Fresh Fruit

This is not something you would normally put on your travel itinerary, but fresh fruit in Japan is a revelation. From the first peach I bit into, I knew instantly this was different from American fruit and not like any fruit I’d previously tasted. Fruit is more expensive in Japan, but well worth it. The quality of Japanese fruit is exceptional. The flavor and juiciness are off the charts and meticulous care is taken to make sure they stay unbruised.

I’d even recommend trying some $40 musk melon. These are often given as gifts. I don’t usually go to the fancy shops to get fruit. I like the neighborhood vendors, but you can get any fruit you want in supermarkets or the major department store food levels. Usually on the bottom floor.

Jimbocho - Book Town

If you love books and want a great deal, Jimbocho is the place to go. Jimbocho/Jinbocho (both spellings are used) is Tokyo’s Book Town—an area filled with used bookstores.

Here’s a list of all the bookstores in Jimbocho. It’s in Japanese so you will have to translate it. You can also search inventory via that website. There are 100+ stores, but some may have closed due to COVID-19 (temporarily or permanently).

Unlike many American bookstores, Japan has a tradition of standing and reading in bookstores. No one will care how long you look at or read any of the books you find while in the store.

In addition to books, Jimbocho is a great place to buy ukiyoe (woodblock prints). You can find something you’ll be happy to display at home without breaking the bank to get it. The above website includes stores that sell ukiyoe so you can do some research in advance if you prefer.

Ride the Shinkansen

I love riding the Shinkansen. It always amazes me how Japan keeps all these trains running on schedule. Once, when I was on a Shinkansen from Kyoto to Kanazawa (a 3-hour ride) there was a massive snowstorm and the train was going to be 3 minutes late. Several announcements apologized for the delay. Just incredible. No other country (maybe Germany) would bother apologizing for inconveniencing people by 3 minutes.

Anyhow, it’s nice to see the scenery roll by as you smoothly travel up to 200 hundred miles an hour. Grab a bento and a beer at the station before you get on the train so you can enjoy the trip like a Japanese salaryman would.