Country reveal! Number #3: Japan

Hello again, it’s Monday so time for another update for mrlukeniktravels. Since last time I have crossed the Pacific Ocean and I am writing this from Kyoto, Japan. Canada and the city of Vancouver seem such a long time, and distance, away now! This is especially the case as a Category 2 (out of 5) typhoon is due to make landfall here tonight. Most local attractions and businesses are closing for the night around the time I write this in preparation for the storm. Still, here is an update on events since last week’s blog.

Last Tuesday I flew out of Vancouver International in the sunshine, typical luck, to Tokyo Narita. Arriving at 18:30 Wednesday after a 10 hour flight it was a surprise to see that it was already dark in Japan. The weather was also grim. It was, however, a relief to get off the plane and move through Tokyo to my hostel. Upon arrival I had been awake around 22 hours so bed called rather rapidly!

Day one of Tokyo proper was a chance to explore a bit of the city. Due to the immense size of Tokyo, I only managed to scratch the surface. I visited the Imperial Palace, Shibuya crossing and a number of temples and shrines. Due to it’s rank of capital only being conferred in 1886, Tokyo (formerly Edo) is a relatively modern city. The previous capital Kyoto, where I am now, has much more historic presence. That said, Tokyo is still a fabulous city to visit. A ride on the metro is a must, even if it is incredibly packed and not a little confusing! However, in Tokyo rail station it is comparatively quiet considering the number of people in the building at any one time. The culture here is not to make any unnecessary noise in public spaces due to the high density of people in the city and Japan as a whole. When people do make a loud noise, even after such a short time, it comes as quite a shock.

This being my first time to Japan, it was really head-first into the culture around me! It is not as difficult as it might appear to adapt. It seems at that as long as you are generally polite and respectful, people will help out if someone looks confused. These two qualities are necessary wherever in the world someone travels. A valuable resource for me in preparing for Japanese etiquette and culture has been watching Youtube videos. Made either by Japanese citizens or foreigners living in country, these have been a great way to learn some basics. One of the best is no tipping- sorry Canada! Nobody is perfect but making an effort goes a long way.

Day two featured a visit to Akihabara district, the home of Japanese manga and electronic entertainment in Tokyo. Although it is not something that especially interests me, it was still a worthwhile visit. Throughout the district sit shops selling manga (cartoons and artwork), models, electronics and games consoles. The models were the most fabulous items ranging in price from 200¥ (£1.40) to 60,000¥ (£400) each. Even the second-hand ones were around 20,000¥ each, but being in Japan they retained an almost perfect condition. Many of the shops also contained vending machines which dispensed small toys to be constructed- Kinder egg style. In fact, one shop entirely consisted of these machines! 

I am, as mentioned, currently in Kyoto the historical capital of Japan. Although Tokyo was fantastic it was also nice to leave and head somewhere less seething and sprawling. That journey involved taking the Shinkansen or bullet train in English. The 450km between Tokyo and Kyoto took only 2 and 3/4 hours. In most countries that distance would take considerably longer. As expected the train left and arrived precisely on time. A far cry from Greyhound coaches in Canada leaving 90 minutes late. It has been an aspiration of mine to ride on the Shinkansen since learning about it in a book as a child. Mission accomplished!

So that concludes this entry on Japan for this week, I shall be back next Monday with more from Kyoto and Osaka. Until then, as usual, there are my social media channels to keep you up to date. My Twitter is @mrlukeniktravel and Instagram @mrlukeniktravels. From now until then, stay safe and keep travelling on.