After an incredible two weeks exploring Japan, my unforgettable journey has come to an end! Countless cherished moments and memories are etched in my mind, and I’m excited to share some of them in this blog post. Join me as I recount the cities I had the pleasure of visiting, the amazing accommodations I stayed in, the delightful Japanese cuisine I savored, and the surprising experiences that left a lasting impression on me

Testing the Japanese Food !

The Japanese food experience was truly diverse and unique, offering an enticing range of flavors and textures.

  • Rice: Rice proved to be a ubiquitous element in Japanese cuisine, present in almost every dish, including breakfast.
  • Tofu: Following rice, tofu emerged as the second most common ingredient I encountered. Sometimes accompanied by a sauce that didn’t quite appeal to my taste, on other occasions, it delighted my palate.
  • Matcha: Matcha, a green tea powder, was a common find in various forms. Whether in the soothing matcha tea, delectable matcha ice cream, or delightful matcha-infused sweets, the flavor left a lasting impression.
  • Tofu Dessert with Dried Fish: Among the surprising desserts, I encountered Tofu with floating pieces of dried fish. The presentation was so striking that it almost seemed as if the fish were still alive and moving—an unforgettable experience!
  • Japanese Plate Presentation: The artful presentation of meals in Japan was a feast for the eyes. Often, 5 to 7 small plates were thoughtfully arranged, enhancing the visual appeal of the dining experience.
  • Eating with Chopsticks: As I grew more adept at using chopsticks, I learned a crucial etiquette: avoiding sticking them vertically into a bowl of rice. Such an act is considered a gesture associated with funerals and is best avoided.
  • Natto, Fermented Soybeans: Natto, a traditional Japanese dish made from fermented soybeans, had a distinct smell, slimy texture, and pungent taste. Despite my initial curiosity, the overpowering smell deterred me from trying it after opening the container.
  • Wasabi and Soy Sauce Usage: I discovered a specific method for enjoying sushi: refraining from mixing wasabi directly into the soy sauce. Instead, a small amount of wasabi is applied directly to the fish, preserving the delicate balance of flavors.
  • Gochisousama-deshita: A beautiful expression of gratitude, “gochisousama-deshita,” was customary to say after finishing a meal. It served as a way to convey appreciation to the cook or restaurant staff for serving such delicious food.

The diverse array of Japanese cuisine and the fascinating customs surrounding meals made my culinary adventure in Japan a truly memorable and enriching experience.

I also mentioned 30 examples in the below video, Let’s Test Food In Japan with some pictures and videos to illustrate that.

During my trip, I had the privilege of visiting several captivating cities, each offering a unique blend of tradition and modernity. From the bustling streets of Tokyo, with its vibrant neon lights and high-tech marvels, to the serene temples and gardens of Kyoto, where history comes alive, every city left an indelible mark on my heart, I ordred them through videos in different parts and at the end of this blog post the list of touristic attractions I’ve visited.

Part (1): Paris CDG to Osaka

Part (2): Nara & Le mont Koya

Part (3): Wakayama & on the road to kyoto

Part (4): Kyoto


Part (5): Takayama & Matsumoto

Part (6): Tokyo, end of the adventure !

Attractions not to be missed in Japan

Main Highlights and attractions:

  • Umeda Sky
  • Osaka Castle
  • Kati District
  • Dotonbori
  • Nara Park
  • Kiyomizu Temple, on a hill with stunning city views. Its ancient architecture and rich history are impressive
  • The Silver Pavilion, Ginkakuji, with elegant gardens for peaceful walks and reflection.
  • ⛩️ Kiyomizu, Dera Temple 
  • ⚔️ NijoJo Castle
  • ⛩️ Fushimi Inari Taisha
  • Tea ceremony 🍵: Attending my first tea ceremony was a captivating experience. Steps involved in this ancient and cherished ritual:
    • 1️⃣ Gather participants
    • 2️⃣ Cleanse hands and mouth
    • 3️⃣ Prepare tea utensils
    • 4️⃣ Boil water
    • 5️⃣ Measure tea leaves
    • 6️⃣ Add hot water to tea bowl
    • 7️⃣ Whisk tea to create froth
    • 8️⃣ Serve tea to guests
    • 9️⃣ Appreciate and enjoy the tea
    • 1️⃣0️⃣ Clean and put away utensils
  • 🏯 Takayama: Immersed in Timeless Charm
  • 🧖‍♀️ Onsen Bath: Soothing Oasis of Relaxation
  • Toei Kyoto Studio Park
  • 🌄 Shirakawago Open Museum: Beauty in Gassho-Style
  • Surrounded by breathtaking mountains, the traditional Gassho-style houses at Shirakawago Open Museum were a picturesque sight.
  • 🏯 Matsumoto Castle
  • 🍃 Daio Wasabi Farm: Wasabi Making Process
    • Step 1: Cultivation 🌱
    • Step 2: Harvesting 🌿
    • Step 3: Cleaning 💧
    • Step 4: Grating 🔪
    • Step 5: Enjoying the Pungent Flavor! 🌶️ 
  • HEY (Hirose Entertainment Yard) : Arcade Games
  •  🚶‍♀️ Shibuya: A bustling hub of fashion, entertainment, and culture, Shibuya is the beating heart of Tokyo.
  • 🛍️ Omotesando Known as the champs elysée street of Tokyo. The elegant architecture and modern designs of the buildings add to the area’s charm.
  • 🏯Hama Rikyu: Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and find tranquility at Hama Rikyu Gardens. Nestled amidst towering skyscrapers, this oasis of greenery offers a serene respite from urban life.
  • ⛩️ Senso-ji: Uncover Tokyo’s rich history at Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest temple. Be captivated by the majestic architecture and immerse yourself in the spiritual aura of this cultural gem.
  • 🗼 Tokyo Tower: Ascend to new heights and witness the breathtaking skyline from Tokyo Tower.

About Hotels in Japan

Here’s the list of hotel I went to, that I can only recommend

  • Osaka, moxy hotel
  • Wakayama, Koyasan Regejoin temple (mont koya)
  • Kyoto, mercure hotel
  • Takayama, Takayama Ouan hotel
  • Azumi no Yu Onyado Nono Matsumoto
  • Tokyo, washington hotel

I stayed in different hotels across the cities I visited, what shocked me the most :

  • The rooms at the traditional temple at Wakayama: Because Japan with no surprise is ranked as one of the safest and most peaceful countries in the world, there is no key card to lock the room and everyone respect that (check Video part 2)
  • The rooftop vue whether while you are taking the onsen natural mineral baths or during breakfast.
  • Most hotels like the ones in Wakayama, Matsumoto, Takayama (that are far from big cities) are barefoot so you need to take off your shoes since you enter and no chance to use them even while taking breakfast
  • Toilet Technology: Toilets in Japan include many advanced features rarely seen outside of Asia. The basic feature set commonly found on washlets consists of anal hygiene, bidet washing, seat warming, and deodorization or even music options.
  • Checkin is very smooth, automatic checkout process within hotels

Thanks for reading this exclusive blog post about my first time Japan, it’s been an incredible experience that I highly recommend.