This is a blog post for my travel lovers looking for long-term stay in the city and the outskirts of Japan – photos by E
Lifestyle
Japan helps you learn the appreciation of the small things and the efficiency of flow in life. Life doesn’t have to be complicated but you also don’t have to overwork. The working class there is what makes their country so clean, so plush, so efficient – almost too efficient that the native suicide rate is high due to them overworking to perfection. Now, don’t get me wrong – this is not the place to go and practice your perfectionism. Though they appreciate their environment and surroundings are we built to overwork ourselves when we can have the responsibility of cleaning up after ourselves, not doing petty crimes, and not overspending? Of course, there is a luxury side, hip side, countryside, and diverse city life that you can get but I would lean on the side of the culture that feels the safest outside of the working class.
Transportation
Oh, and the transit is top-tier. I don’t think I will ever find one better. The trains make you want to sit down, not clinch your purse or worry about shoulder rubbing ready to throw some bows. A transit that is on time.
The city is served by an extensive network of trains, subways, and buses, making it easy to navigate and explore. The Tokyo subway system, operated by several different companies, is known for its punctuality and efficiency. It consists of multiple lines that crisscross the city, connecting various neighborhoods and attractions. The subway is a popular mode of transportation for both locals and tourists due to its convenience and speed. But, the best option for staying longer than a month is the JR pass, which includes the famous Japan Railways (JR) lines. These train lines connect Tokyo with other cities and regions in Japan, making it easy to travel both within the city and beyond.
Neighborhood
If you are wondering where to lay your head for a 10-day or 3-day visit the accommodation lifestyle I have only experienced is through hotels. Tokyo hotels are amazing, yet small, however, it doesn’t take away from the experience, it adds – unless you are staying in large hotel chains. The hotels are nice and quant where you can get a luxury boutique feel or a traditional lifestyle setup the further you go from Tokyo. My favorite districts in Tokyo is Shinjuku (cultural clash), Harajuku (chic capital), Akihabara (for my anime fans),
It was very hard to find an airbnb which I can respect because they probably don’t care to see randos in their home interrupting their valued time which includes rest and family, which they take very seriously. However, if anyone finds a smart home for rental, please let a sister know. I honestly didn’t have a large interest in staying in Tokyo too long the second time around because I wanted to slow travel and explore what the countryside/suburbs living looked like. During a group trip, we took on Kyoto but sad I didn’t have enough time for Okinawa. Either way, I’m here to rant about Kyoto will be the very slowdown you never thought you needed with the perfect middle ground between Osaka and Tokyo.
Kyoto is a beautiful city in Japan known for its rich history, traditional culture, and stunning temples. Here are some highlights:
- Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion): A Zen Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf, surrounded by a peaceful garden.
- Fushimi Inari Taisha: This famous shrine is known for its thousands of vibrant red torii gates that lead up to Mount Inari.
- Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: Walk through a mesmerizing bamboo forest in the Arashiyama district.
- Kiyomizu-dera: A UNESCO World Heritage site with a wooden terrace offering panoramic views of Kyoto.
- Gion District: Explore the historic streets of Gion, known for its traditional wooden machiya houses and geisha culture.
- Nijo Castle: Visit this 17th-century castle with beautiful gardens and historical significance.
- Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion): Admire the elegant silver temple and its meticulously designed Zen gardens.
- Philosopher’s Path: Take a stroll along this scenic path lined with cherry trees and alongside a canal.
Remember to try Kyoto’s famous cuisine, such as kaiseki (traditional multi-course meal) and matcha (powdered green tea).
People
I love the Japanese people and culture. Their smile is contagious and their stores, and restaurants, bars are welcoming with a taste of their culture depending on the city you are in. I would say a good amount of people in Tokyo know English while very few in Kyoto don’t unless you are at a hotel or on an excursion with a tour guide. The people in Kyoto are very uppidiy and speak in a way of higher class. While in Tokyo, you get a taste of their street style and food that will have you eating for two people. They are polite and follow etiquette in everything that they do – service, transit, eating, and greeting. But when exploring Tokyo the culture of Tokyo carries on the traditions that flourished in the Kansai region, such as Kyoto and Osaka, from the medieval era through early- modern times. Temple architecture, kana literature, picture scrolls, tea ceremonies, and noh plays are some of the best-known examples.
Experience
My favorite experience in Tokyo was in Kyoto. Solo or with a group I always take a day or two with nothing planned and wander, 9/10 I will be finding somewhere with music and food. This time, I wandered off in Osaka and found a local hidden jazz bar on the side street that made piping hot tea from a large flame and had old records covering the wall, where the server would place a record on a small wooden stand display to let you know which vinyl record was playing. Don’t forget to order a whisky. Whisy in Japan is top tier and the smoothest. The bar had been there since the early 80s tucked away to where only locals knew and 10 people could fit in the space.
My next favorite would be the Japanese tea experience in Kyoto where we were able to pick out our fabric and kimono before learning the tradition behind matcha and making our own. I selected a dark blue and orange kimono that brought out my chocolate layer – because baby it was hot in Japan in August so I was crisp. Our ceremonial host was the sweetest and a college student who lived in Australia for one- year where she picked and played basketball which warmed my heart even more.
All I know if the next time go, further I will go outside of Tokyo, praying for a guided hike up Mount Fuji.
Digital Nomad
Many co-working spaces include co-living in Tokyo but there is a popular one that has been open for about 3 years and has three locations in Tokyo near the Shibuya crossing and Kyoto as well called The Mallenials. The Tokyo location near the Shibuya crossing is a perfect location for the hustle and bustle, tourism, and shopping. If you don’t walk the Shibuya Crossing were you really in Tokyo? This place has a setup where you can sleep in a capsule (a bed without in private room), and still have privacy with enough room for your luggage, shoes, remote controller, and a shared bathroom. Remember, when I say the little things? Down to your sleep. Cafes are always popular in Tokyo because they like their tea breaks and have them everywhere giving you a place to catch up on work with wifi and people watching. But, there are multiple co-working spaces spread throughout the city, and the best train wifi when traveling to the next.