Narita

We don’t fly directly to Tokyo, but we fly to the nearest airport in the smaller city of Narita, about an hour of driving from Tokyo. And in Narita, not far from the airport, we are all accommodated. However, many crew members often refuse Radisson’s 5-star hotel hospitality and rather travel to the capital of Japan as soon as they arrive. They prefer to book a cheap capsule hotel for a few dollars and stay in Tokyo for the night. Everyone wants to enjoy the famous city as much as possible, see how thousands of neon lights turn on at night and inhale an atmosphere of busy streets.

 

Shopping in Japan

Capsule hotels are something you can find only in Japan, where is lack of space. These are small cells designed for overnight stay. I imagine something like space ship banks in movies. Together with the key, you will get your locker, the basic hygiene kit and the pyjama. You lock your personal stuff in the lockers in common area, take a shower in the shared bathroom, close your sleeping cell and good night… I wanted to have a similar experience, but unfortunately no one from my crew want to join! And I have to admit that I’m a bit afraid of going to crazy Tokyo by myself. I do not know how it goes in Japan and I’m terrified with the idea of  being ​​”Lost in Translation.” The first day, I follow my crew to the AEON shopping mall in Narita, where a big shopping is happening: sushi, matcha tea and other Japanese green tea, miso pasta, popular Shiseido cosmetics products, Fancl supplements, especially collagen drinks and similar stuff available only in Japan…

Jetleg

The next day, I get up early and take the shuttle bus to the train station, from where it is just a short walk to Narita Temple. I’ve heard it’s definitely worth a visit. I find out that Narita is a center where stewards and tourists from all over the world gather. Therefore every hotel in the city, even the airport itself, has a well-organized shuttle service not only to the city and shopping malls, but also to the temple or even to Tokyo city. Not far from the railway station you will find the Jetleg bar, which is open all night and where most travelers meet, when they cannot sleep due to jetleg. But there is a beautiful sunny autumn outside today, so I rather prefer to walk to the famous Shinshoji Temple…

Shinshoji Temple

To the Shinshoji Temple leads an easy downhill path from the main station, all lined with statues of a Chinese Zodiac and thousands of small shops with traditional Japanese products, crafts and goodies. The alley ends in front of the gate to the temple complex, where people from all over the world gather, especially those who profess Buddhism. There are beautifully carved wooden pagodas and fabulous Japanese gardens. I didn’t expect such a large space. The bushes are arranged in all sorts of interesting shapes and the autumn colors give them an interesting look. One could wander here for hours! Some paths lead to hidden fortune tellers, where you can have your future read, others to museums, where they will introduce you to the art of Japanese calligraphy, to theaters where different performances take place, or to a waterfall and a lake full of colorful fish. The gardens are well maintained and I admire the kind of organized and clean nation like the Japanese are. With their hard work, uniformity and respect for the order, they remind me a little bit of hardworking ants. 🙂 When you once go to Narita, before going to Tokyo, be sure to go first to Shinshoji Temple, you won’t regret it! Tokyo can wait for a while…