soba noodles in Japan // photo by aaron
Our trip to Japan is in less than 2 weeks…
It’s hard to believe. Aaron and I are both somewhat drowning in work at the moment, so our Japan adventures still seem far off.
Sometimes I feel as though I’d like to sleep for a week when work finally lightens up. But as I look through our itinerary, my excitement grows– not least because my husband volunteered there in 2011.
Japan is a destination with so many layers, and it feels impossible to ever see it all. But that doesn’t mean we won’t try.
The cliche of every cross-cultural adventure is that we will experience cultures unlike our own. And while I hate cliches, the fascinating thing about Japanese culture is that it is just as modernized as the West, but all too differently.
This means there will be more than a few moments where our foreign-ness is painfully apparent. The familiarity of advanced technology and first-world accoutrements will be juxtaposed with dramatically different social standards. Knowing me, I will probably put my foot in my mouth, periodically, throughout the trip.
In addition to expecting occasional embarrassment, I also expect to be amazed. There is something about the quiet, consistent and perfectionist nature of Japanese culture that I hope to learn from.
We come from a culture that is always talking, and I’ve already observed that we need a little more silence around here. But am I ready for the kind of silence in Japanese temples, gardens and even restaurants?
“Just assume that you’re being too loud– all the time.” That’s the advice I got from some website I no longer remember. When you’re in Japan, remember that your very presence is already too noisy. Duly noted.
hoshinoya kyoto // conde nast
10 Highlights On Our Japan Itinerary
1) Tokyo, Old and New
To be honest, I’m a bit nervous about Tokyo. It’s a bustling city that is unbelievably organized, but that does not mean it will be easy to find anything. We’ll visit the stately Imperial Palace as well as the funky Harajuku District– a combination that seems more like a paradox than anything else. Wish me luck.
2) Tsukiji Fish Market
This open market is so famous that it should be a tourist trap, except for the fact that almost every sushi chef in Tokyo still frequents it. Renowned for its daily tuna auction and the myriad seafood and produce selections, Tsukiji is a legend in the culinary world. Hopefully I won’t get in anyone’s way as I wander through.
nigiri and maki // aaron
3) Sushi-Making Lesson
Theoretically, some kindly chef has agreed to teach us how to make traditional Japanese sushi. I hear that it’s really all about the rice, and if you’ve seen Jiro Dreams of Sushi, you know how many years of training that takes to perfect. We’ll also be devouring professionally-made sushi, since whatever we create will likely be an unappetizing glob.
4) Takayama, the Japanese Countryside
Straw-roofed, tranquil, and most importantly, tourist-free. Except for us, of course. Takayama is a region that is off-the-beaten-path for most. But, we’ll be tasting sake, learning how to make Japanese paper, and wandering through an old traditional residence.
5) Kenrokuen Garden
Arguably (very much so) the most beautiful garden in Japan, Kenrokuen is on the list. And I will be torn between taking that time to pray and meditate, and actually photographing the place like a crazy person.
hakone ryokan // remotelands.com
6) Ryokans
Ryokans are traditional Japanese inns. What does this mean? Traditional robes, slippers, and sleeping on the floor in some of the most gorgeous locations. Ryokans can range from budget-friendly to ultra-luxurious, but they agree on one thing: relaxation done right. And the Japanese do relaxation not with down pillows and breakfast in bed; they do it with hot baths, minimalist decor and seasonal dining.
7) Kaiseki, seasonal cuisine
Ryokans feed you traditional Japanese cuisine that changes with the seasons. The culinary scene is full of inventive ideas on how to best use the freshest, ripest harvest. Combine these simple, rich flavors in a series of dishes and… absolute bliss.
8) Traditional Kyoto
Other than gorging myself, my one other requirement for this entire trip was to wander through the Kyoto bamboo groves in Arashiyama. I don’t know what it is about bamboo– perhaps the fact that we had some wild bamboo plants at my home growing up– but it makes me feel calm and at peace.
bamboo grove kyoto // reddit
9) Hakone and Mount Fuji
It seems unfair that Japan basically has everything, right? All of the above eight points and an active volcano! We will be staying in scenic Hakone to soak in its hot-spring baths, and then trekking our way up (on wheels and on foot) Mount Fuji.
10) Tempura, Ramen, Mochi, Matcha, Soba, Tofu and more…
Did I mention I love Japanese food? My Japanese cooking skills can hardly keep up, so I hope Japan is ready for my appetite. But really, how can one culture have invented such unique and widespread food traditions? As Anthony Bourdain once said, “This is a great country. Every chef I know wants to die here.”
craft tokyo ramen // ivan orkin, our hero
Nice pictures was looking so nice, and these food was so good. I like it very much for that reason i am very glad to see these. But what is this food, i don’t know about it.
Hey Sarah, our trip was 2 weeks. You can definitely do 3-4 locations in that time, but you’ll only get a few days in each. 🙂
how long was your trip? we are going mid-may for two weeks. headed to tokyo, kyoto + naoshima. REALLY wanted to try to fit in takayama, bit i can’t figure out how to do it without feeling rushed since it’s a bit out of the way.
Thans Ellie! Definitely go to Kyoto. 🙂
Oooo this looks fun! I’m off to Japan later this year but can only go for a long weekend – and it’s so hard to pick the highlights!
http://www.flashandfrugal.com
Japan has been on my travel bucket list since I was 10 years old! I developed a love for the culture after watching and growing up on Anime, my love for traditional Japanese arts came from that as well! How exciting you get to go! This is the first time I’ve visited your blog but I will most definitely be swinging by again soon! 🙂 -Rebecca @ Livewellthrivemore.com
Ahhh thanks girl! Will definitely be instagramming 😉
Hahah I’m excited! I am a bit intimidated by the crowds and the fact that I don’t speak Japanese– good thing it’s a pretty safe country! 🙂
That is such a good tip, thank you so much! I’ll definitely be bringing cute socks 😉 I’m so excited!!
I am literally counting down the days to see your photos and trip from Japan. It sounds absolutely amazing and I hope to travel there one day!!
Xo, Tiffany | http://www.sunshinedaydreamphotography.com
Oh my goodness, Japan sounds awesome, apart from the crowds… I’m still a bit hesitant about being in crowds, especially when I don’t understand the language, a sushi making class sounds like SO much fun, I love sushi, but would never brave it to make it myself. You’ve made me want to visit Japan now haha.
I absolutely LOOOOVED Japan so much. One thing I learned while there is that navigating can be quite difficult if you’re not familiar with the language (both orally and reading). I didn’t have a data plan there but I frequented Starbucks and 7-Eleven for their free Wi-Fi so I can access my maps to get around. It can be tiring since I’ve made circles around the same area (plus I lost all sense of direction). That said, flats or comfortable shoes are must! Don’t forget to have cute socks on just in case you have to take your shoes off! I didn’t enter a place where I had to take my shoes off but it’s good to know in case the opportunity comes up. Also, everywhere I went had delicious food. I probably only had one bad meal but for the most part, everything was delicious! Enjoy your time there!!
Katherine Lou
http://www.wanderhour.com
Yes! I think I’ve just decided that I’m going to act foolishly and ask for forgiveness– hah!
Thank you so much Rachel!! I hope you’re doing well, dear friend!
Thanks Brittany!! Yes, in 24 hours work will be much slower than it has been… and I can’t wait. I’ll be a shutterbug for sure!
Will do!! Haha thanks Emily!
Ahhh thanks girl! I’m bringing the biggest appetite!
Hahaha yes, they are definitely a quiet culture. I will try to take lots of sushi photos! I know that some restaurants actually prohibit photography, but this should be fine. And if I glean any wisdom I’ll definitely share!
Thank you Amanda!! x
Thank you Jenna! I’ll definitely be sharing photos and tips– let me know if at any point you have questions too!
Thanks Nabihah! I really appreciate that! 🙂
Ah thanks so much Renee!!
Ah I’m excited but definitely intimidated by that too. I don’t know a lot of Japanese… I’m just expecting to bow a lot and say sorry.
Thank you Carly! I’m so excited!! x
Japan sounds like a wonderful place to visit but their culture is so different from mine I don’t know how I would cope but I would like to try and find out one day.
This is so exciting; I hope you have an amazing time! This list sounds wonderful. I really hope to be able to visit someday.
This all sounds so exciting!! I can’t believe your trip is just two weeks away. I hope work slows down enough for your to wrap your head around it and enjoy the anticipation. 🙂 Those ryokans sound absolutely wonderful. I can’t wait to see more pictures when you get back!
Japan will be amazing! Eat all the food, take all the photos, and tiptoe around quietly! ha!
So jealous of your itinerary! You’re going to be eating so much good food!!!
HM, not so sure I’d do well at the silence part. (; I love talking almost too much, but I can understand how amazing silence in a beautiful Japanese garden would feel. Sushi making lessons?! Please take tons of photos and perhaps even a DIY post once you get back to the states! I want to make my own sushi at home so bad because no one will ever go with me. haha
http://www.accordingtokiki.net
Your itinerary is brilliant! You’re going to have the best time! x
I am so excited for you!! The top place we want to travel to before kids is Japan. My fiancé has always loved Japanese culture. I’ve developed a love for it because of him! He especially wants to visit Kyoto, so I am excited to hear what you think about it! And be sure to take lots of pictures of the foods you try!
This is so exciting, those pictures are gorgeous! I always feel anticipation for a trip is one of the best feelings in the world! I’m sure your sushi won’t be an unappetizing glob haha. Enjoy your travels and stay safe!
Nabihah | thesundaywardrobe.blogspot.com
Aahh sounds SO exciting!! I’m excited for you! Can’t wait to read all about it 🙂
Renee | Lose The Road
You guys are going to have a blast! I’ve never traveled anywhere where I couldn’t bet on being able to communicate in some shared language, so I would be a mite intimidated when going to Japan, but your trip sounds like it will be quite the adventure.
Yes, yes, yes to all these on your list!!! Your trip is so close now and I just know you will have such a fabulous time! 3 months later and I’m still dreaming about it! x