I loved Japan before I visited there– loved their video games, TV shows, martial arts, and amazing sword fights. But my only contact with Japan was through the Internet. Reading Japanese comic books (Manga) and watching Japanese cartoons (Anime) are my favorite pastime. So on Christmas day, when my parents gave me a book about Japanese culture, I was happy. When I opened the book and discovered the plane tickets inside, I was ecstatic.
In preparation for the trip, we took Japanese language lessons from a private tutor. By the time the trip rolled around I was eager to practice my new skills.
After landing in Narita airport, our first stop was the Zen Bed and Breakfast in Asakusa, Tokyo. My formal Japanese greeting impressed the owners. In the mornings, we had breakfast with them. I had never had rice and soup for breakfast before. Being a very picky eater, I rarely try anything new. But in Japan, I was determined to try everything. These home cooked breakfasts were the best meals we had on our trip.
In Tokyo, we visited the Imperial Palace. We were only allowed in the public garden but that was enough because it is as big as my neighborhood.
In Akihabara (Electric Town), we went to several arcades to see the latest in video games. My brother and I love these games and we’re pretty good. But we were nothing compared to the insane skill of the Japanese. The weird thing was, most everyone there were adults. My brother and I, two teenagers, were the youngest there.
After Tokyo, we went to Kyoto and stayed in our own town house called a Machaya (old merchants house.) The home was decorated in traditional Japanese fashion. My absolute favorite thing in the house was the bath. This room had a small deep tub, a shower next to it and a drain in the floor. Press a button and the tub automatically fills with hot water. I would shower with soap and cold water, then slowly lower myself into the boiling liquid. Any stress I ever had in my life seemed to melt away.
In Kyoto, we went to Chion-in Temple, which today is the headquarters for the J`odo school of Buddhism. We passed through the San-mon, a Buddhist temple gate at the main entrance. This is the largest temple gate in Japan but even that couldn’t prepare me for the scale of Chion-in. Meditating in the public prayer space, I thought about how small I am compared to this enormous structure.
Before we knew it, we were back in Tokyo scrambling to see as many sights as we could on our final day. We woke at five A.M. to go to the fish market. My father and I took pictures of the largest fish we had ever seen while my mother and brother ate sushi. Despite my vow to try everything, I couldn’t bring myself to eat raw fish at six in the morning.
After the market, we went to Shibuya (a Tokyo Times Square). My brother went to another arcade while I tried to get my last fill of Japan. The streets were really crowed (Tokyo is very crowed). Despite this, no one was ever rude or angry. Even to American tourists who didn’t know where they were going.
I used to love Japan for its Anime and video games but now I feel a connection to its ancient culture and current society. I look forward to returning when I’m in college.
Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.
2 Replies to “Japan Essay”
Comment on this article
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
What an amazing blog, I enjoy reading
Bringing to you the most unique holidays covering the most beautiful parts of Himachal. Tirthan: Located in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, Tirthan Valley derives its name from the Tirthan river, which winds its way through it. Tirthan Valley is one of the less-visited places which makes it more beautiful and peaceful. The natural beauty of the place is alluring enough, it gives you an offbeat destination taste without bringing you to a remote area. Some of the highlights of the trek include beautiful meadows with flowers in full bloom, glaciers feeding into the Tirthan Valley, and the views of the higher snow-clad ranges
here is a very beautiful destination in India where you want to travel with zenithholidays – tour & travel company
Awesome post.
My brother recommended I might like this web site.
He was entirely right. This post actually made my day.
You cann’t imagine simply how much time I had spent for
this info! Thanks!
Have you ever thought about creating an e-book or guest authoring on other sites? I have a blog centered on the same subjects you discuss and would love to have you share some stories/information. I know my subscribers would value your work. If you’re even remotely interested, feel free to send me an email
Everyone loves it when people come together
and share ideas. Great website, keep it up!
Which superpower would you like to have? (Multiple choice)
Dude, Mike Murray… You are living my dream, man. If I could and had all the money in the world, I would love to just jump in my car and drive drive and drive for just siteseeing… Thank you for your awesome blog posts.
Hello! It looks very interesting, great post, thanks. I used to play paintball a lot myself. But now is the time that you need to spend a lot of time at home. During a pandemic, it is important not to stop and sit still, but to study something, read, write articles or blogs. I recommend a useful resource in my profile with very sensitive material that requires due attention, which will be relevant to you, go ahead and study the pros and cons of gun control, and think for yourself over this issue and the problem in general. Good luck to everyone and health!
I love what you wrote here
Thanks-a-mundo for the post.Really looking forward to read more. Really Great.
good article! to covid Covid-19, of course, did not affect the travel plan, I buy insurance ttps://ekta.insure/
Thank you! very interesting information. i have a young daughter who really wanted to learn how to ski.
Thanks for finally talking about > Okemo and Stowe and the Vail Effect | My Family Travels < Liked it!
Very informative and interesting article. Well done!!
I am also a travel blogger, my website is http://www.travelsimplygo.com
Hello, I read your blog daily. Your story-telling style is awesome, keep it up!
Enjoyed every bit of your blog article. Much obliged. Yoshiko Wyrick
There is certainly a great deal to learn about this topic. I like all of the points you have made. Lynett Adams Berne
Thank you so much for doing the job here, everyone will certainly like your post.
Best regards,
Lunding Zacho
Great article.
Great info. Cheers.
very useful and interesting information. every year we flew with my family to Norway to ski. but this year we are staying at home.(
thanks for this wonderful post! it is magical)
Wow…really amazing blog.
I really like the way you describe the post..
Nice post.
Thanks for sharing your wonderful experience with us. Loved your blog!
I appreciate you sharing this blog article. Really thank you! Keep writing.
I appreciate you sharing this blog article. Really thank you! Keep writing……………..
Thanks for sharing your wonderful experience with us. Loved your blog!….
Nice post.
Thanks for sharing your wonderful experience with us. Loved your blog!
First-class article it is really. My father has been searching for this info. Dotty Ernie Coltson
Really nice post!
What a wonderfull blog !
Hey guys!What could be a better way to prepare ourselves for the upcoming travel plans with some music companions for our trips later.Lets boost our trips with some awesome singalong memories together!
Found this awesome playlist to share the love around.Have a great and wonderful day ahead!
I appreciate you sharing this blog article. Really thank you! Keep writing. Jsandye Caesar Joli
Way cool! Some extremely valid points! I appreciate you penning this article plus the rest of the site is really good. Gretta Araldo Riana
I have included this write-up to my bookmarks
Terrific article
I agree with you
there are a lot of really good hotels and resorts in Playa del Carmen
Lot of good material here keep up the good work
Lot of good material here keep up the good work
Wow…really amazing blog.
I really like the way you describe the post..
Nice post.
Thanks for sharing your wonderful experience with us. Loved your blog!
world is changing
Thanks for finally writing about > Haunted Houses for Kids And Halloween Weekend Breaks < Liked it!
Great article! We will be linking to this great article on our website. Keep up the great writing.
Have you ever wanted to travel and work abroad?contact us today and we just might make that happen
Whatsapp:+1(845)243-3187
Great read!
My subscribers on Twitter would really like this post. Is it okay if I link it to them?
Hello to everybody,
First of all let me introduce myself: my name is Daniele Baraldi and I work for Top Service, a Company that deals with travels and products conceived for families with kids.
I would like to bring to your attention a new concept of traveling. A virtual interactive tour upon many different locations that children can follow comfortably from home for those families who want to offer their kids the opportunity to explore their origins directly live from their sofa by interacting with a kid-friendly guide.
This new product, built up in a playful and educational way, is a new and entertaining one that can surely raise an interest in your community.
I really hope we will soon get in touch for a trial.
Look forward to hearing from you soon. erbaralds (at) gmail.com
thank you,
Best regards.
Wow…really amazing blog.
I really like the way you describe the post..