April 11th, 2024Turning Japanese
Japan must be one of the most popular destinations for Australians, if the newspaper and magazine advertising is anything to go by. And for good reason.
It’s affordable, the people are lovely and there are myriad different spots to head to whether you love the hustle of the big cities like Tokyo and Osaka, the culture of Kyoto, the temples everywhere or the most remote areas like Shikoku or Hokkaido.
You can stick to the main tourist thoroughfares or head to places off the beaten track where the locals will be happy to say hello or practice their English.
It’s just important to remember the temples are real places of worship, not just tourist attractions, and no one likes a loud tourist.
Cherry blossom season is happening now and while people do flock to take photos of the flowers, it’s also an important time of the year for new employees to start work and students to head back to school. A time of renewal.
If you do find yourself in Japan during cherry blossom or ohanami – which translates as watching the flowers – find a local vendor for a tatami mat, grab a spot to sit and also pick up some food and drink.
There’s plenty of bento boxes or food on sticks to choose from, and there’s sake and beer everywhere on offer. If you don’t drink, the Japanese respect that too – they are a healthy bunch.
And if you want to try and few different foods, head to the department stores under most train stations. They often have food samples and are only to happy to give the foreigners a chance to try something different
At the moment, the yen is pretty much 100 to the Australian dollar, so really easy to work out as you shop.
Oh, accommodation. There are plenty of hotels you book online or perhaps try a couple of nights at a old style inn. You might find yourself on a futon on the floor, and with an Asian style squat toilet, but it’s all part of the experience – and you will definitely find old fashioned hospitality.
Transport is pretty easy. The trains run on time and the shinkansens are fantastic for their speed and convenience. Not to mention the lovely wait staff wandering along their aisles offering food and drink.
If you do step off at a station to grab a bento box make sure you watch the clock, the bullet trains wait for no one.
O tanoshimi kudasai! Please enjoy!
Words & images: Donna Kelly
