Tokyo
Arigatou Gozaimasu
ありがとうございます
(Thank you very much)
The most important word we learned to use
Mt. Fuji
Conversion Discount
The conversion rate from USD to Japanese Yen has been nice. Although Japan was supposed to be more towards the expensive portion of our trip, we were spending much less on meals and accommodation compared to even being back home. Most meals were less than a Chipotle meal prices!
1 USD $ to Japanese Yen ¥
OSAKA-NARA-KYOTO
Osaka is known to be the ‘Kitchen of Japan’ and it did not disappoint! I was convinced to try some seafood here. The sushi started off good, but couldn’t really finish the rest. The Takoyaki (Fried Octopus) was actually pretty good. We also did a street tour with a guide who took us through some very ‘interesting’ parts of Osaka at night. We then went to celebrate our tour guide’s mom’s (Penny) birthday with some Karaoke.
A day trip to Nara got us bowing down to deers. Some nice, some ‘big boys'.
Kyoto was super crowded but for a reason. A city with a mix of the traditional and the new. Glad we got to experience it during the fall foliage.
TOP EATS
Kikanbo Ramen (Tokyo): Moyashi Karashibi Miso Ramen (spicy, rich broth with delicious pork and fire-roasted bean sprouts)
Ryu-an (Kyoto): Yakiniku BBQ Wagyu & Kobe Beef (meat melts in your mouth, mom/pop local shop)
Yakari Tensan (Osaka): Okonomiyaki (savory seafood pancake)
Ichiran (Osaka): Tonkotsu Ramen (ate 3 times, so good!)
Goodbye Japan
Thanksgiving looked different for us this year but we had some of the best steaks ever. I meant to record more of the night but forgot to as we kept talking and enjoying our meal.
We had to say bye to our friends. We’re so grateful to have been part of their first trip to Japan, leading us through all the different stations and navigating us to each city. We already miss you guys and will see you soon!
Also, fyi - Laundry in Japan was actually very easy to get done and a self-sufficient process. Japan excels in so many areas and we were just amazed at realizing each thing they do better at!
PS - Hope to someday have japanese toilets in our future house :)