definitely one way to leave a country, with a full stomach and smile ear to ear. Pack your jumper even through summer as the sea breeze gave a bit of bite with the wind chill.
Wondering the streets here shows a perfect mix between the new and old with epic street food and endless shopping opportunities through Shinsaibashisuji running over 600 metres completely undercover.
Make sure to catch the sunset in the Dotonbori area afterwards as the sun bounces off buildings lined along the Tombori River. Once nighttime hits watch this area come alive with gigantic LED billboards including the famous ‘Glico Running Man’ sign built in 1935.
Looking for a vantage point to see the entire city? Umeda Sky Building has a unique concept with their floating garden perched up 150 metres giving unobstructed 360 degree views of the city.
Top tips for traveling through Japan;
JR Pass - Not worth it unless you’re taking multiple bullet train trips over the 7 day period ($300aud)
Chopsticks - Practice your chop sticking because knifes and forks soon don’t become an option.
Basic Japanese - Learning a few basic words in this language go along way here. Locals will love you for it.
Money - This isn’t a cheap place to visit but most places accept credit card. Cash is still hugely used amongst smaller places.
Trains - Tokyo’s subway system is fantastic, cheap and super easy to use.
Shoes - Make sure to take these off when entering buildings especially hotels, cafes, houses as a sign of respect.
Height Warning - Anyone over 6ft tall, this is your first and last warning… the Japanese don’t make big doorways. Avoid finding out the hard way like myself and keep an eye out for low clearances.
Best time to visit? Although I'm sure Autumn would be beautiful with cherry blossom but, by going in the shoulder season meant a lot less tourists around, cheaper prices and generally a better feel.
