In Japan, after one hour of this newsletter release, the year 2024 will begin. It has been a year and nine months since the launch of Japan A to Z, and thanks to my readers' support, I have reached this point. Once again, thank you for your support.
Looking back, I have chosen topics randomly and focused on quite a niche area at times, which may have needed to be more helpful to general travelers. Still, I hope to continue providing information on topics that will make you want to visit Japan, which will benefit you when you visit Japan. On the other hand, I would love to hear your comments.
In this last issue of 2023, I would like to reflect on the past year and share five themes that will be useful to you, mainly from what I have written, ranked from highest priority.
【1】Making the best use of the subway in Tokyo
I am a licensed tour guide in Tokyo and feel a new trend in the reason for the request. Sightseeing Tokyo without the help of a guide, one good option is to spend time with the guide using public transportation on your first date. Most expect to use the subway for sightseeing, but that is how complex and formidable Tokyo's subway system can be for foreigners visiting for the first time. In such cases, I ask the customer to choose two locations to create a basic itinerary, then provide detailed explanations of the subway station numbering system, efficient transfers, etc., and which type of day pass best suits their schedule. Those familiar with transportation in foreign cities but unfamiliar with foreign cities can use introductory guidance rather than leaving everything to the guide. Once the tour date is decided, you can contact the guide to talk with them individually if you like. The guide will help solve most of your worries.
#42 One-day subway pass in Tokyo
#43 Getting on the subway successfully
【2】Little known fact about Meiji Jingu Shrine
Meiji Jingu Shrine is a place I almost always take visitors. It is because of its solemn and serene environment and its ability to introduce Japanese culture and history from various angles. I always convey that the vast site is not a natural forest but an artificial creation based on precise calculations. Except for the Imperial Palace, there is no other forest in the center of Tokyo that human hands have created on such a scale.
#70 Little-known facts about Meiji Jingu Shrine
【3】The signs of spring/cherry blossoms
While we may be taking a break from the autumn leaves season in November, many of us will begin making plans for the spring cherry blossom season in the New Year. The peak tourist season in Japan is the cherry blossom season in spring, and the autumn leaves season in autumn. However, cherry blossoms and autumn leaves are natural phenomena over which humans have no control, and the best time to visit varies from year to year. I’ll talk about this at another time. Still, the timing of cherry blossom blooming is determined by the conditions during the preparation period from autumn to winter and by temperature changes after the preparation period. Therefore, the weather authorities released more accurate blooming time forecasts after February. The forecast is updated every week after that, but it is challenging to match your travel time with the time of full bloom. My advice would be to be flexible with your itinerary and to visit the place according to the blooming of the cherry blossoms. Therefore, even if you wish to visit Kyoto to see the cherry blossoms in full bloom, you should expect that it will take a lot of work to match your travel timing, starting with the hotel.
【4】Where to experience the good old Tokyo
Upon arrival in Tokyo the next day, you will visit the Meiji Jingu Shrine and Asakusa Sensoji. You will be guided by a guide and an introduction, followed by a sushi lunch at the Tsukiji fish market. This type of sightseeing is common. Unfortunately, this type of sightseeing may lead you to dissatisfaction with the country if you want to go into it. The keyword to solve this problem is “good old Tokyo”. Discovering this may be one of the shortcuts to understanding Japan and the Japanese people. In this 53rd newsletter, I featured places where you can experience the good old days of Tokyo. We hope those who can travel independently with a smartphone will try to visit some of these places. Many locals may not speak English, but there is no doubt that you will be able to experience the humanity of the downtown beyond words.
#53 Where to experience the 'Good Old Tokyo'
【5】How to survive a heat wave in Japanese summer
With global warming countermeasures highlighted worldwide, it is necessary to be prepared and ready for summer sightseeing in Japan, especially in mid-summer cities such as Tokyo and Osaka. In recent years, the temperature in Tokyo in mid-summer easily exceeds 35°C, and sightseeing in hot and humid conditions is a significant burden for tourists. The difference in temperature between the well-air-conditioned indoors and outdoors also affects the body. I want visitors to prepare for the summer of 2024 by understanding the mechanism that caused Japan's summers to be hot in recent years, from the rainy season to midsummer, and by adopting goods and other items that will make midsummer sightseeing more comfortable.
#62 How to survive a heat wave in Japan
FINALLY
Although I started the guiding activities this year due to the pandemic, I spent about 30 days in 2023 as a tour guide. Most of the time, I was guiding clients around Tokyo, creating itineraries based on their requests, but each time, I met wonderful people, made discoveries, and learned a lot. Based on these experiences, in 2024, I want to make the articles more from the viewpoint of customers visiting Japan and making their visit a wonderful experience. Next April, Japan A to Z will enter its third year. I will continue to add valuable features for those who are thinking about visiting Japan.
I wish you all a happy and wonderful year in 2024 and look forward to seeing you on my posts.