Not only do I love Japan, but I am lucky enough to have family that I can visit there. They reside in Tokyo, so I've mostly explored within the Tokyo city limits. This time, I had the chance to explore a bit outside of the city into the suburbs which gave me more of a reason to love this beautiful country more than I do now and come back for more; I will always come back for more.
I've always been in love with Japan's rich historical background, culture, language, food, architecture, fashion, people - everything is beyond wonderful. Once again, here I am, sitting at Los Angeles International Airport awaiting to board my flight to Tokyo Narita this time to experience Sakura Hanami, "to watch cherry blossoms blooming". This is one of the many reasons why I want to come back to Japan and I find it to be only fitting to do a post on why I love this amazing country. Here are a few reasons why I absolutely love Japan based on this past trip alone with my family and best friend, Jayne Rio, Let Me Explane:
1. Sensō-ji Temple
Sensō-ji Temple in Asakusa is Tokyo's oldest and most spectacular temple. I've always visited Sensō-ji since the first time I've visited Tokyo, and each time I've found it to be more and more breathtaking. However, this was the first time I've actually seen it at night - magnificent! It wasn't as crowded as one would usually find it during the day and the way the temple illuminates at night is absolutely stunning. I was able to take my time and appreciate it.
O-mikuji are random fortunes, good or bad, written on paper and you can find them at various Buddist temples and Shinto shrines all across Japan. At the O-mikuji booth at Sensō-ji temple, there is a heavy hexagon-shaped container made of metal containing long bamboo sticks with numbers engraved in Kanji written at one end.
5. Moomin Cafe
Whenever I'm in Japan, I always want to have the most Japanese experience than I had on my previous visits to this amazing country. We accidentally stumbled across this adorable cafe that we couldn't pass up, Moomin Cafe. Moomin is a Finnish character created by Tove Jannson back in 1935 when she studied art at the age of 21. Today, there are Moomin cafes and shops all across the world.
What caught my eye when coming across Moomin Cafe were two adorable stuffed plushy characters sitting outside the entrance door. I didn't even notice the window looking into the cafe until my best friend immediately brought it to my attention as I was taking pictures of the plushies at the door. When I looked into the window, there I saw happy cafe goers seated at tables enjoying coffee and pastries, but they weren't alone. They were each accompanied by large stuffed Moomin characters carefully placed on chairs at each table. We completely lost our minds of cuteness overload and couldn't help but to partake in the fun. Although, Moomin is originally Finnish, it was truly quite the Japanese experience!
Want to learn more or looking to check out Moomin Cafe in Japan or at one of its many locations across the world? Click here!
For 100 yen, you shake the container and wait until a bamboo stick comes out of a small hole. Whatever stick comes out, you find the number at the end of the stick that corresponds with the number on one of the boxes. You then pull a small knob on the box and inside contains a stack of the same o-mikuji, but each box of o-mikuji differs from each other. Alas, you then find out if you were granted with a good or bad fortune.
If you received a bad fortune, you must fold it and tie it to a small pine tree or a wall stand with metal wires going across. Tying your bad fortune on the pine or wire tree decreases its effects on the bearer and bad luck will be left behind remaining on the tree. If you received a good fortune, however, you can either tie it up on the tree in hopes of increasing its effects of good luck or you can keep it with you to bring home. My best friend and I, ironically, received the same exact fortune and thankfully it was a very good one.
3. Yakiniku
If you've never had yakiniku, you are missing out! Yakiniku is Japanese style BBQ and the yakiniku at Jojoen Tokyo Skytree is the best I've ever had. My aunt's good friend wanted to give us a proper welcome to Japan by treating us all out to dinner. Jojoen is located on the 31st floor of the Tokyo Skytree in Sumida-ku, Tokyo. As you walk into Jojoen, you are greeted by the host who walks you to your table. In this case, we were escorted into a secluded room with a sliding door that closes shut. As you step in, the hosts takes your coats and gently covers them with a thick cotton cover before hanging them up to protect them from the smell of BBQ as you grill.
Inside the room is a long rectangular dinner table with grills built in. On the opposite end of the table, there's a floor to ceiling window with the most amazing view of Tokyo. We went at night and the view was absolutely stunning. Yakiniku with a sky rise city view of Tokyo from the 31st floor on our first night, what more could you ask for? As for the food, let's just say that I have never been so happy in my life just simply by cooking and eating yakiniku. The most amazing experience ever and I can't wait to go back!
Even if you decide not to eat Yakiniku, there are a bunch of classy restaurants on the same floor to indulge in. But the view of Tokyo on the 31st floor alone is all worthwhile.
4. Vending Machines
There's not a single corner in Japan lacking a vending machine. You could be walking down a random alleyway and halfway through there's a vending machine brightly lit up with a wide selection of hot and cold drinks - even beer or sake. They are so adorable! What I absolutely love about these Japanese vending machines are that some machines carry both hot and cold selections. You have the choice to buy a can of warm soup and a bottle of refreshing, cold green tea on the same machine.
5. Moomin Cafe
What caught my eye when coming across Moomin Cafe were two adorable stuffed plushy characters sitting outside the entrance door. I didn't even notice the window looking into the cafe until my best friend immediately brought it to my attention as I was taking pictures of the plushies at the door. When I looked into the window, there I saw happy cafe goers seated at tables enjoying coffee and pastries, but they weren't alone. They were each accompanied by large stuffed Moomin characters carefully placed on chairs at each table. We completely lost our minds of cuteness overload and couldn't help but to partake in the fun. Although, Moomin is originally Finnish, it was truly quite the Japanese experience!
Want to learn more or looking to check out Moomin Cafe in Japan or at one of its many locations across the world? Click here!
6. Kamakura
I wanted the chance to venture outside of the city of Tokyo. After doing research, I came across Kamakura which is located about 31 miles south-west of Tokyo. What fascinated me about Kamakura is its amazing history and breathtaking landscapes. But after a conversation with my dad about a photo he took with the Great Daibutsu (Great Buddah) statue back when he was in the US Navy and stationed in Yokosuka before I was born, I knew I had to see it for myself.
I was truly overwhelmed by the beauty of this place and captivated by its charm. There is so much to see and I wish I had the ample time to explore it all when I was there. There are so many beautiful temples and shrines to visit, as well as parks, hiking trails, a bamboo forest, and many sandy beaches which is a favorite summer getaway to escape the city life of Tokyo and Yokohama. Rest assured, Kamakura did not leave me disappointed and I can't wait to come back and explore further more.
7. Harajuku
I can't stress enough how much I fell in love with Harajuku! I was completely overwhelmed by how awesome this place is. Here you will find the latest hot, trendy, and fashionable street wear. It's like a fashion show of true self-expression of the young generation. You'll be enveloped by a sea of people spectating or rocking the latest trends once you step into Takeshita Dori Street across from Harajuku station.
Now, let's talk shopping. I wanted EVERYTHING! So many one of a kind clothing items and accessories that you can't find in the USA. Store after store, I found myself not wanting to leave. It's the best place to people watch especially when it comes to the fashionable Harajuku girls which I truly admire. With an abundance of trendy boutiques, quirky shops, cafes and restaurants that disperse into side alleyways, I guarantee you will never find yourself unamused while in Harajuku. Everything is so cute and fun! But be ready to take on the crowds.
8. Tori-no-Ichi Festival
We were lucky enough to be graced with the opportunity to experience the Tori-No-Ichi Festival in Asakusa, Tokyo. The festival is an old Japanese custom held every 12 days in the month of November during the days of the rooster of the Oriental Zodiac. It is said that rooster days bring in good luck and wealth to worshippers and businesses. This custom began during the Edo period and is presently held all over Japan at Otori-Jinja shrines. If you're in Japan during the month of November be sure to experience the Tori-No Ichi Festival. Quite the unforgettable experience of good times, good food, and good luck!
So there you have it, 8 reasons why I love Japan. As my boarding time for my flight to Tokyo Narita draws near, I can't help but to express how excited I am to continue my list of reasons why I love this amazing country as I venture off into new territory of Osaka and Kyoto. Mostly, I am excited to fulfill my lifelong dream of seeing Japan during the Cherry Blossom Festival. Adventure awaits!
