The Land of the Rising Sun

Hello! My name is Marco Gómez, and I'm a language and travel fanatic.
I'd like to personally welcome you to the first post of my travel blog. I hope you enjoy!

Crazy cool vending machines. World-renowned train system. Robot cafes and Pocky. If you haven't guessed it already, I'm talking about the Land of the Rising Sun, otherwise known as Japan.

Via Wikimedia


A land infused with rich, traditional culture and modern innovations. A place I call my second home. Since I've personally been, I'd like to take you on a quick run-through of my trip to Japan. In this post, I'll be showing you some cool destinations, delicious food, and everything else under the Rising Sun. Let's dive right in!

TIP #1 • When flying to Japan, sleep as much as you possibly can. 
In terms of time, Japan is 14 hours ahead of the East Coast. That big difference can really disorient a person, so much sure to get those Zzz's! Also, be sure to get out of your seat and walk around every once in a while. You're going to want to be able to use those legs when you get there.

The Japanese are known for their hospitality. Expect to meet some of the friendliest and welcoming flight attendants of your life, and expect to be eating good airplane food. Fruits, veggies, curry chicken -- you become royalty once you step onto a Japan Airlines flight.

After arriving in Tokyo, I took another flight to Osaka to stay with my host grandmother. This brings me to my next tip: 

TIP #2 • Get yourself a cute Japanese host grandmother! (or stay with any kind of host family)
It's not every day that you get the chance to forge one-of-a-kind relationships with other people. Staying with a host family will most definitely change your life. You'll be able to observe cultural practices within the home. You'll be able to live like a local. And if you're a total foodie like me, you'll enjoy the home-cooked meals that only your host family can make.

You can see "modern Japan" nearly anywhere you go, from the high-speed Bullet Trains (Shinkansen) to the robot waiters that serve you in cafés. This being said, make it your priority to see all that "traditional Japan" has to offer. Between the historic Buddhist temples, Geisha hostesses, and natural hot springs (Onsen), there's so much to see and enjoy.

I recommend going to Kiyomizu-dera Temple in eastern Kyoto. It's an enormous complex and UNESCO World Heritage sight. You can escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and come here to bask in quiet, peaceful serenity. 

TIP #3 • Don't always worry about maps and tour guides. All it takes to explore is you!
One of the highlights of my trip to Japan was exploring Kyoto. If you're looking for a place to make you "feel like you're in Japan," you have to go here. The heart of the city has been left relatively unchanged -- traditional houses and buildings wherever you go. Walking through the crowded streets and alleyways, you really do feel like you're in a movie. Not to mention, roaming around yourself will show you far more things than a map can. 

If you're not a big fan of fish or sushi, no need to worry. Japan has some of the best food that earth has to offer. Mint chocolate chip ice cream-flavored Kit Kats? Udon and ramen? Whatever your heart desires, Japan has ready and waiting. 

TIP #4 • Don't mind the stares. It means you're famous.
Japan is a very homogenous society. In other words, they don't experience too many foreigners. You'll find people looking at you wherever you go, but trust me when I say that it doesn't mean anything bad. My advice? Think of yourself as a famous singer or movie star, and enjoy the attention.

"Marco, I don't know any Japanese. Will that be a problem?" -- All Japanese people are required to learn English throughout middle and high school. But if you find yourself walking into a language barrier, hand gestures and simple words will get the job done. This survival Japanese guide will more than prepare you for a week in Tokyo. It has common phrases with audio, pictures, and print-outs to match. Go crazy. 

Japan will always hold a special place in my heart, and if you're thinking about traveling somewhere, keep Japan in mind. You won't be disappointed.




 A slideshow of some pictures/video I took in Japan



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