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A number of days have handed since our return to Milan from Japan and I can lastly write these traces to inform you about our lovely journey.
I had been dreaming of visiting Japan for a few years .
I lately advised you about it on this submit, speaking about magnificence and Japanese cosmetics .
I imagine that few different issues may be as rewarding for me as travelling and coming into contact with different cultures and habits .
And I have to admit that the thought of with the ability to get to know a selected and distinctive tradition just like the Japanese one up shut was really, for me, a daydream.
So, when the chance to go away offered itself, a bit by likelihood to inform you the reality, I could not wait.
At this level, having selected the vacation spot, all that remained was to arrange every stage of our journey.
Travelling with EVA Air we may have loved a direct flight from Milan Malpensa to Taipei and, as soon as in Taipei, transfer on to Japan, flying to Tokyo .
So it was and now I am going to inform you all the things!
However first, since EVA Air accompanied us on this journey, earlier than persevering with my story by specializing in the precise journey, let me inform you one thing extra about this glorious airline, which I did not know but, however which, in actuality, boasts a lengthy historical past and an enormous quantity of expertise .
EVA Airways:
A narrative that begins in 1991
Since its very first flight on July 1, 1991, this airline has come a great distance.
At present it serves a worldwide community connecting Asia and mainland China to Europe , North America and Oceania, and connects over 60 main enterprise and tourism locations.
It reaches each area in mainland China and extends passenger and cargo companies worldwide by way of codeshare flights with different main airways.
That is an impeccable, 5-star airline.
And I am not simply saying this due to the good number of air routes coated, or due to the unimaginable consideration paid to the traveler by the workers (on the bottom and within the flight) even throughout the reserving course of, not simply throughout the journey.
I say this with information, since this impeccable airline was ranked among the many 10 greatest airways on this planet within the prestigious 2021 Readers’ Selection Awards by Condé Nast Traveler , whereas TripAdvisor acknowledged it among the many “High 10 Airways – World” and awarded it first locations in four different classes within the Vacationers’ Selection Awards for airways.
After having travelled with them (and having had a good time), I can truthfully say that I’ve hardly ever seen such cleanliness within the cabin (and within the bogs!!!) of different planes in my life.
And sure, I’ve taken many flights in my life.
As well as, EVA launched onboard dessert made by century-old French bakery PAUL and in style Taipei patisserie Yellow Lemon.
I am going to simply inform you that the butter was from the mountains, the bread was scorching and steaming and the cutlery was silver, one thing that, sadly, lately, has been utterly misplaced in financial system.
EVA can be energetic socially.
It promotes native cultures and worldwide artwork treasures, helps charity occasions and social occasions.
Sustainability can be a key focus for EVA: EVA workplace practices and operations around the globe assist cut back carbon emissions and noise, preserve sources and handle waste to advertise a greener, more healthy earth.
However it does not finish there as a result of, after we landed in Taipei, we obtained heart-shaped eyes after we noticed a good looking EVA Air aircraft utterly themed with Hi there Kitty.
We clearly solely noticed the skin, however studying HERE I may see how splendidly personalized it’s on the within too.
Evidently, after discovering out that Hi there Kitty Jets fly from Taipei to Bali, the women and I obtained an enormous want to go to Indonesia too.
These travelling on the EVA Hi there Kitty Jet can get pleasure from a vibrant and cheerful Hi there Kitty-themed atmosphere.
And after I say “all the things,” I actually imply all the things: from the stewardess uniforms to the snacks and dinner units.
However let’s get to our journey now, as a result of I can not wait to inform you about our trip discovering Taipei and Japan!
Our Journey: Japan in 20 Days
A crucial premise: since we’re two women who attend faculty, like many different individuals around the globe we handle to arrange our holidays solely when the college calendar permits it.
Visiting some distinctive locations like Japan undoubtedly requires time and, regardless that we knew that going there in spring or autumn would have made rather more sense, particularly due to the excessive summer time temperatures, we managed to make this journey in August, discovering it very popular.
The scorching temperatures didn’t cease us from falling in love with this distinctive and magical land, however I can not deny that I would really like, in the future, hopefully not too far-off, to return to Japan in milder durations, maybe in spring to benefit from the lovely spectacle of the cherry bushes in bloom, or in autumn, to immerse myself within the crimson and orange of the parks and streets of Japan.
Nevertheless, I really feel like supplying you with an unsolicited piece of recommendation: if you will discover them, should you journey throughout the scorching season, go for inns with a swimming pool, so you may refresh your self a bit on the finish of the day.
Cease #1: Taipei
Travelling with EVA Air , as I used to be telling you, we flew on a direct flight from Milan Malpensa to Taipei and, since we had by no means been there, it appeared apparent to decide on to remain in a single day on this metropolis, to tour it a bit earlier than persevering with on to Tokyo.
So Taipei was in impact our first step in the direction of the East .
I have to say that it was the right alternative to go to this one-of-a-kind metropolis.
A cease in Taiwan is certainly price it to find the numerous delights of its gastronomic tradition, comparable to Bao, ravioli, the genuine flavours of road meals, among the many recent fish stalls and the refined conventional dishes that you will discover strolling across the metropolis or concentrated in one of many many night time markets of Taipei.
It’s not for nothing that Taipei is called one of many culinary capitals of Asia .
Regardless of the little time obtainable, we managed to tour a part of the town (sadly not all of it), style some glorious Chinese language ravioli, uncover its revolutionary and technological soul, drink a few cups of tea (an important ritual) and go to a number of the essential points of interest, together with one of many very well-known night time markets that Taipei is stuffed with!
Taipei’s Shilin Evening Market
What to do and see: Stroll by way of the night time markets, hunt for breathtaking skyscrapers like Taipei 101, go to the town’s many temples, and naturally, pattern the native road meals.
Talking of steamed ravioli, make a remark of those from Din Tai Fung , one Michelin star!
There are a number of eating places within the metropolis and they’re all very crowded.
E book by amassing your quantity after which get pleasure from this distinctive expertise.
Talking of temples, there are a lot of in Taipei, scattered everywhere in the metropolis.
Positively to not be missed is the Longshan Temple , an important Buddhist and Taoist temple within the metropolis, in addition to the Confucius Temple and the Bao’an Taoist Temple .
The Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Corridor is undoubtedly the long-lasting place of Taipei.
This huge sq. is devoted to the person who is taken into account the “founding father of Taiwan”, that’s, the person who led the Nationalists in opposition to Chinese language communism and when he was defeated he retreated to Taiwan founding the Republic of China.
The entire thing is of great dimensions.
When you get there you may perceive what I imply.
In Taipei, you actually can not help however drink a minimum of one bubble tea .
I’ve to confess that I am not significantly loopy about it however, as completely different international locations have completely different customs, I believed it was vital to do it.
Bubble Tea, actually, now highly regarded additionally in Europe, was born in Taiwan!
Strive it, then. Perhaps in Ximending , the youngest and liveliest neighborhood within the metropolis.
Among the many issues to do in Taipei is a go to to Taipei 101 , the 101-story skyscraper designed to withstand swaying from wind and earthquakes due to a pendulum system inside it.
It’s doable to go as much as the observatory to admire the town from above, however for one of the best view of Taipei 101, the place to go to is Elephant Mountain, a hill not far-off however positively difficult (particularly in August).
The stroll, actually, lasts half an hour however it’s positively not a stroll within the park.
For instance that the view upon your arrival will make you say:
“Come on, it was price it!”
Taipei additionally has lots of procuring malls, but in addition conventional outlets. A tour of the outlets on Dihua Avenue is price it.
In THIS REEL I inserted our 24h in Taipei!
PS If, like me, you by no means fairly grew up or have daughters, do not miss the Sanrio Hi there Kitty retailer in Taipei Airport.
Stage #2 – Tokyo
The subsequent day we took one other EVA Air flight to proceed our journey to Japan .
We spent 5 nights in Tokyo and I’ve to say that the time flew by.
As you may think about, it’s such a singular and stimulating metropolis that there by no means appears to be sufficient time to see all the things!
This submit is already very lengthy and if I proceed to dwell on all the things I wish to inform you and all the things we have now achieved, we danger the studying time turning into two and a half days.
So I am going to attempt to be as short-winded as doable, leaving you only a brief listing of suggestions on what we appreciated probably the most or what we discovered most distinctive.
As for Taipei, should you like, on my Instagram profile , I’ve revealed different video and non-video content material.
You will discover them HERE and HERE .
What to do in Tokyo in 5 days:
- Tour all the town’s neighborhoods on foot and by subway ;
- Go to the gorgeous Shinto shrine Meiil-Jingu ;
- Climb the Tokyo Authorities Constructing to see Tokyo from above;
- The world’s busiest pedestrian crossing in Shibuya ;
- Strolling round Shinjuku with its thousand neon lights;
- Watching the big head of Godzilla come out of the highest of the Grocery Resort;
- Go to Senso-ji Temple and expertise the omikuji, the divination tickets;
- A cruise alongside the Sumida River , aboard a brilliant fashionable boat;
- Ueno Park , with its expanse of lotus flowers on the foot of imposing skyscrapers. Return in spring to see the Sakura in bloom).
- Take a pedal boat journey on the one lake with out flowers (“ Bacialaaaa Shalalalala “);
- Tour the loopy space of Akihabara! In case you are a fan of anime, manga and video video games right here you’ll discover bread to your enamel!
- Go to Ginza, one of the vital stylish neighborhoods within the capital (we took a resort right here);
- A visit to Mikimoto and Tokyu Plaza , probably the most well-known procuring malls within the neighborhood;
- Climb the Tokyo Skytree , Japan’s tallest tower;
- Go to the a part of the Imperial Gardens open to the general public ;
- Admire the sumptuous structure of The Nationwide Artwork Heart and go to one of many many scheduled exhibitions;
- Strive a minimum of one bowl of ramen , some good sushi (chirashi and a bento are a should), in addition to a refreshing macha ice ;
- Fill your eyes with magnificence, novelties and ever new cultures!
Talking of the sacred lottery fortune tickets, understanding me you’ll know that I’m fairly obsessive about any divinatory artwork, so I actually didn’t draw back from making them.
The omikuji is a written oracle that’s extracted in Shinto (Jinja) and Buddhist temples in Japan on the event of explicit festivities to know one’s destiny.
At present it is not uncommon in shrines: skinny sticks are taken from a cylinder after which a “magical” poem is acquired.
Greater than a magical poem, I obtained all the things and extra out of it. Together with the recommendation to return to my hometown to get out of my existential disaster.
I am fascinated by it! 🙂
Tappa #3 – Kyoto
Staying with reference to magic, after 5 days spent in Tokyo it was time to transfer to Kyoto , the place we might spend the following 4 nights and 5 days.
To get there we took the practice.
I discovered Kyoto great, magical, distinctive.
And if Tokyo is rightly referred to as the “metropolis of a thousand lights”, I’ve no doubts as to why Kyoto, as a substitute, known as the town of a “thousand temples”.
In Kyoto, spirituality is within the air.
And I am not simply saying this due to the numerous lovely temples to go to, however due to the ambiance you breathe. Mystical, highly effective, filled with power.
There are numerous issues to do and see in Kyoto too, which, once more attributable to area constraints, I can not write about exhaustively right here.
Among the many issues we discovered most explicit and suggestive, there’s actually the Fushimi Inari , with its very crimson torii (the torii are in all respects giant portals that metaphorically point out the passage to a divine dimension).
That is an important shrine devoted to the kami Inari, the deity of rice and fertility, and indisputably, it is among the symbolic locations of Japan!
The trail that leads from the sanctuary as much as the promontory, contained in the forest, is among the most well-known and photographed photographs.
Kyoto is really filled with magnificence and I believe, along with Osaka, it was the favourite vacation spot of the entire household.
As for Tokyo, I’ll attempt to be transient and acquire some common data under, making an allowance for what we appreciated most:
- Uncover the attraction of conventional Japan, amongst low homes, slender streets and historic neighborhoods comparable to Pontocho and Gion ;
- Right here you may attempt to spot the geishas (with out photographing them, thoughts you) and have dinner on a terrace overlooking the Kamogawa River;
- Go to Yasaka Shrine, maybe within the night to see the lanterns lit up.
- I repeat: the Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine and the tunnel of crimson torii within the forest are an absolute must-see;
- Style something at Nishiki Market, the town’s lovely and historic market;
- Go to Kinkaku-ji, a three-story temple utterly coated in gold leaf.
- Go to the Rengeo-in Temple, the longest picket constructing in Japan (120 meters), with 1,001 golden statues inside (you’re completely not allowed to take pictures right here);
- Go see the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove with reeds so tall they sing within the wind;
As for Taipei and Tokyo, on my Instagram profile I posted a number of contents made throughout the days spent in Kyoto.
Right here they’re HERE, HERE, HERE and HERE.
Cease #4 – Osaka
Our keep in Osaka was actually brief, partly as a result of we had deliberate to remain there for simply 3 nights and 4 days, earlier than persevering with on to the seaside in Okinawa , and partly as a result of we weren’t significantly fortunate with the climate and have been shocked by hurricane LAN which hit in our route proper throughout our journey from Kyoto to Osaka.
Regardless of the climate warning and the cancellation of all worldwide and home flights and planes, nevertheless, we have been very fortunate to nonetheless be capable of journey from Kyoto to Osaka by subway .
The incessant rain and the virtually complete closure of the town, nevertheless, allowed us to journey little.
Moreover, we had put aside certainly one of our three days in Osaka to go to Nara , so we had little or no time to discover Osaka additional.
I have to say, nevertheless, that the little we noticed shocked us positively.
In comparison with its extra inflexible and critical sisters (Tokyo and Kyoto), we discovered Osaka softer and lighter in each manner.
Noisy, colourful, with out too many guidelines.
Stuffed with lights and colours like Tokyo however extra relaxed.
Ranging from the timetables!
How good to have the ability to exit for a late dinner in peace, after having understood within the cities we had visited beforehand that we needed to earn our desk in eating places no later than 7.00/7.30 pm.
Though to a a lot lesser extent than Kyoto, there are additionally lovely temples to go to and a variety of gastronomic choices to get pleasure from.
Go to Nara, the town of 1000 deer
Nara is certainly a must-see and completely can’t be missed as a result of it’s so lovely and distinctive.
I say this not just for the distinctive and uncommon expertise of strolling amongst a whole lot of deer and fawns accustomed to coexisting with people, but in addition to go to the Todai-ji temple with its immense and imposing 15-meter Buddha.
Right here is my “ abstract reel ” additionally on Osaka and Nara HERE .
Tappa #5: Okinawa
After so many days spent on the transfer, visiting cities far and huge, we had allowed ourselves a extra enjoyable and laid-back summer time break, with a number of days to spend on the seaside, in Okinawa.
Not everybody is aware of this however it’s a lovely place, with crystal clear waters , an excellent number of colourful fish, coral seashores with comfortable white sand.
The right place to get away from all of it and take a well-deserved relaxation after all of the wandering round, if you end up in Japan.
Okinawa is a vacationer vacation spot and filled with seaside amenities.
We arrived so drained that, to be utterly trustworthy, we didn’t really feel the need to tour it, however we opted to remain in our resort having fun with the ocean and leisure to spend the final days of trip earlier than returning to Italy.
Enjoyable truth:
Karate, a martial artwork recognized and unfold all through the world, was born proper right here!
As for the earlier phases, I am going to depart you a submit on Okinawa HERE .
