10 THINGS TO DO IN JAPAN ON YOUR FIRST TRIP

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Japan is one of those destinations that we all dream of meeting sooner or later. But do you really know what this country so distant and with such a different culture offers you? Today's post is dedicated to all those travelers who still have some doubt to visit the Land of the Rising Sun, decide once! We will tell you the 10 things to do in Japan (on your first trip).

Religion and tradition in a country as advanced as Japan are still very important aspects of society. That makes temples, mostly Shinto and Buddhist, part of the daily lives of their people. Possibly in Kyoto (part I, part II), as historical capital, wherever some of the best temples in the country are concentrated, but it is not the only place: Tokyo, Nikko, Nara or Miyajima have equally impressive sanctuaries.

These, in our opinion, are the best temples in Japan:

Kinkakuji (Kyoto), the Temple of Gold, a 3-floor pavilion entirely covered in gold paper. The contrast with the surrounding nature is brutal.
Kyomizu-dera (Kyoto), its wooden structure is majestic, and the views of Kyoto from its no less impressive position. You will see three sources that say they bring different benefits to the one who drinks their water: health, professional success and love. Which one do you need more?
Fushimi Inari-taisha (Kyoto), if you have seen "Memory of a Geisha" you will easily recognize it by its almost endless row of toris (red arches) that meander along the slope of this sacred mountain. It is one of the most beautiful sanctuaries in the world, do not forget to visit it.
Senso-ji (Tokyo), is our favorite temple in Tokyo, located in the heart of the old Asakusa neighborhood. During the day it is full of life thanks to the craft market in front of its entrance, but at night there is absolute calm, it is best to visit it at both times. Don't miss the 5-story pagoda, one of the highest in Japan.
Tosho-gu Shrine (Nikko), surrounded by nature, this shrine is dedicated nothing more and nothing less than Tokugawa Ieyasu, the shogun bigger than Japan had.
Todai-ji (Nara), has a peculiarity in the form of a record: it is the largest wooden structure in the world (and that after suffering a fire, is smaller than the original). Unmissable his statue of the Giant Buddha.
Itsukushima Shinto (Miyajima), surely you have seen his image on more than one occasion: that of a large red tori that, when the tide rises, is covered by the sea.

When we started planning our two-month trip through Japan we had never heard of KoyaSan. Luckily (and some chance) we come across this mystical name that represents, nothing more and nothing less, than one of the most sacred cities in all of Japan. The recommendation here is to spend a night in a Buddhist monastery (shukubo), sharing the day-to-day life of the monks, attending their morning prayer, tasting their food, taking a bath in their seat and knowing more about their traditions.

→ More info: Staying in a Buddhist monastery in Japan: The Shukubos

In addition, KoyaSan offers several important sanctuaries, but above all you have to shop around the Okunoin, a super peculiar cemetery where more than 200,000 souls rest. The site belongs to those who impress and at the same time give peace and tranquility. At the end of the trail of about 2 km you reach the tomb of Kobo Daishi, the monk who founded KoyaSan and the "Shingon Buddhism."

→ More info: Koyasan: in the footsteps of the shingon

What to say about Japanese cuisine? You will know that it is one of the healthiest, most complete and tasty in the world. If, like us, you enjoy local cuisine, in Japan you will have found a small paradise. So on your first trip to the country of the rising sun take the opportunity to try many different dishes.

→ More info: What to eat in Japan, gastronomic guide

But if you want to live an even more authentic experience, why not know the Japanese cuisine from the inside? There are websites where you can sign up for a lunch or dinner at the home of Japanese hosts (from ¥ 3,000, about € 22), or participate in cooking classes at the host's own house (from ¥ 6,000, about € 45). We assure you that you will experience a memorable evening since, not only will you learn more about authentic Japanese cuisine, but you will also take friends with you. In addition, the price is very good considering that, if you go out to dinner several covers in a medium restaurant, you will spend the same or more 🙂

We had the possibility of making a cooking course in Kyoto, here we tell you more.

When we bought the tickets for Japan we were in New Zealand and I remember that, in the dead times that we had traveling by van, we were soaked with books and podcasts about samurai, castles and shogunes. A few months later we came face to face with Himeji Castle and we felt like the protagonists of those remote stories. And when we toured inside we could relive the plots that occurred here during the Middle Ages (of course, the mobiles that are never missing in each Japanese scene soon brought us back to reality).

Another castle that is very worth a visit is that of Osaka, a city that we found very pleasant, contrary to what we had read, we would not have cared to stay more days.

One of the best things about Japan is its timeless character: you can move from the Middle Ages of the Himeji and Osaka castles to Tokyo, the most futuristic city in the world. Yes, in Japan there are time travel.

If you want to feel like a little ant among the skyscrapers, get dizzy surrounded by neon lights and enjoy like a dwarf between comic and cosplay shops, there are two neighborhoods that you cannot miss: Shinjuku Y Akihabara. I didn't miss you bumping into robot restaurants or with girls with pink eyes and green hair. Everything is possible in Tokyo!

And what about your trains? Getting on a bullet train is an experience, just don't forget to buy your JR Pass in advance. You can do it here (shipping included).

There are two key moments to do it: the era of Hanami (approximately in April), when the cherry blossoms (sakura) and the Japanese bloom in mass to picnics and take thousands of photos. And on the other hand the Momiji (autumn) in which the colors change completely. The Hanami is such an important event that there are even websites that monitor, in real time, the state of flowering of the trees (with predictions and everything).

But, in addition to this, there are a few natural stops that will take away your hiccups, how you can't forget is Mount Fuji ... being in front of the most important mountain in Japan, with its mythical silhouette, is synonymous with goosebumps. Few places in the world are surrounded by as much energy as this.

We were expecting a gray and sad city but it welcomed us full of flowers and pleasant corners. We knew how to move like few cities and, although they are difficult visits, we must add value and approach the Peace Memorial Museum, to learn more about one of the greatest tragedies of the modern world.

→ More info: It already blooms in Hiroshima

Ideally, visit one of the most interesting regions in Japan: Hokkaido. But we are aware that, on a first trip, it is better to focus on the area that goes from Tokyo to Hiroshima. So? Do we forget rural Japan? For na-da, there are options for everything!

We visit Takayama, in the so-called "Japanese Alps" and one day we approach the small village of Shirakawa-go, a rural village of very peculiar traditional houses, in a valley with a very cool environment. We met him with the last snow of the year and it was a pass. It is a well-known destination, so you will not be alone, but the visit is worth it.

"Kawaii," in Japanese, means "cute," "pretty," "cute." You will see that it will not take you long to be friends with this term because (almost) everything is kawaii in Japan ... from the food and drink dishes (don't be surprised that your glass has a kitten's face), to the poses of the Japanese photos (it is almost impossible to see someone with a normal face in a photo, they always make gestures and kawaii postures). You can feel like a geisha and stroll through Tokyo or Kyoto by renting traditional kimonos. Or wear a handsome costume and give it your all in a karaoke. And then there are the purikura, the funniest photo booths in the world, where you will feel like an anime character… I refer to the photos:

Knowing a country like Japan on a first trip is simply impossible. There is no way to be able to cover such a rich millenary culture, landscapes so full of contrasts, such a different society, in a few days. But one thing is clear: it is very easy to fall in love with Japan (I would say that the crush is assured), so you know ... if you are going, you will come back.

Did you like this post? Only are 10 things to do in Japan, but you have already understood that this country offers a lot more. What else do you think is essential in the first place a trip to Japan?