Three weeks in Japan with the family (page 6 of 9)

Weren't you able to eat any fruit during the whole vacation? Or are these very high prices for certain special fruits, due to their origin? Or their variety?

Fruit is generally very expensive in Japan. There are some that are affordable, like watermelon or apples (though still at least 1 euro per apple...). Others are indeed very pricey for various reasons. That’s the case with strawberries or melons, for example, which can sometimes cost up to 150 euros each. In those cases, they’re gifts you give. They’re perfectly round (they often come from Hokkaido and are rotated every day to get the most perfect shape possible) and beautifully wrapped...

Japan is another planet 😉!

That doesn’t stop them from having the highest life expectancy in the world...

Fruit is generally very expensive in Japan. That doesn’t stop them from having the highest life expectancy in the world...

They must make up for it by eating 5 vegetables a day!

But I’ll admit that, heading there for 6 weeks this fall, I’ll find it weird to barely eat any fruit. It’s usually how I end my meal.

You can eat it if you want. It does exist, after all. But generally, there’s no dessert in a Japanese meal (maybe a red bean cake, green tea ice cream, or a slice of watermelon if it’s in season). A Japanese meal usually ends with a bowl of rice.

It’s clear that when you go to Japan, you have to forget all your usual references and habits.

That’s also what makes going to Japan so interesting...

If you stay at a ryokan in the countryside, don’t expect any sweet treats for breakfast...

They have to compensate by eating 5 vegetables a day!

But I’ll admit, since we’re going for 6 weeks this fall, it’ll feel weird not eating much fruit. It’s usually how we end our meals.

Fruit can be pricey, but it depends on where you buy it. In supermarkets, small neighborhood grocers, and even the food floors of unexpected stores (Yodobashi Camera!), you’ll find strawberries, watermelons, apples, grapes, mandarins (mikan), and several kinds of delicious tomatoes at more than reasonable prices.

For example, I just stuffed myself with 400 g of exquisite strawberries for 298 yen at Yodobashi in Kyoto.

Thanks for the good news! And going back to the question I had, do you know what weight the listed prices correspond to: kg? 100g? pounds?

Thanks for the good news. And going back to the question I was asking myself, do you know what weight the displayed prices correspond to: kg? 100g? pounds?

I must admit I’ve never really paid much attention... It’s definitely more expensive than in Europe, but again, the comparison isn’t really fair since we don’t consume the same way on vacation as we do at home...

I’ll try to keep it in mind and take some notes...

Hi,

You couldn't eat any fruit during the whole vacation? Or are these very high prices for certain very special fruits, due to their origin? Or their variety?

Very little, but that didn’t bother us. Though, we—well, my daughter and I especially—are usually big fruit eaters.

I’d promised myself I’d buy one of those ridiculously expensive peaches before we left to try them. But we forgot. :(

As CalamityGin mentioned, it’s possible to find cheaper fruit in small markets.

The weight of fruits is very rarely by weight. It's usually the price for the punnet/bag (strawberries, mandarins) or per fruit (apple, melon, etc.).

Personally, I find supermarket fruits expensive. I always go to local greengrocers where the prices are unbeatable. It's also worth thinking about buying seasonal and local produce (strawberries in Fukuoka right now, for example).

Monday, August 15: Kanazawa

For the first time since the start of this vacation, it’s raining when we wake up. We take our time getting ready.

For me, who’d been dreaming of a clear umbrella ever since a distant business trip to Japan, this is the perfect opportunity to finally get one. Along the way, two more clear umbrellas join our collection.

And here we are at the Ōmicho Market, with its wide variety of seafood. The stalls are overflowing with all kinds of fish and shellfish. The atmosphere is picturesque and lively, full of energy. As usual in Japan, you can taste the food on the spot—whether grabbing a quick bite, sitting at one of the small stands scattered around, or in the few restaurants set up inside the market. Faced with those giant oysters and scallops, I regret having had such a big breakfast—I can’t even try them.





















A few fruits as a bonus.

After earthly nourishment, spiritual nourishment awaits us: it’s time to head to the "21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art."

Once there, two exhibitions are available to visitors: the free permanent one and the paid temporary one (which also lets you see a few permanent works not included in the free access visit). Unless you have plenty of time, don’t do what we did—avoid the temporary exhibition. You’ll save time (no need to queue) and money, because while the permanent works are interesting—even if many resemble those we saw on Naoshima—the temporary exhibition was disappointing, at least during our visit. The only really great thing not included in the free section is the view from inside the famous pool by Argentine artist Leandro Erlich. As for this pool, the trompe-l’oeil effect, whether from above or inside, is simply mind-blowing.









Its human scale and friendly atmosphere make this museum particularly enjoyable. The free access to a large part of the collection, the fluid and bright architecture, the multiple relaxation spaces, and the outdoor park adorned with several artworks make it a wonderful place to wander around.

After some trouble finding something to eat on this Sunday far from the city center, we’re now exploring Kenrokuen, renowned as one of Japan’s three most beautiful gardens. Lake, lanterns, fountains, diverse plant species, moss, and rocks—nothing is missing. Not even the sun, which has now returned.

After thoroughly exploring the garden, we still had time to take a little stroll through Nagamachi, the samurai district, with its typical ochre-clad alleys. Upon our arrival, pretty lights in the fading sunlight illuminated the place. Unfortunately, it was no longer possible to visit the houses. Those pesky opening hours again—what a shame!











A peaceful walk back to the apartment through this very typical Japanese urban landscape nicely wrapped up the day.





If anyone has any explanations...



Kanazawa, often left off the itinerary for a first visit to Japan, was a fantastic surprise, and we could have easily spent an extra day there—to visit a samurai house, of course, but also the geisha district, not to mention the castle or even the ninja temple, which is actually a fortress filled with traps.

Great, I’ve planned 2 days in Kanazawa for our trip—it’s reassuring me in that choice. It’s not always easy to gauge from reading different guides how much time you should spend in each place.

Yes, there’s loads to see—don’t forget to book a few days in advance for the ninja temple.

Thanks for the tip!

Hello, I’ve been reading your travel journal about Japan very carefully. I’m really undecided about a trip there, but my partner is very keen. Usually, I organize everything myself (including long-haul destinations), but for Japan, I feel like I won’t manage. If I understand correctly, you only rented a car for a few days... Is traveling by train easy? Can you get around cities easily? When you arrive at a station, how do you get to your accommodation: taxi, public transport? And for booking B&Bs, do you do it online in English? I should also mention that we’re no longer in our 20s or even 50s—we’re closer to 70! Thank you anyway for this very detailed account, which I’ve saved in my favorites in case I decide to go. I still have time since it would be for March-April or maybe September-October 2019. You went in July/August (school holidays, of course), but since we’re retired, I wonder if spring or autumn would be better. Maybe other readers can weigh in on this? I’m eagerly waiting for your Tokyo update... Best regards.

Hi there,

Honestly, it’s super easy to plan a trip to Japan—everything is designed to make life simple. The trains are easy to take and find (platforms are organized by destination and clearly labeled). It’s also easy to get around the cities. Don’t forget to pick up maps. Everywhere we went, all the signs were also written in Latin characters. We stayed in accommodations near the train station—or at least not too far—so we could walk there. I made all the reservations in English. For the best time to visit, I’ll let others chime in. Don’t hesitate if you have any questions. Best regards

Thanks for your quick and reassuring reply. When I get serious about planning my trip, I might have a few more questions for you. Have a good evening

Hi everyone,

To be continued

Tuesday August 16: On the way to Tokyo and Shibuya

Today marks the final leg of our adventure: discovering Tokyo.

Our last shinkansen ride. We’re a bit early, so we have time to show the kids the Alibaba cave. Come on! Let’s snap a few more photos! I never get tired of it.



We also meet up with our buddy Pepper again. Communication is still just as tricky.