Japan 2023
From over 2 years since the initial discussion to the months of planning and discussing our trip to Japan, a journey that started as a shared dream among a few close friends, finally became a reality. This trip was more than just a brief break from our lives in the States; it was the culmination of countless hours spent discussing activities of interest, and excited chats about all the places to explore. As the months passed, our adventure grew in an unexpected but welcome way – friends we had known only online were now joining us, turning our group into a unique blend of old and new friendships. Meeting these friends in person for the first time, in a country most of us had never been to before, added an indescribable excitement to our already anticipated journey.
However, thats not to say that Japan as a country is a great place to live. While there and interacting with the locals and just observing daily life, I realized that being a tourist there was something far different than actually living there. On the surface, Japan appears to be a highly advanced, technologically advanced, low-crime and culturally rich society, but it’s a society that seems to be completely dominated by group identity. Everything is about the group, nothing is about ones self. Also, Japan’s work culture is accompanied by its uown nique set of challenges, such as the grueling work hours, fierce competition for jobs, limited opportunities for career advancement, and noticeable gender disparities. These aspects create a multifaceted impact on Japanese society as a whole, affecting the well-being of its people. So, while as a foreigner it was an amazing experience, I can’t really see myself wanting to live here for long periods of time unless the situation changes.
Travel Log
Tokyo (Day 1: 10/22) Arrive at Haneda Airport Due to unfortunate delays and circumstances get stuck at airport till next day.
Osaka (Day 2: 10/23) Early morning departure with shinkansen from Haneda Airport to Osaka station Settle into Osaka Airbnb late afternoon Explore the nearby Shinsaibashi Shopping Street
Nara (Day 3: 10/24) Nara Park Stroll through Dotonbori
Osaka (Day 4: 10/25) Explore the nearby Tempozan Ferris Wheel and take in the views of Osaka Bay Visit the Osaka Aquarium
Kyoto (Day 5: 10/26) Shinkansen to Kyoto for Fushimi Inari Taisha shrines Higashiyama district Kiyomizudera temple
Kyoto (Day 6: 10/27) Shinkansen to Kyoto for Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Arashiyama Monkey Park
Tokyo (Day 7: 10/28) Early morning Shinkansen ride from Osaka station to Shinagawa station (Tokyo) Stroll through Kabukicho
Kanazawa (Day 8: 10/29) Head to Shibuya Crossing Visit Hachiko statue Spend night time bar hopping in Shibuya
Tokyo (Day 9: 10/30) Start day with a visit to Asakusa Explore Nakamise Shopping Street Halloween Costume shopping
Nikko (Day 10: 10/31) Walk around Shibuya early afternoon Halloween in Shinjuku Clubbing in Shibuya
Tokyo (Day 11: 11/01) Nakano broadway Akihabara Visit the arcades and play some crane games Shinjuku
Tokyo (Day 12: 11/02) Explore Ikebukuro Sunshine City for cosplay event Visit Harajuku and Takeshita street
Hakone (Day 13: 11/03) Take a day trip to Nikko Visit Toshogu Shrine, Kegon Falls, and Lake Chuzenji
Tokyo (Day 14: 11/04) Visit Tsukiji fish market Explore teamLabs Planet museum Souveneir gift shopping
Tokyo (Day 15: 11/05) Early morning departure to Haneda airport from Tokyo Airbnb Last minute gift shopping at Don Quijote in Roppongi
Expenses
- Total Spent: ~ $2,750 USD
- Konbinis Visited: 31
- Yen Spent(Konbini): 12,122
- Vending Machines Used: 8
- Yen Spent(VM): 1,212
- Biggest Expense (Flight): 1,250
- Transportation: ~ $290.80 USD
- Avg. Spent per Day: ~ $68 USD
