Exploring Japan: Unforgettable Rasa Travel Memories

Feb 5

11 min read

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Visiting Japan felt like stepping into a dream—one that awakened a lifelong passion for culture, connection, and discovery. Even now, as I reflect on the experience, it feels surreal,

like something out of a story. As I look back, it feels less like a vacation and more like a journey into a dream, where the beauty of the culture and the kindness of the people seamlessly come together to create memories that will linger forever.

For me, Japan wasn’t just a destination; it was the realisation of a lifelong dream. I had wanted to visit Japan since my teenage years—not because of anime, as is common for many, but because of its delicate paintings, stunning kimonos, and the allure of “Memoirs of a Geisha” (though I now understand how misleading that story is). So when the opportunity to travel arose, I couldn’t let it slip away.

Every step I took in Japan reminded me of the core values when I travel myself and of the core values of Rasa Travel Memories: crafting meaningful experiences, connecting deeply with a place and its people, and finding beauty in the journey itself. Planning this trip

required time and dedication. While some boast about organising travels in just 20 hours, I invested over 300 hours into crafting my itinerary. Japan’s complexity demanded nothing less.

Now, a month after my return, I’m still processing everything I experienced. Japan left me in awe—with its people, culture, food, and way of life. It truly is something else, a world apart. They’ve shown how life can thrive without the chaos often associated with large populations. On some days, it felt like the Japanese were from a different planet altogether. If someone said so, I’d nod in agreement. Perhaps that’s the best way to describe it: a cultural shock—but in the most enlightening way.

So, what left me so amazed?

Not once did I feel suffocated by the sheer number of people—despite being in a country of 124.5 million in 378,000 square kilometres country, or cities like Tokyo and Osaka, each hosting populations larger than some countries, Lithuania including. I expected noise and crowds but found calmness instead. Japan is shockingly quiet, clean, and orderly—even in busy tourist areas (especially if you visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon).

Cleanliness stands out the most. Streets are spotless, despite a lack of public rubbish bins. People take responsibility for their trash, carrying it home instead of leaving it behind. The philosophy seems to be: “Clean it now; don’t let it get messy later.”

Rules That Make Life Comfortable

Japan is a land of unspoken rules, all designed to ensure harmony and respect. For example:

Silence in public spaces. Whether on trains or in hotel lounges, loud conversations—especially on phones—are a big no-no.
No eating while walking. Street food is abundant, but the expectation is to stop, enjoy your food, and discard waste responsibly.
Shoes off. In the first days of our trip, we noticed that many people in Japan seemed to wear oversized shoes or loosely fitting sneakers. At first, it puzzled us, but it didn’t take long to understand the reason—and to adopt the practice ourselves. The explanation is simple: in Japan, you frequently need to remove your shoes. Whether entering a home, a temple, a traditional tea house, or even some shops and restaurants, wearing shoes indoors is not permitted. It’s a long-standing custom rooted in the desire to keep the interior spaces clean and free of dirt from the outside world. Shoes are often left outside or in designated areas, and slipping in and out of them becomes much quicker when they’re a bit loose. Trying to enter a space without following this rule is considered disrespectful. In a way, it’s a subtle gesture of mindfulness and courtesy—acknowledging that shared spaces are meant to be clean and inviting for everyone. I found the custom deeply appealing. Growing up in Lithuania, removing shoes at home is standard practice, but seeing it extended to public spaces like tea houses, temples, and certain shops gave it a profound significance. Removing your shoes felt like crossing a threshold—physically and emotionally. It created a sense of vulnerability, humility, and respect, as though you were stepping into someone’s domain. Even in a tea house or a shop, the act made me feel welcome, like a guest in someone’s home. This practice is more than just a rule—it embodies the Japanese attention to cleanliness, order, and harmony. It’s a small yet meaningful ritual that left a lasting impression on me, not just as a visitor but as someone who came to appreciate the thoughtfulness behind such customs.
Cleanliness and tidying up after yourself, even in public restrooms. (Oh, and I really miss them not only for their cleanliness but also for the heated toilet seats. It’s so nice to sit there, especially when it’s cold outside, hahaha.)

Food: A Culinary Adventure

Japanese food is amazing! To my surprise, I only ate sushi twice during my 17-day trip. While I enjoy sushi, I didn’t find myself craving it—except for wagyu beef sushi, which was simply extraordinary. I never imagined raw meat could taste so rich and flavorful! But the magic of Japanese cuisine goes far beyond sushi.

Why do I call it “real” Japanese food? In Europe, I wasn’t particularly fond of ramen or mochi (except for the ice cream variety). Yet, in Japan, everything changed. Freshly made mochi became irresistible, and I fell in love with ramen in a way I hadn’t anticipated. I explored different kinds and even learned which types of noodles and broths I prefer. The diversity of flavours and textures was incredible!

The best food experiences, as always, were found in places frequented by locals. Often, we ordered blindly, not knowing what we were about to eat, and it was a delightful adventure every time. One memorable moment was when I received raw eggs and had no idea how to incorporate them into my meal. Watching and mimicking the locals became part of the experience. My friend, a vegetarian, even set aside their dietary restrictions because we often didn’t know what we were ordering—but we always ended up loving the dishes. Everything, from the sweet to the savoury, was a delight.

And then there were the waiting lines. In Japan, it’s entirely normal to wait in line for a meal, and the length of the queue is often a sign of the food’s quality. I once waited an hour to get into a restaurant, and I heard of others patiently waiting two hours or more. What struck me most was the complete lack of complaints. Everyone waited calmly, knowing that the meal ahead would be worth it. This collective patience and respect for good food added an unexpected layer of charm to the entire dining experience.

Transport: Efficient and Comfortable

Japan’s public transport is exemplary. Though some may find it pricey, I think it’s reasonable for the comfort and distances covered. The Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo to Osaka, covering 498 km in 2.5 hours, cost around €95—a fair price for such efficiency. Even overnight buses offered privacy and comfort, a far cry from what I’ve experienced elsewhere.

The Kimono Experience

Wearing a kimono was something I debated—out of fear of feeling like an intruder in someone else’s culture. But I’m glad I went for it. Wearing a kimono gave me a deeper understanding of its beauty and purpose.

It’s not just clothing; it’s an art form. Every piece is carefully placed, from the undergarments

to the sash, that creates a smooth, curve-free silhouette. A kimono demands a certain poise and elegance from the wearer, and in return, it transforms you into part of its artistry.

Vending Machines: A Delight Around Every Corner

I love Japanese vending machines! Before my trip, I had read about how ubiquitous they are, but I still wasn’t prepared for just how everywhere they’d be. You find them in the most unexpected places—quiet residential areas where the only other signs of life are people’s houses.

The most common vending machines dispense hot and cold canned beverages. For me, hot coffee and later hot tea became my go-to items, especially in the first few days when jet lag hit hardest around 2-3 PM (something I’m now dealing with again since returning to Europe). These machines became lifesavers, offering a quick energy boost right when I needed it.

But Japan’s vending machines don’t stop at drinks. Machines are offering hot meals like ramen, desserts (though I only came across that once), and even pet food! Each one seemed to surprise me more than the last.

What’s even more impressive is the cleanliness. In Europe, vending machines are often surrounded by litter. But in Japan, despite the abundance of these machines, you won’t find trash scattered around them. It’s a testament to the respect and care ingrained in Japanese culture, even for something as simple as buying a drink or snack.

Vending machines in Japan aren’t just convenient—they’re a unique cultural experience. They reflect the country’s innovation, efficiency, and, in a way, its remarkable sense of order.

Onsen and Public Baths

Who doesn’t love a hot bath? Naturally, I was thrilled to experience Japan’s famous onsens and public baths during my trip. Two of our hotels featured public baths, and one of my last stays included an onsen (hot spring). These places quickly became a highlight of my journey.

However, I discovered an interesting cultural nuance: many public baths and onsens in Japan do not allow entry to people with tattoos. This stems from historical associations dating back to the 1700s when tattoos were used to mark criminals. Over time, tattoos became linked with organised crime, leading to their current stigma in certain traditional spaces. While some modern establishments have relaxed these rules, others remain firm. For travellers with tattoos, it’s essential to do some research beforehand. Some baths allow the use of concealers, while others offer private bathing options, but these don’t quite replicate the communal onsen experience.

At first, I found this policy surprising, given how progressive Japan can seem in many areas—whether it’s their embrace of futuristic technology or the colourful, anime-inspired expressions of individuality in cities like Tokyo. Yet, as I spent more time in Japan, I came to appreciate how the country balances its modernity with a deep respect for tradition. Temples remain integral to daily life, kimonos are still worn with pride for special occasions, and traditional customs, like excluding tattoos from public baths, are maintained with reverence.

This coexistence of old and new is part of what makes Japan so unique. It was fascinating to witness how these traditions, which might feel out of place in another setting, blend seamlessly into the rhythm of daily life here. Whether it’s a tranquil onsen or a bustling city street, Japan’s ability to honour its heritage while embracing the present is truly remarkable.

A Place of Contrasts

Japan is a fascinating blend of modernity and tradition. On the one hand, you have high-tech vending machines offering everything from hot drinks to pet food; on the other, deeply rooted customs, such as the no-tattoo policy in many public baths (onsens). These traditions coexist harmoniously, creating a unique cultural tapestry.

One aspect that surprised me deeply was the quiet religiosity of Japanese people. Religion in Japan isn’t always about organised worship but is woven into the fabric of daily life. I noticed countless individuals stopping by temples during their commute—whether on their way to work, during a lunch break, or after finishing the day. They would pause, offer a small prayer, ring a bell, or simply bow in respect.

It wasn’t about grand gestures or public displays of faith but a deeply personal connection to their spiritual traditions. Shinto and Buddhist practices seem to coexist effortlessly, with temples and shrines standing as symbols of serenity amidst the bustling cities. Watching this made me reflect on how seamlessly the Japanese integrate spirituality into their lives, reminding me of the importance of mindfulness and gratitude in daily routines.

People: A Kind and Trusting Society

Before travelling to Japan, I often heard people say, “You’ll enjoy Japan more if you don’t understand Japanese.” While I can’t fully test this theory—my knowledge of Japanese is limited to just a few words—my experience as a non-speaker was nothing short of magical. Through my eyes, Japanese people seem so… pure. That’s the best word I can find to describe them.

Time and time again, I was amazed by how quickly people would come to help us, often before we even realised we needed assistance. At train stations, locals approached us to explain where to go or how to use a transport card. It made me wonder—how did they know so quickly that we needed help? Their kindness was genuine, with heartfelt “Arigatou gozaimasu” (thank you very much) accompanying even the smallest interactions.

In Japan, there are no loud fights or public confrontations. One day, I witnessed a beautiful example of this quiet civility. Two bicycles were passing in opposite directions and accidentally brushed against each other, causing an umbrella to fall to the ground. Both riders stopped, glanced at each other briefly, and the one who dropped the umbrella simply picked it up. Without a word, they went their separate ways. Their expressions seemed to silently say: “I’m sorry,” “It’s okay,” and “Goodbye.”

Speaking of bicycles, I was shocked to see how common they are in Japan. I think there might be even more bicycles than in the Netherlands! What’s remarkable is that many of them are barely locked, if at all. We joked that if people left their bikes like that in Europe, they’d be gone in minutes. Many hotels offer bike rental services, and in Osaka, our accommodation even has free bikes for guests to use.

And then there’s the umbrella rental system—a concept that astounded me. In some shops, restaurants, and other establishments (not to mention hotels), they offer free umbrellas for people to borrow, trusting that they’ll be returned. The idea is so simple yet speaks volumes about the mutual trust that permeates Japanese society. Unfortunately, I learned about this too late and ended up walking in the rain without one, which cost me a cold—but that’s beside the point.

This trust extends beyond umbrellas. In Tokyo, the world’s largest city, I often saw people with phones casually sticking out of their back pockets or tucked into their kimono belts. I couldn’t help but think: In London, that phone would disappear in seconds! But not in Japan.

In the early days of our trip, I was so struck by this trust and kindness that I joked to my friend: “You know, in any other part of the world, the closest comparison to this would be someone from a small, idyllic village. Someone who grew up surrounded by family, good neighbours, and the belief that the world is a safe and good place—what we’d call naive. But Japan isn’t a small village. It’s a country of 124.5 million people. Tokyo metropolitan area alone has 37 million residents, and even Osaka, where I had this thought, has 2.7 million. You can’t call this a village!” My friend simply replied: “I know exactly what you mean.”

Japan left me in awe—not just of its beauty and traditions but of its people. They live with a deep respect for one another, their surroundings, and even strangers. It’s something I’ll carry with me, a lesson in trust and kindness from a country that feels like a world apart.

Japan is not a perfect country—no place is. But it comes closer than most to embodying an ideal society. It’s a place that has left me inspired, not just by its beauty but by its people and way of life. Japan made me a better person. As I sit here, reflecting on the experience, I feel a deep sense of gratitude. Japan was a dream brought to life, one that I’ll carry with me forever. I hope to return soon, and until then, I’ll cherish these memories of a dream turned reality.

Planning this trip taught me the value of a meticulously designed itinerary, and now, I’m thrilled to offer my travel planning services to others. Whether you dream of experiencing Japan or exploring another corner of the world, I can help create a personalised plan that feels as intimate and tailored as this journey did for me. With RASA TRAVEL MEMORIES, I aim to make every adventure feel like exploring with a passionate, knowledgeable friend.

If you’re inspired by my stories or need help planning your next trip, feel free to contact me. Whether it’s a custom travel plan for a destination of your choice or one of my ready-to-sell plans, I’m here to make your travel dreams come true. Let’s craft journeys that inspire wonder, deepen connections, and leave you with memories to treasure forever — just as every journey should.

RASA TRAVEL MEMORIES - Feel as if a friend is showing you around.

If you’ve enjoyed this glimpse into my adventure, I invite you to keep reading, I share vivid memories and experiences from each city I visited in Japan. Each story is a window into a unique part of this extraordinary country, written with the same dedication and attention to detail that I pour into all my travels.