An Intimate Traveller’s Guide To Falling In Love With Japan

With her camera and three good friends, Arathi Jayaram set off to Japan, coming back with a realisation that even a lifetime wouldn’t suffice in that land. She had always been fascinated with the country - the people, the food, the quirks, all of it. After having read a number of travel blogs and doing her research, she picked a time when Sakura was in season and set off for 10 days. She touched down only to abandon all of her research to get lost in the streets instead. From stumbling upon a lane filled with hole in the wall bars called Izakayas, getting naked with a bunch of Japanese women in a Sentō (public bath), to using a Japanese toilet and it’s gazillion buttons for the first time, it seems as though she’s seen a fare share of what’s hidden to most of us.

Arathi got around within the country using the rail, and she highly advices this mode of transport. “It gives you unlimited access to all their bullet trains and also some of the local subways in each city. The 7 day Pass will cost you Rs.15,000 and it’s the best thing Japan has done for its tourists. You can order it online and they will FedEx it to your local address before you leave to Japan,” she tells us.

This is not a day-by-day guide, but a framework of all the experiences she thinks you should have, so feel free to build your travel around these highlights. Although she had company, she highly recommends solo tripping through Japan. The guide below has been written by Arathi herself, and you can follow her and her travels here.

10 Days in Japan

Ueno // Tokyo

Ueno is located in Northern Tokyo and since our hostel, Space Hostel, was located in this hood we started our exploration here. Ueno is famous for it’s restaurants, zoos, museums and it’s park amongst other things. But the only thing we had time for was Ueno Park. Perfect for Hanami (cherry blossom viewing) & some amazing street food.

Note: You could rent bikes and cycles through this area if you’re short on time.

Asakusa // Tokyo

Asakusa is really close to Ueno. The vibe here is very different from the rest of Tokyo. It feels like a movie location that is set in ancient Tokyo. The highlights of this area are it’s street market and Sensoji temple. Most temples let you read your fortune. People tie up their fortunes if they are not happy with it and want to postpone it.

Meiji Jingu // Tokyo

Meiji Jingu is a shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken. The shrine and the adjacent Yoyogi Park make up a large forested area right in the heart of Tokyo. It’s easy to get lost inside this dense forest since most of the signs are in Japanese, but that is kind of the best part.

Cat café // Harajuku

There are many cat cafes around Japan. I went to the one right next to Harajuku station. You don’t have to be a cat person to fall in love with these cafes. Because what’s not to love about sipping on some coffee and being surrounded by fat cuddly cats?

Takeshita Street // Harajuku

Everything you’ve heard about Japanese teenage culture and fashion comes alive on this street. Don’t forget to step into one of their crazy photo booths.

Japan Subways

Commuting in Japan is super convenient. The cities are well connected with their subways and JR lines. Get yourself a JR pass and 2-day subway pass and your travel for the trip is sorted.

P.S. Talking on the phone on the subway is considered being rude.

Shinkansen (Bullet train)

The JR pass is the best thing Japan has done for its tourists. Get one before you head there and you can hop on a shinkansen to any part of the country. These trains are a piece of art to say the least.

Mint Bureau // Osaka

300 cherry trees with over 100 varieties of cherries. Need I say more?

Tempozan Ferris Wheel // Osaka

The Tempozan ferris wheel used to be the world’s tallest observational tower. Everything about the 17-minute ride on this beast is spectacular.

Heian Shrine // Kyoto

Once you set foot here, all it takes is around 30 seconds to fall in love with Kyoto. True story. We spent our next few days visiting all it’s beautiful shrines.

Okazaki Park // Kyoto

This place is ideal for aimlessly walking around and stumbling upon everything from traditional ryokans to cozy little coffee shops.

Kiyomizudera temple // Kyoto

Kiyomizu is one of the most celebrated temples in Japan. The excitement starts right from the road leading up to the temple, which is full of beautiful cafes and little shops.

Fushimi Inari // Kyoto

This shrine is dedicated to Inari, the Shinto God of rice. Foxes are thought to be his messengers, so you will spot thousands of foxes on your trail up to the shrine. It’s famous for it’s orange torri gates that you will see through the trail. The trail runs through a wooded forest in Mount Inari.

Higashi Chaya District // Kanazawa

It takes around 4 hours to Kanazawa from Osaka on a shinkansen, making it perfect for a day trip. Kanazawa is known for its Ninja temple, Samurai house and Chaya (Geisha tea house) districts. Higashichaya is full of traditional houses that over 200 years old.

Shibuya // Tokyo

Shibuya crossing is the main hub of Tokyo known for its bars, shopping, restaurants and much more. But what was more exciting for us was Cat Street, Shibuya’s hipster cousin. It only takes 10 minutes to get from the madness of Shibuya crossing to the calmness of Cat Street.

That’s all folks!