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In early December of 2022 I lastly visited Japan once more after 5 years. I had been planning on going again within the yr that COVID first hit, however then the borders to Japan just about shut down for 3 years. This go to to Japan was type of bittersweet in some methods, however I used to be additionally very completely satisfied to have the ability to go to and revel in travelling and the expertise of being there once more.
Flying to Japan
I flew out of Vancouver, Canada and landed in Narita. Top-of-the-line flights to reach earlier within the day was an ANA flight that arrives sooner than 3 PM, in any other case you’re arriving later at 5 PM. It’s worthwhile to clear immigration, decide up your baggage, clear customs, then get Narita Specific or Skyliner Tickets to get into Tokyo. By the point that is all carried out will probably be after 6 PM. Then the trains will take about an hour for the Narita Specific to get into Tokyo Station and rather less for the Skyliner. You’ll then must switch or stroll to your lodge to check-in and drop your baggage. Will probably be 7:30 PM earlier than it is possible for you to to see the city. I all the time like a pleasant bowl of scorching and engaging ramen soup on my first evening.
TIP: For Canadians, do not e book flights that switch by means of the USA as it’s a trouble (extra immigration / customs / longer layover) even when it’s a little cheaper. Be sure your flights are booked for a similar airline if potential so you do not have to fret about baggage switch so watch the flight codes/numbers. They need to stick with the originating airline (particularly for code shares). I received tousled on that and needed to pickup and stroll my baggage, undergo customs, then switch to home, after which undergo safety once more (one other lineup and search) in Vancouver on the best way again because it was an ANA flight despite the fact that it might have been a code share beneath Air Canada. Haneda is my most popular airport to fly into as you do not have to pay for the costly switch to Narita (there are native trains that run there too and I’ve carried out that earlier than from the Skytree). I additionally could not discover a respectable flight for lower than $1300 Canadian so I ended up burning factors so the flight price me $0 ultimately. Flights are simply costly from Canada now.
The flights to get to Japan have been fairly uneventful. The one snag was that Air Canada cancelled my flight from Edmonton to Vancouver the evening earlier than, inducing some panic, however did robotically e book me on the subsequent out there flight which nonetheless labored out with loads of time for the switch in Vancouver to the worldwide flight.
At Narita Worldwide Airport I went by means of a temperature verify and immigration with out a snag. Their net software for COVID vaccinations (of which I had 3 pictures) and customs declarations labored flawlessly in my case making it fairly fast and painless.
It took as lengthy to get by means of a line to get my Japan Rail Move and decide up my information SIM card on the airport. Humorous factor was that I put in the information SIM correctly in my Iphone and I did not assume it was working because the mobile bars on my cellphone have been gray and never black. I suppose it’s gray if there isn’t any voice? Anyhow, I had limitless information for the subsequent 15 days and it was a lot better than making an attempt to make use of the unreliable and spotty free WIFI in any other case with Google maps, and so forth.
Total Impression of the Journey
I’ve been going to Japan (Tokyo primarily) since 2009. My impressions of the nation and experiences have modified over time as I get to know the tradition a bit higher. This journey was enjoyable, however was in all probability probably the most hectic of the journeys I had. I actually loved being in Japan to soak within the ambiance of recent Tokyo with its environment friendly subways, fashionable structure, meals, visiting konbini once more, anime tradition (together with Pokemon), and conventional tradition by means of shrines/historical past.
On this journey my foot was injured on day 1 and I had some fairly glum ideas about with the ability to benefit from the journey with a really painful foot. Happily, I carry athletic tape as a part of my first-aid equipment and I used to be in a position to patch it up in order that I did get pleasure from a strolling trip (which all holidays are except you’re spending it on the pool/seaside at a resort). I needed to go a bit simpler so I did change my itinerary (goodbye Mt. Takao, and the hilly terrain of Enoshima), however I had a extremely good time seeing another issues as a substitute. Altering inns 5 instances was no enjoyable both, nevertheless it was a sensible necessity.
Japan felt a bit completely different this time. A part of it’d was perhaps as a result of I used to be carrying a masks more often than not (masking was not obligatory, however really useful, particularly indoors). A part of it was the tough begin to the journey. A part of it was that my motivations for going to Japan had additionally modified. I used to be going there simply to expertise Japan now and focused highlights of this journey have been the brand new buildings in Shibuya, Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto, the large animated Gundam in Yokohama, the whale sharks at Osaka Aquarium, Dotonbori in Osaka, and the castles in Osaka and Himeji. This was a really profitable journey with sights seen from the highlights perspective, however I believe it was tempered by a extra sensible view of recent Japan and even the adjustments in anime tradition and business.
My unique need to go to Japan was due to anime and the superb issues about otaku tradition you could not discover wherever else on this planet on that scale (Akihabara was like Disneyland for Anime). Nonetheless, anime has modified too within the greater than twenty years I’ve been usually watching it and I discover much less actually interesting reveals for my older self now too. The otaku business round it and in Akihabara has additionally modified. I discover that the merchandise has elevated in value (anime figures price far more now with cheaper acryllic stand figures making up the distinction), the outlets carry solely what sells greatest (even the second hand outlets), and there are fewer outlets (particularly after the COVID shutdown). Reveals like the primary Love Reside and Kanda Myojin Shrine and the craze for them at the moment are over. Anime has gone isekai now, and the anime increase of the 2000s is over. There are even maid cafe tremendous chains now and anime items shops like Animate which have eaten the competitors. The world and ourselves change over time as nothing stays the identical, so it was unhappy for me to see these elements evolve on. See this put up about what modified right here in 2022.
By the best way, there’s nonetheless loads of anime I like, there’s simply much less of it now. See these articles:
My Favorite Anime of the Final 4 Years 2019 – 2022 Half 1
My Favorite Anime of the Final 4 Years 2019 – 2022 Half 2
Touring round to see the assorted sights, even visiting Akihabara, was nonetheless actually gratifying and I had enjoyable seeing the brand new issues in Kyoto, and Osaka too. I appeared to run into Pokemon Centres in all places and Pokemon references too (additionally helps should you play Pokemon Go), and I am completely satisfied to see Bandai and the Gundam franchise doing properly (The Witch From Mercury is an efficient instance and I could not discover a mannequin to purchase after I was there because it was offered out). It was a visit I had ready to make for 5 years and it was value it!
Anyhow, listed below are some temporary highlights of my journey for the subsequent 15 days. I’ll add hyperlinks to new posts as I write up every day with extra footage and commentary.
Day 1
If you arrive at Narita Terminal 1, you’re greeted by Mario and Nintendo. Then it’s off to immigration, baggage decide up and customs. As soon as previous this, you may take the practice into Tokyo. My lodge was simply three blocks from Tokyo Station so it was very conveniently positioned close to main practice traces. There wasn’t a lot of a spotlight on day 1 apart from I appreciated my lodge the REMM Kyobashi, visited a Japanese comfort retailer once more, and that I used to be lastly again in Tokyo! My harm foot even saved me from exploring Tokyo Station extra and I nursed it that evening after having an exquisite bowl of ramen at Ramen Road within the station.
Day 1 – The First Night time In Tokyo
Day 2
Took it simpler at present to keep away from stressing the foot. Taping it up with a few wraps allowed me to stroll round okay whereas utilizing the heel extra. I visited Ikebukuro to search for the Package Kat Chocolatory and explored Sunshine Metropolis Mall. There was a Pokemon Heart right here, the worlds largest Gashapon Corridor, a Bounce Retailer and some different outlets. Afterwards I took a taxi to Shinjuku to the Godzilla retailer, and noticed the large 3D Billboard “Cross Shinjuku Imaginative and prescient” there with the CG cat. A Shibuya go to was subsequent together with the brand new buildings there. That evening I head out to see Christmas Illuminations at Tokyo Midtown Hibiya and the Godzilla statues there.
Day 2 in Tokyo – Visiting Ikebukuro, Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Taking a Taxi
Day 2 in Tokyo – Night with Godzilla and Christmas Lights
Day 3
I revisited Shibuya, going to Miyashita Park very first thing within the morning. Afterwards, I explored the New Parco the place I flick through the One Piece, Shonen Bounce, Capcom, Nintendo, Pokemon Shops, and have a wonderful tempura lunch. Afterwards, I shopped on the Tokyu Fingers, Mega Don Quijote, and ascended to the Shibuya Sky Statement Deck with its nice views of the crossing and the realm.
Day 3 – Again to Shibuya for New Parco, Nintendo Retailer, Pokemon Heart, Miyashita Park
Day 3 – Views From Shibuya Sky, Buying at Tokyu Fingers and Don Quijote
Day 4
I visited Ameyoko Market within the morning and purchased sweet on the Niki no Kashi Sweet Retailer. I then visited Yamashiroya Toys and had lunch at Ichiran Ramen at Ueno Station. A go to to Asakusa adopted to see Sensoji Shrine which was filled with vacationers (just one month after Japan reopens)! Within the night I visited Tokyo Midtown to see the Christmas Illuminations and lightshow (sponsored by Netflix), then head to the Pokemon Cafe. The cafe is mostly a one time expertise, and extremely geared in the direction of children in my view.
Day 5
I headed to Yokohama and keep within the Minato Mirai space by the bay on the APA Yokohama Bay Tower and have a wonderful view out my window on the twenty sixth ground. I visited the large shifting robotic Gundam at Gundam Manufacturing unit and geek out for 2 and a half hours. That evening I rode the Yokohama Air Cabin tram over a part of the bay and head to the Landmark Tower to see the Harry Potter Christmas bushes and the lights within the space. I used the gondola a number of instances and fairly loved it for the views and comfort in getting round.
Day 6
This was a extra stress-free day spent on the Nissin Cup Noodle museum and a relaxation and recuperation day. The night is spent consuming and buying within the malls across the Landmark Tower. That is truly a very nice space to remain in. I additionally go to the World Porters Mall and the Bandai Namco Cross Retailer there. That evening I go to the Yokohama Cross Night time Xmas Illumination at Shinko Chuo Sq..
Day 6 – Yokohama , Nissin Cup Noodle Museum, World Porters Mall, Landmark Tower Buying Space
Day 7
I headed to Kyoto by bullet practice and activated my Japan Rail Move. I simply arrived on the Citadines Kyoto Karasuma-Gojo Lodge which was solely a single practice station away from Kyoto Station. I headed over to Kiyo Mizu Dera Temple to see fall foliage and came upon that there at the moment are enormous crowds of individuals right here with vacationers each international and Japanese on weekend journeys. I stroll over to Yasaka Shrine afterwards. That night I see the evening illuminations at Kodai-ji Temple. It appears most of the temples have evening illuminations to permit a brand new perspective on their gardens and lift more money.
Day 7 – Kyoto Half 1, Kiyomizudera and Yasaka Shrine
Day 7 – Kyoto Half 2, Kodaiji Temple Night time Illuminations and Yasaka Shrine at Night time
Day 8
I headed to Fushimi Inari Shrine and hiked all the best way to the highest of the mountain lastly, regardless of having a barely injured foot. I received misplaced on the best way down and noticed some cool stuff as I wander down one other path that does not take me proper again to the principle shrine complicated. Afterwards I headed to Gion and go to Kennin-ji Temple and the well-known twin dragon portray on the ceiling there. That evening I spent a while at Kyoto Station, loved a tonkatsu dinner there, and shopped at Yodobashi Digital camera.
Day 8 – Travelogue – Kyoto Half 1 – To Fushimi Inari Shrine and The Mountain Summit
Day 8 – Travelogue – Kyoto Half 2 – Kennin Ji Temple and Night at Kyoto Station
Day 9
I headed over to the town of Nara to see the deer and one of many largest buddhas in Japan at Todai-ji temple with its huge gates. Then there was a stroll to Kasuga Taisha Shrine with its paths lined with stone lanterns. Lastly I visited Kofuku-ji Temple and its 5 story pagoda. The museum right here has some fabulous sculpture and artwork (some are nationwide treasures) in a contemporary setting. There have been many spectacular pagodas and temple buildings right here. Again in Kyoto I had a late lunch of conveyor belt sushi on the station and have a simple night simply stress-free and a pleasant gyudon dinner at a Yoshinoya close to my lodge.
Day 10
Off to Osaka by a daily commuter practice somewhat than a bullet practice. It might truly take me simply as lengthy by shinkansen as I must switch to the subway afterwards than an area practice that takes me very near my lodge with a less complicated switch! After arriving on the Sotetsu Fresa Inn Osaka Shinsaibashi lodge I headed off to Osaka Citadel. That is my first Japanese fort, because the imperial palace in Tokyo has fortress partitions, however no fort because it burned down within the nineteenth century. The Osaka Historical past Museum has spectacular views of the Osaka Citadel from up excessive and the fort could be very spectacular too, even when it’s a fashionable reconstruction. That evening I go to Dotonbori for the road meals and energetic signage and crowds.
Day 10 – Osaka – Seeing Osaka Citadel, Pokemon Heart, and Dotonbori
Day 11
I headed out to Himeji Citadel by bullet practice and had a beautiful time there exploring the fort and chateau grounds. A UNESCO World Heritage website, that is probably the most lovely unique fort in Japan. The following door Koko-en gardens have been very fairly too. The buses listed below are laborious to determine for some motive so I simply requested the drivers if they’re heading to Himeji Station to return. Again in Osaka I go to the Umeda Sky Constructing for the structure and panoramic views of the town.
Day 11 – Seeing Himeji Citadel, the Most Stunning One in Japan, and the Umeda Sky Constructing
Day 12
I go to Namba Yasaka Jinja Shrine with its Lion Stage, then head off to Osaka Aquarium to see the whale sharks. The aquarium here’s a worthwhile go to and the large shark tank is fabulous! I head again to see Tenjinbashisuji buying space with the Tsutenkaku tower to take some iconic footage. After this I go to Den Den City – Osaka’s Akihabara after which again to pattern Dotonbori once more.
Day 12 – Osaka Aquarium (Whale Sharks!), Den Den City, Shinsekai, and MOS Burger
Day 13
I received an ekiben and took the shinkansen all the best way again to Tokyo and stayed once more on the REMM Kyobashi Lodge close to Tokyo Station. I headed to Akihabara because the outlets opened for the day. I visited the Tamashi Nations retailer, AmiAmi, Players, Animate, Kotobukiya, Liberty 7, and Mandarake. I had an uncommon conveyor belt sushi expertise (no meals on the conveyor, and I might have had a lunch with out assembly a single employees as every little thing was automated from sit all the way down to paying for the meal), and visited Shinjuku at evening to take footage.
Day 13 – Travelogue – Again to Tokyo – Akihabara – Shinjuku at Night time
Day 14
This morning was a Sunday, so was is ideal to wander by means of the principally empty underground passages between Tokyo Station and Ginza Station. I’ve all the time needed to stroll this and had a good time exploring. In Ginza I did a little bit of buying, had a pleasant espresso and pastry at Starbucks within the Ginza Six mall. I all the time find yourself shopping for books on the Tsutaya Bookstore right here! I shopped on the UNIQLO flagship, go to MUJI, and actually loved visiting the Ginza Goldfish Artwork Aquarium with the colorful and creative shows. That night I go to the Tokyo Skytree, the Solamachi Mall, and see extra Christmas Illuminations. The Ghibli Retailer and Pokemon Retailer listed below are additionally enjoyable. There’s a very nice grocery store throughout the road on the east finish of the mall referred to as the Life Grocery store (basement degree and fundamental ground degree).
Day 14 – Underground to Ginza, Buying, Ginza GoldFish Aquarium, and Tokyo Skytree
Tokyo’s Underground Labyrinth 2 – Strolling From Tokyo Station to Ginza
Day 15
My flight out was at 5 PM. I spent the morning strolling across the east fringe of the imperial palace grounds, then by means of Ueno Park and had a pleasant lunch at Tokyo Station. At present was a Monday and foolish me, I did not notice that the majority the museums shut on Monday right here and that even the gardens on the imperial palace comply with the identical closing rule. Afterwards I arrived on the airport round 2 PM to keep away from any hassle with my flight out.
Day 15 – Travelogue – Museums Shut Monday – Ueno Park – Narita – Flight House
Wrap Up
Returning to Canada went with out a lot problem. The one challenge I had was with my switch in Vancouver. I assumed I used to be on a daily code share, however I wasn’t with Air Canada / ANA. My ANA flights have been labelled ANA, not AC. Going to Japan had my baggage undergo seamlessly to Tokyo, however on return, I needed to decide up my baggage, exit by means of customs, and undergo safety once more to drop my bag off for a home switch. Passengers that have been on a AC to AC flight quantity had their baggage go right through to Edmonton. It is one thing I will look out for subsequent time. It was a pleasant huge trouble for no actual motive apart from administrative agreements or contracts. Similar folks on the identical planes, with completely different flight numbers. Additionally, the flights out at 5 PM type of sucked for Narita, because it does chew up an additional afternoon you would have had in Tokyo. The final time I used to be in Japan I arrived by way of Haneda, and left on a 6 PM flight. That meant I might cling round in Tokyo till 3 PM, catch a monorail to Haneda (half-hour), after which check-in a lot later. Haneda additionally has extra attention-grabbing issues to see/do on the airport earlier than safety than Narita.
It was an gratifying journey total, however I used to be fairly drained after I returned as a consequence of all the journey and schedule.
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