In this article, I will write what I think about it and give my opinion on Japan.
Opinion on Japan: The Good and the Bad
I was in Japan for two and a half weeks, and I was able to go to Tokyo, Hiroshima, Kyoto, Kobe, Osaka, Nara. I had the chance to see many things that shocked me, pleased me, and gave me a different perspective of Japan.
Opinion on Japan: The Positives
Japan is known for several things:
- The warm welcome and politeness; it is truly rare to see a Japanese person disrespect you. They always say thank you or welcome when you are at a restaurant or buying something in a store.
- A different world; when you go to Tokyo, see my article on what to do in Tokyo. There are many neighborhoods, and each of these neighborhoods has a different style. You can take the subway and in 10 minutes, find yourself in two very different places.
- Japanese culture and tourism; when you leave Tokyo or Osaka, you enter a more traditional Japan that is very different from these two big cities. You find some people dressed in yukata. Tourist and cultural sites are very open, for example, Miyajima.
- Very healthy and varied food; generally, you eat rice or fresh foods or fish (which is quite expensive). However, it can quickly become costly. I ate at an all-you-can-eat barbecue for 30 euros with unlimited drinks and food! My best meal in Japan.
- When you have a rail pass, it is immediately easier to get around in Japan because you don’t have to worry about train tickets. There is no need to reserve your train ticket, and trains are generally very well served and very fast if you take the Shinkansen.
- There are always McDonald’s or convenience stores open at night!
Opinion on Japan: The Negatives
What I liked less:
- Let’s not hide it, but Japan is expensive! When you travel and visit several things the same day, it adds up quickly! Nightclubs cost between 15 and 40 euros (15 euros on weekdays and tends to be over 30 euros without drinks). If you prefer less healthy options, it can cost less.
- The Gaijin attitude; Japanese women are a bit naive, and as soon as they see a foreigner, he immediately becomes a phenomenon. There is a lot of abuse at this level, especially in Roppongi. I talked to many Japanese women, and the word that came up was “impressive” or “amazing” when I told them I was French. As a result, there is abuse; many foreign males take advantage of this situation.
- It is a place where money rules supreme, and people are very mercenary! I was forced to have a drink in a bar, otherwise, I had to be escorted out.
And you, what did you like and dislike about Japan?
