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"High Culture & Modernity" a Japan Travel Page by SLLiew

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"High Culture & Modernity" a Japan Travel Page by SLLiew

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SLLiew     
Enjoy the moment. Send me a postcard from every country.


Real Name: SL
Lives In: Penang, MY
Member Since: Mar 04, 2006
VT Rank: 20

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Page Views: 3,078            Last Visit to Japan: -      

High Culture & Modernity

by SLLiew - last update: Jan 17, 2008

The famous Tori Gate, Miyajima Island at low tide

Otera, Obento, Pachinko

Japan is a delightful country to vist. You can witness a country with traditional cultures and modern technologies blended into a unique way of life. From the slow sipping tea ceremony to non-stop fast bullet Shinakansen train.

Where you can be served breakfast in your room with hot bath prepared at a typical Japanese hotel ryokans. Where you can buy your "manga" comic magazines or umbrellas from street-side 24 hours vending machines.

Where the "samurai"and "other working classes" are now international corporate executives called "sarariman". Where most Japanese women of the older generations stay at home and await their husbands coming home late from work .

Tokyo is a fabulous city to roam around - Shinjuku, Akihabara, Shibuya, Ginza.... It is a favorite gateway to all Japan besides Osaka and Fukuoka.

Where language and high cost of travelling is a challenge, Japan is defintely a must-visit country with value for every yen.

Downtown crowded Tokyo

"Kon-ni-chi-wa" or Hello

For easy direction, practise saying in Japanese
"Sumimasen, (Shinjuku, Tokyo Tower, Disneylando) e ikitai no desuga" and follow the hand directions even if you have no clue of the Japanese that follows.

To say in English "Excuse me..." will quickly drive the locals away like plague.

JR rail pass is convenient, fast and economic way to go up and down the country. I went from Nikko to Nagasaki. Had to see all the top 5 famous castles, temples (otera), gardens, mountains, lakes and islands during my first Japan trip and was more selective in subsequents visits.

Obento (take-away meal boxes) can be bought easily at train stations. Saves time and money. Eat while you travel on the train or bus. Ramen are delicious and cheap too.

Typical Japanese garden (Koen)

You got to try some of these...

1) Taking a Japanese hot bath in a Japanese home, public bath or onsen. Soaking in hot water is excellent relaxation after a hectic travelling day.

2) Taking the train in Tokyo in the morning rush hour.

3) Playing pachinko (gambling ball machines) - second best after Las Vegas.

4) Eating sushi (raw fish) every day and raw eggs over steaming rice for breakfast.

5) Sleep on the tatami floor

6) Tokyo Tower or any tall building for bird eye's view of the metropolis..

7) Visit a typical Japanese garden for your spirit and soul.

8) Drink sake or ochya (tea)

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SLLiew's Japan Travel Tips

OverviewThings to Do
Tips: 18 - Photos: 20
 
Restaurants
Tips: 2 - Photos: 2
Hotels & Accommodations
Tips: 4 - Photos: 4
 
NightlifeOff The Beaten Path
 
Tourist TrapsWarnings Or Dangers
 
Transportation
Tips: 5 - Photos: 6
Local Customs
Tips: 8 - Photos: 8
 
Packing ListsShopping
 
Sports Travel
Tips: 2 - Photos: 2
General Tips
Tips: 20 - Photos: 26

Comments for SLLiew about Japan
xaver Mon Oct 12, 2009 22:03 UTC
 great page, I am just back from Japan and I did not dare to wake up that early to visit Tokyo fish market:-)
SabrinaSummerville Sun May 17, 2009 11:00 UTC
 Thank you so much for visiting my Cairo pages. I do absolutely love that City. Now Japan - there's a place I want to visit!!!!
hopang Wed Mar 11, 2009 14:15 UTC
 Excellent page on Japan and your lovely photos! Bring back fond memories of our trip to that country many years ago! ~ho & pang
jumpingnorman Mon Feb 2, 2009 06:16 UTC
 Mt Fujisan and kyoto- I want to see them someday...nice tips and thanks for sharing! Greetings from your friend in AZ, Norman :)
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