Japan is a country dear to my heart, even though I’m
not from there. It has so many great things to offer. Whether you have always
wanted to go to Japan or it never even crossed your mind to go I can tell you
why you should visit Japan.
Japan’s traditions run deep and are still practiced
in their society. You don’t have to feel like you can’t participate in their
traditions because all of them cater to tourists such as wearing a kimono and
sitting in a tea ceremony. Some countries lose their traditions over time but
Japan has kept it alive for generations of people to experience. The only thing
I could compare it to in New Orleans is visiting a plantation and going to a
Mardi Gras Ball, but even that isn’t the same. Japan has a much older history
compared to New Orleans. Not only that, but Japan has also kept its traditions
unchanging. In New Orleans if you were to go to a Mardi Gras Ball now it would
be more modernized than when it first started and plantations are more like old
museums now. So experience wearing a kimono for rent around the city for a day
and go sit in on a tea ceremony to enjoy the art of the ceremony while trying
the tea and sweets. Be a part of the traditions.
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| Tea ceremony in Uji prefecture. |
The
Culture
Japan is a culture of order,
presentation, and convenience. These qualities sum up life in Japan. Going to work
or meeting a friend? Their train, subway, and bus systems will get you there in
time. The transportation system is the definition of order and only one of many examples I can give right now. It’s pretty
entertaining to time the buses to see if they get to the bus stops at their
designated times.
Go out to eat at any restaurant in Japan
and order whatever you like. I can bet you it’ll be a beautiful plate of food.
I remember going to a parfait restaurant in Kyoto. I didn’t know what to expect
because the closest thing to a parfait I had in New Orleans was a parfait at
McDonald’s. When my strawberry shortcake parfait came out I died. I never knew
ice cream could look so beautiful. And that’s what Japan does, makes their food
beautiful along with tasting delicious.
Last but not least, Japan is a country
of convenience. I’m sure if you go visit Japan you’re going to want to see as
many tourist attractions as possible. In order to gain more time you and your
friends decide to skip lunch because going to sit at a restaurant will decrease
your time spent on exploring Japan. You don’t have to make those sacrifices when
there are convenient stores at every turn, supplying you with quality to-go
meals such as yakisoba, sushi, spaghetti, and sandwiches. Another example is if
you visit Japan during the summer and you’re walking the streets visiting all
the shrines you can find. It’s a hot day and you’re getting thirsty. No
worries. There are vending machines filled with cold drinks at every corner. If
that’s not convenience, I don’t know what is.
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| Strawberry shortcake parfait at a restaurant in Kyoto, Japan. |
The
Best of Both Worlds
Ever wanted to travel back in time? In
Japan, you can while staying in the comfort of the 21st century.
Japan has the best of both worlds. You can travel to small rural cities to
enjoy the simple lifestyle or go to the big cities to enjoy the luxurious shopping
malls and restaurants. Either way you can always find history in Japan by
visiting temples, shrines, and castles. Japan has some of the oldest
structures, long before America was even discovered, that are still standing
today. It is breath taking to stand in front of a castle that had a crucial
function to history. A prime example of the phrase “best of both worlds” is the
city of Kyoto. Kyoto used to be Japan’s capital during the samurai times so it
has a lot of history to offer. Some of that history can be seen by visiting
landmarks such as Nijo Castle. Even though the city is old it has developed a
lot over time. Take a 5-10 minute bus ride from Nijo Castle to step out onto
the streets of the Shijo shopping district where you can find great shopping,
delicious restaurants, arcades, and karaoke. You can’t go wrong with the city
of Kyoto who has the best of both worlds.
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| Inside the grounds of Nijo Castle. |