Japan Adventure December 2024

Solo trip to Japan for Christmas 2024 

I have always wanted to go away at Christmas, this time I decided to choose Japan at random, it was on my bucket list and never travelled so far solo before. Here is my blog of my time in Japan. 

On the way to the airport from Bolton train station, I was waiting for the 06:54 Northern train with Neil; he wanted to come along to see me off at the departures. I think secretly, he didn't want me to go so far away. The train had 6 carriages, which helped a lot as it can get quite busy at that time of the morning with commuters. As you can see, I only had a rucksack, so it was easier than faffing with a suitcase. 
I know it doesn't look like it, but I was very excited. There were elements of nerves too, not because I hate flying; on the contrary, I bloody love it. I think there were a few nerves because it was my first 'solo' long-haul flight I have been on. How would I cope with 12 hours of flying? Would I be bored? Would I sleep? That's the question; let's find out........

Checked in at the Airfrance check-in desk at Manchester Airport T2
Then it is through departures and security. It was an automated machine where you place your suitcases/bags on the scales after scanning your boarding passes, it then prints you a baggage tag which you fix to your own suitcase, then make your way to the bag drop desk to send your bag on its travels, I think going to Japan, the rucksack was excited too haha 

Getting through departures and security at Terminal 2 was simple and straightforward, took around 15 minutes from start to finish. I think it could have been even quicker, but some passengers were a little confused about what to take out of their hand baggage, however, Manchester Airport Terminals 1 & 2 have upgraded their security, so now you leave everything inside your hand baggage, this includes electronics, liquids, and anything else you would normally have to take out, so the security was smooth and fast considering its a busy international terminal. 
From Manchester, I was flying with Air France, destination to Paris at 11:15. The flight was scheduled to depart on time, but some mechanical safety issues needed to be dealt with as the captain was not happy. The delay was waiting for the engineers, who were off site. Some of the passengers were not happy at having to wait, but the way I saw it was that the captain wasn't happy and he wanted the plane checked out; surely, passengers would rather be safe than leave on time with a possible fault which could have been disastrous. Luckily, it turned out to be nothing of concern, but I thank the Captain for being so cautious. The delay now was just under 2 hours, I wasn't concerned as my connecting flight wasn't until 21:55 in the evening. 
I had never flown with Air France before, and I had no issues with them; the flight attendants were pleasant and helpful, and the aircraft I was on to Paris was an Airbus A220-300, which had a 2-3 seat layout, when I chose my seat, I selected the duo seat next to the window, It was only an hour flight so knew it would pass in no time. It was quite cloudy, so I didn't see much out of the window anyway. 
Shortly after take off, we were given drinks and snacks, on this occasion, it was a cheese spread like sandwich, which was very welcoming as I wasn't expecting food or drink on such a short flight. The cold can of Coca-Cola was very refreshing indeed and went down a treat, although I could hear my teeth chattering away, "Oooh look, more sugar again!" 

My boarding pass at the ready

You know them moments when you change your mind on things, and then afterwards you end up regretting it. This was one of them occasions; originally I was booked into seat 28L, which was a duo seat at the centre of the plane. I decided to change and sit at the back of the plane as it was a full flight, practically and felt there would be a little more room. Whoa, was I wrong? I didn't realise, or at least had forgotten, that the plane arches towards the back. I was sitting at the window seat next to another passenger; however, there was a rather large gap between the armrest and the window, which made for a very uncomfortable flight as I couldn't get comfy, even with the pillow, as the gap was too wide. Seat 28L was a straight seat, so I would have been able to rest my head comfortably against the window. After the flight, that was a deep regret. 

The flight itself was around 10 hours and 57 minutes from Paris to Tokyo, although I did enjoy the flight, having to sit next to a passenger who fidgeted the entire flight while semi-sleeping was unbearable. I wish now I had chosen the ailse seat as at least I would have been able to go to the toilet or stretch my legs without having to disturb the other passenger, but you live and learn and I certainly didn't make the same mistake on the way back, I made sure I was in a aisle seat. 

Some cool McDonald's Christmas socks! 

While I was waiting for my flight to Tokyo, I went for a mooch around the airport, like you do while in holiday mode. Saw McDonald's, I was contemplating buying somethin,g but I knew Airports were always expensive for food and drink, plus I also knew meals and drinks were provided on the flight so I just went to check the menu out, always looking for unusual items that we don't have here in the United Kingdom. It was Christmas time, I found a pair of Christmas socks for Neil, he obviously wanted them because at home, he is obsessed with McDonald's and would probably eat it daily if he could. They cost 5 euros (£4.20) at the time, the novelty isn't it, I guess. 

Having a couple of beers before boarding my flight

This was my first long-haul flight. I was flying on the AirFrance 21:55 to Tokyo, it was a Boeing 777-300 aircraft. I had never flown on a widebody jet before, nor had I ever stepped foot on one, so it was kind of exciting at the same time as well as slight nerves. Spent 18 euros on 2 large beers, which I drank before boarding, forgetting that I might have to pee a lot haha, but it calmed me and I boarded, sat in my seat and enjoyed the experience of no longer being a 777 virgin haha 

Sunset over Europe 

For most of the flight, we had the window blinds down to provide an ambient mood-setting; however, after takeoff off once we were at 39,000ft, I snapped a picture of the beautiful sunset over Europe. After this, and just after food and drink service was completed, the cabin lights were dimmed and all window blinds were closed. I believe airlines do this because of some safety issues, as well as creating a calm setting where passengers can enjoy a comfortable sleep as we passed several time zones, which were coming up to sunrise. I quite enjoyed the darkness; it was relaxing. 

The in-flight entertainment was great, there were many choices of films, tv shows, games and things to read to keep one entertained between periods of eating, popping to the loo, and sleeping. As mentioned earlier, I was not comfortable at all because of the large gap between my armrest and the window, making it difficult to sleep comfortably. I managed to watch a few TV shows: Friends and Big Bang Theory (I know, same as what I watch at home, autistic mind) and also attempted to watch Meg 2 and Home Alone, which was nice as it was the Christmas period after all and Home Alone is a classic movie. 

The food on the flight was very nice, a very tasty meal indeed, served with drink of your choice, I opted for white wine, however, the cabin crew didn't hear me correctly, and gave me red wine, which was actually quite nice. I think I was having chicken and vegetables with some chocolate mouse, cheese, crackers and bread, along with some water. Shortly after food, they came around to offer coffee or tea. I didn't have the coffee, so no idea what it was like. After the first service had finished, the cabin crew relaxed at the back of the aircraft, which is the space between the toilets and food/drink holding cages. The drinks trolley is left at the back emergency exit for you to replenish drinks during the flight and between meals. If you required an alcoholic beverage, you could ask the cabin crew, who were more than happy to help and provide snacks in between if you got peckish. 

Just about to land in Tokyo at 19:20. Bright lights !! haha 

The flight was almost over, such a nice feeling when the captain comes on saying 'cabin crew 10 minutes to landing', the excitement really kicked in, knowing I was about to land in a city that most people dream about. I was lucky indeed to be able to save up and come to Japan; it had always been on my bucket list. 

From watching YouTube videos of Japan, I knew it was going to be very bright indeed and It wasn't a disappointment, I snapped another cool picture of me flying into Tokyo, the city looked magical with all the lights, I don't know how much the electricity bill is but it was very, very surreal. 

Off the aircraft and heading to border control. I didn't require a visa, but I had to complete a landing card and a customs declaration before arriving at Tokyo, which the flight attendants handed out about 30 minutes before landing. It was a simple enough task to complete, but waiting in the queue was a bit strange as it mentioned something about scanning a QR code upon arrival , which had me panicking a little in the queue as it moved quicker and quciker to my turn with border control. Turns out it was a QR code to confirm the customs declaration, which I didn't need to complete as I had the paper version, which AIrFrance had given me. 

On the landing card (more info), it does ask about 'criminal convictions' and of course I had to be honest, I admit at this point, I was a little worried about being stopped at border or asked further questions, not that I was bothered as I was honest about my past, but that sheer moment when you have no control or no idea whether your once in a lifetime trip was going to be going ahead or cut short. But I gave the card and customs declaration to the border control officer, and she smiled politely (behind a face mask), and this was the moment I nearly wet myself. She quickly looked at the landing card, scanned it, popped it in a pile, scanned my passport, then a visa-type sticker came out of a machine, and she stuck it inside my passport and gave me a 90-day visitor visa. Happy days....I was through and ready to collect my baggage. 

After waiting about 10 or 15 minutes for baggage to come off the aircraft, one thing I noticed was how gentle and organised the baggage handlers were, calmly placing suitcases and bags neatly for collection, without just launching them on like a lot of countries do. It was nice to see this kind of respect for others' belongings. After I collected my baggage, there was another type of border control before the exit, this was to check if I was bringing anything into the country I shouldn't be (now would be the time to get rid of anything you didn't know you could have) and also was asked where I was staying. I told the inspector that I was going to Osaka first but as it was late in the evening, I stayed at the airport pod for 1 night so I could travel with ease the next day, this cleared up confusion as on my declaration card I put Osaka as where I was staying but it wasn't an issue, he was polite and friendly enough and let me go about my business. Impressive service indeed. 

Cabin at Tokyo Airport: Stayed in a pod 

I have always wanted to stay in a capsule pod in Japan, I only did 1 night due to landing late in the evening and after travelling for 24 hours, I didn't want to travel more to Osaka. I am glad I only booked the pod for 1 night as it was not the comfiest of beds to sleep on, but I was exhausted so I managed to get some sleep but I didn't sleep straight through. The noise in the area was minimal; some were staying in the pods around mine, but it was quiet enough. I was just glad to take the weight off my feet.  

There was no breakfast included in the price of the pod, it set me back £79 for the night (Link to book) and on the morning of check out, which was 10am, I managed to grab a nice shower which was simply devine, very clean and lovely, it was communal showers but not open like in a gym. I was refreshed and ready to check out and head to Osaka to properly start my Japan adventure. 

 

My first ever Japan bullet train experience from Tokyo to Osaka

My experience of the bullet train in Japan did not disappoint. All the seats on the train are reserved, so you are guaranteed a seat. There is ample space and legroom, and the train is comfortable, clean, and very modern. I couldn't find anything wrong with my journey, other than I could have stayed on for hours, haha 

More information regarding the Shinkansen Bullet Trains can be found here, along with a rail fare calculator for those doing longer journeys or more frequent travel, as a JR Pass might be more value for money. Travelling from Tokyo to Osaka was a journey indeed, and I loved every moment of it. The Shinkansen Bullet Trains were just incredible, not one was late, and it was a little annoying that I could not find fault with anything on board, the space on the train was large, there was not a spec of dirt or grafitti, no chewing gum or litter, it was a pure delight for sure and I really wish that we had such a great train system here in the UK. 

(Left) This was my JR ticket that got me from Tokyo to Osaka to start my first part of my Japan trip. It was a single ticket, purchased from a ticket machine close to the entrance. It cost Y14,720 (£72) and the journey took around 2 hours 50 minutes from my first cabin, where I stayed; however, I was on the bullet train for around 2 hours 18 minutes, and it flew by. As you can imagine, it arrived perfectly on time. 

Whenever I go on holiday or take an adventure to a new place, I always like to collect and bring home some of the local currency, whether that be in notes or coins. On this occasion, I brought home some coins to add to my collection. I believe notes are used a lot more than coins, I used my change for the train tickets that only cost 160-230 yen so it was easier. 

I arrived at Osaka on the train a little early to be able to check in to my hotel, I decided to go find somewhere to eat. It was about an hour walk from the station to my hotel, I could have got the train or bus, however, I wanted to walk as it was a nice dry, warm day and I wanted to see the views around. 

I stopped at a little restaurant along the route, as it was my first time, and I was lugging baggage with me, I did not want to go anywhere I would make a nuisance or anywhere that was too crowded. Found a little place that had seating, never eaten in Japan, so was unaware of the etiquette.

The place was very clean, the staff were lovely, the people were smiling, and the place had a calm feel to it. I ordered from a touch screen, was unaware of what I was selecting, I was merely going off the photos, they surely did not disappoint, the food (below) was so tasty and had so much flavour. I was stuffed after this meal, they do large portions in Japan so you always be sure you get value for money. 

There were some condiments on the table, which I thought were cabbage, took a spoonful in my mouth, and it was red coloured ginger, now I don't mind a little ginger, but a spoonful, it was not nice, had to politely drop it from my mouth into a napkin. I then placed a little ginger in my broth, which was beautiful. Think it only costs about £4 for it with a drink, they also serve, I believe to be some kind of cold green tea (not for me, don't like it) as standard for free. 

The first proper meal in Osaka was charming and full of flavours. 

Japan really thinks of everything!

After i finished my meal, I needed to continue walking to burn off the large, tasty meal I had just consumed. I was walking up this walkway and noticed, how weird (in a good way) and so advanced Japan is, and not just in terms of technology. SImple, easy and accessible routes for all. Genius! 

View from my hotel on the 31st floor 

Overlooking the balcony on the 31st floor 

Stayed in APA hotels; there are quite a lot of these chain hotels all over Japan, particularly in the tourist areas. They are very clean and modern, and the beds, which I would rate 8.9/10, were comfy to sleep on. In the rooms were large 50-inch TVs on the wall with Netflix included for when you want to just wind down and chill. The room was cleaned frequently, and the change of towels and coffee/tea, etc., was done daily. The hotel was spotless; not a bit of dirt anywhere, no dust, no litter, nothing! It was amazing, and I am glad I stayed and chose the APA hotels. 

Having the signs in English really helped with navigation in Japan 

A lot of the signage in Japan, especially in the large tourist areas, was in English, which helped. Although, like anywhere, I think it's out of respect that you try and at least attempt some basic language, even if it's the basics like: please, thank you, etc. It's sure appreciated by all those in Japan.

The entry fee to Osaka Castle costs 600 yen (£3), and it was a very interesting place to visit, including the panoramic view from the top floor where the shop is located. I arrived early in the morning before it started to get busy, I am glad I did, I was able to walk around the museum at a leisurely pace and learn about Japanese history and culture. I think you can purchase your tickets for entry to the castle online; however, it does not take long to get a physical ticket from the machine, I did, so that I could keep it for my Japan scrapbook. 

Ticket for the entry to Osaka Castle (£3), this was on the day in December 2024. Having checked the website, it appears the price has increased to 1,200 yen, although this is for a skip-the-line ticket, it could also be due to the season. The link for more information is (here)

Outside Osaka Castle, in December, it felt like summer, though it was warm and certainly was strange being outside just before Christmas. I recall back at home it was freezing cold, whereas in Osaka it was 15c and with the sun being out, felt warm and very pleasant.  

One of the displays in Osaka Castle highlights the history of Japan during invasions 

When in the castle (entry was about £3), there were 7 or 8 floors, I think. On the 3rd and 4th floors, due to the uniqueness of the artwork, photography was prohibited. Out of respect in general, I didn't take any pictures of any displays while inside the castle, apart from this above. What was fascinating was the war armour some of the Samurai warriors wore during the times; they were very heavy and must have put a huge strain on their bodies during already perplexing times. Overall, it was a nice morning. I managed to get there around 09:45am, and it only started to get quite busy once I left around 11:15am.

My advice if you want to not have to queue, purchase your tickets in advance. However, be cautious of buying from unrecognised websites, always use the official Osaka Castle museum website. 

Stunning views of Osaka from the rooftop of Osaka Castle. 

As mentioned before, once you are at the top of Osaka Castle, the views are panoramic and these photos really don't do it justice. the place is stunning, the weather was on my side and it stayed dry for me. 

You wouldn't think it was Christmas Eve! 

It even felt weird, like, in my head I knew it was Christmas Eve and back home it would be either raining or freezing cold, or maybe both and yet here I was walking around Osaka with some clouds in the sky and walking around with a t-shirt on. As mentioned before, the views were fantastic and it really was such a clean and rich country, with charisma and charm to say the least. 

Osaka view 

From the top of Osaka Castle, the panoramic views were awesome. It would have been a little better had it been snowing, but that's me being silly. Nevertheless, you really do appreciate the views when up here. The city would be bustling and busy, but when you are here watching it from this view, it looks calm and surreal. 

Osaka Science and History Museum. 10 floors, each floor with a different theme. 

I loved the Science and History Museum in Osaka and stayed for a few hours. Some of the floors were interactive, including the space exhibition with a large telescope and orbiting planets, as well as the biology floor about human brains and functions of the nervous system. It was around £7 to get in, but worth it, as there was a lot to see and do, and it was very informative. It wasn't too busy, which was nice, as it gave me a chance to explore the exhibitions in detail. 

Reminds me of a 'Smiler' from Doctor Who 

On Christmas Day 2024, I wasn't sitting at home stuffing my face with chocolate or ploughing myself with alcohol, or ending in a food coma due to overeating on turkey and roast potatoes. I decided to go to Kyoto to visit the Fushimi Shrine, and what a beautiful, relaxing place it was. I still couldn't believe I was getting on a train/metro on Christmas Day with a 6 minute frequency, it was not like back at home in the UK where no trains are running at all on both Christmas Day and Boxing Day, which makes it difficult for me, someone who doesn't drive, to be able to get out and about, I don't really like Christmas or the traditions around it, I much prefer to be out doing something. So it was nice to be able to be out on Christmas Day and do something that isn't Christmas-related. 

These machines are located in every station; they are 'fare adjustment' machines. If you go over the fare boundary, you place your current ticket in the machine, and it calculates the fare adjustment to pay and then issues a new ticket so you can place it in the barrier to exit the station. This is something that should be used in the UK, would help, but given how confusing and expensive the fares are in England, Scotland, and Wales, it probably isn't worth it. But it was something I appreciated as I went further afield than I wanted to and had to pay an extra 60 yen (£0.30) to go into the next fare boundary. 

These are the small tickets that range from 180 yen (£0.90) to 330 yen (£1.65), which is the maximum fare on the metro routes. I think it's excellent value for money. I paid single fares most of the time as it worked out easier and cheaper for me, but there is a day pass you can purchase for around 700 yen (£3.50) with unlimited travel across the Tokyo Metro, but I believe it was about 820  yen (£4.11) in Osaka, and slighty cheaper in Nagoya at 760 yen (£3.81), but comparing that to punctuality, cleanliness and reliability of public transport here in Japan, compared to the UK, it most certainly is value for money. 

I visited the Port of Nagoya Aquarium, 

A large Whale Shark 

Some amazing animals at the aquarium—I watched a live orca whale show and a feeding session, which was awesome to see. Although it's an aquarium, the fish and mammals are kept well; the tanks are huge and clean, and the residents look content. The penguins were a highlight, as were the large whale sharks. Could spend a good few hours here. It was very touristy and busy, but I managed to get some good photos, and I enjoyed my time here very much. 

Food

Some of the amazing food I had eaten while in Japan. As you can imagine, with Asian cuisine, there are a lot of noodles and meats, so I tried to eat a variety of different dishes. One of the worst ones was the Udon (top right picture in the blue bowl), which I couldn't even eat. I just randomly ordered it as it looked nice in the photos on the menu, got it, and it was raw fish, but the sauce on top and whatever else was on it made it taste vile (I did try it!). But I couldn't stomach it, so I spent £6 on a small bowl of salad and a lemonade, haha. The rest of the food was lovely, beautifully cooked and filling, cheap and cheerful, with lots of flavours and something I enjoyed very much.....apart from that Udon!  

Glass of Beer !

One thing I found to be slightly humorous while in Japan was the beers; the Japanese were not good at giving a beer like here in the UK. I am not a huge drinker, so I only had one or two now and then. The beer was lovely, but they use a spoon after pouring it to remove the very large frothy head. Haha, I just found it funny.

Police Kobans and Vehicles

As you can probably imagine, due to the way Japan is culturally, crime and deviance are relatively low. This is because there is an element of social control in the country; everyone knows the strict laws, and the embarrassment of even doing something we would class here in the UK as primary deviant behaviour, as simple as petty pickpocketing or shoplifting, would likely land you in jail or a hefty fine, so the punishment outweighs the crime. Hence, I felt quite safe walking alone around Japan, even after dark. I found it interesting to see some of the relaxed personalities of the local authorities over there; the vehicles were quite cool, and the use of push bikes is still common, although they are outside Kobans. (Kobans)

Public Transport

An Electric bus in Osaka

Another older Electric bus near Shibuya Crossing 

A lot of their trains, particularly older ones, are decorated in very colourful anime and cartoon livery. 

December 25th (Christmas Day), and still on time and very frequent trains

The transport in Japan was phenomenal; while there, I travelled on many underground tubes, trains, and some buses, as well as the Shinkansen bullet trains, which were exceptionally clean, cosy, safe, and not too bad in price (depending on the length of the journey). (Shinkansen Trains)
I never experienced one delay, one cancellation, or a late-running train or bus in the entire 2-week trip. Queuing was maintained and orderly, unlike the free-for-all here in the UK (Overcrowding) and although at times it was very busy, because of how orderly it was, my anxiety levels were low, something I have yet to experience in other countries. 

Overall, my solo trip was amazing from start to finish. I would encourage anyone keen on travelling to go visit Japan, as it really is beautiful.