An Unforgettable Journey: First-Time Family Adventure in Japan

My first trip to Japan was a unique adventure, made even more memorable by the fact that I was accompanied by my two children. The prospect of navigating a foreign country where we didn't speak the language was initially daunting, but upon arrival, we found Japan to be an incredibly welcoming destination for tourists. The hospitality we experienced at every tourist spot made us feel right at home. Despite the desire to revisit, the preciousness of vacation time leaves me uncertain of when we'll return.

Our itinerary was casual, with little reliance on travel guides. We had a few must-visit places in mind: Universal Studios in Osaka, the Gundam and Pokémon Centers in Yokohama, Tokyo, and the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka. We planned our stay in each city based on these attractions, eventually settling on four nights in Tokyo, two in Kyoto, three at Universal Studios, and one in Osaka's Shinsaibashi.

Accommodation was a crucial part of our planning. I remembered a video about a Pokémon Room in a Mimaru hotel, a chain of apartment-style hotels with spacious living rooms and kitchens - a luxury in Japan. We booked Pokémon Rooms in Kyoto and stayed at Mimaru hotels in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, and Shinsaibashi, Osaka. The experience and locations were excellent, and I highly recommend them. The availability of laundry facilities meant we could pack light, leaving more room for souvenirs.

While researching various city day passes, I found them more suitable for typical tourists than for my homebody family. As my younger child was just under six years old, all transportation, except the Shinkansen, was free! We bought three Pasmo IC cards, which made travel in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka incredibly convenient. The only downside was that the card recharge machines only accepted cash.

Google Maps was our go-to for route planning, providing clear information about travel times, stops, and transfers. Remember to set the language to Japanese, so locals can easily help you if needed. Uber was readily available, and there were plenty of taxis near popular attractions. However, for some journeys, public transport was more convenient than taxis.

Buying Shinkansen tickets was a bit confusing, so I recommend purchasing them at the counter to avoid any mishaps. Also, for travel between Kyoto and Osaka, the JR line is sufficient, as a helpful ticket seller pointed out to us.

One important tip for future travelers: make reservations! Many popular attractions and restaurants require advance booking. Thanks to a reliable friend, we managed to get tickets to the Ghibli Museum. However, despite my best efforts, I couldn't secure a reservation at the Pokémon Café. So, remember to book early!

This trip was a testament to the beauty of spontaneity and the joy of discovery. Despite the language barrier and unfamiliarity, we navigated Japan with ease and created unforgettable memories. The country's hospitality, coupled with its rich culture and attractions, makes it a destination worth revisiting.

My journey through Japan was not just an exploration of its beautiful landscapes and attractions, but also a deep dive into its culture and societal norms. The politeness of the Japanese people, their consideration for others, and the country's impressive infrastructure left a lasting impression on me.

Firstly, the politeness of the Japanese people is truly remarkable. Despite some saying that the Japanese may behave differently in public and private, the courtesy they extend to strangers is heartwarming. The respectful language, bows, eye contact, and smiles make one feel welcomed and appreciated. I've shopped at airports in both Japan and Korea, and the experiences were starkly different. In Japan, every salesperson I interacted with was courteous and eager to help, their bows and smiles creating a comfortable atmosphere. In contrast, my experience in Korea felt impersonal, as if I was overlooked and even given incorrect prices.

The Japanese also have a deep sense of giving way to others. For instance, on the road, if two cars meet, one driver will wave to let the other pass. The other driver responds with a bow from inside the car and flashes their lights twice in gratitude. During my stay in Japan, I never heard a car horn, a testament to the respect drivers have for each other.

Japan's infrastructure is commendable. Vending machines are conveniently placed every 100 meters or so on the streets, selling mostly drinks and sometimes cigarettes. Buses lower on the side of the door when stopping, making it easier for passengers to board. Handles inside trains and trams are at different heights, accommodating passengers of various statures. We drove over 600 kilometers without encountering a single crack or bump in the road, even in remote rural areas. About 90% of the toilets in Japan are equipped with automatic washing functions, maintaining cleanliness and hygiene. I was even tempted to buy one, but alas, our luggage was already full.

These observations are a testament to the thoughtfulness and efficiency that permeate Japanese society. The politeness and consideration of the people, coupled with the country's well-planned infrastructure, contribute to a warm and welcoming environment that leaves a lasting impression on visitors. It's these aspects of Japan that make it not just a destination for sightseeing, but a place for cultural immersion and learning.