Japan is one of everyone’s hottest travel destinations (unless you’re already here like me!) as I see foreign tourists everywhere I go.
I have at least 3 sets of friends visiting Japan this year and many more who wants to.
According to Japan tourism, JNTO, the number of foreign visitors to Japan reached 2,788,000 in February 2024, an increase of 89% compared to February 2023 and a jump of 7% compared to February 2019.
There are more tourists compared to pre-pandemic and I’m sure the weak yen will fuel the visitation numbers even more.
I had an Australian friend who visited Tokyo last week and had a pleasure of spending time with her at the start of her trip and on her last day.
Being Japanese and having lived in Japan for the last 5 years, it was refreshing to hear from her a fresh perspective of Tokyo.
Here are some of her observation and some things that I’ve noticed while being a Tokyo tour guide.
Different take: Outfits
My friend was very impressed by how well dressed everyone in Japan is.
When I do think about it, no matter the age or gender, Japanese do take a lot of care from head to toe, even compared to the big city folks from Sydney!
Different take: What caught my Aussie friends eyes (and what didn’t)
I took her to Yanaka/Nippori area that I quite like for its old school feel and local ‘good ol’ Japan vibe.
As it was her first visit, it’s not like she knows what the old school Japanese vibe is, but she really enjoyed the area.
She’s a keen potter so she gravitated towards Japanese craftsmanship around potteries probably more than an average Japanese would have.
I think many people would have walked past this historic wall but she carefully looked and photographed many sections, wondering how it would have been constructed.
Being with her, I had a pleasure to taking time reflecting on this wall that otherwise would have walked past.
However, in contrast, one of the main ‘tourist spots’ in Yanaka called Yuyake Dan Dan; the steps that became famous for being part of the scene for the anime movie, ‘Your Name’ wasn’t that interesting for her.
She did take some photos because I said it’s famous but it must have been just another steps around town for her.
Whether you’re a foreign visitor or domestic visitors or locals, some perspective was the same.
Same take: Cherry blossoms
No matter who looks at it, I think cherry blossoms are breathtaking. This stunning 枝垂れ桜 (Shidare zakura or weeping cherry blossom) was in full bloom in Nippori/Yanaka area and drew a domestic and international crowd.
The beauty of cherry blossom is global.
Same take: Being curious and challenging with food
Food is one of the travellers and in general, life’s joy.
Japanese food offer a range of difference ingredients and food.
I’m happy to hear that she challenged herself in trying new food like sea urchin (which she loved), hojicha or roasted tea (which she loved) and ginnan or gingko nuts (which was mixed review but she tried).
I’m continuously trying new Japanese food especially when I travel to new regions and also in Tokyo as well where new restaurants and new precincts pop up, like Toranomin Hills’ latest restaurant precinct, T- Market and Azabudai Hills Market.
You never know what’s around the corner in Japan which we love to explore!
Even walking along the same path I have hundreds of times, walking along with a visitor and a friend gave me a fresh perspective and appreciation for living in Japan.
I have another friend visiting next month so looking forward to seeing what I’ll re-discover next about Tokyo!
PS later than usual, cherry blossoms are finally blooming beautifully in Tokyo! Although a bit cloudy, I do love seeing cherry blossoms.
I hope you have a safe and beautiful weekend.
Native Expat 