Photo Credit: Ansoo Gupta
An avid traveller by passion and a communications and marketing specialist by profession, Ansoo Gupta is the COO of an Indian digital marketing firm Pinstorm. As her passion project, she has been involved in promoting travelling as a means to understand and appreciate our planet and its diverse cultures. Having travelled to over 60 countries, what once started as sharing travel-related suggestions with her friends turned into full-fledged travel workshops conducted by Ansoo, where people of all ages, genders and backgrounds come to learn how to be a better traveller.
Through her efforts of promoting travelling as a means of raising awareness, self-growth and connecting with our planet, Ansoo has now founded One Shoe Trust to encourage mindful and responsible travel. She believes that only when we see how beautiful our planet is, will we be inspired to protect it and reverse the damage that we have caused it over the last few decades.
What time of the year is best to travel to Japan?
Any time you find time is the best time for a trip to Japan. As I always say, there is no bad weather, only bad clothing. So don’t wait for a good weather to welcome you in Japan. Nevertheless, Japan has four distinct seasons. The cherry blossom season or spring is the most popular among tourists, but autumn colours are equally beautiful; the winter snow and summer glow are charming in their own way too.
Photo Credit: Ansoo Gupta
Suggest some of the must-visit cities in Japan, the main attractions in the country and some of the most interesting things to do in Japan.
Hiroshima and Nagasaki, as clichéd as it may sound. The historic trip will remind you how the power struggles between nations can inflict misery and destruction and lead to the death of millions of innocent people. When in Japan, you must have a shower at one of the Japanese onsens, which are natural hot springs known to have abundant health benefits. With such good road and rail connectivity in Japan, keep some time aside for exploring the countryside near Kyoto and Nikko. Do go for a ride in a Shinkansen, the famous bullet train of Japan; it is indeed an experience in itself.
Photo Credit: Ansoo Gupta
How expensive is Japan from a tourism point of view?
Japan is as expensive as any western European country. Just because it is in Asia, people tend to compare it with other South East Asian nations and then find Japan expensive. This notion is wrongly placed. Like all other tourist places, you can find accommodation at all price points. Public transport is also comparable to European prices.
Which are the most suitable areas for accommodations, from the perspective of location as well as budget?
Almost all parts of Japan are developed and well maintained. So while big cities like Tokyo and Osaka have a very modern city-like character, there are smaller cities like Kyoto and Nikko, which still retain their rustic appeal. Do a thorough research and you’ll find good deals everywhere.
Photo Credit: Ansoo Gupta
We have heard a lot about Ryokan. How safe and convenient is this form of accommodation?
Staying at a Ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn, is worth experiencing during your trip to this South East Asian country. To find the most authentic Ryokans in Japan, here is a very useful website. You’ll be surprised to see how centuries-old Ryokans still maintain their original charm. Our stay at Haccho-noyu, a remote Ryokan-Onsen near the Kingawa Onsen area is well worth a mention. Extremely well-kept and hygienic, our Ryokan had the provision of an outdoor bath. The dining arrangements were rather interesting where all guests ate together at pre-fixed timings. Close to 20 authentic Japanese dishes were served which included tempura, steamed prawns, meat, raw fish and pickled wild mushrooms.
Photo Credit: Ansoo Gupta
Which are the most convenient modes of transport for touring a city?
Trains and buses are the preferred modes of transport in Japan. Buses running between cities are a budget-friendly option. Ensure you carry small currency denominations with you so that paying for the ticket becomes easier. The cost of bus tickets start from 100 Yen and usually depends on the distance you travel. You also have the option to hop on to a bus for a long-distance travel and a more suitable option would be to get a Japan bus pass if you are going on a 3 to 7-day tour of a city. Trains in Japan are the fastest and most convenient mode of travel. The train tickets are generally available at kiosks, where route maps display the different routes and help you deduce the cost of travel. One suggestion: If you aren’t able to calculate what the ticket fare might be, buy the ticket with the lowest fare and pay the extra amount at the fare adjustment machine before the exit gate.
Which are the most recommended Japanese dishes that one should try, where should we head to for them and what are their average costs like?
My favourite is Ramen. Ramens are of many types. The hot broth with its noodles, dumplings, veggies, meat and its distinctive umami flavours comfort the soul like nothing else. It is available at a price range of 300 Yen to 1000 Yen and is a full meal in itself. You may try Donburi as well, a Japanese rice bowl dish consisting of fish, meat, vegetables and other ingredients simmered together and served over rice. In terms of street food, Japan has limited options, but chains like Wagamama and other local restaurants provide authentic Japanese meals at affordable prices. Gourmet Dining in Japan is expensive, but is an experience of a lifetime.
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Photo Credit: Ansoo Gupta
Which are the ideal places to shop in Japan?
Malls in Tokyo are unlike the malls that you are accustomed to. They are not very loud and flashy, but beneath and around the train stations stocking anything and everything. Also the vending machines of Japan, which are present in every nook and corner, are legendary and dispense everything from drinks and ice-creams to hot meals and much more. If you are looking for daily-use items, head to Daiso, whose products combine aesthetics with practicality, and at cheap prices.
Are there any typical Japanese gifts that one may carry home as souvenirs?
My first choice would be Japanese pottery. This is pure art on a daily basis. Japanese ceramic is exemplary and its perfection and beauty is unmatched. Every time you eat in a plate that you carried from Japan, you will be transported to a land of aesthetics and total zen. My second choice is a pair of sneakers. Japan has taken sneakers to a different level. You will notice that everyone wears very comfortable shoes. Most girls do not wear heels or dainty looking shoes. If you love shoe shopping, go for a pair or two of sneakers in Japan. Some of the other Japanese brands which you may like are Uniqlo, Muji and Gu, apart from loads of excellent local brands.
Photo Credit: Ansoo Gupta
Are there some frequently used Japanese words or phrases that may come handy on a daily basis?
Japanese people are very polite and the two most frequently used phrases you’ll hear are Dōmo arigatō gozaimasu (Thank you very much) and Dō itashimashite (You’re welcome). Hai (Yes) and Arigato (thanks) are two other good-to-know words.
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Where should you go to experience Japan’s nightlife?
Each city in Japan has some pockets of its own where the nightlife is vibrant. Even in a city as old as Kyoto, you’ll experience a fun-filled nightlife, thanks to the students’ population in the many universities and colleges. In Tokyo, although there are many areas to get a taste of Japan’s nightlife, one of the recommended areas to spend a night is Shibuya, which is full of bars, pubs and discotheques. While you are in Shibuya, plan for another night at AgeHa, one of the biggest nightclubs in Japan, with three dance floors, an outdoor swimming pool and numerous chill-out areas and bars. It is not exactly centrally located, but is easy to get to from Shibuya. The extra commute is well worth it. You can also revel in the electrifying atmosphere at Ginza and Asakusa. For music lovers, Karaoke is quite big in Japan.
Now that you’re aware of what Japan has to offer, book tickets and hotel accommodations from the comfort of your home through Skyscanner’s award winning app!
