Table Of Contents

1. About Sakuraco
2. Hakone's Onsen Culinary Traditions
3. Hakone Sweets
4. Hakone Savouries and Tea

About Sakuraco

Sakuraco is a monthly authentic Japanese snack subscription box that supports local Japanese snack makers. Each box has 20 traditional, authentic, and artisan Japanese snacks, including Japanese teas and special tableware. The treats in each box are authentic, as seen in this month’s collections, which were made in collaboration with the Kanagawa prefectural government.

What sets Sakuraco apart is the authentic snacks you receive and the stories behind them. Each box comes with a beautifully illustrated guide that outlines each item’s origin and ingredients and highlights the cultural significance of the selection. This makes each bite a journey through Japan’s rich culinary landscape.

Hakone’s Onsen Culinary Traditions

Hakone is renowned for its hot springs, known as onsens. Nestled in a volcanic region that gifts it with abundant geothermal activity, Hakone offers a diverse range of onsen experiences. The onsens are scattered throughout the area, from secluded springs in the mountains to grand bathhouses that are part of luxurious ryokan (traditional inns). We participated in both of these experiences while we were in Hakone and found the mineral-rich waters, believed to have healing properties, to be a profoundly relaxing experience that also felt like an immersive Japanese cultural experience. I loved how we received this beautifully illustrated woodcut print of Hakone’s Hayakawa River inside Sakuraco’s Hakone Box. I walked along this river when I visited Hakone and was mesmerized to see how this landscape remains the same even hundreds of years later.

Hakone Sweets

When we booked our private onsen, we were treated to some traditional savouries and sweets to make the experience even more indulgent. If you want to have the same experience, take a hot bath and relax with some of the Hakone treats included in this month’s Sakuraco Japanese Treat Box. The Tsuru no Sato Marshmallow is a soft, fluffy marshmallow treat that charmingly resembles a petite egg yet is filled with a luscious yellow bean paste, offering a subtly sweet flavour. One of the most popular treats in Onsens in Hakone is Onsen Tamagos. These eggs are slow-cooked in the naturally hot waters of the onsen, resulting in a creamy, soft texture. The egg whites are just firm enough, while the yolks remain runny. Therefore, the Tsuru no Sato Marshmallow feels like such a perfect sweet reminiscent of those onsen eggs. 

The perfect accompaniment to your relaxing at-home onsen experience is a Matcha Konjac Warabimochi. Warabimochi is made from bracken starch, giving it a jelly-like texture that is slightly chewy. This dessert is particularly popular during the summer months in Japan due to its refreshing quality. It is also popular in Onsens for the same reason.

Hakone Savouries and Tea

For a savoury addition to your snacking session, the Wasabi Okaki

Minoya Arare are rice crackers coated in bold and addictive flavour, combining savoury soy sauce with a tantalizing hint of wasabi! I love the spicy flavour alongside the sweets, as they feel like the perfect juxtaposition.

The perfect complement to these treats is the Hakone Story Ryokucha, a luxurious green tea revered for its fresh flavour and health benefits. This tea uses authentic, deep-steamed leaves cultivated in the Makinohara Plateau in Shizuoka.

In every box, you’ll also receive a Japanese Home Good, such as ceramics, chopsticks or furoshiki (gift wrap cloths). In this month’s box, we received a Marquetry Plate. Marquetry is a woodworking tradition that originated in Hakone centuries ago. Artisans use various naturally coloured wood pieces to make intricately beautiful geometric designs. The same marquetry woodwork’s meticulous craftsmanship and art are mirrored here on the pltes, which makes the perfect serving platter to hold all your delicious treats.

If you’re as enchanted by Japanese culture and cuisine as I am, Sakuraco offers a delightful taste of Japan. I invite you to discover the joy and tradition of Japanese snacks with me. Check out their offerings, and let’s travel together through each savoury and sweet bite.

For more info on Sakuraco’s Japanese Snacks & Candy Subscription Boxes, head to sakura.co

Happy Culinary Travels, Adventurers!

The post Savouring Hakone: Japanese Snack Box Brings Traditional Snacks to Your Home first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Vending machines make up a considerable section of the fabric of the country whether you are in a big city or out in the countryside. There are 5 million vending machines to be found across the country. That’s one vending machine for every 23 people, and these babies rack in more than $60 billion annually! So next time you’re visiting Japan, you need to check them out! 

To learn more about Vending Machines’ history in Japan, head over to my blog post! While there are all kinds of different vending machine categories around the country, the most prevalent are the drinks machines. If you’re a vending machine hunter like me, you’ll want to look closely inside each one you pass just to check out any new flavours or items you might not have seen before.

Checklist

Check out Vendo Drink Checklist if you want use this as a guide to find all the best things to drink out of vending machines in Japan!

How to Pay

Japan is a majorly cash-based society. A surprising thing considering how we sometimes view Japan as this metropolis of modernity. Most vending machines require coins to dispense any item inside. In the past few years, we have seen more and more modern machines, some of which have entirely LED displays. These newer machines can accept cards but often then only work with local credit cards.

Over the years, more machines have been retrofitted for tap payments. This works with your Suica and Pasmo metro cards. These cards are meant to be used to pay for your trips on the metro but can be preloaded with funds and used at vending machines and even some convenience stores. Suppose you are travelling on the public rail system. In that case, you’ll need one of these cards, so I would always advise you to load it up with more money than you think as you’ll find so many different ways to use your cards.

Hot vs. Cold

Modern vending machines in Japan can keep their drink hot or cold, often in the same machine. Cold beverages generally have a blue LED light with the characters “つめた～い” written on the bottom. On the other hand, the hot drinks have a red light and say “あったか～い.”

Coffee Vending Machine

One type of machine which you’ll only find in Japan is the canned coffee vending machine. These were invented in 1970 before the prevalence of coffee shops had hit the street. Back then, people mainly drank coffee at home and those who didn’t have time to brew it themselves were excited to find they could get coffee pre-made right on the street from a vending machine.

These early machines were separated into hot and cold machines so people could have their brew whichever way they preferred. Later more modernized versions of coffee vending machines allow you to get both hot and cold coffees in the same machine. These can be found pretty much everywhere you go.

If you are interested in finding out which one of the dozens and dozens of coffee brands and flavours to buy, it’s really a personal preference. The most commonly found brands are Boss, Wonda, Pokka, Kirin, and Georgia. For the most part, any coffee listed as a “milk” or “latte” drink will be very, very sweet. BOSS Black is an excellent option for those who take their coffee plain. This is very comparable to an American drip coffee. Kirin FIRE is my favourite blend, and if you do like a sweet but not too sweet milk coffee, try BOSS Rainbow blend that is like a latte in a can.

Tea

Tea seems to be synonymous with the cultural fabric of Japan. The tea ceremony, known as chanoyu, or sado, is all about honouring tea. So much care is taken in preparing and presenting the precious ambrosia. It is one of the most honoured traditions in the country. But you don’t need a fancy ceremony to enjoy a cup (or, in this case, a bottle) of tea. Tea is second only to coffee in terms of its presence in vending machines. You can sample many different varieties. I find the teas to be packaged in even more beautiful bottles than the coffee and you’ll often find seasonal designs that give some variety to the packaging.

Green Tea

Without a doubt, the most popular tea in Japan is green tea. This tea blend is said to improve health, increase brain function, reduce heart disease, lower the risk of diabetes and even lower your cancer risk. Green tea often comes in clear bottles, so you can distinguish from the tea’s colour how strong it is. Green tea is served both hot and cold, so you can be refreshed no matter what time of year it is!

Jasmine Tea

Jasmine Tea is my absolute favourite blend of tea. Green tea can sometimes be a little bitter for some, whereas jasmine tea is so delicate. Even without any sweetener, it is perfect and keeps you really warm on those cold days!

English Tea

If you like black tea, then look out for anything labelled “English Tea“. You can get a variety of English-style tea in vending machines all around Japan. These are almost always accompanied by milk and sugar. Sometimes they are called “royal” milk tea, after the Queen of England!

Hot Lemon

Another popular option for tea is Hot Lemon. Hot Lemon tea is sweet and sour and full of vitamin C. It’s like drinking hot lemonade. This is great if you got off the plane with a little cold and need a quick fix!

Mugi-cha

One of the most unique tea flavours found in Japan is Mugi-cha. This tea is made from barley and is traditionally drunk in the summer over ice. The tea has a roasted barley flavour and slight bitter after taste, which slightly resembles coffee. While its certainly unique, I think you need to give it a try since some people ADORE it!

Fruit Flavoured Tea

Fruit flavoured teas are generally served cold and are great for hot days. They come in unique flavours like lychee, peach, melon and even the iconic sakura during the springtime. Since the flavours tend to be seasonal, there is always something unique on offer when you come to visit, so keep your eyes open for something brand new and different!

Coca-cola

Japan is home to perhaps the most extensive variety of soda flavours I’ve ever seen. While Coke, Pepsi and their other American soda brands are just as ubiquitous here as at home, you will find that there are significantly different flavours added into your favourite sodas. One of my favourites has got to be Coca-cola Peach. Made with the flavours of Georgia peaches, the fruit really amps up the taste of Coca-cola. Aomori is famous for its apples and has the highest apple production in Japan. In honour of these delicious apples, Japan came out with Coca-cola apple! Give it a try if you see it.

Fanta

Although Fanta is available worldwide in Japan, the flavours in Japan are out of control! You can find flavours like; Apple, Black Cherry, Peach, Lemon, Snow Squash, White Banana, Strawberry Cream, plum and melon. Surprisingly, Fanta melon is one of the most popular flavours. If you go into a McDonald’s, Fanta Melon is one of the only Fanta flavours on offer. It is often served with a scoop of ice cream as a melon float and truly I cant count the number of melon floats I had while travelling around Japan – they are that delicious!

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Salted Lychee 

A strange combination which you might not expect to find in a vending machine is Salted Lychee. Okinawa, a prefecture in Japan is known for the chef-quality salt. Kirin came out with a Salted Lychee drink that swept the nation! The salt is said to give this drink a pop of freshness and breaks up the sweetness of the lychee. It sounds strange but I really loved it and think you need to give it a try. 

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Bikkle

Many Asian cultures have a tradition of drinking yogurt-based drinks. Yogurt is excellent for your gut, and these drinks help with digestion. In Japan, the most popular brand is Bikkle, produced by the Suntory group. Its not too thick and if you like that zing which fermented foods give you, then this is for you!

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Aloe Juice

Aloe Vera gel is said to provide a sense of wellness and energy. The gel is made of bits of the plant’s membrane that are extracted into these drinks. The aloe membrane is also said to be good for your skin, so these Aloe Juice drinks are popular with young women. The texture is definitely not for everyone, but since most of the bottles are filled with other fruit juice, the taste is pretty pleasant.

Flavoured Water

Since Japan seems to have an aversion to plain water, and since I do too, I really appreciated all the different varieties of flavoured water vending machines have on offer. Suntory is the leader in this strange world of flavoured waters with options like yogurt, tea, honey lemon, white peach (my fave) and Pear. 

I Lohas is another famous brand, from Coca-Cola Japan, with flavours like white grape, orange, peach and lemon. But one unique thing about I Lohas is that they have regional flavours, which you can only find in some prefectures of Japan. In Hokkaido, you can drink blue honeysuckle. In Nagano, you can find apple, and in Tohoku, you can even drink blueberry!

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Pocari Sweat

Pocari Sweat is probably one of the worst English translations you could get for something you are expected to drink. And even more shocking is the actual taste of the drink, which is surprisingly salty! Pocari Sweat is one of the most popular energy drinks sold in Japan. It is a flavoured drink containing electrolytes, but that tastes like thick sweat. But I will say, on a hot day when I was feeling dehydrated, it really worked to put me back together!

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Calpis Water

Calpis Water is another one of those yogurt-flavoured drinks, but this one is much more diluted than Bikkle. It is like a bottle of watered-down milk, with that sweet-sour taste. Sounds unappetizing, but this is actually one of the country’s best sellers. Sometimes you’ll find a variety of flavours from peach, grape and mango.

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Rare Milk 

I’m a massive fan of a glass of milk, so I loved seeing cold cartons of milk sold in these vending machines. In fact, on Platform 5 at JR Akihabara Station, you can find a particular vending machine that sells specialty milk from regions all over Japan. There is vanilla-flavoured milk from Kumamoto. You can also get special milk usually only sold in Fukushima, inside this machine!

Ichigo Milk or Strawberry milk is one of the most popular flavours outside of regular plain milk. It’s not as sweet as North American strawberry-flavoured milk, and I think it’s wonderfully refreshing!

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Pancake Milkshake

Ever wonder what it might be like to drink a pancake? Well, wonder no more! In Japan, you can find Morinaga Pancake milkshake in a can! Morinaga is a famous powdered pancake mix brand you usually find in the grocery store, but they wanted to find a way to bring this breakfast treat into the vending machines. Why? I don’t know. The taste resembles one of those meal replacement drinks. It is slightly gritty in texture but does indeed taste like a canned pancake milkshake!

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Dekavita C

Unlike many other countries, Japan doesn’t seem to rely as strongly on “Red Bull.” Instead, they favour Dekavita C. Dekavita C is Japan’s long-selling energy drink. “Deka” means “big” in Japanese, and “vita” stands for “vitamins,” and “C” stands for vitamin C. This beverage contains 8 different kinds of vitamins and even the all-important royal jelly extract.

Royal jelly is a gelatinous substance produced by honey bees. Studies have suggested that royal jelly is likely to enhance collagen production and even i said to reduces PMS and menopause symptoms!

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Ribbon Futte Futte Jelape

If Royal Jelly is something you love, you need to find yourself some Ribbon Futte Futte Jelly Grape. The drink has a layer of grape royal jelly on the bottom of the bottle. Before drinking it, you must vigorously shake it up to break up the jelly into a drinkable form. Again, not for anyone with an aversion to textural drinks, but it’s super tasty!

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Marusan Soy Milk Drink

If you don’t drink milk, whether it’s because of your allergies or dietary restrictions, you should seek out Marusan Soy Milk Drinks. These come in all sorts of flavours from peach, mango, cherry, apple pie, chestnut, red bean, roasted sweet potato, mixed fruits, banana, matcha, almond, coffee, tea and chocolate. While these are rarer to find, they are a must-try if you come across them in a vending machine! If you cant find them in a vendo, head over to the konbini!

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After reading this hopefully you find that you’re thirsty to get outside and explore Japan’s Vending Machines! If you are planning a trip, be sure to fit in some exploring time to find all these treasures. Let me know in the comments if I missed any of your favourites!

Happy Travels, Adventurers!

The post Wonderful Vending Machine Drinks to Try on Your Next Trip to Japan first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Table Of Contents

1. History
2. Osaka Castle
3. Kuromon Ichiba Market
4. Nambayasaka Shrine
5. Hozenji Yokocho
6. Hozenji Temple
7. Amerikamura! 
8. Hokkyokusei 
9. Dotonburi
   • Glico-Running-Man
10. Ebisu Bridge
11. What to Eat?
    • Takoyaki
    • Kani Doraku Dotonburi Honten
    • Osaka Ohsho
    • Creoru Okonomiyaki
    • Melon Bread Ice cream
    • Pablo Dotonbori
12. Don Quixote Ferris Wheel
13. Space Station

History

In 645, Emperor Kōtoku made Osaka the capital of Japan, and Osaka prospered and grew for years. Eventually, the capital was moved to Tokyo. But Osaka continued to be a flourishing port city and commercial centre for Japan. Today, many people flock onto its streets for one main thing: the food!

Osaka Castle

Start your morning off at Osaka Castle. The history of Osaka Castle dates back to 1583. However, the building you see today is far from the original. Wars, sieges and bombing raids destroyed the structure many times over the years, and the current incarnation is a reconstruction from 1995. The castle is now used as a museum dedicated to the history of the castle and Osaka. While the museum is pretty interesting, for our purposes today, we’re just going to take a walk around the grounds. You can still see so much of the castle from down below. The incredibly beautiful moats and tree line passageways surrounding the castle are a relaxing way to start your morning rather than crammed into a line to see inside.  

Surrounding the castle are various food stalls selling some of Osaka’s culinary specialties. I would opt for the yakisoba, a delicious noodle dish covered in oyster sauce and topped with pickled ginger. Strangely enough, it makes for a delicious and decidedly Japanese breakfast. You can get it to go and eat it in front of the picturesque castle moat which surrounds the entire castle.

Kuromon Ichiba Market

The next stop is the Kuromon Ichiba Market. The Kuromon market has been open as “the nation’s kitchen” since 1601. Its bustling narrow alley serves fresh sushi and sashimi, meat, produce and a collection of housewares and souvenir shops. Although there are plenty of grocery stalls, there are also dozens of small restaurants along the alley where you can grab a delightful little lunch.

Try to arrive before or after 12 pm to ensure it’s not too busy and you miss the lunch rush! While Tsukiji in Tokyo is most notable for its fresh fish, Osaka is famous for its choice of sliced Wagyu and Kobe beef. You can pick your desired cut, and certain shops will cook it right up for you then and there! Just add a little salt and get ready for a transcendent taste experience.

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Nambayasaka Shrine

After stuffing your face at the market, work off all those calories with a short 15-minute walk over to Nambayasaka Shrine. If you’ve been in Japan for some time now, you might think, “another shrine?” but trust me, this one really stands out. Approaching it, even from afar, you’ll notice it right away. The shrine was designed in the shape of an enormous lion’s head. The area of Osaka we’ve now entered is Namba, and this is its main Shinto shrine. While many temples in Japan are Buddhist, brought to Japan by the Chinese, Shinto is Japan’s native religion. Each Shinto shrine worships a particular spirit or “kami.” At this temple, the spirit lion is said to swallow evil spirits and bring good luck to those who come to pray. So if you have any evil spirits to get rid of, this is the place to do it!

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Hozenji Yokocho

Walk up through the charming side street of Namba towards Hozenji Yokocho. Hozenji Yokocho is a tight little alleyway whose architecture has been preserved as a relic from the Edo period. Stepping under the gates, flanked on either side by bright red lanterns, you enter a peaceful oasis. Study the architecture tightly squeezed in on either side. 

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Hozenji Temple

Stop by the nearby Hozenji Buddhist temple, which dates back to the 17th century. This temple gives the name to the area. It features an ancient statue of Fudomyoo, which is covered in moss. Blessings are given by pouring water over the statue, keeping the moss nice and healthy, and, best of all, bright green! It really looks like a tree sculpture instead of a stone statue.

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Amerikamura! 

Our next stop is over in “Amerikamura.” While some places might send you to the more popular Shinsaibashi shopping arcade, I find it rather commercialized and lacking the, sometimes odd, characters that Amerikamura has. You might think it odd to visit somewhere inspired by America if you’re looking for a Japanese experience, but this is Japan’s idealized version of America. Studying if you have lived or have ever been to the US before is fascinating. Colourful and quirky shops line the street, and even more quirkily dressed teenagers relax outside hip coffee shops and lively bars. This is the best place to find well-priced and fantastically curated thrift shops and indie clothing brands.

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Hokkyokusei 

If you’re a little hungry before dinner, stop by Hokkyokusei, where you can sample the now internet-famous omurice. Omurice is an omelette stuffed with rice and slathered in a thick red sauce. When you cut it open down the centre, the entire thing melts down the middle sensationally pleasingly. It’s delicious and the perfect little bit to eat to tide you over before dinner.

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Dotonburi

As night begins to fall, it is time to make your way over to the neon streets of Dotonburi. While the biggest highlight inside Dotonburi is the food, the architecture and spectacular light show are nothing to scoff at. At night, the entire area comes alive, and the lights of the buildings dance on the water along the Tombori River. “Dotonbori” is named after Yasui Doton, whose vision in 1612 was to create two canals connecting this area to the Kizugawa River, thereby increasing its commercial and trading power. War greatly affected his plans; unfortunately, he died before seeing his vision come to fruition. His cousins took over the concept after Yasui Doton’s death and named the area after him.

Glico-Running-Man

One of the most famous neon signs in Dotonburi is the Glico-Running-Man. This billboard has been located here for over 70 years and is the oldest sign on the street. It is over 33m tall and stands imposingly over the iconic Ebusu-bashi bridge. Glico’s primary business is manufacturing confectionery products, so it might seem odd that its mascot is an athlete, but that’s just how Japan is, unexpected.

Ebisu Bridge

Be sure to stand on the Ebisu Bridge and look at the river and the beautiful flashing signs on either side. This is the perfect spot for a photo opportunity or just to take a moment to drink in all the incredible imagery which Dotonburi is so famous for.

What to Eat?

Takoyaki

But there is one reason you probably came to Osaka: to eat, and Dotonburi is the place to do it. What’s great about Dotonburi is that all the food options here are small, unlike huge meals, so you can sample a myriad of Osaka’s culinary treasures in one night. The first stop on your food tour should be Takoyaki. 

This iconic ball-shaped delicacy is the most popular treat from Osaka. Made from an egg batter and filled with a juicy piece of octopus, the batter is then poured into round pans and shaped into adorable little balls. Then it’s covered in savoury sauce, mayo, pickled ginger and topped with bonito flakes. There are so many vendors, so just find the one with the biggest line (always a sign for the best food in Japan) and wait for your turn to dig in!

Kani Doraku Dotonburi Honten

Next up is the famous Kani Doraku Dotonburi Honten. This sign is one of the most popular photo spots in Osaka due to the 3-meter wide moving mechanical crab located on the front of the building. You can dine inside with views over the river, but you can also grab cheaper grilled crab legs right outside the entrance to the restaurant. They are not super cheap but juicy, sweet and incredibly fresh.

Osaka Ohsho

Next up is Gyoza at Osaka Ohsho. Once more, you’ll see giant versions of the gyoza plastered up on the front of the building as you enter. Ordering here is very simple since there is only one option (meat and chives), and you just need to tell them how many order’s you’d like. Get a seat at one of their tiny tables and dress your gyoza with their zingy sauces.xxxxxxx

Creoru Okonomiyaki

At the very end of Dontonburi is Creoru Takoyaki & Okonomiyaki where you can sample Osaka’s own version of okonomiyaki. Osaka differs in this dish by adding grated yam potato to the batter and not including noodles, as some Okonomiyaki in Tokyo and Hiroshima are made with. It is a simple and clean version due to the lack of carbs. It allows the sampling of many different filling combinations.

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Melon Bread Ice cream

After all these incredible savoury dishes, it’s time for something sweet. One of the most popular street sweets is freshly baked melon “pan” or melon bread filled with a giant scoop of ice cream. Despite the name, there is no melon inside. The crust pattern on top of the bread when it cooks gives it a melon-looking appearance, hence the name. The combination of the hot and cold is perfect for any day!

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Pablo Dotonbori

If you’re still craving something sweet, check out Pablo Dotonbori’s cheese tarts. These world-famous tarts are buttery, crispy and perfectly sweet. They often have a big line, but it moves quickly and is worth the wait. Various flavours exist, but the classic and the macha are fan favourites.

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Don Quixote Ferris Wheel

Don Quixote is a famous superstore across Japan. But the one in Osaka is even more popular because it has a giant, 77-meter-tall Ferris wheel on its exterior. Its bright red and yellow tracks and huge mascot characters on the facade made it a popular photo opportunity even though it went out of service years ago. But thanks to its fandom, it was recently renovated and reopened to the public. Take your chance now before it closes down again to jump in and experience stunning views across Dotonbori.

Space Station

End off your night with some retro fun at Space Station. This bar is filled with retro video games, cheap drinks and amazing company!

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Osaka is a city full of surprises and has a lot to offer visitors. With the help of this guide, you can make the most of your 24 hours in Osaka and experience the best of what the city has to offer. From traditional temples to delicious street food, there is something for everyone in Osaka. We hope this guide has helped you plan your trip and that you enjoy exploring this vibrant city.

The post Your ULTIMATE Guide to Exploring Osaka in 24 Hours first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Table Of Contents

1. #1 Learn Some Japanese
   • Japanese Phrases
2. #2 Convenience Stores are much more than Convenience Stores
   • Best Things to Eat in a Konbini
3. #3 Get A Wifi Hotspot
   • Navigating in Japan
4. #4 It's Not as Expensive as you Think
5. #5 It's HUGE! 
6. #6 Public Transport Can be Daunting but Once you Figure it Out it's INCREDIBLE!
7. #7 Smoking is Prevalent
8. #8 There Are Few Garbage Cans in Public
9. #9 Cash is KING
10. #10 The Toilets are that AWESOME
11. #11 No Tipping

#1 Learn Some Japanese

I think one of the biggest mistakes that English speakers make when they’re travelling is assuming that everyone, around the world, will speak some form of English. This is definitely NOT the case. Even in a metropolis like Tokyo, there should be no assumptions that people will speak English to you. While learning English is becoming more and more popular, the older generations have yet to come around. And why should they after all?!

That being said, there are English menus and English speakers in the more touristy area. So if you feel like you can’t survive with Japanese alone, then there are places you can seek out. If you do find someone who speaks English, remember to speak slowly. (But please, do not do this in a condescending way!) English speakers tend to fast very fast. If someone is still learning English, speaking slowly will better allow them to translate and respond in due time.

Japanese Phrases

But don’t feel like just because you can’t read or speak the language, you’re out of luck. Japanese people are some of the kindest and most generous people I’ve ever met. Even if we couldn’t communicate with language, they would take time and a considerable amount of effort to help me with whatever I needed. Rudimentary sign language works well, as does pointing and a kind smile. But what works even better is to try and learn a few phrases in Japanese before leaving for your trip. Put all that time on your long-haul flight to good use! Simple things like, “thank you”, “excuse me” or “please” go a long way in showing gratitude and humility. People will respond to this and give it back to you in leaps and bounds. 

Her are a few useful phrases:
Thank You | arigatou gozaimasu
Please |  onegaishimasu
Excuse Me |  sumimasen
Yes | hai
No | iie
I’m Sorry | gomen nasai
I Don’t understand Japanese |  nihongo ga wakarimasen
Can you speak English? | eigo o hanasemasu ka?

If you are interested in learning some key phrases when eating at restaurants check out this guide!

#2 Convenience Stores are much more than Convenience Stores

In North America, Europe, Australia and other countries I’ve visited, conveniences stores sell little more than candy bars, magazines, chips and dreadfully reheated pizza and hot dogs. But in Japan, convenience stores (also called Konbini) will become your go-to spot for everything from breakfasts, quick snacks and even fantastic bento boxes perfect for picnics. Japanese convenience stores sell ready to eat MEALS which taste incredible! Breakfast in Japan is a savoury meal and the bento boxes sold in stores like 7/11, Lawsons and Family Mart were just as good as some fancy meals I’ve had in restaurants back in Canada. They will even reheat it up for you at the cash.

Best Things to Eat in a Konbini

Onigiri which is rice and fish wrapped in seaweed costs just over a dollar and is a delicious treat if you’re on the go.  Don’t miss out on the drinks either. In Japan, convenience stores sell alcohol as well as other beverages, so its the perfect place to stock up on new and exciting sake flavours, unique tea blends and even seasonal sodas. Konbinis also have an amazing selection of seasonal specialties. This is best exemplified around Sakura season!

But my favourite things to buy are the sweets. Various stores sell delicious packaged soft pancakes with maple syrups and butter sandwiched in between. While not traditionally Japanese, this treat is unforgettable. The sweet pastries, like melon bread, are also the perfect thing to grab for a mid-day snack. If it’s a hot day, don’t pass up one of the various ice cream flavours. Green tea is exceptionally favourable in Japan. And if you’re looking for something more traditional, try the dango. Dango is a Japanese sweet dumpling made from mochiko (rice flour). They are often different colours and paired with a warm green tea (oh yeah, they also have hot tea in heated containers inside the store) it’s the perfect thing to eat on a cold day.

#3 Get A Wifi Hotspot

While Japan might be seen as the mecca of technology and innovation, there are still some areas where Japan is lagging behind. One of those things is public wifi. While in other countries you might be able to get by hopping into coffee shops and open wifi zones to get your dose of the internet, in Japan, this is EXTREMELY rare. I got so many weird looks when I would ask for the wifi password and not because of the language barrier. But there is an easy and relatively cheap solution, a wifi hotspot.

There is a myriad of companies which offer these devices, and they can be shipped directly to your hotel, picked up at the airport or grabbed at your local convenience store. If you’re apprehensive about getting to your hotel without wifi, then the terminal might be your best option, but we opted for the hotel delivery, and it was there waiting for us upon check-in. If you’re staying in an Airbnb, they will often provide these for their guests as an additional incentive for staying at their spot.

Navigating in Japan

The best advice when choosing from all the different companies offering this service is to get the fastest speed possible, and unlimited data. While the cheaper options might seem just as good, you’d be surprised how much you might use it. Sure, getting lost is all part of the fun of travelling, but when you’re hungry and tired being able to navigate yourself to a hot bowl of ramen quickly is just what the doctor ordered. In Japan, they use a very different addressing system then is used in most Western countries.

Rather than streets having names, they give blocks numbers and leave the space in between the blocks, streets, nameless. This can be EXTREMELY CONFUSING if you’re trying to look for a particular restaurant or address, so using the feature on google maps where you can track your orientation to that little blue dot marking your destination was often our saving grace.

#4 It’s Not as Expensive as you Think

One thing I hear over and over again, especially from older people, is how expensive they think Japan is. While it’s not as cheap as places in South East Asia, Japan isn’t as expensive as it’s made out to be. I always say that “it’s as expensive as you want it to be.” If you want to eat at a Michelin star restaurant, you’ll easily have to spend upwards of $200. But there are also HUNDREDS of FANTASTIC restaurants where you can eat for under $10-$20.

A simple bowl of ramen is almost never over 1000 yen. And these are very filling and extremely delicious. As mentioned above, convenience stores are your best friend for quick meals which taste amazing. In places like Europe, you’d be hard-pressed to find this kind of quality food for a similar price.

Additionally, in Europe, most museums and attractions will run you easily 20 euros. Whereas most institutions in Japan are funded by the government and are free to enter. Temples and Shrines are also free to enter and explore. And in my opinion, temples and shrines are some of the most amazing things to see and experience in Japan. Places like Kiyomizu-dera, Sensoji and Tenryu-ji, Fushimi Inari and Meiji are truly some of the best highlights of Japan.

Transportation Costs

While the taxis are indeed costly, they are also the foolish option. The Metro system is astonishing and can get you anywhere you want to go at lightning speed. Unless you’re hauling colossal luggage, take the metro. This isn’t just true for big cities like Tokyo and Osaka. Everywhere you go in Japan has a marvelous public transport system which is relatively inexpensive given the breadth of distance they cover

Accommodation in Japan

Accommodation can be the most expensive part of your trip (aside from your flight). But with a little research, you can find some great options. The Centurion, Washington and Remm brand hotels in Toyko offer spacious (in Japanese terms) rooms at reasonable prices. If you’re looking for something even cheaper, stay in the novel “Capsule Hotels” which are unique to Japan. These literal capsules sleep one person, and while they might look like coffins, they are surprisingly comfortable with individual TVs, headsets and even pyjamas. The high-end capsule hotels will still only run you about $50/night. Some of the capsule hotels also have private onsens (spas) on site which can be a relaxing end to a busy day. 

With the advent of Airbnb, you can find entire apartments for rent with private kitchens, city views and spectacular private gardens. These are indeed the way to feel like you’re living like a local. If you’re staying with a larger group, you can find some incredible options at inexpensive prices. For two people, the apartments can run just as much as a low-mid price hotel, but the larger houses which can hold up 6-8 people are where you find your dollar goes the farthest. 

#5 It’s HUGE! 

One thing people underestimate when travelling around Japan is its size. While it looks like a small little island, there is so much to see and do. Getting a rail pass is a great idea to help save money while taking the train all over the country. This way you pay one upfront cost but then have the freedom to travel as much as you want without having to worry about how much each trip will cost.

Tokyo itself is enormous. Although it’s just one city, it is home to over nine million people and spans over 2,000 km². If you decide to stay in the western part of Tokyo, like Shibuya, travelling all the way to the eastern districts, like Asakusa, can take over an hour on the metro and perhaps even longer by car due to all the traffic. But don’t like that deter you. If you take some time to plan out what you want to see, you can divide it up into areas and spend the day travelling around those sections, so you don’t have to hop back and forth on the metro. For instance; Shibuya, Harajuku and Shinjuku can be explored one day and then Ueno, Asakusa and Akihabara another day and so on.

#6 Public Transport Can be Daunting but Once you Figure it Out it’s INCREDIBLE!

When looking at the map of the metro systems around Japan, you might be overcome with fear and confusion. There are so many lines, so many colours and so little English. But don’t let that get you down. There are lots of ways to make this daunting task as simple as pie. Firstly, ensure you have your portable wifi with you and download the Hyperdia app or even google maps will do. These apps will help plan your journey out. You may have to change lines, and adding additional levels of confusion, change trains brands on even a short journey. But there is a very easy way to avoid any fare confusion, upon arrival buy a metro pass.

Metro Passes

The metro passes in Tokyo are called “passmo” or “suica”. If you have a rail pass, you can also use this to pay for your metro fares if it is on a JR rail car. Passmo and Suica cards can be loaded with money. All you have to do it tap your card on the way into the station and tap on the way out. And your fare will automatically be calculated for you when you do. Unlike other systems around the world, there is no standard set fare. The price of your trip is dependent on how far you’re going. While this is completely something, you can figure out, if you have pre-loaded cards it just makes it that much easier.

Unlike anywhere else in the world, the Japanese metro is always on time. A few years ago one of their trains was 20 SECONDS late, and they sent out a newsletter apologizing. In Toronto, I’ve frequently had to wait over 20 MINUTES for a bus. Without the slightest bit of an explanation so suffice to say; this system was a dream come true for timely planners like myself. If you run into any problems, you can always press the “help” button on the self-serve kiosks. These also always have an “English” option on the screen. But if you press “help,” a real person will come to your aid. They might not speak a lot of English, but they will be able to help you figure it out despite that fact. Just point to where you want to go and they’ll do the rest.

Rules for the Subway

Be sure that when you’re on the train, you keep your voice down and don’t talk on the phone. Both these things are considered very rude and will get you some serious side eye from fellow passengers. Eating and drinking on the metro are also prohibited. On some train, during specific periods of the day, there are “female only” cars.  My husband and I made the mistake of getting on one of these cars. I looked around and saw that there were only women in the car. And all the women were giving my husband some weird looks. I immediately knew there was something amiss. Luckily we were able to get off at the next stop. And going forward was sure to check the cars identifications before we got on.

#7 Smoking is Prevalent

Another somewhat dated characteristic of Japan is the prevalence of smokers. In the rest of the world, smoking inside is a huge taboo and most of the time it is illegal. But in Japan, this is not the case. Even in hotels, you need to make sure you get a non-smoking room. If not, you might end up staying in a musty, smoke-scented room for your entire visit.

Smoking in restaurants is typically isolated to certain areas, and cafes have walled in the room dedicated for smokers. Although there is a slow shift away from smoking by the younger generation, it is definitely a shock for westerners. Recently some Japanese companies started giving their employees who don’t smoke more vacations days. So perhaps this incentive will lead to more people giving up the nasty habit.

#8 There Are Few Garbage Cans in Public

If you decide to grab a drink from a convenience store and drink it on the road, you might be surprised to see that there won’t be many places to put your garbage on your journey. The Japanese are dedicated to cleanliness, and even the smokers won’t be seen throwing their cigarette butts on the street. The inclination not to litter is so strong that people carry around little baggies for their garbage in their knapsacks or purses and then dispose of the trash at home. 

And when it comes to trash they are extremely diligent in sorting it. You might see three or even four different options for garbage when you finally find a refuse area. Most Japanese people don’t eat or drink while walking. Instead, they stand outside the vending machine area or convenience store and finish their meal or drink there, then quickly dispose of their garbage in the cans beside the store. Try to be local and follow suit.

#9 Cash is KING

Another eccentricity of Japan is the fact that you NEED cash here. Credit cards aren’t the norm, and many many places you’ll visit won’t even have a machine. In Japan, printed money and coinage are viewed as pieces of art which someone took the time to produce whereas cards just don’t have the same cultural value. We were shocked by this and had to take out cash a few times on our trip to ensure we didn’t get stuck anywhere without money to pay for a meal or transit or even a drink.

In addition to not being able to use credit cards, taking money out of your bank account can be very difficult too since most ATMs only accept Japanese cards. But not to fear, 7-Eleven is here! ATMs at 7-Elevens will process foreign cards, so hit them up for cash whenever you’re running low. If you’re worried about taking too much money out at one time in the fear that it might be stolen, I would push those fears out of your mind. Japan is one of the safest countries in the world and pickpocketing is almost unheard of. 

#10 The Toilets are that AWESOME

If you know anyone who has ever been to Japan or ever been obsessed with Japanese culture, you’ll know that the toilet situation is much talked about. Toilets in Japan are much more than just a plastic seat. The Japanese take cleanliness very seriously, and so it is no surprise that they would want any bathroom activities to be as clean as possible. Modern Japanese toilets are sleek, electronic devices with an array of functions which makes going to the washroom a life-changing experience. The standard Japanese toilet has a keypad featuring symbols indicating the following: raise the lid, raise the seat, large flush, small flush, rear and front bidet, dry, and stop. 

If you’ve ever dreaded going to a public washroom, fear no more, public washrooms are cleaner here than some North American hospitals. There are still a few squat toilets left in Japan, but most larger cities have been updated to the modern versions. The one thing to be aware of is that on a few rare occasions you’ll visit a bathroom where the toilet paper is not provided. Be sure to check the paper situation before entering the stall in case you need to purchase some from the vending machine before doing your business.

#11 No Tipping

Finally, tipping. The conundrum many travels face when visiting a different city. When to tip, how much, how often etc. Well, in Japan it is very simple. Don’t do it. Ever. It is considered very rude to tip in Japan so avoid doing it all together. Japanese people take service very seriously and good service should be a given, not something that is rewarded. If you are given change after your meal, don’t leave it behind, chances are someone will chase you down the road to give it back to you because they thought you left it behind.  

The post 11 Things to Know Before Travelling To Japan first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Ryokan Shimizu

Although this Ryokan doesn’t serve the fancy, traditional dinners to your room that others feature, Shimizu offers up every other aspect of a traditional Ryokan with the best service and hospitality I’ve received anywhere in the world. The room cost between $80-100/per night for two people. This is amazing as many other Ryokan are almost triple that price!

Location

Ryokan Shimizu was located about a 15-minute walk from the train station, which would have been a lovely little walk. Unfortunately, when we arrived, it was pouring rain, so we spent most of the journey running for shelter.

When we finally arrived, we were greeted by the friendliest Japanese owners who welcomed us into their establishment. They gave us two glasses of cold, Genmaicha tea in a ceramic glass to welcome us in. Already we felt right at home.

On the wall, as you entered, there was a mural of cards, letters and photos from fellow travellers expressing their gratitude and love for their stay.

Entrance and Common Areas

The entrance to the Ryokan was complete with small cubby holes for your outdoor shoes and a fresh pair of slippers to put on once entering the house. We immediately threw our wet shoes into the cubby and slipped into the comfy slippers.

The lobby of the Ryokan was complete with a small sofa where you could admire the Zen garden just outside the window. There was also a large area for pouring water and tea should you need refreshment while sitting downstairs and reading any of their large selection of books on Kyoto. Once settled, a kind gentleman took our bags, and we headed upstairs to our room.

Rooms

All the Ryokan rooms were built with tatami flooring and sliding doors, traditional in all classic Japanese houses. Tatami mats are made using rice straws and covered with a woven, soft rush. They are tough to clean but are gentle yet firm to stand or lie on. When you open the door, you immediately can smell their soft, earthy scent, like bamboo and sandalwood, permeating the air.

Japanese-style futons are synonymous with Ryokans and might seem strange to Westerners. These are light, quilted mattresses laid out on the floor. Usually, there is one per person, slightly larger than a single bed would be. The mattresses are thin enough to allow them to be moveable to be put away during the day to allow for more room in the home. These might be very hard for many Westerners to get used to, but compared to the hardstyle of Japanese beds we experience in Tokyo, these were actually much nicer to sleep on and roomier too!

Amenities

In addition to the large living/bedroom room, there was a private bathroom (complete with private bathtub), a large closet for our luggage and extra bedding, a fridge, tiny TV (local Japanese stations only) and a beautiful wooden table with floral mats to sit on. A small tea set was provided, along with supplies for making tea right in the comfort of our room. We were wet and cold from the rain and made a pot of hot tea immediately.

After so many busy days in Tokyo, we were dying for a break. We made the tea, went out to a local convenience store for some snacks and spent the rest of the day inside. I had a big nap, read my book and studying the binder left for us by the Ryokan. Inside were laminated pages of maps to the big attractions right from the hotel, the best places to eat and drink, places to do laundry and more. It was like having a local tour guide right there to give you all the advice you’d ever need. It was so lovingly created and made a difference in our experience of Kyoto.

Yukatas

The Ryokan also provided us with yukatas to wear while we were at home. A yukata is a light, cotton kimono generally made for everyday use. They were very comfortable and nice to relax in a while lying in bed. It made the whole experience feel very authentic.

Onsen

One of the best parts of this Ryokan was their private, on-site onsen. An onsen is a Japanese hot spring and bathing facility. Since Japan sits on top of volcanically active grounds, the water underneath the earth is almost always hot, providing a natural spring. Many large, public onsens are found all over Japan. But for anyone new to experiencing an onsen, a private one is much simpler and less awkward. Onsen water is believed to have healing powers derived from its mineral content.

To use an onsen, both in public and private, requires you to follow several etiquette rules. These were expertly explained to us by our lovely hosts and detailed on a laminated sheet of paper inside the private onsen. The first step is to make sure you wash your body before entering the water. Bathing stations are located right beside the onsen; you sit on stools, turn on the faucets, and use their plastic or wooden buckets to clean your body. Swimsuits are not allowed; this may be particularly awkward in public for some and requires a bit of courage.

There are small towels to place over your private parts for modesty, but they are pretty small. Hence why a private onsen might be a little more comfortable to use. Once clean, you can step into the bath. Each day, our Ryokan added different types of aromatic baths, scents, seasonal fruits, flowers or hot spring minerals. It was immensely relaxing. We had the entire place to ourselves for an entire two hours—the perfect way to unwind after a long day.

Our Experience

Every morning we would wake up from a cozy slumber. Adjusting to the futons took about a day, but there was certainly lots of room to stretch out.

Our room had a view down to the garden and front yard patio. There were several tables and chairs set up so you could enjoy a cup of coffee, a bit of lunch or even just sit and read in the shade of the beautiful garden.

The Garden

Despite it being the middle of October, there were flowers out all over the garden. Yellow, pink and red flowers dotted the bright green grass, and large-leafed plants peaked from along the walls. Hidden in the backyard were different ceramic sculptures of the raccoon dog, “Tanuki. “ He is a full-bellied Japanese prankster god based on a wild canine native to Japan. After a famous ceramic maker had given several sculptures of the Tanuki to the Emperor, who displayed them all over his castle, these figures become popular with the public and having one in your garden likened you to the Emperor himself.

In the front of our Ryokan is a purification fountain complete with flowers and ladles to cleanse your hands before coming into the Ryokan. Although doing this isn’t necessary, it’s a sign of respect for the household if you do so. Plus, it always smelled fantastic.

Our favourite thing to do was visit the local bakery in the morning, find a coffee shop and bring our goodies back to the Ryokan to enjoy outside. The sun was beating down on our faces, watching locals pass by on their bikes on their way to work.

We were heartbroken when it was time to say goodbye to this place. It was BY FAR the best place we stayed while in Japan. In addition to feeling like we experienced a piece of Japan’s history while staying here, it was also the most comfortable place we stayed with the sweetest hosts. They had taken our picture before we left, and we put it up on the wall with the other smiling faces, a small souvenir for them to remember us by. I really hope we return. I can’t wait to see them again.

The post My Amazing Experience Staying in Traditional Ryokan in Kyoto first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.