Let's Go To Japan NOW

13/07/2024

Why Kyoto?
To North Americans, Asian culture and history is not as familiar as the European equivalent. This is completely understandable. North America was settled by Europeans. (Respective of native cultures and peoples, European norms, values, and beliefs are the overwhelming majority in today’s North America.)
High schools often require western civilization studies or world studies with a dominant European bend. This isn’t a criticism, simply a fact. However, it does lead to an overall lack of knowledge of Asia, at least when compared to Europe. Sure, most people know basic WWII history, including what happened in the Pacific theater. But that is a small sliver of a grand history that predates Ancient Egypt.
Japan’s history isn’t quite that old. According to legend, Emperor Jimmu founded Japan in 660 BCE. Well before most European civilizations were birthed (though the Ancient Greeks predate Japan by 500+ years).
When asked what are the must see places in Japan, Kyoto tops every list. The reason is because Kyoto is the cultural heart of Japan. This city housed the Emperor’s seat for over 1,100 years. Kyoto’s influence and impact was beyond political, and formed the religious and cultural centers of the nation. Sure, modern Tokyo has the population of 15 Manhattan Islands, Hokkaido has possibly the best snow skiing on the planet, and Okinawa hosts some of the greatest diving locations in the world… but to every Japanese, Kyoto is the country’s heart and soul.
The best comparisons in the West are likely Rome and Athens. These cities held seats of imperial power, are home to world religions, and are filled with historic structures, sites, and monuments. If you’ve been to, or long to see, one of these ancient cities, then Kyoto should also be on your list. There are 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in and around Kyoto, making it one of the most densely packed historical cities on the planet (Rome only has 14).
But historical sites aren’t the only ride in town. Kyoto is in the top five cities with the most Michelin star restaurants. Even if you aren’t lucky enough to get reservations, or can’t afford Michelin star prices, there is great food to be found throughout the city (it turns out, amazing expensive food always breeds amazing inexpensive food right next door).
Finally, Kyoto hosts a cultural scene that doesn't exist anywhere else. You can see geisha & maiko, participate in a formal tea ceremony, and witness seasonal festivals at the greatest Shinto shines and Buddhist temples in the world.
That, my travel-hungry friends, answers the question, “Why Kyoto?”
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Why Kyoto?by Troy TCulture, Food, History, TravelPosted on July 13, 2024No Comments Why Kyoto? To North Americans, Asian culture and history is not as familiar as the European equivalent. This is completely understandable. North America was settled by Europeans. (Respective of native cultures and pe...

08/06/2024

Gifting Culture:
The Japanese are a formal bunch. Even when being casual, they’re dressed up, groomed, and polished. This is not the land of PJ-wearing Walmart shoppers.
Part of that formality is the giving and receiving of gifts, or omiyage. It’s not the cost or size of the gift, it’s the act of thinking of others before you think of yourself. If you haven’t seen someone in a long time, you bring a gift. If you’re being invited to someone’s house, you bring a gift. If the purpose of the visit is a celebration—even a small one, then, you guessed it, bring a gift.
Often, these gifts represent somewhere the gifter has recently visited, or something unique they have done.
As a foreigner, if you can gift something that is local to your home town or state. That’s considered extra special. It shows you thought about the other person even before you even got on the plane. Again, it doesn’t need to be expensive or big. For example, if you’re flying out of SeaTac, make a stop at the “Made in Washington Store” and get a bunch of Washington-branded cork-pullers or small jars of blackberry jam. Giving a unique gift to your new Japanese friends as a mark of someone who knows and appreciates the culture
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Gifting Cultureby Troy TCulture, Preparedness, TravelPosted on June 8, 2024June 8, 2024No Comments Gifting Culture The Japanese are a formal bunch. Even when being casual, they’re dressed up, groomed, and polished. This is not the land of PJ-wearing Walmart shoppers. Part of that formality is the ...

18/05/2024

A Wildly Successful 2024 Spring Tour

LetsGoToJapanNow just completed another custom tour. Our guests left Japan ecstatic with their unique experience. This 10-day trip spanned Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and included an onsen evening in Izu.

A seasoned tour director worked extensively with the group beforehand, ensuring all their special requests were met, including: attending a live Sumo tournament; taking part in a private tea ceremony; tasting local, seasonal, Japan-only foods, and even experiencing authentic onsen (hot springs).

The group filled out their experience list early on and their private tour director refined the agenda and polished it into an unforgettable custom experience. A vacation designed specifically based on the desires of the group.

Not only did we meet all of their wishes, we threw in a few surprises based on the group’s inherent interests. These included a surprise afternoon at a basketball court on the roof of a Tokyo skyscraper and a Sumo education session with former professional athletes.

If a custom tour to the Land of the Rising Sun is your goal, plan your trip today at letsgotojapannow.com. We’re looking forward to giving you the Japanese experience of your life.

"We loved our time exploring Japan! Rika’s planning ensured a seamless and enjoyable trip. In just ten days, we covered a remarkable amount of Japan, moving swiftly from one site to another. Rika’s restaurant choices were wonderful, and her selection of attractions were well thought out. The unexpected surprises she arranged added an extra layer of excitement to our journey. Thanks for helping us make such great memories!"
–Sara R.
–Spring 2024

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A Wildly Successful 2024 Spring Tourby Troy Tin Culture, Food, History, Nature, Travelon Posted on May 18, 2024May 18, 2024 A Wildly Successful 2024 Spring Tour LetsGoToJapanNow just completed another custom tour. Our guests left Japan ecstatic with their unique experience. This 10-day trip spanned....

11/05/2024

The Necessity of Being On Time (published 2024-05-11):

All cultures have their own, idiosyncratic societal norms. The unwritten rules enabling a civil and collaborative society. Above all else, the Japanese are polite and considerate to others. As a people, they collectively place the convenience of others above their own. No where is that more noticeable than Japan’s relationship with the clock.
Punctuality isn’t just a habit, it’s a requirement. To the Japanese, few things are more disrespectful than someone who is late—someone who didn’t have the common courtesy to consider the value of another person’s time. This concept is embedded across the entire structure of Japan and extends to train and bus schedules and even restaurant reservations.
If a train is more than a minute late, the engineer comes on the intercom, apologizing for the inconvenience. If they are more than a handful of minutes late, the train company produces time-stamped receipts for every rider, apologizing for the delay. These receipts are used by employees to show their employers the tardiness was utterly unavoidable.
The western concept of “fashionably late” translates to “unbelievably inconsiderate” in Japan. If you find yourself late for a meeting, the Japanese waiting will likely be smiling, and say “no problem.” But it really is a problem. You’ve shown yourself to be rude, selfish and inconsiderate. One action resulting in three strikes.
The key take away is: when you’re in Japan, don’t be late. If you can’t help being late, then call, text, LINE, or otherwise let the affected party know. It really is that important.
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The Necessity of Being On Timeby Troy TCulture, History, PreparednessPosted on May 11, 2024No Comments The Necessity of Being On Time All cultures have their own, idiosyncratic societal norms. The unwritten rules enabling a civil and collaborative society. Above all else, the Japanese are polite and...

05/05/2024

Partying Like A Local:

Homes in Japan are small by western standards. Nationwide, the average living space per person is 1/4 the size of U.S. and Canadian norms. While seeming tiny to North Americans, the wisely organized living space is plentiful.
But smaller houses have limits. Hosting parties and get-togethers at home is a prime example. Hosting more than a couple quickly gets tight. Luckily, a specific class of Japanese restaurant is designed to fill the void.
While restaurants around the world are used to seating larger groups, a particular type of Japanese eatery specifically supports six to a dozen (or more) people in a single setting. Long tables, private rooms, and open spaces with dynamic, movable tables create a comfortable environment for large groups. Welcome to the izakaya, Japan’s party restaurant. These places typically serve food tapas-style, letting everyone share a variety of traditional dishes, while drinking copious amounts of beer, sake, and highballs.
Making an izakaya reservation not only involves the size of the party, but includes the length of their stay. Ninety minutes is common, but three hours or longer is not rare. When people cannot throw a party at home because of space, your neighborhood izakaya stands ready to answer the call. Experience an izakaya yourself. Book your trip with LetsGoToJapanNow.com today.
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27/04/2024

The Battle of Two Religions and their Messengers

Japan’s faith structure primarily consists of the indigenous Shinto faith and Chinese Buddhism. Shinto can trace its history beyond 10,000 b.c.e., with millions of individual deities co-existing in the physical world. Buddhism, as a natural-law faith, came from China (via Korea) in 552 c.e.
When Buddhism arrived in to the Japanese islands, the two faiths competed for attention and dominance. In 592, Emperor Suiko championed Buddhism, quickly elevating it as the national religion. However, Shinto remained in the souls of the Japanese and didn’t easily fade away. Instead, a hybrid environment grew, blurring the dogma of each faith, integrating into a single unifying culture.
Shinbutsu-Shugo was the millennia-long practice of mixing the bits of temples (Buddhist) to the bobs of shrines (Shinto). This collaboration stopped during the Meiji Period in the late 1800s, but most pre-Meiji structures retain this collaboration. Even today, the lion’s share of historic temples and famous shines exhibit Shinbutsu-Shugo traits.
An example of this hybrid religion is the role of certain animals in the spiritual realm. In the Shinto faith, foxes (kitsune) are the messengers of the gods. Statues and likenesses of kitsune dot Japan. They ferry prayers and offerings from shrines, big, small, and micro, to the gods being beckoned. In modern Japan, real kitsune only exists in Hokkaido, though their spiritual image spans the entire country.

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The Battle of Two Religions and their Messengersby Troy Tin Culture, History, Travelon Posted on April 27, 2024 The Battle of Two Religions and their Messengers Japan’s faith structure primarily consists of the indigenous Shinto faith and Chinese Buddhism. Shinto can trace its history beyond 10,00...

13/04/2024

Public Restrooms and Wet Hands

Most public restrooms in Japan are modern, fastidiously clean, and sport washlets on every toilet. But you’ll rarely find a paper towel in a public facility. Outside of higher end hotels, disposable, single-use paper towels are rarely seen in public restrooms. While many public restrooms have high-tech air dryers, this isn’t always the case. Even when it is, in times of airborne pathogen pandemics, air dryers are disabled.

Yet everyone washes their hands after doing their personal “business,” so how do they deal with their dripping wet fingers? The solution is everyone carries a small hand towel with them wherever they go. Think of it as an accessory, like a watch or earrings. It’s odd for westerners that this is so common, but in Japan, having a small hand towel with you is like having your house keys—it’s a no brainer.

As a guest to this country, be sure to pack a couple of these with you before you leave home. Bring them in a purse or stash them in a jacket pocket. You’ll need them to dry your hands more often than you realize.

If you forgot to bring any, don’t worry, brand new handkerchiefs and hand towels can be found in nearly every major train station or shopping mall. Even the nearly 57,000 convenience stores that dot the country have options available.
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Public Restrooms and Wet Handsby Troy Tin Preparedness, Travelon Posted on April 13, 2024 Public Restrooms and Wet Hands Most public restrooms in Japan are modern, fastidiously clean, and sport washlets on every toilet. But you’ll rarely find a paper towel in a public facility. Outside of higher e...

03/03/2024

Driving in Japan
In Japan, it’s easy for foreigners to rent and drive a car. Japan even recognizes the driver’s licenses from a handful of U.S. states, meaning those residents can drive on their existing licenses, without any additional steps. For the rest of us, the best bet is to get an “International Driver’s License” from your local AAA branch. With that in hand, all you need is a reservation from your favorite car rental company.
With the legalities solved, now comes the hard part. Other than modern highways, most roads in Japan are narrow, even by European standards. Many roads can’t support two car widths, meaning one has to pull over into a driveway, bus stop, or parking lot for the other car to pass. In addition to narrow streets, blind corners are the norm in Japanese cities. Luckily, this is resolved with the help of giant mirrors strategically positioned at intersections. It takes a bit of time to get used to this approach, but it works well, if you remember to look at those mirrors.
The Japanese drive on the left side of the road, similar to the Brits and Aussies. If you’ve only ever driven on the right, you’re in for an enormous learning curve. Right turns at intersections are utterly nerve wracking the first few times through.
Traffic is best described as organized chaos. Drivers are very respectful of each other and aggressive driving is rare. Road rage is largely not present, though gear heads exist in all countries and you’ll find a fair share of souped up cars, blaring their free-flowing exhausts in ear-shattering blasts…
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Driving In Japanby Troy Tin Culture, Travelon Posted on March 3, 2024 Driving In Japan In Japan, it’s easy for foreigners to rent and drive a car. Japan even recognizes the driver’s licenses from a handful of U.S. states, meaning those residents can drive on their existing licenses, without any ...

11/02/2024

ATMs and Banking
When compared to other countries, Japan is a case study in contrasts. Walking the streets of the Akihabara district of Tokyo, a person could think they’re actually in a future designed by Arthur C. Clarke (in the Space Odyssey way, not the Fahrenheit 451 way).
However, the banking industry continues to be a paper-driven, in-person business where most transactions need a bank visit. Luckily, a go between exists in this archaic structure—the mighty ATM. A crucial bridge bringing convenience to an otherwise tedious task.
In Japan, checks are not a thing. They used to be, but no longer. In 2019, less than 0.1% of financial transactions were made by check. This change was mainly driven by the government’s goals to become cashless (salaries can not be paid by check) and to reduce financial fraud. Japan continues being a cash-leaning society, but navigating the modern world with only cash is increasingly difficult. The answer is the ATM. Vendors, supplier, and service providers allow for ATM vendors to input their account numbers and pay directly from the individual’s bank to the vendor’s bank. It’s a clean, simple, & safe way to move money by nearly every citizen and resident.
What’s missing is convenience. Even with ATMs in every convenience store, train station, and shopping center, patrons still queue up at them. Credit cards are often not accepted by smaller vendors, meaning that ATM visits still need to be made. The prevalence of cash has slowed the ubiquitous adoption of cashless services seen in North America and Europe.
It’s an effective system used by 127 million Japanese, but for Westerners, its an oddity. Heavy dependence on ATMs is a key difference in managing daily finances.
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ATMs and Bankingby Troy Tin Culture, Travelon Posted on February 11, 2024February 11, 2024 ATMs and Banking When compared to other countries, Japan is a case study in contrasts. Walking the streets of the Akihabara district of Tokyo, a person could think they’re actually in a future designed by Ar...

04/02/2024

Thousands of Years of History

Egypt, Mesopotamia, China, and the Indus Valley rank among the oldest human civilizations. Japan isn’t quite that old, but is absolutely unique in the world’s historic cultures. While Japan benefits from China’s proximity (borrowing their architecture, written language, and even food preparation techniques), it has a distinct culture of its own.

Humans have lived on the Japanese islands for 30,000 years. Japanese legend portrays Jimmu Tenno, the first emperor, took the throne in 660 BCE. He is said to be a direct descendant of the sun goddess, Amaterasu, and he conquered Yamato, a historic region that is present-day Nara. While evidence of his existence is sparse, a powerful dynasty existed during this era in the south-western region that is now Miyazaki, expanded through conquest into Yamato.

The first mention of Japan as an independent nation state was in a 111 AD Chinese text. Over the next thousand years, Japan developed into a distinctive culture, independent of, though heavily influenced by, the rest of Asia. In 794, Emperor Kanmu moved the capital to Kyoto, where it stayed until 1869, when Emperor Meiji permanently moved into Edo Castle (modern day Tokyo), elevating its status to the Imperial Palace.

For much of its history, Japan remained closed to foreign entities, at first because of the difficulties of sailing the open sea, then, as ocean-going ships improved, by the closed-state policies of the Edo era. Even then, two ports stayed open to the outside and catered to highly regulated international trade. Free of external influences, Japan’s culture developed into a unique mix of ideals, values, and customs—a mix not seen in any other human culture. Many of these attributes continue in today’s modern Japan.

To visit Japan is to see this culture up close. Hollywood and National Geographic can show snippets of the uniqueness of Japan, but it’s not the same. Rather, it’s like gazing at the Grand Canyon through a dust-covered windshield—you only get the merest hint of greatness residing on the other side of the glass.

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Thousands of Years of Historyby Troy Tin Culture, History, Travelon Posted on February 4, 2024 Thousands of Years of History Egypt, Mesopotamia, China, and the Indus Valley rank among the oldest human civilizations. Japan isn’t quite that old, but is absolutely unique in the world’s historic cul...

27/01/2024

One Country, Two Power Grids

Modern industrial Japan is oddly unique. Two, incompatible power grids deliver energy to the nation, effectively dividing the country into east and west.
When the country opened its borders to the industrial world in the 1860s, two competing infrastructures descended on the country, with Europe focusing on Tokyo in the east, and the U.S. providing equipment to Osaka in the west. Both sides delivered electrical power at 100v (AC), they weren’t compatible. Unfortunately, Europe used 50Hz while the U.S. used a 60Hz system.
AC voltage can easily and efficiently be changed with a device called a transformer. Frequency, e.g. Hertz (Hz), is another matter. AC frequency is determined by the spinning speed of the generator and can’t easily be modified. In Japan’s case, the solution was simple, but limiting. They let one side of the country operate at 50Hz, and the other 60Hz. Japanese electrical appliance manufacturers had to build machines that would run on both frequencies without failing.
This Frankenstein-system performed until the Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami of 2011, when one third of the east’s generating capacity shut down. Excess power from the west couldn’t cross because of the frequency difference. This left extended outages in the east without a quick fix. Since then, more converter stations have been built, but not enough to counter another Tōhoku-sized event.
For international travelers, know that most electronic equipment is rated for “100-220v AC” and “50-60 Hz.” This means that computers, tablets, ebook readers, and smart phones can be plugged in anywhere in the country. However, for devices with heaters or motors (hair dryers, travel irons, curling irons, etc), non-Japanese equipment likely won’t work across Japan’s frequency divide. Consider leaving these items at home and using what is available in your hotel, hostel, or AirBnB.

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One Country, Two Power Gridsby Troy Tin History, Travelon Posted on January 27, 2024 One Country, Two Power Grids Modern industrial Japan is oddly unique. Two, incompatible power grids deliver energy to the nation, effectively dividing the country into east and west. When the country opened its bord...

22/01/2024

In Japan, “bathing” is not washing.
A key cultural difference between Japan and the West is in the relationship with hot water and bodies. More than 27,000 onsen (hot springs) dot Japan, with nearly all harvested for bath water. Yes, bathing is a serious business in Japan. Along with this vast national resource, generations of established etiquette and protocols exist that even foreigners must observe and follow.
Worldwide, bathing is an act of relaxation and healing. This includes Japan, where soaking your body in a home tub, a public bath, or an onsen is a national pastime. While most cultures understand the value of relaxing the body in hot water, the Japanese have made it a ritualistic art form.
But bathing is not for getting clean—often, a single tub of water is used many times. To keep the water fresh and clean, bathers are required to shower immediately before entering a tub. This isn’t just a nicety, it’s a requirement, and it’s expected to be thorough. Showing tattoos is also a no-no in public baths. Don’t be distraught if you’re turned away due to body art—it’s not discrimination, it’s tradition.
Bathing in Japan is an entirely naked sport, not “clothing optional.” Public baths and onsen are often separated by gender or reserved for individual families. A small washcloth-sized towel is allowed to hide your privates, but these towels are not allowed in the bath. Interestingly, these towels are often chilled with cold water, folded, and placed on top of the bather’s head while in the water. This helps equalize the temperature of your brain while your body soaks in the heat. Yes, even the little towel is a part of the ritual.

21/01/2024

Bathing Is Not Washing.

A key cultural difference between Japan and the West is in the relationship with hot water and bodies. More than 27,000 onsen (hot springs) dot Japan, with nearly all harvested for bath water. Yes, bathing is a serious business in Japan. Along with this vast national resource, generations of established etiquette and protocols exist that even foreigners must observe and follow.

…to be continued at:

Bathing Is Not Washingby Troy Tin Culture, History, Natureon Posted on January 21, 2024January 21, 2024 In Japan, “bathing” is not washing. A key cultural difference between Japan and the West is in the relationship with hot water and bodies. More than 27,000 onsen (hot springs) dot Japan, with ...

14/01/2024

Blog Weekend!

A foreigner's experience in Japan

English—Just because it’s written doesn’t mean it’s spoken.

The second most common language in Japan is English, and yet, most Japanese can’t fluently speak language of International Travel. For English-speaking visitors, this seems odd, given that so much signage, directions, and even instructions appear written in English.
..to be continued at:

Speaking Englishby Troy Tin Culture, Travelon Posted on January 13, 2024January 13, 2024 English—Just because it’s written doesn’t mean it’s spoken The second most common language in Japan is English, and yet, most Japanese can’t fluently speak language of International Travel. For English...

07/01/2024

Oshōgatsu—In Japan, the New Year festival is the biggest holiday of the year. Steeped in tradition and national values, the holiday includes gift giving, eating traditional foods, drinking nihonshu (sake), and prayer... to be continued at:

Oshōgatsuby Troy Ton Posted on January 6, 2024 Oshōgatsu In Japan, the New Year festival is the biggest holiday of the year. Steeped in tradition and national values, the holiday includes gift giving, eating traditional foods, drinking nihonshu (sake), and prayer. In 1873, the holiday was moved to...

01/01/2024

Tours from Let's Go To Japan Now

Travel tours are like dog breeds. They come in as many shapes and sizes as woman’s best friend. For example, some choose a large, Great Dane version to save money. A large group sporting 20-30 tourists with a standard program provides a bargain way to easily get to the must-see sights. Others select a Corgi-sized tour that supports 8-15 guests, giving a more personalized feel. Even fewer will engage a Teacup Poodle-sized, intimate tour. These are typically tailored to the specific wants and needs of two to eight guests. This is how Let's Go To Japan organizes our tours. Every traveler is different and every tour type delivers a solution for each kind of tourist.

To be continued at:

Tours from Let’s Go To Japan Nowby Troy Ton Posted on January 1, 2024December 26, 2023 Tours from Let’s Go To Japan Now Travel tours are like dog breeds. They come in as many shapes and sizes as woman’s best friend. For example, some choose a large, Great Dane version to save money. A large gr...

30/08/2023

Join us on our tour 'Celebrate Japan in Autumn'🍂 Our guided tour can help you make the most of your visit!

See the ancient capital and World Heritage city of Kyoto during autumn’s maple tree season. Visit the largest Japanese castle, go to the island temple of Miyajima, and finish with four days in the bustle of Tokyo.

For additional details, contact: [email protected] today!

23/08/2023

🍁 Celebrate Japan in Autumn🍁

Day 0 (Nov 25): Depart the U.S. for Haneda/Tokyo Airport (HND).
Day 1: Cross the International Date Line. Arrive in Tokyo Nov 26. Stay in Tokyo. Welcome to Japan dinner.
Day 2: Bullet Train to Kyoto. Sight seeing at Kiyomizudera and Gion District. Stay in Kyoto.
Day 3: Tour Kinkakuji Temple and the Arashiyama Bamboo forest. Visit the Tenryuji Temple with its exquisite Zen garden. Stay in Kyoto.
Day 4: Walk Kyoto’s 1000 gate shrine with a Kimono wearing experience. View the breathtaking autumn colors of Japan’s famous maple trees at Tofukuji Temple. Stay in Kyoto.
Day 5: Bullet Train to Kyot for the day, then Bullet Train to Hiroshima for the evening. Stay in Hiroshima.
Day 6: Visit the island shrine of Miyajima. Tour Hiroshima Peace Museum. Stay in Hiroshima.
Day 7: Bullet Train to Tokyo. Take a walk in the world famous Ginza Disctict. Ride the “Crazy Night Bus” tour. Stay in Tokyo.
Day 8: Morning prayers at Sensoji Temple. Walk the world’s business crosswalk at Shibuya Crossing, and visit Tokyo Tower. Sing kraoke after dinner. Stay in Tokyo.
Day 9: See cutting-edge digital art at TeamLab Planets. Drive Mario Carts in downtown Tokyo (optional). Stay in Tokyo.
Day 10 (Dec 5): Souvenir shopping and packing to go home. Travel to HND and wave goodbye to the Land of the Rising Sun.

🍂 Price is $4,600 per person, based on double occupancy (if single, please add $1,200). Price includes all lodging, daytime meals, public transportation, & site admission fees. (Clients are responsible for: air fare to/from Japan, JR Rail Pass, breakfasts, other any personal expenses.)

🍂 For additional details, contact: [email protected] today!