• Japan Through My Eyes
• Japan - No Problem
• Travels to the South: A Trip to the Other Japan
• Omiyage - Art of Gift Giving
• Ukiyoe: "The Floating World" Revealed
• Seto: Japan's Porcelain City

Our Trip to Japan - Things I Regret

by L. Chun

• Should have worn better walking shoes.
  Whoo-boy, I wish I had worn my best pair of walking shoes. Knowing the etiquette of having to remove my shoes indoors, I figured that I would bring a pair of sneakers that I could easily slip in and out of (versus my good walking shoes that need to be laced and unlaced). Big, big mistake. Even with one of the most efficient transportation systems in the world, we did A LOT of walking. When exploring the multitude of shops and other spots that catch your eye, you don't realize at first how tired your feet really are. And then you begin to take notice - *ouch!* By the time we returned from our trip, the soles of my shoes were literally falling off.

 

• Should have visited more areas outside of Tokyo.
  Being that it was, for most of us, our first trip to Japan, we spent roughly 75% of our time in Tokyo exploring its various districts. As fascinating as it was, I wish we had spent more time visiting other areas to take in a larger variety of experiences. Don't get me wrong. Tokyo is a happening city with lots of shopping opportunities, but I felt like we were still missing so much more. Guess I'll just have to make a return visit, certainly not a bad thing.

 

• Should have gone during a season with more festivals.
  Of course, we were intentionally traveling during the off-peak season to take advantage of better pricing, but I wish we had the opportunity to experience the colorful festivals that are known to be held throughout Japan. While we were in Japan, there was one national holiday, Sports Day, but besides some of the ordinary "out-and-about" activities of a long weekend, there really wasn't much being done in the way of celebrating.

 

• Should have left more space in our suitcases for souvenirs and omiyage (gifts).
  Both Tokyo and Kyoto have numerous shopping opportunities for both souvenirs and omiyage or gifts for family and friends. Everything from decorative household items like the traditional noren (curtain) that hang in doorways to sweets and other snacks are good items to make your suitcase a bit heavier (and your pocketbook a bit lighter) on the return trip home. Pack an empty, collapsible duffle bag for dirty laundry and it'll free up more space in your suitcase for all the goodies you'll buy.

 

• Should have eaten more sushi.
  Not just more sushi, but more of everything we think of (and not think of) when it comes to traditional Japanese food. We did get to try quite a bit; everything from steaming hot bowls of ramen to a simplistic yet sophisticated lunch set of tofu (soybean curd) dishes, but there always seemed to be something else to try. There's a certain sense of appreciation gained for the taste of natural ingredients in traditional Japanese food, something you can never have too much of.