Today’s question is: What do you think is unmissable on a first trip to Japan?
What is the one thing you think should be on every first-time Japan traveler’s itinerary? What do you consider completely unmissable? What do you constantly recommend to others? What is a defining Japanese experience? And don’t forget to tell us why!
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9 comments
I personally don’t think there is one thing that is unmissable. Everyone visits Japan for their own reasons, and shouldn’t feel obligated to do something because “you have to do (blank), it’s Japan!”
The plane.
Coco Ichibanya (Coco Curry House)
I’m only half-joking. I’m with /u/Hadone, that reasons for visiting Japan are different for everyone so there’s not really something that’s “unmissable” for everyone.
I would suggest Hiroshima and Miyajima. It is possible to do both in a day (albeit a very long one).
Serious answer: getting your IC card.
Itinerary answer: Visiting your first historically important temple complex (be it Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-dera, Hasedera, Meiji-jingu, Senso-ji, Todai-ji, Itsukushima-jinja or something else).
Foodie answer: going to your first non-chain (or a chain that has enough quality to get co-opted for Tokyo Ramen Street or similar) and finding out, why 98% of ramen served outside Japan is comparatively either mediocre or crap. As other people said, finding that chains like Coco Ichibanya can serve safe and good quality food. Tasting all those weird, but interesting fusion food combinations.
Also somewhat of a serious answer: peak morning rush hour crowds.
Convenience store food. If you arrived in your hotel late at night and every dining spot is shut, going for some onigiri, korokke sandwich or any bento you fancy is never a bad option. Bonus are the sheer number of drinks you can have. Calpis tastes pleasantly weird for first timers, but many Westerners would find Japanese beer a bit disappointing.
Some fluffy pancakes!
Most people go to the big cities when they visit Japan, but I don’t think you’ve truly seen Japan until you’ve seen both city and countryside. Go visit Gunma or Tochigi. Even if you only go into the touristy areas in the mountains, you will not regret it. Life in the city is so fast paced and stressful, but life in the countryside is slower and a little more carefree. People are more willing to laugh with you and enjoy your company. Also find some local festivals, fairs and beer gardens. Those are the places you’ll really see Japan life.
You know… I think that depends on the person.
People who are into Japanese history are going to be checking out the castles, shrines, etc. Japanese pop culture fans will be hitting up Akihabara and visiting the nich cafes and bars. Hikers and nature enthusiasts will be exploring places like Mt. Fuji.
It all really depends. Personally I like visiting a mix of all these sorts of places. People who aren’t a big fan of guided tours such as myself will definitely visit different sites then people who enjoy them.
I will never forget the initial culture shock I had when I landed in Tokyo and got away from the airport. Everything was so different and high tech compared to the more rural towns I was used to. I was in awe for the first few days of my first stay in Japan over that alone.