Introduction:
This post is about my recent adventures in the ‘land of rising sun’! Japan, an intoxicating adventure-filled land of manga, anime, robo cafes, and geisha, is a place that beckons explorers with its unparalleled diversity. It's a country that effortlessly blends the modern and the traditional, a tapestry of urban vibrancy and serene natural beauty. While many visitors flock to Japan during the renowned cherry blossom season, my partner and I chose to embark on our journey in September, enticed by more budget-friendly flight options. Little did we know that this decision would align our adventure with the Fuji climbing season, which culminates on September 12th.
Pre-Trip Preparations:
Before jetting off to Japan, we took some time to immerse ourselves in the country's rich culture. This included reading the book "A Geek in Japan," watching classic Japanese films like "Bullet Train" and "Memoirs of a Geisha," and delving into the world of anime with "Naruto."
For our trip, we also did some shopping to ensure that our attire was culturally appropriate. It's worth noting that monochrome dresses are more in line with Japanese fashion than colorful ones. Additionally, we decided to purchase some ready-to-eat food items as we had heard that vegetarian options might not be readily available in Japan, a piece of advice that would prove very accurate.
The Journey Begins:
Our adventure kicked off in Bangalore, where we had booked a flight with Cathay Pacific. However, our journey encountered an unexpected obstacle when a typhoon led to the cancellation of all flights from Hong Kong during our layover. Disheartened, we booked a cab back, but serendipity smiled upon us. An airline representative informed us that two seats were available on Japan Airlines, one of the top airlines in the world. Ecstatic, we seized the opportunity and enjoyed a direct flight to our dream destination.
Touching Down in Japan:
Upon landing at Narita Airport, our initial excitement quickly turned into a realization that relying solely on our forex cards was not the best strategy. Japan's economy is still heavily cash-dependent. Fortunately, a thoughtful friend had provided us with Icoca and Suica cards, which we promptly recharged. We booked a Narita Express train from the airport to Shinjuku station, and as we emerged from the station, we were struck by the lively, well-lit streets even at a late hour. The advanced infrastructure and interactive billboards lining the roads created a sense of wonder. We were even treated to impromptu street performances by dancers and singers, though our nearly-depleted battery meant we couldn't capture the magical moment.
We finally checked into our Airbnb, where we discovered that the room was remarkably small and tap water was suitable for drinking. Fatigued from our journey, we quickly succumbed to sleep.
Day 1: Exploring Tokyo's Icons: Our first full day in Japan was action-packed. We began with a visit to Tokyo Tower, followed by the vibrant Shibuya district, and later, the electronic wonderland of Akihabara. The Shibuya Scramble Crossing, a world-famous spectacle, left us in awe. We also paid our respects at the Meiji Shrine. In Akihabara, we had a pleasant surprise - we found the first place serving vegan ramen, a rare find in Japan. However, our experience at a maid cafe was underwhelming.
Pic inside Tokyo Tower
Day 2: Asakusa and Odaiba Delights: Our second day took us to Asakusa and the Sumida River, where we had to battle the scorching heat. We decided to skip renting kimonos, promising to do so later in Kyoto. Asakusa Temple, known for its fortune-telling practices, allowed us to ward off bad luck by tying chits to rods. Our visit to Odaiba, with its futuristic Gothic cityscape and the Yurikamome automated driverless train, was a unique experience. We also had the pleasure of indulging in excellent vegan ramen at Uzu Tokyo. Unfortunately, TeamLab, a highly-rated attraction, was fully booked, but we secured tickets for the next day. Running low on cash, we took a cab to Minato City to meet some ex-colleagues, who introduced us to vegetarian pizza at Pizza Strada.
Day 3: Robots and TeamLab: Our third day began with a visit to a robot cafe, where we were served by robots, later learning that these baristas were disabled individuals working remotely. It was a unique experience to interact with them, especially for those patrons enjoying their coffee alone. We strolled near Tokyo Station, noticing the dedicated work ethic of the Japanese people. After a meal at T's Tan Tan, we visited TeamLab, which, despite its high ratings, left us underwhelmed. We were eagerly anticipating vegan ramen, but to our disappointment, it was sold out. Our dinner came from Shake Shack.
Pic in robo cafe
Day 4: The Fuji Adventure Begins: On the fourth day, we checked out and embarked on our journey to Mount Fuji. We took the first shinkansen (bullet train) and enjoyed a delicious ramen meal at Afuri. Arriving at Kawaguchiko, we realized that we didn't have enough time to reach our booked Airbnb because the last bus to the 5th station was departing soon. We had the option to leave our luggage in coin lockers, but even that took more time than we had to spare. With a leap of faith, we boarded the bus to the 5th station, not knowing if we'd make it to Mount Fuji. Thankfully, we reached the stunning 5th station and managed to find coin lockers. With a quick change into our hiking clothes, we embarked on our ascent. The grueling journey began, but we were already feeling drained and ill-equipped for the adventure, with limited supplies and no hiking poles. We only had one small bottle of water and two protein bars to sustain us for the night.
We commenced our climb, noting that there was no entrance fee, just a choice-based donation of 1000 yen. Along the way, we encountered a group of diverse individuals from different countries who were remarkably helpful. After taking a wrong path and facing a challenging climb, we reached the 6th station. Thirsty and exhausted, we realized that the water stall was only for those descending the mountain. Luckily, our newfound friends shared some water with us.
Sunrise on Mt Fuji 9th station
The arduous journey continued to the 7th station, where water was available for 550 yen. However, the lack of oxygen at this altitude took its toll, and two members of our group had to descend due to breathing issues. After a short rest, we pressed on to the 8th station, where the rain began to pour. We attempted to sleep beneath our umbrella, but the absence of raincoats and the chilly mountain air eventually led us to make the difficult decision to abandon our climb.
Day 5: Descending Fuji and Moving On: On the fifth day, we began our descent from Mount Fuji, though we were advised that the path would be different from the one we took up. The journey was grueling, and we took a quick nap near the locker room before heading back to Kawaguchiko. Dragging our suitcases to our Airbnb, we enjoyed a hot shower and a hearty meal. Soon after, we set out for Kyoto and arrived late in the evening. Our accommodations in Kyoto pleasantly surprised us with a charming tearoom. After a quick dinner, we retired for the night.
Day 6: Kyoto's Cultural Wonders: Our exploration of Kyoto commenced with a visit to the iconic Inari Shrine and its mesmerizing red torii gates. Though we had two near-misses with Buddhist temple meals, we also had the opportunity to stay in a ryokan and experience a Zen garden, which, regrettably, left us underwhelmed. Vegan ramen at Uzu Kyoto was fully booked, but we were saved by an Indian meal and an exceptionally hospitable Indian waiter.
Inari Shrine- Red Torri Gates
Day 7: Gion District and Starbucks in Style: With much left to explore, we set out on the seventh day, though we struggled to wake up early. Our day included visits to the bamboo groves, a rickshaw ride, a stroll through the Gion district with the hope of spotting a geisha, and a visit to Yasaka Shrine. We capped it off with a unique experience at a Starbucks designed in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony style
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Day 8: Universal Studios Twilight Pass: Our eighth day was devoted to a thrilling visit to Universal Studios, where we enjoyed a twilight pass, making it a day filled with excitement and adventure.
In the souvenir shop of Universal studios
Day 9: Nara's Bowing Deers and Onsen Bath: Our ninth day led us to Nara, known for its charming bowing deer population. Unfortunately, we missed out on experiencing a kimono or tea ceremony, but we did enjoy a relaxing onsen bath, allowing us to unwind and rejuvenate.
Bowing deers of Nara
Day 10: Return to Tokyo and Shopping: On our tenth day, we checked out of our Kyoto accommodations and took the shinkansen back to Tokyo. We found a new hotel in the Minato area and took some time to indulge in shopping, particularly for Onitsuka Tiger shoes and sheishodo items.
Onitsuka Tiger, Ginza showroom
Day 11: Homeward Bound: As our adventure neared its end, we embarked on our journey back home, with a layover in Hong Kong. While in the air, we watched the classic movie "Mario Brothers" and marveled at a stunning volcano visible from our aerial vantage point.
Spotted a volcano from our flight
Conclusion: My trip to Japan was an unforgettable odyssey, filled with diverse experiences, unexpected challenges, and unique encounters. From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the serene beauty of Mount Fuji and the cultural richness of Kyoto, Japan revealed itself as a country of immense depth and character. It's a land where tradition and innovation coexist, making it a destination that promises a new adventure at every turn. My journey through the "Land of the Rising Sun" will forever remain etched in my memory, a testament to the beauty and complexity of this remarkable nation.