Japan Archives | bye:myself

JAPAN. An Adjustable Guide for First-Timers

Posted on2022-01-042023-07-02AuthorRenata Green9 Comments

Are you planning on going to Japan for the first time?
Being all excited?
Wondering what to expect?
Having a million questions?
Well, I recently came back from my first big Japan adventure, and let me tell you: It was just overwhelming; in a good way! I had the chance to travel for three weeks. However, I know that not everybody has the opportunity to leave for so long. Therefore, based on my itinerary, I put together a travel guide – not only – for other first-timers to Japan. You can adjust it individually to your personal trip – for one, two, or three weeks in the Land of the Rising Sun.

日本へようこそ – Nihon e yōkoso – Welcome to Japan!

Geisha taking picture with a cellphone — Beautifully dressed for Japan.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

TOKYO – Guide to 10 Extraordinary Neighborhoods

Posted on2022-01-042023-11-08AuthorRenata7 Comments

Tokyo – my first encounter with Japanese everyday life and culture – left a good impression and prepared me for more to come – hence, let me guide you to ten of its most extraordinary neighborhoods.

School kids in Tokyo, Japan — A warm and fun welcome to Tokyo by these sweet ambassadors.

Tokyo – the first cut is the deepest. However, this one didn’t hurt at all.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

How (not) to behave in JAPAN

Posted on2022-01-012023-08-27AuthorRenata Green6 Comments

Before travelling to Japan, everyone makes a big deal of how to behave correctly in Japan – because it’s so different.

School Class crossing street in Japan, showing how to behave. — Follow the leader. And follow the rules. And….oh, when in Japan, just follow.

I really don’t know why everyone emphasizes how different Japan is. Because – different from what? Like everything else in life, different is very relative.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

A Visit to the HAKONE OPEN AIR MUSEUM – at the height of beauty

Posted on2021-10-232023-07-26AuthorRenata4 Comments

Although on clear days, you can be lucky to spot Mount Fuji all the way from Tokyo, most people take a day trip either to the Fujigoko Fuji Five Lake region at the northern foot of the famous mountain. Others try their luck and visit Hakone, a hot spring region with many grand places to experience – like the Hakone Open Air Museum, an outdoor gallery at the height of beauty.

Renata Green on a sculpture at the Open Air Museum In Hakone, Japan — Sunnyside up: At Hakone’s outdoor gallery, visitors are invited to become one with the art – literally.

World-famous Mount Fuji, probably Japan’s most iconic landmark, is a still active volcano, albeit, it erupted for the last time in 1707, so no worries.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

KAWAGUCHIKO – Taking a Shot at Mount Fuji

Posted on2020-01-042023-07-22AuthorRenata5 Comments

I’ve heard that there are people travelling periodically to the Lakeland of Kawaguchiko west of Tokyo just to take a good shot of Mount Fuji.

Mount Fuji seen from Kawaguchiko — This is the picture I intended to shoot.

This majestic, perfectly shaped volcano – that erupted lastly in 1707 – seems to be hiding behind clouds most of the time. Therefore, it can be a challenge – or a hobby – hunting the best view. Or at least a glimpse.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

Guide to NAGOYA – enjoy the ordinary

Posted on2020-01-042022-11-08AuthorRenata2 Comments

This is a guide to Nagoya, the perfect place to enjoy an ordinary day in an ordinary city in Japan.

Renata Green at the Nagoya Castle on a guide to Nagoya, an ordinary Japanese city — Shogun for a day.

Brands like Mitsubishi, Toyota, and even Shinkansen are settled in Nagoya. I assume they sound more familiar than the city’s own name.

This might be the reason why most foreign visitors just skip Japan’s fourth-largest city located on the Pacific coast in favor of the more glamorous metropoles.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

TAKAYAMA – travel back in time; and a side trip to SHIRAKAWAGO

Posted on2020-01-042022-11-08AuthorRenata Green7 Comments

Takayama and Shirakawago are the perfect places if you are ready for a trip back in time. Nestled between the mountains of the Gifu prefecture, they invite you to walk narrow alleys lined with old wooden merchants’ houses dating to the Edo Period. You can visit a dozen of fascinating museums. And last not least, you absolutely need to sample Hida Beef that just melts in your mouth.

Renata Green in TAKAYAMA on a travel back in time and a side trip to SHIRAKAWAGO — Once in Shirakawago, you absolutely have to walk up to the Ogimachi observation deck. There is already a photographer with a couple of props waiting for you – say cheese!

It might be already challenging enough to fit all the landmarks in downtown Takayama into your itinerary. Nevertheless, you should by no means miss a little side trip to Shirakawago village. This hamlet made it to the World Heritage Site list in 1995, after all.

This Way to the Whole Story ->