Japan

Japan has been on my bucket list for years. Its a long bucket list and when I tried to figure out where I was travelling in 2025 at the top of the list were Namibia, Argentina, W. Australia & Japan. Japan had the best climate for the month of April so decided it was time. One big item I wanted to see was the cherry blossoms in bloom and although I did not know it during the planning, Expo2025 (known as the world’s fair in USA) was opening in Osaka in April (13th). Turns out Japan is a top destination for world travelers in 2025.

So, my trip was confined to the main island of it Honshu. Honshu is the largest of Japan’s 4 main islands and has the majority of the 124.5 million Japanese. It’s considered the main island of Japan and is home to many significant cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, as well as the iconic Mount Fuji. Honshu is a mountainous island with a diverse landscape, ranging from coastal plains to the Japanese Alps. 

It’s larger than Britain and is the 7th largest island in the world. Honshu is a northeast-southwest arc, stretching about 800 miles (1,287 km) in length with has a coastline of 6,266 miles (10,084 km).   

I took advantage of Japan’s incredible bullet train (Shinkansen) system. Starting with a few days in Tokyo, 3 days in Kyoto, 4 days in Osaka, 1-day turnaround to Hiroshima and then a return trip for 3 days in Tokyo that included a 1-day turnaround to Mount Fuji.

Game Centers

Here are 2 game center videos, or (amusement) arcades. This one is crowded with players while this one is almost empty. The Japanese are addicted to gaming machines (incl. Pachinko) which hold a variety of game machines and experiences designed to entertain. Claw machines are very popular – they are known for their diverse prizes, which can include stuffed animals, action figures, and even practical items like handheld vacuums or pancake makers. In large cities game centers span several floors, each floor categorized by game genre.

Shopping

Shopping is a whole different experience in Japan. I am really not the right person to describe this kind of shopping because I go to a store with a list and stick to the list – well, maybe buy something that’s not on the list. Shopping is a national past time and considered entertainment. There are so many places to shop – most stores have a small footprint but are crammed with thousands of items.

Here are places you can buy stuff (from Wiki which forgot to mention flea markets):

• Malls and Shopping Centers:.Opens in new large malls like Tokyo Solamachi, Shibuya 109, and Diver City Tokyo Plaza offer a wide variety of stores, restaurants, and entertainment. 
• Department Stores:. like Ginza Mitsukoshi, Shinjuku Takashimaya, and Isetan Shinjuku Store are known for their high-end brands and extensive selection of goods. 
• Shopping Streets:. Streets like Ameyoko Market in Ueno and Shijo Street in Kyoto offer a mix of small shops, food stalls, and traditional crafts. 
• Markets:. Nishiki Market in Kyoto is famous for its fresh food and local specialties, while the Kobo-ichi Market on the 21st of each month is a great place to find bargains on kimonos and antiques. 
• Factory Outlets: Gotemba Premium Outlets and Rinku Premium Outlets offer discounted prices on designer brands. 
• Online Shopping: Popular online platforms like Rakuten, Amazon.co.jp, and Kakaku.com offer a wide selection of products, including electronics, fashion, and local goods. 

Tips for Shopping in Japan:

Souvenirs: Consider traditional items like kimono, yukata, fans, and Maneki Neko (lucky cat). 

Etiquette: Be mindful of shopping etiquette, such as lining up to enter stores, not eating or drinking inside, and paying with cash on a tray. 

Bargaining: Generally, bargaining is not common in Japan. 

Tips: Tipping is not customary in Japan. 

Packaging: Avoid removing packaging before purchasing items.