For Content Marketing Specialist Amanda, Japan had always been on her travel bucket list, so finally making it there earlier this year with her boyfriend was a real dream come true! To see the vibrant culture, stunning architecture, and incredible food she’d grown up watching in the movies come to life in front of her was everything she had hoped for.
There were a few things she noticed right away when she arrived in the country. If you’re planning your own trip, these tips could help you out!
- The heat. Since it was July, the summer heat was out in full force. Amanda was determined to see as much as she could, so she was averaging about 30,000 steps per day—you can see how that, combined with intense humidity, would result in some pretty hot days! She quickly learned to carry an umbrella, sunscreen, and a small face towel every day to help her handle the sun. There were also convenience stores and vending machines all over the place, so there was no shortage of light snacks and cold drinks!
- Public trash cans. More specifically, she noticed there weren’t any. We don’t realize how many we have here in Saskatchewan until we go somewhere that has none! She started carrying a bag with her each day. It gave her a place to put her shopping, and a place to put her garbage until she could properly dispose of it!
- Transportation. Public transportation in Japan is extremely efficient and convenient! Using the trains about 30 times throughout her trip got her where she needed to be, and they were always on time or a little bit early. There were also clear signs everywhere and Google Maps was very reliable.
Thanks to these tips, Amanda was able to really dive in and enjoy visiting some iconic locations throughout the country. And just like she planned, she made sure to find the best food and the coolest cultural spots to visit!
Osaka
Dotonbori
One of the highlights of the trip for Amanda was the few days she spent in this vibrant area. She was able to see the famous Glico Running Man sign which is a symbol of Osaka. Then at nighttime, the neon lights reflecting off the Tombori River combined with the energy of the crowds and vendors made it feel almost festive! The area is famous for its nightlife, with streets seemingly overflowing with endless food and restaurants. She and her boyfriend each had some favourite treats in the area.
For Amanda, it was the viral 10-yen cheese pancake—so good, she still thinks about it. For her boyfriend, it was the Okonomiyaki, a savoury Japanese pancake made with a variety of ingredients like cabbage, meat, and seafood then topped with a sweet sauce. Each bite was a delightful mix of textures and flavours, and she said it’s a must-try for anyone visiting Osaka! They also enjoyed Takoyaki, a popular street food made of savoury batter filled with octopus. Each stall had its own twist on this treat!
Osaka Castle
Amanda labels this one a “must-see”. The castle is surrounded by massive boulders that have been made into walls that show off the skills of builders from centuries ago. The solid barrier has pieces that have stood the test of time, and Amanda was amazed by how they all fit together so perfectly! Once inside, there is a fascinating museum showcasing the history of the castle and the city. This is one you’ll have to see yourself, as photos are not allowed! The exhibits include samurai armor, old maps, and artifacts that tell the story of how the castle was built and its role in Japan’s history. The observation deck at the top also offers a beautiful view of Osaka, making the museum visit both educational and enjoyable.
Kyoto
Gion District
The temples of Kyoto were an unforgettable part of this trip for Amanda. She learned a lot about Japanese culture and traditions as she wandered the breathtaking architecture of the area. She stayed in the Gion District and with a temple around every corner, she found so many stories to be discovered. Her favourite to see was the Kodai-ji Zen Temple, featuring a stunning walking garden and serene bamboo forest nearby.
She also visited some pagodas that housed sacred relics, and she learned that their tall, multi-storied designs are symbolic of the Buddhist path to enlightenment. Many of these structures are not original and have been rebuilt over time due to fires or to make improvements. They serve as landmarks that are visible from a distance and can guide people on their way, and their stories were a fascinating part of this trip.
Famous Sights
Amanda saw two specific places she highlighted as must-visit spots. The first was the Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of vibrant orange torii gates that wind up Mount Inari. She recommends visiting in the early morning before the crowds are there as it makes for a peaceful hike to start the day! Each gate was inscribed with the names of donors and their wishes, and the path feels endless with stunning views of Kyoto along the way. Despite only making it halfway, the experience was still incredible for Amanda since there is so much to see.
The Kiyomizu-dera Temple gave the feeling of stepping into a beautiful piece of Japan’s history, and the sheer size of the temple and the way it rests on the hillside were amazing to see. This temple is famous for its stunning wooden stage that juts out over the hillside on hundreds of wooden pillars that use no nails—it gave Amanda the feeling of floating above the treetops as she took in the breathtaking views of Kyoto below!
Tokyo
Disneyland and DisneySea
Amanda wasn’t missing her chance to visit these iconic parks, and she was not disappointed! Disneyland had the classic charm and nostalgia you expect from the parks, but DisneySea stood out as a unique and magical experience. A highlight here was Rapunzel’s Lantern Festival which was a dream come true for a Tangled fan like her. Watching the lanterns float and reflect on the water added an extra touch of magic!
Shibuya Scramble Crossing
This is one of the busiest intersections in the world and was just as crowded as people say! Amanda visited during the day and said the impact would have been more significant at nighttime like you can see in iconic photos of this spot. With the buildings lit up around the intersection, it would create the vibrant atmosphere you’d be hoping to see!
Statue of Hachiko
Just outside Shibuya Station and not far from the Crossing, you can find this statue of a famous Japanese Akita dog. This was something Amanda had always hoped to see because she was touched by Hachiko’s inspiring story of loyalty. She owns two dogs herself, and this was a meaningful moment!
Final Reflections
It’s clear this trip was full of bucket list items for Amanda, and she came home filled with appreciation for this beautiful country she was thrilled to finally visit. As she looked back, she determined her favourite part of the trip was seeing Kyoto. Unlike the flashy city life in Tokyo, she felt like Kyoto embodied the essence of Japan the way she had always pictured it. The city had a quiet, almost private atmosphere with its serene streets and humble living. It wasn’t just about the sights, but the stories embedded in every corner, with so much to learn from the museums and temples. Kyoto captured the spirit of Japan with its rich history and peaceful ambiance!
Has Amanda’s experience convinced you to take your own journey to this beautiful country? CAA Travel has trusted travel consultants who can help you plan the vacations of your dreams to any destination! Visit our website to find the consultants near you, and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime.