5 Cities To See
Most South Africans visiting Japan will fly into Tokyo, and if they go anywhere from there, it will probably be Kyoto. Both these two cities are firm staples of Japan travel itineraries, and for good reason. But, seeing that you have flown almost 14,000 km, you might as well see what else this geographically and culturally diverse country has to offer. That’s why we’ve put together a list of 5 Japanese cities to see and share a bit about what each one has to offer.
Tokyo
THE PERFECT CITY FOR… Techies, Manga fans, Futurists, Architects, Foodies, Musos, Creatives and People Watchers. With a population of 38 million, the greater Tokyo caters to so many niches, and there is really something for everyone.
MUST EAT… a fresh sushi bowl for breakfast at the Tsukiji Fish Market. Breakfast?! Well, if you have gone to watch the famous fish auction in the early hours of the morning, you’ve been awake for so long it’s more like lunch.
MUST EXPERIENCE… a walk-through Harajuku on a Sunday when it is filled with young people all dressed up. Follow them into Yoyogi Park for performances and a picnic.
MUST BUY… a Maruman sketchbook or notebook, made from quality paper and known for its enduring standards. We stock some of their products at the WAZA Shop
YOU SHOULD KNOW… that Tokyo is a busy city, with people trying to get places. Stick to the left when walking on the pavement, upstairs, or an escalator to keep the right clear for people who are in a rush. For a crash course in Japanese etiquette, read this.
Osaka
Less than 4 hours from Tokyo by shinkansen
THE PERFECT CITY FOR… Foodies.
MUST EAT… Takoyaki is a snack specifically from Osaka. Nuggets of octopus are battered and cooked in a specially designed tray. Watching these lightning-fast chefs at work is a treat in itself.
MUST EXPERIENCE… a nighttime boat cruise along the canals followed by a street food crawl along Dotonbori. Come hungry!
MUST BUY… a Japanese whetstone from world-renowned Matsunaga King, to keep your blades back home sharp.
YOU SHOULD KNOW… that Osaka isn’t very far from Kyoto and Nara. In fact, it’s just more than an hour by train and accommodation is far more affordable. So, you could make Osaka your base, and travel to Kyoto and Nara for day trips.
Kyoto
Less than 4 hours from Tokyo by shinkansen
THE PERFECT CITY FOR… Culture Vultures and people obsessed with old-world Japan.
MUST EAT… a kaiseki meal at a ryokan. Kaiseki is an ensemble of bite-sized foods, inspired by the season. The ingredients are intricately prepared using various techniques, with a great focus on presentation.
MUST EXPERIENCE… some of the 1600+ temples that are dotted across the city.
MUST BUY… a tatami mat made from Japanese igusa rush. After spending time in a traditional room with tatami flooring, you may want to add one to your own home. If you don’t have space in your luggage, WAZA Shop will be able to help once you arrive home.
YOU SHOULD KNOW… The best chance you have of seeing a real geisha is by milling about the Geisha areas just before 6pm, when they make their way to their engagements for the evening. Take in the sighting rather than snapping pictures to respect their privacy.
Sapporo
Less than 2 hours from Tokyo by plane
THE PERFECT CITY FOR… The adrenaline junkies and art lovers.
MUST EAT… seafood. Being a seaside city, Sapporo is famous for it, especially crab. Experience what the surrounding waters have to offer with a kaisendon (seafood bowl).
MUST EXPERIENCE… the snowy slopes surrounding the city that are dotted with ski resorts.
MUST BUY… a local craft from Kanata art shop. Browse through the ceramics, woodwork and leather goods to find the perfect souvenir.
YOU SHOULD KNOW… Sapporo is cold, a whole lot colder than the rest of the country. The island of Hokkaido on which Sapporo is situated is North of the main island of Honshu. Be sure to pick the season you travel in based on what it is you want to do in Sapporo.
Hiroshima
Less than 6 hours from Tokyo by shinkansen
THE PERFECT CITY FOR… Historians and Sake Connoisseurs
MUST EAT… Hiroshima okonomiyaki. This is comfort food, Japanese style. It’s a pancake that contains crunchy cabbage, and whatever else you want – from pork belly to noodles. It’s topped with Bulldog sauce, mayo and dried bonito flakes.
MUST EXPERIENCE… the Atomic Bomb Dome. The skeletal structure is a scar of the nuclear blast that hit the city during WWII. It acts as a reminder of the tragedy, and serves as a hope for world unity and peace.
MUST BUY… Sake. Hiroshima is home to around 50 sake breweries. Be sure to visit one (or more) of these breweries for a tour and tasting, and be sure to take some home.
YOU SHOULD KNOW… that the famous Itsukushima Shrine is just over an hour away, and shouldn’t be missed while in Hiroshima. The floating shrine is a must-see!