Planning a trip to Japan? No doubt you've planned visits to key attractions in Tokyo, Osaka, or other major cities. Good, they'll be worth the trip and any major city can offer more enjoyable sites than you'll have time to see. A number of travel agencies can provide lists of hotspots for incredible shopping, nightlife and fine dining unlike any other place on earth. Even if it's Japan's ancient culture you seek, shrines and castles within a city like Tokyo will educate and enlighten you. So what could be missing from such a fabulous vacation? Getting off the beaten path as they say, that's what.
Having traveled in large cities, small towns and the rural countryside, I feel compelled to share a few thoughts, and maybe a few precautions with first-time visitors to Japan. My first thought... get out of town, but keep reading before taking my advice.
If you wish to have a true cultural experience then nothing beats visiting small towns where tour buses don't stop. Driving your own car is the only way to go here. There are rental car companies in Japan which specialize in servicing tourists. Don't worry about driving on the "wrong side" as you'll quickly become used to it.
Precautions: You'll need to take a "personal adventure level" reading before embarking on this trip. Unless you speak some Japanese, communication will be very limited. Carry a pen, paper and map at all times. Most Japanese do not speak conversational English. This is especially true once you leave the cities behind. Lodging, dining and even getting gas will take more effort. Imagine driving through the rural US and speaking no English, how would you get along? I spoke no Japanese whatsoever when I first drove about the country and did fine. It was challenging but just as rewarding. I do recommend that others learn some Japanese first. It would be so much easier. Benefits: I guarantee that if you travel for even a short time in the rural country, you will have stories unmatched by any friends who stayed on guided city tours. The best part is - I can't tell you what they'll be. Do stop at local restaurants and points of interest. Do make an effort to communicate with those around you. You will find that as a whole the Japanese are very friendly and welcoming to foreign visitors. There will be exceptions but not many. Along your country journey you'll find; people who have never met a foreigner and have many questions for you, shops selling items you have never seen and restaurants with short menus serving true and affordable Japanese food. It's the people you'll meet (if you make an effort) that you'll most remember.
Japan is very diverse in culture and climate from North to South. While many articles (such as this one) speak of Japan as a singular destination, the fact is that you need to consider the particular region or prefecture(s) you plan to visit and plan your trip accordingly. When planning your trip I suggest dropping us a line in the Japan Travel & Living forum to see if we can help with any particular questions or concerns. We're happy to help if we can.
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