"Paul's Journey Through Japan" Japan by Paul2001

Japan Travel Guide: 22,838 reviews and 48,876 photos

Way back in 1990 I decided to take the accept a close friend's invitation to visit him in Japan where he was teaching English. I thought that this would be a great opportunity to visit a country that we see and read so much about but really very few of us actually experience first hand. I found this to be a very unique adventure because much to my surprise, though many Westerners live in Japan, very few seem to actually visit it as tourist. In fact I was the only unguided traveler that I came across while in Japan. I assume that the legendary great expensive costs of the place is partly responsible for this, however I really did not find it that expensive. At least not in 1990 when the Yen was trading somewhat more favourably against the Canadian dollar. Still the place is not cheap but there are tricks to keeping the cost of a trip to Japan in order. Avoid taxis, eat where the Japanese eat, stay where the Japanese businessmen stay. At the time I was paying about $60.00Cdn a night for a room.
Overall I think that the trip proved to be very educational and overall very successful. As it was at that time the first country that I visited where I was a racial minority, spoke virtually none of the language and knew little of the culture and history. All this had both its good and bad effects on the overall impressions that I now have of my journey. Actually my worst experience was with the weather because it was very hot (38C in Hiroshima) and at times quite rainy. However overall I do not regret for a moment that I went to Japan and I highly recommend it as a travel destination.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Great cultural and historical sites, Fantastic scenery.
Cons:Japanese xenophobic racism.
In a nutshell:An Educational Experience

Last visit to Japan: Jun 1990
Intro Updated Apr 1, 2003
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Reviews (49)

The Great Buddha of Kamakura Things to Do (26)

The Great Buddha, or Daibutsu, of Kamakura is the one the most recognizable images one has of Japan. The Great Buddha is... more travel advice

Daishô-in on Miyajima Off The Beaten Path (9)

After visiting Itukushima and the O-torii gate, one should take in the Daishô-in temple, which is located just a short... more travel advice

Heian Shrine in Kyoto Things to Do (26)

Although it was not quite my favourite monument in Kyoto, the Heian Shrine should be visited for its historical... more travel advice

Himeji Castle Things to Do (26)

Himeji Castle is one of the most familiar images that come to mind when one thinks of Japan. It is located in the town... more travel advice

Local Customs (3)
See All Kabuki
Restaurants (1)
Superb Steakhouse in Kurashiki
Transportation (2)
See All Japan by Rail

Travelogues (1)

Written Nov 1, 2002

6 photos

Matsuri at the Hie Shrine, Tokyo

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Comments (26)

Toshioohsako Jul 27, 2008 at 2:33 AM Report Abuse

my second comment on this page. Very good tips on the relatively unknown but it is historically interesting. I am watching birds in Molde, Norway now. The snow-covered mountains are beautiful.
mad4travel Feb 18, 2007 at 2:31 PM Report Abuse

Great Japan pages. My favourite place. Looks like we've been to a lot of the same places. Brought back good memories.
Pixiekatten Nov 21, 2006 at 2:58 PM Report Abuse

Great tips and photos! Brings back so many good memories. Greetings from Sweden! :)
nepalgoods Oct 13, 2006 at 11:24 AM Report Abuse

The Big Buddha of Kamakura was the highlight of my trip to Japan in 1991. And i liked Kanazawa also very much. Great page!
Nemorino Jul 18, 2006 at 2:46 PM Report Abuse

Interesting descriptions of the many temples and also of the Peace Memorial Museum in Hiroshima. Too bad you had such an extreme heat wave when you were there.
globetrott Feb 2, 2006 at 2:21 PM Report Abuse

an interesting page & great pics ! It is always great to see this Japanese architecture !!
tiger9090a Nov 24, 2005 at 11:38 AM Report Abuse

Great Japan tips! The Torii Gate at Miya-jima is on my to see list for my next J trip!
basak Aug 20, 2005 at 7:09 AM Report Abuse

Hi Paul, I enjoyed your Japan pages very much. I had been to Japan as well, but i am too lazy to prepeare my VT pages. Your site made me remember by Tokyo days. Thank you.
vaticanus Jul 22, 2005 at 5:38 AM Report Abuse

Enjoyed your VT tour of Japan and pleased to know about the Tori Gate and Nikko- not that I'll ever cross the Intnl Date Line this lifetime.
Wild_Orchid Jul 12, 2005 at 6:24 PM Report Abuse

excellent tips - sounds like a great trip! :D