Japan Travel Guide

Things I Wish I'D Known Before Going To Japan

The Everything Nippon Travel Guide Series

By Yuki Fukuyama and Ken Fukuyama

 Copyright 2018 by Yuki Fukuyama and Ken Fukuyama- All rights reserved.

- From a Declaration of Principles which was accepted and approved equally by a Committee of the American Bar Association and a Committee of Publishers and Associations.

In no way is it legal to reproduce, duplicate, or transmit any part of this document in either electronic means or in printed format. Recording of this publication is strictly prohibited and any storage of this document is not allowed unless with written permission from the publisher. All rights reserved.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Chapter 1: Japan’s Magic

Japanese People

Chapter 2 - Secret and Not So Secret Natural Wonders of Japan

Mount Fuji

Fuji Five Lakes

Shiraito Falls

Mount Yari

Mount Aso

Kerama Island

Chapter 3 - Tokyo: Where the Old Meets New

Places to Visit in Tokyo

Meiji Shrine

Sensoji

Tokyo Disneyland

Tokyo Disneysea

Imperial Palace

Tokyo Tower

Ghibli Museum

Tsukiji Fish Market

Shopping in Tokyo

What to Eat in Tokyo

Where to Stay

When To Visit Tokyo

Chapter 4 - Kyoto: The Home of More Than A Thousand Temples

Places to See in Kyoto

Nishiki Market

Fushimi-Inari-Taisha Shrine

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Kinkaku-ji Temple

Nijo Castle

Ginkaku-ji (The Silver Pavillion)

Amanoshashidate

Kyoto Food Guide

Where to Stay

Chapter 5 -: Bright Osaka Lights and Magic

Top Tourist Spots in Osaka

Osaka Castle

Universal Studios Japan

Dotonbori

What to Eat in Osaka

Where to Stay in Osaka

Side Trip: The Deer Paradise Called Nara

Nara Deer Park

Kasuga-taisha Shrine

Todaiji Temple

Yoshikien

Chapter 6 - Hokkaido: The Land of Beer, Music Boxes, and Colorful Landscapes

Places to See in Hokkaido

Sapporo

Otaru

Chapter 7 - Winter Destinations

Shirakawago

Zao Snow Monsters

Sapporo Snow Festival

Otaru Snow Light Path

Chapter 8 - Japan’s Best Kept Secrets

Narai-Juku

Takaragawa Onsen Osenkaku

Wakayama

Nachi Falls

Chapter 9 - The Ultimate Japan Itineraries

The Ultimate 7 Day Itinerary

7 Day in Tokyo and Hokkaido

Chapter 10 - 50 Japan Travel and Budget Tips

Japan’s Secrets and Weirdness: What’s So Special About Japan?

Japan Travel Highlights

Conclusion

Introduction

I want to thank you and congratulate you for purchasing the book, “Things I Wish I’D Known Before Going to Japan”

Japan is one of the most fascinating countries in the whole world. It’s the land of the geishas, robots, Pokemon, ninjas, samurais, and anime. It’s also the home of the beautiful temples and natural wonders. You should see Japan at least once in your lifetime.

Japan is interesting. It was once a battlefield, but it’s now the land of all things Kawaii. This country also has the best customer service in the whole world. Waiters and service crews are not motivated by tips. They treat their job as if it’s their life mission. Japanese cities look like they’re taken off of a manga or an anime.

I have worked as a tour guide in Japan for thirty years and I’ll share everything I know in this book.

In this book, you’ll learn about:

    The Japanese culture

    Japanese architecture and history

    Best cities to visit in Japan

    The best tourist spots

    Japan’s hidden and least known gems

    The best times to visit a certain area

    Japan’s winter destinations

    The best natural wonders in Japan

    Japan trip hacks

    How to travel around Japan on a budget

    Itineraries

    Where to stay

    Best tourist spots to visit

    What not to miss

    Budget tips

    The ultimate 7 day Japan itinerary

    50 travel tips

    71 things that make Japan special

    And more!

This book will also help you understand Japanese culture, architecture, customs, and a little bit of its history. This book also contains stunning images that will make you want to fly to Japan right away.

This book is a comprehensive guide that will help you make sure that your Japan trip is fun and hassle-free.

Chapter 1: Japan’s Magic

Japan is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Its beautiful landscapes are awe-inspiring, captivating, and intriguing. Its cities are busy, noisy, and colorful. And yet, its countrysides are quaint, quiet, stunning, peaceful, and fascinating. The countryside is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the country’s urban jungles.

The Japanese archipelago is located in Asia and it’s close to Palau, South Korea, North Korea, the Philippines, and Taiwan. It covers more than three hundred sixty-four thousand kilometers of land. It became a distinct country in 1590. It’s an archipelago, which means that it’s made of thousands of islands. But, only four hundred thirty islands are inhabited. It has four major islands – Honshu, Hokkaido, Shikoku, and Kyushu.

Japan is both beautiful and progressive. Its streets are lined with cherry trees that look divine during springtime. The country is the home to thousands of skyscrapers and hundreds of preserved traditional Japanese wooden buildings. Japan has successfully transformed itself from a battlefield into a modern paradise that mixes the old and the new.

Japanese People

One of the best things about Japan is its people. If there’s one word to describe Japanese people, it’s disciplined. They are polite, punctual, hard-working, respectful, and honest. You could leave your bike on the sidewalk without a chain, and it’s still there at the end of the day. They are clean, kind, but a bit shy.

Chapter 2 - Secret and Not So Secret Natural Wonders of Japan

Japan is the land of natural wonders. It has fascinating landscapes that look like they’re taken out from a postcard. Here’s a list of the natural wonders that you should see when you’re in Japan:

Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji has a beautiful cone-like shape. It is the tallest mountain in Japan and its tip is covered with snow most of the year. It is located in Honshu Island and it’s locally known as “Fujisan”. The mountain is surrounded by three cities – Fujinomiya, Fujiyoshida, and Gotemba. There are five lakes around the mountain – Lake Shoji, Lake Yamanaka, Lake Sai, Lake Motosu, and Lake Kawaguchi. The mountain is surrounded by colorful flowers during the springtime.

You don’t have to climb Mt. Fuji, but you have to see it and the best way to devour the beauty of Mt. Fuji is by visiting the Fuji Five Lakes, which we will be covering in the next destination. One of the best things about this natural wonder is that it’s just two hours from Tokyo. You can take a bus from the Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal and then, get out of the bus once it reaches the Fifth Station. This is the starting point of most Mt. Fuji Hikes.

Best to visit Mount Fuji:

Between July to September also known at the Fuji hiking season. During autumn, the mountain is surrounded by colorful flowers and leaves. You can get the most stunning view during this season. The mountain will be closed for hiking during the winter season.

If you wish to climb the mountain, the entrance fee is 1000 yen or about $10.

Best time to start your climb:

Around 6 to 8 am as it takes at least three hours to complete a trail. If you wish to enjoy the sunrise, make sure you start at night. Don’t worry they will still be people around even though it’s dark. Viewing the sunrise from Mt. Fuji’s peak is not only a breathtaking experience, but it is also said to be auspicious.

Things You Should Know Before your Hike:

1. There are four trails for you to choose from when it comes to hiking Mount Fuji.

- Yoshida Trail (5 to 8 hours): This is the most popular route. You can get a view of the beautiful Fuji Five Lakes at the beginning.

- Subashiri Trail: This trail consists of both forest and mountain hike. It starts all the way down from Mount Fuji base forest

- Gotemba Trail (8-10hours): This is the most time-consuming trail. It is also considered to be tougher when compared to the rest. Experienced hikers who seek for more adventure can try out this trail.

- Fujinomiya Trail (4 to 7 hours): This is the shortest trail among the four. Keep in mind that the shortest trail is also said to be the steepest one.

2. Mount Fuji is divided into 10 separate rest stations.

3. Beware of altitude sickness:

It can be quite common when climbing to extreme elevations.

Symptoms of altitude sickness include:

- Dizziness

- Headaches

- Trouble breathing

- Nausea

Prevention:

1. Stop and rest every 20 minutes. You can increase the time after getting used to the elevation changes.

2. Buy some compressed oxygen can before you start your hike at the 5th station. They can really help with dizziness and shortness of breath

3. There are sleeping cabins available along the trail if you ever decided to take a nap. Make sure to reserve them a few days ahead of your trip because they are usually full. It cost 6000 yen per cabin.

4. They charge from 200yen or $2 for their restrooms on Mount Fuji. The higher the restroom is, the higher the cost. So, make sure to bring plenty of coins.

5. You can send postcards from the peak!

The summit of Fuji is full of excitement. It’s a reward for your outstanding effort to successfully reach the top after all. There you can find the Kusushi and Okumiya shrines, restaurants, gift shops, and more. The best part is you get to send postcards to your friends and your loved ones through their post office located at the peak.

6. What to pack?

- Hiking boots – Fuji’s terrain is definitely not a bed of roses. They are lots of rocks and uneven grounds that could trip you anytime when you are not careful enough.

- Warm clothing – It is scorching hot at the base of Mount Fuji but don’t let it trick you into wearing thin clothes. Starting from the 7th station everything will get unbearably cold. Snow starts to fall at the peak especially during the night and early morning. It’s summer at the bottom, winter at the top.

- Flashlights – If you are climbing Mount Fuji at night, be sure to bring along any flashlight with you. It gets really dangerous if you can’t even see your next step. For your convenience, you can wear flashlight helmets or headbands as well.

- Water – Bring the right amount of water. It gets very dry at the top, so you don’t want to faint half way because of dehydration or stumble down because of the unbearable weight. Just bring around 2L and you will do just fine.

- Snacks – Pack according to your plans. Bring more food if you have decided to stop and spent the night. There is almost no restaurant around until you reach the peak. Keep in mind that there are no trash cans along the trail.

- (Optional) Walking stick – They are available for sale at the 5th station if you ever need one. You can get imprints on your stick once you reached a specific checkpoint. It costs a few hundred yen for each of the imprints.

Fuji Five Lakes

The lakes at the base of Mount Fuji are great natural wonders, too. The area around the lakes is covered with beautiful pink moss during the springtime. It looks like it was taken out of a postcard.

Lake Kawaguchiko, Lake Saiko, Lake Shojiko and Lake Motosuko(Suggested time – 2 to 3 days)

How to get there:

You can get there by train, bus or even taxi.

The cheapest way to get there is by bus.

1. Take a bus from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal, at the opposite side of Shinjuku Station

2. Show your pre-booked bus ticket to the counter and they will tell you your bus platform number.

Bonus tips: Make sure you booked your tickets few weeks before your trips. You most probably won’t be able to purchase a ticket on your departure day because it’s always full especially during holiday seasons. So, why risk it? You can pre-book at https://highway-buses.jp/

Adults 1,750JPY, Children 880JPY

(Travel time: Approx. 1h 45min)

3. Once you arrived at Kawaguchiko Station, you may want to buy their one day or two days sightseeing bus pass rather than paying your fares at every single station. It’s very worth the money. There are three bus routes, red, green and blue. For more information, you can refer to http://bus-en.fujikyu.co.jp/heritage-tour/detail/id/1/

4. If you don’t have plans to check in your accommodation first, you can store your luggage in the lockers provided. You can try going to the shops beside the station for more lockers provided at a much cheaper price.

5. Here are some of the top destination that you may want to visit.

Red Line :

11 Pleasure Cruiser Ropeway Ent.

15 Kozantei Ubuya. 5th best stop for Mount Fuji photo shooting

17 Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum. An admission fee of 1500Yen is required. You may want to skip this place during the winter season.

22 Kawaguchiko Natural Living Center. 4th best stop for Mount Fuji photo shooting. They have beautiful gardens with lots of flowers here

Green Line :

67 Nenba Minshuku. 1st best stop for Mount Fuji photo shooting

71 Fugaku Fuketsu (Wind Cave). You can experience their peaceful forest by taking the forest trail to the lava cave.

72 Ryugu Doketsu (Lava Cave)

Blue Line :

71 Fugaku Fuketsu (Wind Cave). You can experience their peaceful forest by taking the forest trail to the lava cave.

72 Ryugu Doketsu (Lava Cave)

119 Kodaki Fuji View Point. 2nd best stop for Mount Fuji photo shooting

26 Koanso. At this stop you can enjoy the view as on the 1000Yen bill. There will be no bus available to this stop, it’s approximately 4KM from Tourist Motosuko. 3rd best stop for Mount Fuji photo shooting.

Bonus Tips:

If you have bought the one or two days pass you can ignore the price mentioned at each of the stops.

On the blue and green line, you will pass through the infamous suicide forest (Aokigahara Forest), a very well-known place for those who like to find peace and commit suicide.

If you would like to get off at any bus station you will have to press the stop buttons found inside the bus.

The best of the best cuisines:

#1 Hoto Fudo, located right in front of Kawaguchiko Station. This place is all about it’s special Hoto Fudo noodles with miso and pumpkin soup. You can only find this in this Fuji areas and trust me it is exceptionally good! This place is usually crowded during lunch and dinner time so please go either early or late if you would like to avoid the crowd. About 1000Yen for one big bowl of noodles. You can request for smaller bowls if you would like to share.

#2 Fuji Tempura Idaten, five-minute walk from Kawaguchiko Station. They offer super fresh and well-cooked tempura here. This place is also usually crowded. You may even have to wait for up to one hour for some cases. Their price is slightly more expensive than other restaurants.

#3 Tetsuyaki, located just beside of Fuji Tempura Idaten. They offer various kind of food, ranging from rice, noodles to teppanyaki. You name it, they have it. Overall, it’s a very delicious restaurant and great value for money!

Tips for accommodation :

If you wish to find a cheaper accommodation, look for places that are further from the station. The further they are, the cheaper they get. Please beware that if you stayed at around Yamanakako Lake, you may need to pay for an additional bus fare of 750Yen from Kawaguchiko Station to Yamanakoka Lake. All accommodations located around the red, green and blue lines are free of transportation fees provided that you have purchased the sightseeing bus pass.

When it comes to luxury, the best hotel will be the Kozantei Ubuya. Priced at $595 per night. They offer private Onsen or hot bath with a direct view of Mount Fuji.

Shiraito Falls – Mount Fuji Side Trip

This horseshoe-shaped waterfall is known as the most beautiful waterfall in Japan. The Shiraito Falls is located at the foot of Mount Fuji. The water flows from a 20 meters cliff. The water looks like silk threads from afar and it’s surrounded by trees. This falls look even more fantastic and whimsical during the autumn season. You could view this waterfall from a bridge near Mount Fuji.

How to Get There:

Take a bus from either the Shin-Fuji Station or the Fujinomiya Station.

Entrance fee and opening hours for Shiraito Falls:

Free - open 24 hours

Mount Yari

Mount Yari is one of the most popular mountains in Japan. It’s part of the Northern Alps (Hida Mountains). It’s a haven for adventurers and mountain climbers.

When to Visit:

It’s best to visit Japan between May and November. Getting to this paradise is surprisingly easy. You can take direct night buses from Osaka or Tokyo. There’s no admission fee and it’s open 24 hours. But, it would be a good idea to start your climb early in the morning.

Mount Aso

This is one of Japan’s well-kept secrets. Mount Aso is one of the biggest volcanoes in the world and located on the beautiful island of Kyushu. This beautiful volcano has inspired many prized paintings and poetry. It looks intimidating, intriguing, and divine.

How to Get There:

1. You can get to Mount Aso by riding a train from Kumamoto. This takes about one hour and forty minutes.

2. You can also take a three-hour bus ride from Beppu.

Entrance fee and opening hours for Mount Aso:

Free - 24Hours

Entrance fee and opening hours for Mount Aso Museum:

860 yen/$8 - 9 AM to 5 PM

Kerama Island

The Kerama Island is in Okinawa. It is one of the least known natural gems of Japan.  It’s a group of twenty-two islands, but only four islands are inhabited. The islands are surrounded by crystal blue waters and powder white sand. You can get to Kerama Island by taking a speedboat from Naha. The trip takes about thirty-five minutes. You can cross from one island to another via village ferries.

Things to Remember When Visiting Kerama Island:

    Bring a swimsuit. You can also rent a diving suit in the area.

    Bring sunscreen. Okinawa is too hot during the summer time.

    Stay hydrated.

The entrance fee to the islands is free. You can visit the islands anytime, but it would be best to check the ever-changing ferry schedules before you travel. Usually, the ferries travel to and from the islands only until 5 pm.

Chapter 3 - Tokyo: Where the Old Meets New

Tokyo is one of the most progressive cities in the world. It’s a superpower and just as busy as its Western counterparts.

What’s fascinating about Tokyo is that it balances the old and the new. The city is filled with skyscrapers and bright city lights, but it’s also filled with relaxing parks and ancient temples. It’s also a cultural paradise. The whole city is like a huge theme park.

The Tokyo metro and rail system is one of the best in the world. Riding a Tokyo train is a unique experience. It’s also common to see women with pink hair and knee-high socks. The Japanese fashion is odd but definitely interesting. You could even find a bunch of young women wearing the traditional kimono while eating French fries in a park.

Tokyo is the home of many delicious and interesting cuisines. It’s also a shopping paradise. It’s definitely the top destinations for foodies, fashion enthusiasts, culture geeks, and technophiles.

You can visit Tokyo anytime. But, if you want to see the famous Sakura or cherry blossoms, you must visit during springtime. The “hanami” or the first bloom of cherry blossoms usually happens during the fourth week of March until the first week of April, which is around 28March-7April. But, just to be sure, it’s best to check the sakura forecast before you plan your trip.

Shopping in Tokyo

Tokyo street fashion is interesting and far from the traditional kimonos and yukata. Nowadays, Japanese women are wearing short skirts, knee-high socks, sneakers, wedges, shorts, and even haute couture. Japan fashion is fun, quirky, colorful, and a bit strange.

The land of the rising sun is the home of one of the most popular clothing brands – Uniqlo. Japan is a shopper’s paradise.

There’s a number of shopping neighborhoods around Japan, including:

1. Ginza

Ginza is a posh district in Tokyo and it’s a fashionista’s paradise. Its streets are paved with nightclubs, luxurious cafes, shops, and department stores. You could find a twelve stories Uniqlo store in the area. You could feel the overflowing luxury and wealth of the area while walking along the Ginza Yon-chome intersection.

You could find all the good things money can buy in Ginza- Shiseido makeup, Louis Vuitton, Mikimoto jewelry, Hermes bags, and Bvlgari jewelry.

2. Harajuku

Harajuku is the center of Japan’s most radical teenage cultures. The district is the home to more than one hundred boutiques. One of the streets that you should never miss is the Takeshita Street. You can find plenty of trendy shops, clothes stores, restaurants, and crepe stands there. You can get band shirts, 'princess' style, goth style, and even costumes. That's what makes this street so unique and popular. You can buy everything from boots to earmuffs, and band t-shirts to badges in lots of styles you might not get at home. Keep an eye out for shops that have promotion for as cheap as $1.

3. Shibuya Crossing

Interesting things to do here:

- The Shibuya Crossing. It looks a lot like New York Time Square and it’s one of the most famous tourist spots in Japan. You can sit in Starbucks (which is the cheapest and best the location) and just watch people go about their day.

- You can pose next to the statue of the most loved dog in Japan – Hachiko. The statue of this amazing dog is located at the entrance of the Shibuya station.

- Visit Shibuya 109, A shopping mall for youngsters.

- See the city from Hikarie. The view is best from the 16th-floor sky lobby. There are also cafes and a Lawson convenience store up there, so you can enjoy the view with a drink. The floors are open until 11pm.

Tokyo Tower

The Tokyo Tower is an observation and communication tower in Minato. It’s called the Eiffel Tower of Tokyo. This red and white structure is a famous Japanese landmark. Like its European counterpart, the Tokyo tower shines at night.

The tower’s antenna is used by many networks for broadcasting. You could also find a lot of attractions and restaurants in FootTown- the four stories building located under the tower.

The main deck at a height of 150 meters is open for viewing from 9 am to 11 pm. Last admission is at 10.30pm.

The entrance fee is at 900 yen for adults and 500 yen for kids.

There’s a top deck tour every fifteen minutes from 9 am to 10 pm. The tour costs 2800 yen for adults and 1800 yen for children

Best place to view Tokyo Tower: Sensoji Temple

Sensoji is an interesting red Buddhist temple. It’s the oldest temple in Japan as it was built in 645. It’s just fifteen minutes from the Tokyo station. Like other temples, the complex has a temple hall, entrance, and a pagoda. The temple has a colorful ceiling and its path is paved with red lanterns and souvenir shops.

The temple grounds are always open, but the main hall is open from 6 am to 5 pm (Mondays to Sunday from October to March only).

Don’t forget to stroll down Nakamise-dori.

Nakamise Dori is the shopping street between the Kaminarimon and Hozomon gates of Sensoji Temple. It is 250 meters long. Just follow the signs to the temple and you will find it in no time. The narrow street is lined with close to 100 shops that sell everything from snacks to souvenirs and seriously fancy chopsticks. It is a great place to start searching and get some ideas for your souvenirs.

Tokyo Skytree

Top Things that you shouldn’t miss out on:

1. Enjoy the superb view

Tembo Deck:

Located 350 meters from the ground, you can devour the picturesque scenery of Tokyo from the observation deck. Be sure to check out the four spots called Tokyo Jiku Navi as well. If you are the more adventurous type, don’t forget to check out the Glass Floor of Fear, where there’s just a piece of glass between you and lots of air below.

Entrance Fees:

Adult: 2,060 yen

High/Junior high student: 1,540 yen

Child: 930 yen  Infant: 620 yen

Opening hours: 8:00-22:00

Tembo Galleria

Still not high enough for you? Well, check out the Tembo Galleria which stands a record of 451.2 meters all the way from the ground. Tembo Galleria is ranked as the second tallest observation deck in the world. The best time to visit the observation deck is at night when all the lights lit up and everything seems so magical.

2. Sumida Aquarium

Sumida Aquarium" is in the Tokyo Skytree Town. It has natural water scenery, Aqua Gallery, coral reefs, fur seal and penguin zones.

[Price]  Adult: 2,050 yen   High school student : 1,500 yen  Junior high and elementary student: 1,000 yen   Infant: 600 yen

Open: 9:00-21:00

For more information check out: www.sumida-aquarium.com/en/

3. Heal yourself at the Konica Minolta planetarium

Planetarium is on the seventh floor of the Tokyo Skytree Town East Yard. It uses the state-of-the-art video and sound equipment, which is full of realism. The armrest of each seat can be moved, joining two seats to use as a couple seat. You can even enjoy different scents during the healing sessions.

[Price] Adult: 1,100 yen, Child: 500 yen, Healing planetarium: 1,400 yen

Playing time: Starting 11:00, The final one is 21:00

Best photo spot to view Tokyo Skytree:

- Asakusa station

- Kototoibashi (bridge)

- Jukken bridge (Stunning Night View)

Tsukiji Fish Market

The Tsukiji Fish Market is the largest and busiest fish market in the world. It’s a popular tourist spot. There are also a few restaurants around the area, including:

    Uokame – This is a luxury restaurant that serves sushi, bouillabaisse, and roasted lobster.

    Tonkatsu Yachiyo – It’s a simple restaurant that specializes in fried foods like tonkatsu, chicken katsu, menchi katsu, and kujira katsu. A meal usually costs around $15.

      Torito Bunten – If you’re not a fan of seafood, you should visit Torito Bunten. This restaurant specializes in savory chicken dishes topped with fried egg.

    Ankoya Takahashi – This restaurant is a bit expensive. But, if you want to really enjoy authentic Japanese food, this is the best place to go. The restaurant serves grilled late spring salmon and steamed red rockfish.

It’s open all year and it does not have an entrance fee.

Meiji Shrine

The Meiji Shrine is a Shinto structure dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken. It was built in 1920 and it’s one of the most popular tourist spots in Tokyo. The shrine is made of wood and it’s surrounded by trees.

Places to visit in Meiji Shrine:

1. Treasure Museum of Meiji Jingu is located at the east of the main shrine buildings. The museum is built by the loyal followers of Emperor Meiji as a gift. Treasure Museum Annex is open every day, but the Treasure Hall is only open on Saturday and Sunday. Pictures are not allowed inside.

2. Meiji Shrine Inner Garden. The garden is 83000 square meters wide and is located between the Meiji Shrine buildings and Yoyogi Park. You will need to pay 500 yen for the entrance fee to the garden alone. The best time to visit the garden in the middle of June when all the irises bloom. Don’t forget to visit the Kiyomasa’s Well as well. This well is well-known for its “power spot”, a place for peace and restoration. The emperor and Empress often visit the well.

Entrance Fees: 500 yen

Opening Hours: 9 am to 5 am

How to get there: Take the train to Harajuku Station on the JR Yamanote Line or Meiji-jingu-mae Station on the Chiyoda and Fukutoshin Subway Lines.

Bonus Tips: If you want to see a traditional Japanese wedding procession, visit this shrine on a Sunday morning..

Tokyo Disneyland (Suggested Time – Two Days)

Disneyland is definitely the happiest place on earth. But, there’s something about Tokyo Disneyland that separates it from all the other Disneylands. It’s beyond magical. It awakens your inner kid and makes you feel like you’re in a storybook. It’s simply stunning and extravagant.

The theme park is divided into seven sections:

1. The Fantasyland

2. The Toontown

3. The Tomorrowland

4. The fantastic Critter Country

5. Adventureland

6. The World Bazaar

7. The Westernland.

There’s also a variety of rides, such as Space Mountain, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Alice’s Tea Party, and Castle Carousel.

Bonus Tips: You could dance like a Disney princess in Cinderella’s Fairy Tale Hall. You get to see your favorite Disney characters come to life. You can see Alice, Belle, Captain Hook, Cinderella, Esmeralda, Gaston, the Seven Dwarfs, Snow White, and the Mad Hatter in Fantasyland, whereas for Goofy, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and Donald Duck, you can find them in Toontown.

Disneyland is really magical and marvelous, but it can get too crowded. So, here’s a list of things that you should know before going to Tokyo Disneyland:

    Get in line at least thirty minutes before the gates open.

    Stay at Tokyo Disneyland Hotel for your first day in Tokyo Disneyland. Staying here or any of the three Disney hotels allow you to enter the park 15 minutes earlier. If it’s too expensive for you, you can try the Hilton Tokyo Bay, which is located on the monorail loop.

    Bring sunscreen, hats, and a water bottle when you are visiting during summer. Temperate in Tokyo can sometimes reach up to 40 Degree Celsius.

    Pack snacks, especially if you’re traveling with kids. Restaurants inside cost double.

    Once you entered the gates, the first things to do is run to Monsters, Inc. Ride & Go Seek. Use the shortcut through World Bazaar into Tomorrowland to get Fast Passes and then racing to Fantasyland.

    Between the Peter Pan’ Flight and Pooh ride, go for Peter Pan’s Flight first (no longer have Fast Pass). Pooh typically has a short line when the park is almost near to closing.

    Make sure to check out the must-do attractions such as Haunted Mansion, Space Mountain, Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin and Pirates of the Caribbean. Get a Fast Pass for the Space Mountain and Haunted Mansion.

    Go Car Toon Spin early, as it normally has super long lines and doesn’t have Fast Pass.

Opening Hours: From 8 am to 10 pm.

Entrance Fees: The one-day pass costs around 7400 yen for adults, 6400 yen for teens and senior citizens, and 4800 yen for kids.

Tokyo DisneySea

image: geocities.jp

Disney sea is just a mile away from Disneyland and it’s also located in Tokyo Disney Resort. Disney sea much smaller when compared to Disneyland.

The Tokyo Disneyland is a bit similar to the original theme park located in Orlando, Florida. But, Disney sea is something that you can only see in Tokyo. It’s unique and has a fantastic landscape. You feel like you’re in a lost world. The park mimics the beauty of fancy Mediterranean seascapes. The shows have a running nautical theme, but they’re simply magical. You should not miss King Triton’s Concert. It’s colorful, whimsical, and simply out of this world.

The mermaid lagoon looks exactly like the one in the animated film. The coral castle is colorful and dreamy.

The theme park has seven areas:

1. The Mediterranean Harbor

2. The American Waterfront

3. The Port Discovery

4. The Lost River Delta

5. The Arabian Coast

6. The Mermaid Lagoon

7. The Mysterious Island.

Things you should know before going to Disney Sea:

#1 Always Arrive Early – If you’re staying at the MiraCosta, be there at least 30 minutes before the park opening. If you’re staying at non-Disney hotel, you will need to be there even earlier.

#2 Toy Story Mania is the most popular attraction in the whole Disney sea. The crowds at here are seriously crazy. Even the Fast Pass have long lines. So, you should totally skip this. Trust me it’s not worth the time. It’s actually more or less the same as the US versions.

#3 Go for the Tower of Tower instead of Toy Story Mania. This one is very different from those found in the US park. Go for the Fast Passes for this ride. My recommendation is send one person here to buy the fast passes while the rest of you head towards the Journey to the center of the earth.

#4 Try their popcorn at least once. These popcorns are no ordinary popcorns, they are very well-known all throughout the world among the Disney fans. They offer a variety of flavor as well.

Opening Hours: From 8:30 am to 10:00 am from Monday to Sunday.

Entrance Fees: One day pass costs around 7400 yen for adults (18 – 59), 6400 yen for teens and senior citizens, and 4800 yen for kids (11 and below).

Imperial Palace

The Imperial Palace is one of the most beautiful palaces in Tokyo. It is the residence of the emperor of Japan. In the 1980s, the value of the castle and its surrounding properties is more than the value of all the real estate properties in California.

The palace is located in Chiyoda, Tokyo. It has white walls and elegant brown roof.  It was completed in 1888. It was bombed during the second world war, but it was reconstructed afterward. It lies on top of a hill beside the beautiful Nijubashi Bridge. It’s about ten minutes from the Tokyo station so it’s accessible.

The emperor is still currently residing in this palace. So, please beware that the rules are quite strict around. No drones are allowed in this area.

English Guided tours of the palace grounds are available throughout the year except on Sundays and Mondays. A typical tour will last for 75 minutes. Advance reservations can be made either through the Imperial Household Agency official website or at the Kikyomon Gate.

Visitors can only visit the castle gardens. It’s opening and closing hours are as follows:

- March 1 to April 14 – 9 am to 430 pm

- April 15 to August 30 – 9 am to 5 pm

- September 1 to October 30 – 9 am to 430 pm

- November 1 to February 29 – 9 am to 4 pm

The palace garden is closed every Friday and Monday. It’s also closed during special holidays. The entrance fee to the garden is free.

Ghibli Museum

Are you an anime fan? You should head to the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, Tokyo. You could see models of the characters of the popular animated fantasy film called “My Neighbor Totoro”.  This whimsical museum will transport you into a stunning fantasy world.

Exhibitions are held on the first floor. There is also a small theater showcasing short Ghibli movies. Visit the second floor for special temporary exhibitions. There is also a beautiful roof-top garden.

Entrance Fees:

- Adults – 1000 yen

- Teens (13 -16)- 700 yen

- Kids – 400 yen

- Babies and toddlers (below 4 years old) - 100 yen

How to get there: Get off at Mitaka Station on the JR Chuo Line which will cost 220 yen and 15 minutes from Shinjuku Station. Then, take the museum shuttle bus (210 yen one way, 320 yen roundtrip, children are half price). You can also walk from Mitaka Station through Inokashira Park to the museum. It takes about 20 minutes to reach there.

Opening Hours: The museum is open from 10 am to 6 am.

Akihabara

Akihabara or akiba is the hub of many electronic shops. If you’re looking for a new gadget, this is the best place to go. It’s also Tokyo’s manga and anime paradise. You’d see robot statues, anime coffee shops, and cosplayers around the district.

The top five must-see spots in Akihabara:

1. Yodobashi Camera

When it comes to electrical, they have everything you can think of. This is an enormous retail outlet which you can never find it in the US. Their staffs are also highly trained and very knowledgeable about their electrical appliances. You can find lots of promotion here as well due to the very competitive neighborhood.

How to get there: Central entrance. You can’t miss it.

Store hours: 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., every day

2. Walk along Chuo Dori

This is the main street of Akihabara. Take some time to walk around this street and experience what Akihabara truly offers. You should explore the branch off alleys after that. Some of the shops in the alleys are much cheaper.

3. Mandaake

This is one of Akihabara’s biggest shop when it comes to collectible. They sell all kinds of collectibles ranging from mascots, manga comics to rare anime figures.

Bonus Tips: Start from the eighth floor which is the top and slowly work your way down.

4. AKB48 Cafe/Shop

AKB48 is an extremely popular J-pop group made up of forty-eight girls. They even have branches all throughout Asia. AKB actually stands for Akihabara because everything about them was started here. You can find all sorts of sweets and lots of AKB48 photos in the cafe.

Cafe Hours: Weekdays: 11a.m.-11p.m. Weekends and holidays: 10 a.m.-11 p.m.

Shop Hours: Monday to Thursday: 11a.m.-10p.m. Friday and Saturday: 11a.m.-10:30p.m.; Sunday and holidays: 10a.m.-10p.m.

How to get there: On the right of west exit. Under the tracks.

5. Gundam Café

This café sells all sorts of Gundam goods. Even their food is in Gundam themed. Their staffs are also dressed in Gundam uniform. They will snap a salute when they take your order. They offer take out as well if you are in a rush.

Bonus Tips: Don’t forget to try out their interesting character lattes.

Cafe hours:

Weekdays: 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.

Saturday: 8:30 a.m. - 11 p.m.

Sundays and holidays: 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.

How to get there: Located right beside of AKB 48 café

What to Eat in Tokyo

Tokyo is  the land of the best Japanese dishes – sushi, ramen, tempura, sashimi, soba, udon, and soba.

Many tourists head to the fisherman restaurants to get their hands on authentic sushi. But, if you want to save money and avoid the flock of tourists, you can go to the Ougashi Nihon-chi Standing Sushi Bar in downtown Shibuya. You can get a platter of squid, red tuna, salmon, and scallop nigiris for less than $8.

The standing sushi bar in Minato is just as interesting as the one in Shibuya. The Uohgashi Nihonichi Shimbashi Hibiyaguchi is located in Shimbashi, Minato. This restaurant offers a wide variety of sushi, including unagi (eel), aka ebi (big sweet shrimp), uni (sea urchin), aburi salmon, and ootoro (fatty tuna belly).

You could also check out the best restaurants in the city, namely:

    Ise Sueyoshi (Minato) – This restaurant is good for fine dining. It has exemplary customer service and great food. It is known for their delicious tempura, matcha tea, sake, and teppanyaki. The average cost of each meal is 19500 yen or $90. It opens during lunchtime and closes at 11 pm.

    Han No Daidokoro (Shibuya) – This restaurant is best for barbecue and other meat dishes. It’s open during lunchtime and closes at 11 pm. Lunch cost around 1000 yen and dinner cost 5000 yen. This mid-priced restaurant gives you the best value for your money.

    Ippudo Roppongi (Minato) – This restaurant is best for budget travelers. They serve delicious and cheap ramen and other traditional Japanese dishes. Many people believe that this restaurant serves the best ramen in Tokyo. Its price range is at 750 to 1500 yen.

Where to Stay

It’s no secret that Tokyo is a bit expensive. But, there are a lot of beautiful and affordable hotels around the city. Here is a list of hotels I personally recommend:

    Sakura Hotel and Hostel Jimbucho, from $28 per night

    Tokyo Green Hotel (Korakuen), form $68 per night

    Hotel Asia Center of Japan, form $153 per night

    Khaosan World Asakusa Ryokan and Hostel, from $31 per night

    Anne Hostel Asakusabashi, from $30 per night

Capsule Hotel

If you are not a tight budget, try checking out capsule hotels like Capsule and Sauna Century Shibuya and Sauna Ikebukuro Plaza.

Capsule and Sauna Century Shibuya (2-star):

Capsule and Sauna Century is male-only accommodation. They offer facilities such as large hot tubs, coin launderette, massage chairs, free internet PCs, free Wi-Fi and saunas. You can expect a free TV, alarm clock, radio, and yukata robe as well. Meals are not provided but there are plenty of restaurants nearby if you ever get hungry.

It is located in Shibuya, 5-minute walk from Shibuya Station. Some of the popular destinations nearby are Tokyo Shrine, Tokyo Tower, Shinjuku and Harajuku (7-minute train ride).

Prices are from 34oo yen per night

Capsule and Sauna Ikebukuro Plaza (2-star):

Capsule and Sauna Ikebukuro Plaza is a women-only accommodation. They offer facilities such as large communal bath, stylish saunas, free Wi-Fi, restaurant, laundry, TV, radio alarm clock, and trouser press.

It is located a 5-minute walk from the West Exit of Ikebukuro Station.

Airbnb

When it comes to Tokyo Airbnb, avoid the big cities area. Stays in big cities are expensive. Look out for places that are near to a train or bus station. You really don’t want to walk an extra 5Km after a long day trip.  Check out area such as Kita.

Chapter 4 - Kyoto: The Home of More Than A Thousand Temples

Kyoto was the capital of the imperial Japan until 1868. It’s one of the most beautiful cities in the land of the rising sun. It’s the home of one thousand Buddhist temples, around four hundred colorful shrines, Zen gardens, and a few fascinating Samurai castles.

Kyoto is also the birthplace of the fascinating and intriguing geisha culture. Contrary to the common Western belief, geishas are not prostitutes. They are entertainers who have mastered the art of music and dance. They’re graceful, gentle, and beautiful. However, some geishas may choose to engage in a sexual relationship with a customer that she’s fond of.  You could literally see mysterious geishas and maikos (apprentices) walking freely in the city.

But, Kyoto is more than just the land of Geishas. It is also the home of architectural and cultural gems. It is a fascinating city that would captivate your soul and heart.

Places to See in Kyoto

There’s so much to see in the fascinating city of Kyoto. Here’s a list of the sites that you can see in Kyoto:

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Kiyomizu-dera means Pure Water Temple. It is one of the most famous temples of Japan and also one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It was built in 780 and made of wood, and especially known for its wooden stage that was made without nails, just outside its main hall. The stage houses the temple’s most significant object of worship, which is Kannon, a statue with eleven faces and a thousand arms. The temple is located on a hill next to the majestic Otawa Waterfall., of which water each of the 3 streams once drank, is believed to provide miracles such as longevity and a fortunate love life. Nevertheless, it’s considered greedy to drink from all 3. This huge temple is surrounded with maple trees and cherry blossoms. In fact, there are approximately one thousand five hundred cherry blossom trees in the area. It looks exceptionally divine during spring and autumn, with sceneries that make you revel in a sea of colors. The temple gives you a wide, good view of the Kyoto cityscape as well.

What else can you see around the temple:

1.                3 storied tall Koyasu Pagoda, which brings safe and easy childbirth

2.                Okunion Hall, along with more halls just beside it, dedicated to Shaka Buddha and Amida Buddha

3.                Stone statues of Jizo, the protector of children and travelers

4.                The “Mother’s Womb”, a pitch black basement, with a little bit of add-on admission fee

5.                Jishu Shrine, dedicated for love or matchmaking

6.                Belfry, a humungous 2.3 ton bell

1.                Spring Illumination ( Hanami ) from mid-March to mid-April : 6pm – 9pm

2.                Fall Illumination, mid-November to early-December : 6pm - 9pm

Other Events include:

1.                April : Miyako Odori( traditional annual spring dance )

2.                15th of May  : Aoi Matsuri(a parade from Imperial Palace to Kamo Shrines )

3.                July : Gion Matsuri, Yoiyama( Kyoto’s Magical Night ), Yamaboko Junko(float procession)

4.                October : Jidai Matsuri( Festival Of Ages )

Opening Hours :  6am – 6pm all year round

Entrance Fees : 400 yen

*Entrance fee may differ according to season

The temple can be reached using multiple ways:

1.                From Kyoto Station, bus number 100 or 206 ( 10-20 minutes, 230 yen ), and get off at either Goio-zaka or Kiyomizu-michi bus stop, then take a 10minute walk to the temple.

2.                From Kiyomizu-Gojo Station, about 20 minutes of walking along the Keihan Railway Line.

Nishiki Market

The Nishiki Market is a long and narrow shopping street in Kyoto and it’s just less than five minutes from the Shijo Station (the Karasuma Subway Line). It’s a haven for domestic goddesses. You can find a number of fresh tofu, wagashi or Japanese desserts, sashimi, shellfish, tea, and fish. You could also find pickled vegetables called Nukazuke. One of the best things about the Nishiki market is that you can haggle and get the best possible price.

This market is open from 9:30 am to 6 pm.

How to get there: The Nishiki Market street runs along the Shijo Avenue. It’s a five-minute walk from Shijo Station on the Karasuma Subway Line.

Fushimi-Inari-Taisha Shrine

The Fushimi Inari Shrine is one of the most renowned sites in Kyoto, and also one of the prominent Shinto Shrines in Southern Kyoto. It is well known its near five thousand bright red Torii gates, lined up to form a path to the sacred Mount Inari which stands around 230metres tall.  The shrine was built in 711, one of the oldest structures in Japan, dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice and Sake. One of the most significant attributes are the dozens of fox statues, representing the messenger of the god of grain foods. While this shrine is a sacred place for worship. Most foreign visitors come here to tour the mountain trails, these days it’s also widely known as one of the perfect places to take stunning photographs.

At the entrance, stands the Romon Gate, which was donated by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1589. On the far side of the main hall, is where visitors usually pay respect to the gods thereby making offerings. And near that is the entrance to the Torii gate trails. All of these gates are sponsored by individuals or companies, with their names and date of donation engraved on each gate. The smaller gates cost around 400,000 yen and for the bigger ones, over 1 million yen.

The journey on foot to the summit and back usually takes around 2-3 hours, but visitors are free to stroll around freely without any time limit. Along the way, there are numerous shrines with smaller Torii gates donated by visitors. There are also some restaurants with local dishes such as Sushi, Udon and Aburaage( fried tofu ). Around halfway through the hike, there’s the Yotsutsuji Intersection, where visitors can have a pleasant view of Kyoto.  And beyond that, the gate density goes down as you go further up.

Notable events:

1.                1st of January : Saitan-sai ( New Year’s Prayers )

2.                12th of April : Minakuchi Hashu-sai ( Rice seedlings are planted into nursery beds and prayers are offered for protection of Inari, to produce lush harvest )

3.                10th of June : Rice seedlings previously planted are transferred into shrine paddies, prayers are also offered

4.                25th of October : Harvested rice is offered up for Shinjo-sai ( November 23 )

5.                31st of December : Oharae-shiki ( A purification ceremony to efface sins committed, and to start a new year in the state of clarity )

Entrance Fees: Free

Opening Hours: Open 24/7 throughout the year.

How to get there: The Fushimi Inari Shrine is just five minutes away from the Kyoto Station via the JR Nara Line, for about 140 yen. Apart from that, it can also be reached by taking a short walk along the Keihan Mainline from Fushimi Inari Station.

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Bamboos are fascinating trees. They are tall, slender, and incredibly strong. The pathway of Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is paved with bamboo trees. It is no doubt one of the most photographed attractions in Arashiyama, but no picture can capture the experience of standing in the midst of these skyscraping bamboo trees. This place is incredibly relaxing and peaceful as well.

Bonus Tips: Come as early as 6am in the morning when the crowds haven’t arrived to capture the full experience of Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.

Exploring Arashiyama

Be sure to visit the Togetsukyo Bridge where you can see the whole view of Arayashima forest, mountain and river. One of the best ways to enjoy Arashiyama is by bicycle. Bicycles are available near the train station for around 1000yen. There are also lots of temples around where you can cycle all the way there such as Tenryuji Temple,  Daikakuji Temple, Jojakkoji Temple, Nisonin Temple etc

Bonus Tips: You may want to skip the temples around here during winter. There is nothing much to see except for the temple itself. On the other hand, temples such as Tenryuji Temple and Daikakuji Temple are very beautiful, especially during the cherry blossom period and autumn.

Entrance Fees: Free

Opening Hours:  Open every day from 9 am to 5 pm

How to get there:

10 min walk from Saga Arashiyama Station, JR Sagano line

15 min walk from Arashiyama Station, Henkyu railway

Kinkaku-ji Temple

The Kinkakuji or the Golden Pavilion is a Zen temple. It was once the retirement home of a military dictator named Ashikaga Yoshimitsu.  It was built in 1393. The huge house sits beside a vast pond and it’s surrounded with lilies and lush green trees. It’s forty minutes from the Kyoto Station. But, what makes this temple special is that the second and third floor are literally covered with gold. You should not miss this one when you’re in Japan. It’s not every day that you get to see a house made of gold.

Entrance Fees: 400 yen

Opening Hours: Open every day from 9 am to 5pm.

How to get there:

Take a direct Kyoto City Bus number 101 or 205 from Kyoto Station (40 minutes and for 230 yen)

For a faster and more reliable route, you can also take the Karasuma Subway Line to Kitaoji Station (15 minutes, 260 yen)

Nijo Castle

Nijo Castle is one of the most imposing and fascinating UNESCO world heritage structures in Kyoto. It was the residence of the first shogun of the Edo Period named Tokugawa Lesayu. The castle has a huge brown filled with intricate gold and jade patterns. You could also find a garden called Ninomaru Teien in the area.

Opening Hours:

Open from 8:45 am to 5 pm. It is closed every Tuesdays in January, July, August, and December. It’s also closed from December 26th to January 4th.

Entrance Fees: 600 yen.

How to get there:

Take the Karasuma Subway Line to Karasuma-Oike Station from Kyoto Station. Then, transfer to the Tozai Line and get off at Nijojo-mae Station (15 minutes and costs 260 yen). The entrance of Nijo Castle is a short walk from Nijojo-mae Station. You can also reach the castle by bus 9, 50 or 101 for a cheaper fare (15 minutes, 230 yen one way ).

Bonus Tips: You can skip Nijo Castle if you are going to the Osaka Castle as they are about the same. Osaka Castle is much bigger and grander compared to Nijo Castle. The will be lots of walking, for at least 5KM in the inner castle itself.

Ginkaku-ji (The Silver Pavillion)

Here’s what’s weird about the Ginkaku-ji – it does not contain silver. It was built as a retirement home of the shogun (military dictator). It’s a beautiful temple with interesting landscapes. This lavish house is surrounded by a garden and a pond surrounded by lush trees. The garden looks vibrant and oozing with colors and texture during the autumn season.

Visitors can also access Ginkakuji's moss garden and hill, which features ponds, small waterfall, bridges and lots of moss. From the hill behind, you can witness the grand view of the entire temple.

Don’t forget to check out the philosopher path as well after exiting.

Opening Hours: 8:30 am to 5 pm (March to November) and 9 am to 4:30 pm (December to February).

Entrance Fees: 500 yen

How to get there: From Kyoto Station, take a direct bus 5, 17 or 100 (35-40 minutes and for 230 yen).

Bonus Tips: You can skip this temple if there is not enough time left. It’s almost the same as the Kinkaku-ji temple.

Amanoshashidate

This is one of Kyoto’s best-kept secrets. It’s a long sandbar that connects the two sides of Mizayu bay. It’s made of pure white sand and lined with lush green trees. You could get a good view of the sandbar by riding a cable car.

This alluring sandbar is just two hours away from Osaka Station and Kyoto Station. You can just take a train from downtown Kyoto Station. Once you reach the Amanoshasidate Station, you just have to walk to the cable car that’s going to take you to the sandbar.

You can view this sandbar from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm. The entrance fee is free, but you need to pay 800 yen for the chairlift ride.

Kyoto Food Guide

Matcha Heaven

Kyoto has the best matcha desserts in the entire world. If you have a sweet tooth, you can visit an ice cream shop called Gion Kinana located in the famous Gion street. You can also visit a traditional Japanese dessert shop called Kagizen Yoshifusa located in Higashiyama-Ku.

Best affordable sushi in Kyoto:

Sushisei. They offer the best price when it comes to sushi. They are also very friendly and comfortable with foreigners

Address: B1 Daimaru department store, Shijo-Takakura Parking Building, 581 Obiya-cho, Takakura-dori Nishikikoji sagaru, Nakagyo-ku

4min walk from Shijo Station or Karasuma Station

Den Shichi. Classic style sushi-bar with super fresh sushi

Address: 4-1 Tatsumi-cho, Saiin, Ukyo-ku

4min walk from Saiin Station

Ganko Sushi. Friendly and helpful staff together with reasonable price sushi make them one of the best

Address: 101 Nakajima-cho, Sanjo-dori, Kawaramachi Higashi iru, Nakagyo-ku

3min walk from Sanjo Station

Best Ramen in Kyoto:

Ippudo. Best ramen joint in the whole Japan

Address: 653-1 Bantoya-cho, Higashinotoin, Nishikikoji higashi iru, Nakagyo-ku

2min walk from Shijo Station

Karako. They serve the best roasted sliced pork ramen

Address: 12-3 Tokusei-cho, Okazaki, Sakyo-ku

9min walk from Jingu Marutamachi Station

Ramen Muraji. They serve the best chicken broth ramen

Address: 373-3 Kiyomotocho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto

2 min walk from Gion-Shijo

Best Cafes in Kyoto:

Café Bibliotic HELLO! A machiya style uber-hip café.

Address: 650 Seimei-cho, Yanaginobanba-higashi-iru, Nijo-dori, Nakagyo-ku

7min walk from Karasuma Oike Station Exit 1

Inoda Coffee. Best local old coffee shop

Address: 140 Doyu-cho, Sanjo-sagaru, Sakaimachi-dori, Nakagyo-ku

4min walk from Karasuma Oike Station Exit 5

%Arabica. Modern and stylish coffee shop

Address: 87-5 Hoshino-cho, Higashiyama-ku

Take bus 206 from Kyoto Station to Higashiyama Yasui Bus Stop. The shop is 5 min walk from the bus stop.

Chapter 5 -: Bright Osaka Lights and Magic

Osaka is a charming city. But, what’s so special about Osaka is its resilience. The city was practically destroyed during the Second World War, but it was rebuilt at a rapid pace. Today, it’s the second biggest city in Japan.

I have done tours in Osaka for years and the city never gets old. Here’s a list of the tourist spots in Osaka:

Top Tourist Spots in Osaka

Osaka Castle

This stunning Eastern castle was built by a Japanese politician and warrior named Toyotomi Hideyoshi. It was built in 1583 and it was once the biggest castle in Japan. It’s right beside the Nishinomaru garden which contains over five hundred cherry trees. The castle was sieged and attacked when Toyotomi died, but the castle ferocious concrete walls protected it from major damages. It even survived air raids during the war.

How to get there: Take the subway to Tanimachi 4-chrome Station along the Tanimachi Subway Line and Chuo Subway Line and enter through the Otemon Gate at the park's southwestern section.

How to get there: Take the subway to Tanimachi 4-chrome Station along the Tanimachi Subway Line and Chuo Subway Line and enter through the Otemon Gate at the park's southwestern section.

Must-See Spots in Osaka Castle:

Gokurakubashi Bridge

This is no doubt the best spot for taking photos of the Osaka Castle. From here you can capture the bridge with the castle tower in the background.

Nishinomaru Garden

A beautiful garden around Osaka Castle. There are about 600 cherry trees here. Come in the spring and witness this magical view. You will need to pay 200 yen to enter this garden.

Osaka Castle Tower

Opening Hours: 9 am to 5 pm. It’s closed on December 28 to January 1 every year.

Entrance Fees: The park and the outer section is free, but it costs 600 yen to enter the castle tower which now serve as a museum.

Universal Studios Japan

This is definitely one of the best theme parks in Japan. You could see and experience a number of rides and shows, including the Flying Snoopy, Hello Kitty’s Cupcake Dream, Backdraft, Space Fantasy, Jaws, Jurassic Park, and the Hollywood Dream. Be sure to visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter as well.

Opening Hours: 9 am to 9 pm every day.

Entrance Fees:

7900 yen for adults and 5400 yen for children for normal passes

Express Passes which allow you to skip queues for selected rides cost between 4,500 and 8,100 yen for four rides and between 6,900 and 13,200 yen for seven rides. The prices may differ depending on how busy the day is.

How to get there:

By train

From Osaka Station (15 minutes, 180 yen). One direct train per hour.

From Kansai Airport, take a JR airport rapid to Nishikujo Station and transfer to the JR Yumesaki Line bound for Universal City Station (75 minutes, 1190 yen).

Five-minute walk from Universal City Station to the entrance of the Universal Studios Japan.

By bus

From Kansai Airport (50-70 minutes, 1550 yen). One bus per hour.

From Itami Airport (45 minutes, 930 yen). One bus per hour.

Dotonbori

This is one of the most interesting shopping districts in Osaka. It’s bright and it looks like a giant circus. The city is filled with shopping arcades and it has an “eat all you can” culture. You could find the best Japanese shabu-shabu, crab dishes, kebabs, and sukiyaki in the area.

At the heart of the district is the fascinating Dotonbori canal. It’s lined with lanterns and huge buildings. Dotonbori is, no doubt, one of the most interesting and captivating entertainment districts in Japan.

Interesting Things to do in Dotonburi:

1. Post in front of Glico's Running Man Signboard

This signboard has become so popular that everybody will know that you have been to Dotonburi once you take a picture with it.

2. Visit Hozenji Yokocho

Home to more than 60 small izakaya, eateries and bars in an alleyway. It is located behind Hozenji Temple. It all started as a theater district since the 17th century. If you are lucky, you may even get the chance to meet with local celebrities as they often visit the street of Hozenji Yokocho.

3. Enjoy the Tonbori River Cruise

There will be a guide bringing you across nine bridges where you can experience the ever-bustling Osaka at its best. You can board it in front of the "Don Quixote" discount store by the Tazaemon-bashi Bridge. The cruise will last for twenty minutes.

Opening Hours: From 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM on weekdays, 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM on Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays. Not available at 5:00 PM and 5:30 PM on weekdays.

4. Shopping at Shinsaibashi

When it comes to shopping, Osaka is no doubt the cheapest. So, it’s best for you to buy the things you want in Osaka instead of some other cities.

Bonus Tips: Check out their drug stores. They are famous for selling super cheap yet high-quality supplements.

What to Eat in Osaka

Takoyaki – This is a snack made of octopus and flour. Osaka has more than 600 Takoyaki restaurants. You can eat delicious takoyakis at Ganso Takoyaki Aiduya (Price: $3 to $5) or at Dotonbori Honke Ootako  ($4 to $5).

Okonomiyaki – This savory pancake is made of cabbage and flour. You can eat this delicious dish in Houzenji Sanpei (Price: $7 to $15).

Negiyaki – This looks a lot like okonomiyaki, but without the cabbage. You can find this at Yukari (Price: $7 to $15).

Yakiniku – This is a savory grilled meat dish that you can find in restaurants all over Osaka. You can eat at Yakiniku Irohakan (Average price: 3000 yen or $28)

Blowfish Sashimi – Yes, its blowfish and don’t worry you won’t die eating it! This dish is locally known as “tessa” and it is available in specialty stores in Osaka. You can enjoy this dish at Sushidokoro Nishiki (price: 8300  yen or $78).

Where to Stay in Osaka

Kita is the best area to stay for first-time tourists. It’s the business center of the city. You could find a lot of hotels in the area, including:

1. Imperial Hotel Osaka – If you have money to burn, stay in the Imperial Hotel Osaka. It’s the best luxury hotel located at the heart of Kita. It’s just a short walk from JR Sakuranomiya Station and JR Osaka Station.

2. S. Training Hotel – This is a mid-range hotel. Rooms come with private bathrooms, TV, and even an electronic kettle. Priced at $115 per night.

3. Hostel Tankai – This hostel is best for those who have a tight budget. Staying in this hostel will give you a chance to meet new people, too. Prices start at $18 per night.

Side Trip: The Deer Paradise Called Nara

(Suggested Time – One Day)

Nara was once the capital of Japan before it was transferred to Kyoto. So, you could find the ancient structures around the city. What’s fascinating about Nara is that you can find deer everywhere and they’re comfortable with humans. This city is also just 39 minutes away from Osaka.

You can simply take a train from Osaka or Tokyo to Kintetsu Nara Station (not Nara Station)

Places you must visit at least once in Nara:

#1 Nara Deer Park

If you like to play with deers, you should head to Nara Park. It also has plenty of cherry trees that bloom during the springtime. They have a large population of semi-wild deer roaming freely around the park.

You can buy a pack of deer crackers for about 300yen (shika sembei) to feed them. Never feed them your own food.

Caution: Note that the deer can be very aggressive in trying to get the crackers out of your hands. Also, when they scent that you have the crackers they will swarm toward you uncontrollably.

How to get there: 100 meters from Kintetsu Nara Station.

Opening Hours: This park is open 24 hours a day

Entrance fee: Free

#2 Kasuga-taisha Shrine

Kasuga-Taisha Shrine is the most important Shinto shrine in Nara. It consists of pathways lined with thousands of stone lanterns, surrounded by a zen-like forest and of course the deer, roaming happily and freely.

Opening Hours: 6:00am-6:00pm (Apr-Sep), 6:30am-5:00pm (Oct-Mar)

Nearest Transport: 25min walk from Kintetsu Nara Station

Entrance fee: Free. You may need to pay if you want to enter the temple inner section.

Bonus tips: Come and experience the magical Mantoro festival at Feb 3rd and Aug 14th. During this festival all of the 3000 lanterns will be lit.

#3 Todaiji Temple

Todaiji Temple is a powerful Buddhist temple and it is the home of Daibutsu, the biggest bronze Buddha statue in the world. Even if the temple is busy during weekdays, it still feels sacred. There’s something about this temple that transports you to the ancient Japanese times. Don’t forget to check out the Nandai-mon Gate!

Opening Hours: 7:30am-5:30pm (Apr-Oct), 8:00am-4:30pm (Nov-Mar)

Nearest Transport: 20min walk from Kintetsu Nara Station

Entrance fees: Free for the outer section. 500yen for the inner section.

#4 Yoshikien - Nara’s great little secrets

Yoshikien is a park with three gardens – a moss garden, tea ceremony garden, and a pond garden. This garden is peaceful and relaxing. Located directly next to Isui-en Garden.

Opening Hours: 9:00am-5:00pm (enter by 4:30pm). It’s closed every Feb 15 to Feb 28

Nearest Transport: 15min walk from Kintetsu Nara Station

Entrance fee: 250 yen but it’s free for foreigners.

Bonus tips: The maple trees here are spectacular in November.

    You may be wondering why is there so little information about Nara especially when there are so much more other temples available for visit? Well, it’s because I have chosen only the best destinations for your maximum experience in the shortest time possible. The rest of the temples are about the same and they are less attractive when compared to those mentioned above. So, you may want to skip them.

Nara’s Transportation:

Take the 100yen bus to all the tourist sites.

You can find it’s bus stop right in front of the Kintetsu Nara Station.

You will need to pay 100yen when you enter the bus every single time. If you are going to four destinations, that means you will have to pay 400yen.

Chapter 6 - Hokkaido: The Land of Beer, Music Boxes, and Colorful Landscapes

Hokkaido is the second biggest island in Japan. The cities in Hokkaido are not as popular as Tokyo, Osaka, or Kyoto, but they’re interesting and breathtakingly beautiful. You should visit Hokkaido at least once in your life. The whole island looks like a wallpaper, especially during the summer and winter. The island is filled with rainbow-colored landscapes and it’s the home of many natural wonders in Japan.

Places to See in Hokkaido

Hokkaido looks like a tropical paradise during the summertime and a stunning white kingdom during the winter season. It’s also filled with vibrant colors during the spring and fall season.

Sapporo (Suggested Time – Two to three days)

Sapporo is the home of one of the famous beers in Japan. But, there’s more to Sapporo than the beer. It’s a magical and quirky city that’s filled with beautiful sights and things. It is an Eastern city that has a strong European vibe. You could see light, lovely pastel colors everywhere you look.

Here’s a list of places that you should see when you’re in Sapporo:

1. Odori Park

It is located at the center of Sapporo, separating the northern and the southern part of the city. This park is about one kilometer and a half long stretching over twelve city blocks. Unlike any other parks, it’s very calm and peaceful here. Many locals visit this park just to relax and unwind themselves. There are lots of events being held here throughout the year. For examples, the Snow Festival in the winter, Lilac Festival in the spring, YOSAKOI Soran Festival & beer garden in the summer, and Autumn Fest, in the fall.

How to get there: The best way to get there is by walking. You can either walk there through the underground shopping street where you can experience the taste and culture of Hokkaido. It’s a 1.5-kilometer walk from Sapporo Station but you will be there in no time. Just look out for their huge easily spotted Odori Park signboards.

Entrance Fees: Free

Opening Hours: 24 hours

Best time to visit: Spring. In the spring, you can just wear a normal layer of cloth and feel the breeze blowing softly in your face as you stroll around the park.

Meet the Sapporo TV Tower – The Landmark of Sapporo

It has as an observation deck at a height of 90 meters where you can enjoy the stunning view of the park and the surrounding cities.

It has a height of 150 meters and will be illuminated during the evening.

You can just view the tower from below. There is no need for you to visit its observation deck if you have visited Tokyo Tower or Tokyo Skytree.

Opening hours:

9:00 to 22:00 (late April to mid-October)

9:30 to 21:30 (mid-October to late April)

Entrance Fees: 720 yen

2. Former Hokkaido Government Office – The Red Brick Office

This is an orange baroque building. It used to be the seat of power in Hokkaido and was used for approximately 80 years until the new government office currently in use was built. The building is surrounded by colorful gardens and it lights up at night.

Opening Hours: 8:45-18:00. Closed on New Year's holidays

Entrance Fees: Free

How to get there: It is located at the west of Kita Sanjo Dori. You will notice it while on your way to the Odori Park. If can also get there by subway as well. It’s an 8-minute walk from west exit of JR Sapporo Station or 4-minute walk from Exit 10 of Sapporo Station (Namboku and Toho subway lines)

Best time to visit: Spring season ( at around May~June). There will be all kind of flowers spreading all across the Government Office during this season.

Bonus Tips: Request for a volunteer staff for explanations about the building to appreciate its depth. English, Chinese (Simplified/Traditional), Korean, Thai are available.

3. Mount Moiwa Observation Deck - Sacred Places for Love

There will be mini cable car lifting you all the way up to the summit. From there, you can see the whole city from the observation deck. The view is especially beautiful after sunset. There’s also plenty of restaurants, a planetarium and a theater at the upper station.

On the mountain's southeastern side, there is the Mount Moiwa Ski Resort. However, it is not connected to the Mount Moiwa Ropeway. So, you will need to approach it from a different location.

You could also find the “bell of happiness” in the area. According to the legend, couples who lock a padlock and ring the bell will find eternal happiness.

Entrance fees:

1700 yen (roundtrip for ropeway and mini cable car)

1100 yen (roundtrip for ropeway only)

600 yen (roundtrip for mini cable car only)

700 yen for adults and 500 yen for children

Opening Hours: 10:30 to 22:00 (from 11:00 from December to March); admission ends 30 minutes before closing

How to get there: Take Sapporo streetcar line to Ropeway Iriguchi station from Susukino (cost about 170 yen and 25 minutes). Once you arrived, take a free shuttle bus to the lower part of the ropeway station

4. Moerenuma Park

This glass museum looks a lot like the Pyramid in Paris, France. It’s located in the beautiful Moerenuma Park in Higashi-ku.

The park was designed by Isamu Noguchi, a renowned Japanese American sculptor. Noguchi was born in the United States but spent most of his life in Japan. This area was initially a waste disposal site before it was transformed into this magnificent park.

Must-do list for visitors at Moerenuma Park:

1. Climb the 62-meter tall Mt. Moere

2. Visit the glass pyramid “Hiidamari”

3. Rent and ride a bike around the park

4. Watch the fountain water spout show

5. Picnic with a

6. Play with the art facilities specially designed by Isamu Noguchi

7. Enjoy the cherry trees in the spring

8. Get wet in the water at Moere Beach in the summer

9. Watch the grand firework show in the fall

10. Sliding around on rented sleds or skiing in the winter

How to get there: Take the Toho Subway Line to Kanjodori-higashi Station and then change to local bus number 69 or 79 to the park's east entrance. The name of the bus stop you are supposed to drop by is Moerenuma Koen Higashi-guchi, モエレ沼公園東口. The journey will cost 210 yen, and 25 minutes not including the waiting time. There are usually 2 buses per hour.

Entrance Fees: Free

Opening Hours:

East Entrance Gate: 7:00 - 22:00 (admission till 21:00)

*Open every day

5. Sapporo Beer Musuem

The Germans introduced beer in Japan in 1860 and the Japanese have been obsessed with this alcoholic beverage. If you’re into beer, you should visit the Sapporo Beer Museum. At Sapporo Beer Museum, you can witness the process of beer making and understand the history of beer. Remember to visit the Tasting Lounge on the 1st floor where you can taste a wide variety of beer at a small fee.

6. The Sapporo Beer Garden

Located right next to the Sapporo Beer Museum. Besides the grand beer halls, you can also find quite a number of all-you-can-drink beers and all-you-can-eat BBQ also known as Jingisukan restaurants (which you can only find in Hokkaido).

How to get there:

Take the "Loop 88 Factory Line" bus that stops at places like Odori Station and Seibu department store near Sapporo Station. The bus departures every 20 minutes and cost 210 yen per ride. You can also walk there from JR Sapporo Station which takes about 25 minutes or 15 minutes from Higashi-kuyakusho-mae Station on the Toho Subway Line.

Entrance Fees: Free. Guided tour for 500 yen

Opening Hours: 11:30 to 20:00 (last admission until 19:30). Closed on Mondays and New Years holidays'

Otaru (Suggested Time – One day)

Otaru is a scenic port city. It is known for its beautiful landscapes, music boxes, and old-fashioned sake brewery. You could see glass and pastel-colored buildings everywhere. Here’s a list of places that you should see in Otaru:

1. Otaru Canal

There’s something romantic about this canal. It has a dreamy and nostalgic atmosphere. It was built in 1923 to allow small boats to transport cargo. But, it was no longer used as a docking facility since the 1980s. The canal is lined with old warehouses that are now used as museums, cafés, and shops. The 63 elegant gas lamps will light up the area at night.

In the winter, Snow Light Path Festival is held here.

How to get there: The Otaru Canal is a ten-minute walk from Otaru Station. Once exited the station, keep walking towards the north and you will find it in no time.

2. Saikaimachi Dori Street

This is a quaint street that’s known for its glass products. You could also find the Music Box Museum in the area. It is beautiful and quaint. You could visit different shops that sell cakes and chocolate potato chips.

Don’t miss these best spots:

Music Box Museum

This is the world largest music box museum in the world. It features glass sculptures and glass music box built with the very essence of Otaru uniqueness. They have more than 30,000 music boxes for you to choose from, each with a different design and music to suit your taste.

Opening Hours: 9:00 to 18:00 (until 19:00 on Fridays and Saturdays in summer)

Closed: No closing days

Entrance Fees: Free

Museum of Venetian Art

His art gallery was opened, for the purpose of bringing the richness and elegance of the ancient city of Venice to Otaru. You can admire all his artworks here.

Opening Hours: 8:45 to 18:00 (entry until 17:30)

Closed: No closing days

Entrance Fees: 700 yen

LeTAO Main Store

You can buy various type of sweets that are purely made from Hokkaido ingredients. Don’t forget to check out their ever-popular baumkuchen.

Hours: 10:00 - 18:00. The cafe closes 30 minutes before the end for business hours. Open every day.

Entrance Fees: 700 yen

Kitaichi Outlet

You can buy high-quality Kitaichi Glass products at a reasonable price here.

Opening Hours: 8:45am-6:00pm (Close)

Prices: Glasses from 750 yen/Bowls from 500 yen/Soy sauce cruets from 1100 yen

3. Sankaku Fish Market

This is just a few steps away from the JR Otaru station. You could find a great bargain on rare fishes and huge crabs. The market opens at 8 am to 5 pm every day.

Furano-Biei (Suggested Time – Two days)

Furano (富良野) and Biei (美瑛) are located right at the heart of Hokkaido. They are most well-known for their natural wonders ranging from lavender fields to the blue pond during summer and cross-country ski during winter.

The best time to visit:  July~August, when all their flowers and lavenders are fully bloomed.

Bonus Tip: If you come to the Furano-Biei area by airplane, consider booking a flight to Sapporo instead of Asahikawa even though Asahikawa Airport is nearer. Buying your flight ticket to Sapporo will cost you much lesser when combined. Once you arrived, buy the JR Furano-Biei Free Ticket which costs 6,500 yen for adults and 3,250 yen for children at Shin-Chitose Airport JR Station.  You can use the Free Ticket in Asahikawa, Takigawa, Furano, and Biei as many times as you wish up to four days.

Furano

#1 Farm Tomita

Farm Tomita is located in Nakafurano and is the most popular lavender field in Japan. The farm looks like a rainbow during the spring and summer months. It’s so beautiful, no words can describe it. The flower beds are lined up to form a vast rainbow-like field.

When To Visit: Last week of July to August when all the flowers are in full bloom.

How to Get There. Take the train and get off at 'Lavender Field Station' on the JR Furano Line. The Lavender Field Station is not always open. If it is closed, you will need to get off at Nakafurano Station and walk to Farm Tomita.

Entrance Fees: Free

Opening Hours: The farm is open from 8:30 am to 5 pm. The entrance fee is free.

#2 Municipal Lavender Field

During the summer, Furano Ski Area will transform into a picturesque Lavender field. Hokusei Hill will be carpeted in purple naturally.

Use the elevator which cost about 200 yen to get to the best view on top.

Address: 〒071-0714　Nakafurano, Miyamachi 1-41

Tel: +81-167-44-2123

How to get there: 10-minute walk from JR Naka-Furano station

Opening Hours：From 9:00 a.m. to 4:40 p.m., June〜August,

Biei

There are a few sightseeing buses here offering to bring you to the top destinations in Biei because most of the destinations are quite far apart. So, walking is no longer an option.

My recommendation is to just go ahead and book for these sightseeing buses.

IMPORTANT! Make sure to book your sit a few days before your Biei trip. You really don’t want to be disappointed. You can buy these tickets at any major train station in Hokkaido. Just simply grab them once you arrived in Sapporo.

It’s not possible for you to book online.

Here’s a map for the sightseeing bus tours available during summer ( July-August)

**Please beware that bus schedule and courses will change according to seasons.

Here’s a list of the best destinations in Biei: (They will all be covered by the sightseeing buses)

#1 Shirogane Blue Pond

Shirogane Blue Pond in winter

Note: The pond sometimes freezes during winter and when it freezes you don’t get to see the bluish-colored pond. Everything turns white as ice.

The pond is part of an initiative to protect the town of Biei in case of an eruption by Mount Takachidake.

You may be wondering why the pond is so blue in color? Well, it turns out that the color is a result of colloidal aluminum hydroxide presence in the water.

#2 Shikisai.no.Oka

Shikisai.no.Oka is a 15-hectare hill carpeted with all types of colorful flowers from April to October. There will be different flowers according to the seasons with July-August being the peak. You can find flowers such as salvia, Japanese anemone, sunflower, tulip, lavender, dahlia lupine etc

There is a tractor bus service available for those who do not wish to walk. The vehicle will bring you around the hill to devour the beauty of nature.

Time Required: 15 minutes

Fare:

300 yen for elementary school and junior high school students

500 yen for high school students or more

#3 Hokusei-no-Oka View Park

The pyramid-shaped observation deck overlooking the majestic Tokachi mountain.

There are souvenir shops, tourist information center and studio glass here as well.

#4 Ken and Mary Tree

#5 Seven Stars Tree (view from bus)

#3 Parent and child Tree (view from bus)

The two oak trees standing in between a smaller tree symbolizes the parent whereas the smaller tree symbolizes the child. Together, they stand strong and proud, not giving in to the brutality of nature.

Chapter 7 - Winter Destinations

Japan looks like a quaint tropical paradise during summer time. But, it’s also beautiful during the winter season. If you decide to visit Japan during the winter season, here’s a list of sites that you should visit:

Shirakawago

Shirakawago is a village located in Gifu. It is known for its Gassho-zukuris or thatched houses that look a lot like English cottages. These cottages look divine when they’re covered with snow and lit up doing the winter season. The village literally looks like a winter wonderland. You’ll usually see the whole village light up during the last two Sundays of January and the first two Sundays of February.

Zao Snow Monsters

Zao Onsen is a popular hot spring and ski resort in the Yamagata Prefecture. It’s a ski hub and a haven for those who want to stay warm during the winter season. It has scenic landscapes during the summer and spring seasons. But, it looks stunningly intriguing during the winter season.

The Snow Monsters look like well-crafted ice sculptures from afar. But, they’re actually natural wonders. They’re merely snow-covered trees that form interesting monster-like shapes.

The hot spring fee ranges from 300 yen to 1500 yen.

Entrance fees: 200 yen.

Ski resort Opening Hours: 6 am to 10 pm.

Jigokudani Monkey Park

Jigokudani Monkey Park is the home of the snow monkeys. It’s part of the Shigakogen or Joshinetsu Kogen National Park. It was called the Hell’s Valley because of its natural boiling pool of water that’s surrounded by tall cliffs and cold forests.

This park was founded 1964 and it has since become the home of red-faced Japanese Macaques or Snow Monkeys. This is the only place where you can see monkeys enjoy bathing in hot water. This park gives the visitors a unique experience of bathing in hot steam during the cold winter season.

Entrance Fees: 500 yen.

Opening Hours: Open from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm during the spring and summer seasons. It is open from 9 am to 4 pm during the autumn and winter seasons.

Sapporo Snow Festival

Sapporo Winter Festival usually happens during the first week of February and it boasts some of the biggest snow sculptures in Japan. You could find giant sculptures, snowmobile rides, and snow slides there. You could even see Pokemon or Super Mario sculpture. The admission fee is free and the booths are open from 9 am to 9 pm for three consecutive days.

Otaru Snow Light Path

The Otaru Snow Light Path happens during the first week of February and ends during the second week of February.

This festival happens in the beautiful city of Otaru, also known as the “Wall Street of the North”. During the ten-day festival, certain parts of the city (the Temiyasen Kaijo and Unga Kaijo) are filled with glittering lanterns, shimmering lights, small ice sculptures, and candlelight. The festival sites also offer the best Otaru delicacies, such as the Otaru sushi, seafood, beer, wine, mochi, and ramen. If you decide to witness this snow festival, you can stay in some of the recommended hotels near the Otaru Station and the Otaru canal, namely:

    Authent Hotel Otaru

    Hotel Sonia

    Smile Hotel

    Otaru Furukawa

Chapter 8 - Japan’s Best Kept Secrets

Japan is not all technology, robots, and temples. It’s filled with little-known spots that will surely captivate your heart.

Narai-Juku

Narai-Juku is a quaint little town in Shiojiri, Nagano Prefecture. This elevated town is in between Tokyo and Kyoto at the foot of the Torii Mountain Pass. The city is filled with public baths and traditional inns called ryokan. Narai-juku is also known as the “Narai of One Thousand Buildings”.

This beautiful town transports you to a different time. The narrow streets are lined with beautiful wooden houses. Narai-juku is the home of many historic sites, such as the simple Shizume Shrine, the Nakaruma House, Two Hundred Juzos (small Buddhist statues), Honjinato Ruins, and a three hundred year Kiso-ohashi.

This town is charming and breathtakingly beautiful. Its old town charm is fascinating.

To get to Narai-Juku, go to the Tokyo Shinjuku station and catch a train to the Shiojiri Station. Narai is the fifth station and the trip takes about two and a half hours.

Narai-Juku Ice Candle Festival

Held annually at February 3 - February 4

This glowing ice candles street is about 2 kilometers long, warmly lighting up the old port town of Kisofukushima. Visitors can feel the welcome message of local citizens.

Takaragawa Onsen Osenkaku

Japan is known for its hot spring public baths called onsen. These baths usually contain calcium chloride, sulfate ions, and sodium chloride. The water has a moisturizing effect that makes the skin look younger and more glowing. It can also cure various skin diseases such as eczema, heat rash, burns, atopic dermatitis, and abrasions.

But, most onsens are crowded, especially during the summertime. If you want to avoid the crowd of tourists and health buffs, head to the Takaragawa Onsen Osenkaku.

The Takaragawa Onsen Osenkaku is a luxurious hotel located next to the bus stop in Fujiwara, Minakami-machi. It’s about thirty-minute drive from the Minakami Station.

This hotel looks simple, but it’s stunning and it has a luxurious feel. And the warmth of the hot spring is divine. You could stay at Takaragawa Onsen Osenkaku for around $136 a night. It’s open from 9 am to 5 pm.

Wakayama

Wakayama is definitely one of Japan’s least known gems, at least compared to Tokyo and Kyoto. The city is known as the spiritual center of Japan. It has a cool and peaceful vibe that soothes every inch of your soul. It is the home of the Komano Kodo Pilgrimage route. It is a network of trails that lead to various sacred spots such as the Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Nachi Taisha, and Kumano Hayatama Taisha. This route is paved with towering trees. The Kumano Hongu Taisha Grand Shrine is one of the holiest places in Japan and a haven for the Shinto faithful’s.

Wakayama is also the home of the Wakayama Palace and the Seiganto-ji Temple, a tall crimson temple located next to the magnificent Nachi Falls.

There’s a lot of things that you can do in Wakayama. You can relax and take a bath in a hot spring called Kawayu Onsen. You can do traditional long log rafting and you could visit the old town of Yuasa – the birthplace of the traditional Japanese soy sauce. It is also the home of Kadocho, the oldest soy sauce factory in Japan.

You could also visit a number of temples in the area, such as the Kokawa-dera Temple, Awashima-Jinja Shrine, and Asuka-Jinja Shrine.

Nachi Falls

This is the tallest waterfall in Japan. It’s one hundred thirty-three meters long and it stands next to the elegant Seiganto-ji. The crystal clear waterfalls through the rock cliff. It’s just fascinating.

How to Get There:

By bus from Kii-Katsura (~ 30mins / 600yen) or Nachi Station (~20mins / 470yen). I recommend getting off at “Daimonzaka” and approaching from there! The trip takes about thirty minutes.

300 Yen/$3

Opening Hours:

8:30-16:30 / 9:00-16:30 (Nov-Mar); Waterfall: 7:00-17:00

Entrance fee:

300 yen (treasure house); 300 yen (waterfall)

Time required:

at least 1.5h

Contact:

(+81)0735-55-0321

Website:

http://www.kumanonachitaisha.or.jp/

Chapter 9 - The Ultimate Japan Itineraries

I have created a number of itineraries during my tenure as a tourist guide in Japan. But, I have poured all my experience as a tourist guide to create these itineraries:

The Ultimate 7 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Tokyo

After you arrive in Tokyo, check in to your hotel. Rest for a while and visit the world most populated city.

Go to Harajaku and visit the Meiji-jungu shrine. Explore the shrine for about an hour. Take as many pictures as you can. You can visit Takeshita Street after that. Next, go straight to the Imperial Palace and experience the royal garden for real.

Take the Ginza subway to Shibuya station. Have your picture taken while standing next to the Hachiko Statue. Then, cross the famous crossing. You can have lunch in the area. You could see the Parco Museum and the Bankamura Museum of Art. You can eat ramen in Ichiran and sushi in Umegaoka Sushi No Midori Sohonten. If you want some Italian food, you may want to check out La Bisboccia.

From Shibuya, go to the station on JR Yamanote line and take a train to the Tokyo Tower. Be sure to visit Sensoji Temple on your way back. After two hours, take a train to Roppongi and eat dinner there. You can try elegant restaurants such as Ryugin, Takazawa, Narazawa, and Jomon Roppongi. You can also visit cocktail bars in the area if you want to enjoy the Tokyo nightlife.

Day 2 and Day 3: Mount Fuji and Lake Kawagchiko

Visit Lake Kawaguchiko. Once you arrive in there, check in a local ryokan and start exploring the lake. Every second count! You can go to the red and green line on the first day and blue line on the second day. The blue line is much longer and only has one bus every hour.

Day 4: Kyoto

Spend the day in Kyoto. You can join day tours. But, you can also take trains and buses to the popular destinations on your own. Here is my recommendation when it comes to Kyoto:

- Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. The best time to visit the Bamboo Forest is early morning/late on weekdays

- Kinkaku-ji (The Golden Pavilion)

- Lunch

- Kiyomizu-dera Temple

- Fushimi-Inari-Taisha Shrine

- Nishi Market ( Dinner)

- Depart

Day 5: Nara

Take a train to Nara the first thing in the morning. You will need one whole day for Nara. It is time to feed the deer and witness the greatness of the Todaiji temple. Below is a list of how you should visit Nara for maximum experience in the shortest time.

1. Nara deer park

2. Todaiji Temple

3. Kasuga-taisha Shrine

4. Yoshikien

Day 7: Osaka

Visit the famous Osaka castle and the Dotonbori district. Then, fly out from Osaka.

If you have more time, you can visit the Universal Studio in Osaka.

7 Day in Tokyo and Hokkaido

Hokkaido is one of the most beautiful islands in Japan. It has interesting landscapes and captivating sceneries. Here’s a 7-day Tokyo and Hokkaido itinerary:

Day 1: Tokyo and Mount Fuji

After you arrive in Tokyo, go to your hotel and freshen up and then take a bus to Fujisan Fifth Station (Mt. Fuji) . The trip takes about two hours. Enjoy the view of the majestic mountain at the Fifth Station. You can also visit the Shiraito falls as a side trip after that. Eat dinner at a nearby restaurant and then head back to Tokyo.

Day 2: Tokyo

Go to Tsukiji Market early in the morning. Then, take a train to Chiyoda Ward and explore the beautiful Imperial Palace park in Chiyoda Wards. It’s a peaceful and serene royal park filled with cherry trees.

Next, if you’re into shopping, make sure to explore the streets of Ginza, Shibuya and Harajuku. You could find a lot of posh stores in Shibuya. And if you’re into cosplay, you’ll definitely love Harajaku. You can eat lunch in Shibuya after that.

After your lunch, visit the great Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree in Asakusa. Take your dinner around Asakusa area.

After dinner, take a night train to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto. The trip takes about four hours.

Once you arrive at Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto station, take a train to Sapporo. This trip takes 7 hours and 30 minutes. You can simply sleep on the train. Many travelers do that to save time and money. You can also get there by flight which will be much cheaper.

Day 3: Sapporo

Check in your hotel. Then, go see the famous landmarks in the city – the TV tower in Odori Park, the Former Government office, and then eat lunch.

After lunch time, get some booze at the Sapporo Beer Museum. Don’t forget to explore Sapporo Beer Garden as well. Then, eat authentic Sapporo ramen for dinner.

After dinner, take a train (Toho Line) to Odori Station. Then, ride a bus to the Moiwa Fumoto Station and walk to the peak of Mount Moiwa. This mountain gives you an excellent city view. You can also ring the bell of happiness to attract true love.

Day 4: Otaru

Otaru is one of the most beautiful old cities that you’ll ever see in your lifetime. Take a train from Sapporo to Otaru (the trip takes about 45 minutes). Don’t forget to visit the Otaru Canal. Then, visit the Music Box Museum at Saikamachi Dori Street. Take time to explore the Sankaku Fish Market to get delicious sushi. You can have lunch and dinner in various restaurants, such as Mazasushi, Kamaei, and Takarasushi. After dinner, head back to Sapporo.

Day 5: Furano

Spend the whole day in Furano. Take a bus from Sapporo to Nakafurano. You can walk from Nakafurano to Farm Tomita or you can take a taxi. Take your lunch at Farm Tomita.

Next, get to the Municipal Lavender Field and enjoy the purple carpet.

Depart for Biei in the evening. Then, eat your dinner and settle down at your hotel

Day 6: Biei

After taking your breakfast, visit the tourist information center near Biei Station. Get on your bus, sit back and enjoy the whole journey.  It is recommended for you to join two courses one in the morning, and another one in the afternoon. The sightseeing bus will then bring you to all the top destinations in Biei.

Day 7: Fly out

You can explore Sapporo a little bit more and visit the malls. Then, fly out from Sapporo New Chitose Airport (CTS-New Chitose).

Chapter 10 - 50 Japan Travel and Budget Tips

As a seasoned tourist guide in Japan, I have compiled the budget and travel tips that you can use while touring Japan:

Buy discounted rail tickets in stores called “kinken” shops. These stores also sell discounted concert tickets and gift certificates.

Use the local buses. This will allow you to enjoy the scenery. Bus fares are cheap, too.

If you have a lot of time, try biking around the city. You can also just walk around.

Try self-serve udon (noodle) restaurants.

If you have a big appetite, you could try eat-all-you-can restaurants.

Visit the local bakeries to try sweetbreads.

Stay at a capsule hotel or a guest house.

If you’re really on a budget, you can try couch surfing which is totally free!

Always bring an umbrella.

Learn common words like “arigato” or thank you, “hai” or yes, “gomennasai” or sorry, and “dozo” or please.

If you’re traveling with family, it’s best to use Airbnb.

You can also sleep in Onsen and Karaoke Rooms.

You can also stay in a temple.

Go to 100 yen shops to score incredible discounts among the most popular one will be Daiso and trust me it is big.

Go to flea markets.

Travel to Japan during the bargain period which usually happens during the Chinese New Year.

Do your laundry in coin Laundromats.

Make sure that you have backup copies of your travel documents – passport and visa.

Use disposable underwear.

Plan your outfits ahead.

Stay hydrated.

Make sure that you save your hotel phone number and address on your phone.

Japan is also the land of hackers. So avoid public Wifi services.

Be respectful of Japan’s customs.

Opt for free tourist spots.

Cash is the most popular mode of payment in Japan, so make sure you have enough yen.

Buy a local rail pass. You can also buy a regional rail pass if you plan to travel from one city to another.

Trains in Japan do not operate 24/7. Train stations close at 1 am.

Tattoos are taboo in Japan (only the members of the Yakuza gang have visible tattoos). So, make sure to cover your tattoo if you can.

Japanese people love American culture. So, don’t be shock if Tokyo looks a lot like New York.

You do not have to give tips.

Don’t raise your hand to call the waiter. You can simply use the buzzer.

Bow when you meet someone new.

Take your shoes off when going to a temple.

Wash your hands before you enter a shrine.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help from locals.

Don’t miss the nightlife in Tokyo or Osaka.

Pack light.

Use the takuhaibin or the luggage forwarding services.

Use your own Wi-Fi device.

You should carry earthquake survival kits.

Avoid taxis when you can because they are expensive.

Do not take photos in restricted areas like temples and castles.

Make a hotel reservation.

Check the weather forecast in Japan.

Bring your prescribed medicines.

Do not be afraid to be adventurous.

Do not use chopsticks to pass food.

You can shop in train stations.

Do not stab your food using your chopsticks.

Japan’s Secrets and Weirdness: What’s So Special About Japan?

Japan is the land of the mystical ninjas and the graceful geishas. It’s the home of anime and anything that’s cute. But, what is Japan’s secret? What makes it so special?

Well here are seventy (70) reasons why Japan is unique and different from other countries:

Its advanced technology.

The beautiful cherry blossoms.

The short haiku poetry.

You could wear Kimono while walking around the busy city of Tokyo.

Taxis that automatically opens.

KFC meals for Christmas

Free tissues as part of their advertising campaign

You could find love hotels everywhere and they come with costumes.

Clean tap water, and yes, even the tap water in the toilet.

It’s the largest car manufacturer in the world.

The Japanese customer service is the best in the world.

Japanese people always strive for excellence.

Japanese people have superior manners. They bow to people they meet.

Electronic bidets

Touchscreen menus

The buses are always on time.

It has more than three thousand McDonald’s stores.

Japan celebrates the penis every spring time in an event called “The Steel Phallus Festival”.

Vending machines sell just about anything from snacks to umbrellas, women’s underwear, and even porn.

KitKat comes in different flavors like corn and grapes.

The Japanese consider black cats as a sign of good fortune.

The Japanese people has a strict code of honor. Defeated Japanese warriors perform Harakiri or honor suicide. They’d rather die than lose face.

Japan went through a lot. Its cities were once destroyed during the Second World War.

Japan’s unemployment rate is only four percent.

The beers in vending machines are cheap.

You can drink beer anywhere. But, you’re not allowed to eat while walking.

The Japanese bullet trains are some of the fastest in the world.

You could stay in capsule hotels for less than $20 a night.

You could find katana blades (Samurai sword) in museums.

The internet in Japan is really fast.

Desserts are wrapped in delicate and colorful papers.

The bridges in Japan are beautiful.

You could find unique toilet ikebanas.

Mayonnaise is not for sandwiches in Japan. It is used for noodles, pancakes, potato chips, and ice cream.

Japanese sometimes use full body umbrellas.

Japan has weird ice cream flavors – octopus, charcoal, cactus, and horse meat.

Japanese people allow their children to clean the house using baby mops.

Malls have short escalators.

The country has a suicide forest located at the base of Mount Fuji.

Japanese people are obsessed with comics.

Japanese people have long life. In fact, there are more than fifty thousand people in Japan that are more than one hundred years old.

The Japanese people say sorry in twenty different ways.

Japan is the home of the longest running company in the world.

It has six thousand eight hundred islands.

The average delay of trains in Japan is eighteen seconds.

There are more pet dogs and cats than children.

Most of the mobile phones in Japan are waterproof.

There’s a lot of cat cafes in Japan where you could hang out and play with cats for hours.

Japan has more than five million vending machines.

Sleeping on the job is acceptable in Japan.

Teachers and students clean the classrooms and the school cafeteria.

More than five hundred kids in Japan fainted after a sad and dramatic Pokemon episode in 1997.

Japan has an island that’s filled with rabbits.

Most streets in Japan do not have a name.

The Burger King in Japan has an all-black burger.

There’s a Snoopy Museum in Japan.

The average lifespan of a Japanese person is 83 years.

In ancient Japan, samurais and Buddhist monks actually engage in homosexual relationships.

A village called Nagoro has more life-sized dolls than people.

A highway passes through a building.

You can’t see homeless people in the streets. Most homeless people sleep in internet cafes.

Japan is one of the few Asian countries that were not colonized by Europe.

Karoshi is common in Japan. It means death caused by stress and working long hours.

Prisoners in the death row do not know when their execution is. So, they live each day like it’s their last.

Bitcoin is a common mode of payment in Japan.

There’s a museum for parasites.

You don’t want to have a criminal case in Japan. It has a ninety nine percent conviction rate.

Japan has square watermelons.

Because of the huge success of anime, there are more than one hundred voice acting schools in the country.

Some of their students go to two schools in one day, one at the morning and another one at night

Japan Travel Highlights

There are a number of Japan cultural highlights that would make your trip to Japan memorable, including:

Tea Ceremony or Chanoyu

Matcha or powdered green tea is very much part of the Japanese culture. The presentation of matcha to guests in a formal tea ceremony is a sign of respect and generosity.

Kabuki

Kabuki is the traditional Japanese performing arts. Men performers usually wear makeup and play female roles.

Ikebana

Ikebana is the ancient Japanese art of flower arrangement. It uses a wide variety of flowers, flowering trees, and bonsais. Ikebana arrangements are also classy and elegant.

Fabulous Origami Decor

Origami is the Japanese art of paper folding. Colorful papers are folded to form different shapes – flowers, birds, frogs, stars, and even Pokemon. According to the legend, if you fold one thousand paper cranes, your wish will be granted.

Ryokan

Ryokans are traditional Japanese inns. These inns usually have a communal bath and tatami floors. They also serve local food. If you want to know how it feels like to stay in a traditional Japanese house, you should stay in a Ryokan.

Geishas

Geishas are beautiful women who wear thick makeup and colorful clothes. They play beautiful music and dance gracefully. They are elegant and their eyes hold thousands of secrets. Geishas are, no doubt, a huge part of the Japanese culture.

Manga

Manga or comic books are very much part of the modern Japanese culture. They tell interesting stories. It usually has romantic and futuristic themes and most stories involve samurais and robots.

Anime and Kawaii

Anime is basically an animated manga. Although kids enjoy anime films, these cartoons usually have adult themes and complex plots – think Samurai X. The Kawaii culture that’s associated with cute cartoon characters (like Hello Kitty) is also prevalent in Japan.

Japan is smaller than California. It was isolated for years and yet, it is one of the most intriguing superpowers of the world. It has three thousand McDonald’s and yet you could still find hundreds of old temples around the country.

What makes Japan special is its culture, people, fascinating landscapes, and rich history. It’s a land like no other. It’s a land of honor, respect, innovation, and raw beauty.

I believe that you should visit Japan at least once in your life. But, let me warn you- once is not enough.

Conclusion

I hope that this book was able to help you plan for your trip to Japan. Let’s review the main points of guide:

    Japan is a beautiful place that has a strong Eastern charm. But, it’s one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world, too.

    Be clear about how much you want to spend on a trip. This will help you pick the right tourist spots to visit. If you’re on a budget, it’s best to visit only two cities and opt for free tourist spots. But, if you have money to burn, stay in fancy hotels and hop from one island to another to enjoy everything that Japan has to offer.

    If you don’t have a lot of time, it’s best that you visit only Tokyo or Kyoto. You could also opt to visit Hokkaido.

    To maximize your time, it’s a good idea to fly in one airport and fly out in another airport. For example, you can fly into the Osaka Airport and fly out from Tokyo.

    Plan your trip carefully.

    Do not buy an all access pass unless you’re sure that you really need it.

    Take overnight buses from one city to another. This will save you time and money.

    Travel slowly. Enjoy the sceneries and the views. Look out of the window when you’re in a train or a bus.

    Don’t be afraid to visit unpopular spots. These spots are beautiful, unique, and usually cheap.

Lastly, have fun. Japan is definitely one of the most beautiful and interesting countries in the world. I hope that you enjoy your trip.

Are you feeling overwhelmed? Are you tired of life? Does your life feel out of control? Enough is enough! Check out how this powerful Japanese secret can change your life forever

Preview for

変える

The Unspeakable Joy of Less

Discover Your Path to Radiant Joy, Unshakable Peace and Deeply Satisfying Liberation

(First Series)

What Others Are Saying...

"This book holds the key to liberation."

~Eric Hoffman, Co-founder of Megumi Lab Japan

"It's been a long while since I've seen a minimalist book that piqued my interest. They all tend to seem the same to me, but this one is different and surprisingly mind opening!"

~John T. Phua, Researcher at Tomakomai National College of Technology Japan

"Many of us have been a victim of mental slavery. We don't realize this because everybody is suffering from it and it is considered as the new normal."

~Rui Hashimoto, Bestselling author of "The Japanese Art of Minimalism"

Introduction

I want to thank you and congratulate you for downloading the book, “The Unspeakable Joy of Less”.

Ever since Marie 'KonMari' Kondo wrote her bestselling book “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up”, the world has come to appreciate the Japanese way of doing things.

Rarely will you find a Japanese house filled with stuff to the brim unlike the typical American home that has stuff stocked up everywhere including the artic and garage. Rarely will you find a Japanese home filled with all manner of single-purpose items like furniture, some kitchen appliances and all manner of junk that you would find in the typical American home.

The Japanese know why this space, which they refer to as ‘ma’ is important; it is only when there is enough space between valuables that the valuables can pop. And that’s what we all need; we want the stuff that we spend so much money purchasing or the stuff that hold so much sentimental value to pop.

Unfortunately, our obsession with consumerism pushes us to keep bringing new stuff to our surroundings to a point where nothing pops; everything simply disappears because there is too much going on. And when that happens, this is when we end up having to; purchase new utensils because we cannot locate the ones we already have, purchase new pairs of socks because we cannot locate one of them, get late for work or important appointments because we cannot locate our keys.

This doesn’t have to be your home. You can learn from the principles that the Japanese apply in their everyday life to transform your bedroom, living room, kitchen, bathroom or garage. Lucky for you, this book is first in the series of books that teaches about applying the principles of Japanese minimalism in everyday life. The second book in the series talked a lot about physical clutter; how you can apply the principles of Japanese minimalism to keep your home clutter free.

This book will center on how to create an optimal amount of ma in your mind, life, relationships, digital life and much more by decluttering and organizing what’s left. Going back to our earlier example; on the non-physical front, we want the most important thoughts to take center stage in our mind, we want to keep and nurture relationships that matter, want to focus on things that are important, want to keep the most important digital information in an organized manner for easy access etc. This order and clarity cannot happen if we don’t create the ma that ensures that the thoughts, people, digital information and issues that matter actually pop. This book will help you to do just that by teaching you how to create ma in different areas of your life.

Let’s begin.

Thanks again for downloading this book. I hope you enjoy it!

Table of Contents

Introduction

Understanding Japanese Minimalism

The Concept of Ma

Principles of Japanese Minimalism and What It Teaches Us

Using the Concept of Ma To Declutter and Organize Your Mind

- Are You a Victim of Mental Slavery?

- How To Take Control Over Your Mind and Declutter It?

- Recalibrate Your Focus

- The Mindful Revolution

- Automate Your Way To Happiness

- Get Lost

- Bye Bye Clutter and Hello Freedom

The Right MM- Minimalist Mindset

- Are You a Prioritizer?

- No More Fear, Just Minimalism

- Reprograming your Belief System

- The Unspoken Minimalism Law

Declutter and Organize Your Relationships

How to Eliminate Unimportant People from Your Life to Help You Focus Better on Important Ones

- Back To The Thinker Land

- The Watcher

- Time To Decide

- Letting Go

- Hey You! Yes You!

- Genuine Love, Genuine Time

- Something To Consider

- What Is It That You Want?

- Into The World of Time and Discipline

Declutter and Organize Your Finances

- Identify Your Income and Separate Your Important Expenses From Your Unimportant Ones

- Slowly Reduce Your Unimportant and Unnecessary Expenses

- Start to Save More

- Start Paying Your Bills on Time

- Pay Off Your Debt

- Eliminate Any Unimportant Documents, Old Bills, and Paperwork

- Set Clear Financial priorities

Declutter and Organize Your Digital Life

- Unsubscribe from Services/Sites You No Longer Use

- Uninstall Any Unused or Meaningless Programs

- Go through Your Email/Message Inbox and Declutter it

- Organize Your Documents/Playlist

- Declutter Your Social Media Accounts

The Minimalist Goal Setting Workshop

- Why Do You Do What You Do?

- Me and My Outcome

- Here Is Real Magic

- The Clock is Ticking

- Looking Back is Not Always A Bad Thing

What is SMART?

Conclusion

Preview-Part 1

Using the Concept of Ma To Declutter and Organize Your Mind

Estimates show that on average, each of us experiences about 50,000 to 70,000 thoughts every day. Out of this plethora of thoughts, only a few are actually important and beneficial. This means out of the scores of thoughts going on in our minds all the time, many of them are actually corrupting it. We have become a slave to our mind. We no longer control our mind anymore, it has taken over us. You don’t realize this become everybody is suffering from it and it is consider as the new normal.

“Whenever you find yourself on the side of majority, it is time to pause and reflect.”  ~Mark Twain

If you analyze the many thoughts that crossed your mind in just a minute, you will realize that most of them:

1)    Relate to your past or future

2)    Are not really focused on the present or anything about the present moment

3)    Make you rehash the past and the mistakes of the past

4)    Make you feel inferior and inadequate

5)    Make it difficult for you to understand what truly matters to you

6)    Make it difficult for you to work on the task at hand

7)    Hamper your performance and productivity

8)    Lure you into anxiety and depression

9)    Lure you into engaging in your temptations instead of engaging in something worthwhile

10) Make you waste time and procrastinate

11)Cause you to think of doing things instead of taking actual, meaningful action

If you do not trust this, analyze your thoughts for a little while; you will be surprised to learn that most of them fall into one or more aforementioned categories. This shows your thought is actually destructive and harmful to you.

Are You a Victim of Mental Slavery?

Here are a few symptoms when you have become a slave of your mind:

1) Not being able to stop thinking even when you want to.

2) Finding your self-worth and confidence from your mind.

Realize that your mind will constantly be rewinding the sweet memories of the past or seek for some kind of fulfillment in the unrealistic happy ever after future. It always finds a way to escape from the present, from the problems. Believe it or not, you are actually addicted to incessant thinking! Why? Because it gives you a false sense of pleasure, pleasure that eventually turns into pain. Mindfulness will help when it comes to this.

3) Worrying

Imagine things going wrong as if they are going to happen when in fact they are far from happening. Worrying is like judging the present via the eyes of the past. This is because the voice in your head belongs to your conditioned mind, a mind programmed by the past.

When your wild mind has taken over you, it:

1) Prevents you from experiencing that realm of true joy and inner peace, or what we called as “MA” in the context of minimalism.

2) Creates a false self, one that causes fear and suffering.

3) Consumes your energy

4) Causes pain and suffering

5) Causes you to be overwhelmed and not productive

So, in order to be a true minimalist, we must never neglect our very own mind. We must choose to take control of mind and not let it run wild. You must declutter and cleanse your mind of unwanted thoughts to free it from garbage and make it a safe haven for good, beautiful, positive, and meaningful thoughts.

So how do you do it

Preview-Part 2

Automate Your Way To Happiness

Reduce the sources of distracting thoughts by automating as much as you can.

“A man is rich in proportion to the number of things he can afford to let alone.” ~Henry David Thoreau

Here are some of the best ways to automate:

- Instead of having to keep all your to-dos in your mind, start writing down your to-dos in a notebook or use a mobile or desktop app like Evernote, Google Calendar, Google Keep etc. to take notes.

- Instead of having to remember bill payments, you could set up automated payments with your bank. When you do that, you free up your mind so that you can focus on what truly matters.

- Outsource!

The golden rule of outsourcing:

A. The task must be time-consuming

B. The task must be well-defined. Give precise instruction! Don’t expect other people to know something when you can’t even define them properly inside your head. Declutter or eliminate first before you outsource anything. Automation applied to an efficient operation will magnify the efficiency. On the other hand, Automation applied to an inefficient operation will magnify the inefficiency.

C. Make sure they are important or an obligation. If not there are no point doing them.

D. Set a deadline for your outsourced project. Request some reports or updates regarding your project and make sure they are on time. You do not want your assistant to daydream while earning your money.

E. The task is boring and you don’t enjoy doing it.

The best and easiest way to outsource is to find an online virtual assistant. I have plenty of experience with them and they are fantastic to work with if you know how to manage them.

Here are a few company that offer great virtual assistant service:

Your Man in India ($6.25 per hour)

Tasks Everyday ($6.98 per hour)

Ask Sunday ($20-$60 per month)

CAVA - The Canadian Association of Virtual Assistants ($20+ per hour)

IVAA- The International Virtual Assistants Association ($20+ per hour)

Besides online virtual assistant there are also other company like Fiverr, Upwork and many other more that can help you automate your life.

The Right MM- Minimalist Mindset

In addition to doing the above, also think about how you feel about all the physical and other sorts of clutter in your life and how it is weighing you down. Think about the kind of life you really want to live and how free and happy you will feel when your life is free from the chains of unnecessary clutter.

Use this as inspiration to build the right mindset so you stop stockpiling stuff and actually discard unnecessary and meaningless items from your home.

Work on these tips and techniques gradually and soon enough, you will find your mind becoming lighter and more organized than ever. To organize your thoughts, work on the following tips:

No More Fear, Just Minimalism

There is no way you can be a true minimalist with fear haunting you from time to time. Fear paralyzes you, confuses you and destroys you. So, it’s about time you should master the skill of being fearless!

So how do you overcome your fear?

1) Define your fears. Conquering your fears starts by defining them properly.

2) What would be the permanent impact if they turn out exactly as what you are afraid of? Rate it from 1 to 10.

3) How likely do you think it is actually going to happen? Rate it from 1 to 10.

4) How can you repair and get things back to normal?

5) What are the outcomes and benefits of doing it despite your fear?

6) What are you missing or letting go out of fear?

7) What is your fear costing you when you procrastinate or not taking any action.

8) Analyse and eliminate your fears that are unrealistic or self-made fears based on past experiences. You will realize that most of your fears are just not real.

9) Face your fears. Start by doing one thing every day that you fear. Just knowing and believing that you are no longer afraid of something is not enough. Only by doing it and experiencing it can you truly be free.

Act now! Don’t let fear take control of you.

Reprograming your Belief System

Our belief system is part of our unconscious mind, we don’t really understand or even know it existed until we face them by brainstorming and writing them down. We act accordingly to our belief system, so there is no way you can master the art of minimalism if you don’t choose to take control and alter your beliefs. All of these may be time-consuming but believe me, it’s definitely worth the time and energy. You can also apply them to other areas of your life.

Here are some steps on how to go about it:

1) Write down at least five beliefs. What does it mean to you for a particular situation? For example, what does decluttering means to you?

Here are some examples of positive beliefs:

A. Decluttering means fewer things and less overwhelmed so that I can focus on things that really matter

B. Decluttering is easy

C. Decluttering means true liberation from things that pull you down

D. Decluttering is what successful people do and this is a smart move

Here are some examples of negative beliefs:

A. Decluttering means wasting money and it’s dumb to do so. I need to spend extra money to buy something that I actually own before

B. Decluttering is only for lazy people. It’s an excuse for those who are lazy to tidy up their house. It means less stuff, less tidying for them.

C. Decluttering means throwing away stuff that is connected to my inner soul. Once I throw them away, I will lose my identity or lose this particular memory that I am truly fond of. It’s like part of me is gone.

D. Money is so hard to earn. I spent a fortune buying all these stuff and now you want me to throw them away? This is crazy because if I do that, I am putting my hard earned money to waste.

2) Once you have identified your beliefs, change your negative beliefs! Whenever you focus on them, you direct energy towards these negative beliefs. Imagine you focusing on them on a daily basis and how much energy and influence they hold towards you? There is no doubt that they will soon take full control of you one day. You will be no more than a puppet dancing for the marionettist who is negative beliefs by then. Remember you must really believe in them and don’t try to fool yourself.

Richard P. Feynman once said, “The first principle is that you must not fool yourself and you are the easiest person to fool.”

We all have a reason why we do what we do, why we believe what we believe. These beliefs protect you from pain. They are conditioned in your mind based on your past history and cultural mindset you inherited. But the beliefs that protect you also imprison you, it gives you a false sense of comfort, that everything is going to be ok. Comfort is never something bad, but to much of it takes away the purpose to thrive. It prevents you from changing.

These negative beliefs may be true, but in order to change for the better, you have to give up these beliefs that are limiting you.

For example:

My old belief:

Decluttering means throwing away stuff that is connected to my inner soul. Once I throw them away, I will lose my identity or lose this particular memory that I am truly fond of. It’s like part of me is gone

My new belief:

My identity is not build based on things, but at how much I have learned, how much I have grown, and how much I have become. Nothing in the past is irretrievably lost, but instead, they are irrevocably stored and treasured deep within me. Nothing can ever change that. Keeping these things that no longer serve any function only creates clutter and nothing more. So, it’s time to let go of them.

3) Add a meaning or emotion to your new belief. Human emotion is an extremely powerful tool. It can start a war, marriage, divorce or even cause a person to stay up all night to pursue his passion. Emotion is an amplified and energized version of your thought, because of its overpowering charge it can easily take you over. So, be sure to take advantage of this God-given gift.

4) Remind and affirm yourself from time to time. We tend to get distracted easily by the world around us especially with all the negative things going on. Because of that you must be disciplined and set up some principles or rules. For example, I will chant my new beliefs every morning in the shower room. You can also buy a piece of whiteboard, write them down and hang it at a place that you frequently visit.

The Unspoken Minimalism Law- The 20% and 80% Law

In the minimalism world, not everything is equal. In fact, 80% of most situations come from only 20% of the causes.

1) Ask yourself these questions:

- Which 20% of sources are causing 80% of my problems and unhappiness.

- Which 20% of sources are resulting in 80% of my desired outcomes.

2) Write them down on a list of paper. Try focusing only on one situation at a time. Focusing on too much at a time only makes you feel overwhelmed with zero result. Work smart!

3) Eliminate the remaining 80%. List down at least three practical actions that you are going to take. Be selective, doing less is what we called productive in the minimalism context.

4) Measure your progress. Change your strategies if you find that they are not working. This process will be challenging since you are trying to change your habits, habits that you have fully mastered throughout your life. So don’t give up. After all, what doesn’t kill you make you stronger.

5) Celebrate. Celebrate even the most trivial success that you have accomplished. When you celebrate, it teaches your brain that this new habit you are practicing really works and produces immense results, fulfillment and joy. Your brain will then immediately fire up new neurons like crazy and this will make you want to do even more. After that, the whole cycle will repeat again and after a couple of times, your new habit will definitely replace the old ones. Beware this is addictive.

6) Repeat this cycle

To keep feeling good and to bring Ma into other aspects of your life, work on decluttering and organizing your relationships. The next chapter elaborates this in detail.

Click here to check out the rest of (The Unspeakable Joy of Less) on Amazon.

Or go to:  https://www.amazon.com/Minimalist-Unspeakable-Unshakable-Satisfying-Liberation-ebook/dp/B07CHMDWW6/