HOME Tokyo and Surroundings Tokyo Tokyo Station We Asked: 5 Quirky Things Travelers Aged Teens To Thirties Want to Do in Japan!

We Asked: 5 Quirky Things Travelers Aged Teens To Thirties Want to Do in Japan!

Date published: 2 March 2020

There are so many things to do in Japan such as experiencing gourmet foods like sushi and ramen, historical temples, and popular anime. The desires of what to experience may vary between country and age of traveler, so I asked for input from a variety of ages and nationalities.

I interviewed my classmates at Folkehojskolle in Denmark (a Scandinavian educational institution where people aged 17 years and over can enroll) and local elementary school students. We conducted a questionnaire entitled "Things" in five categories: "Eating," "shopping," "sightseeing," "staying,” and "experiences." Let's check out the results!

The topic of “gourmet” was the most exciting among international students in their teens and twenties. After all, Japanese food seems to be attracting attention from all over the world.

"I want to taste Japanese original food culture that is different from Europe, such as ramen, sushi and matcha." (Danish man, 20s)

"I want to eat okonomiyaki and ramen. Both look very delicious and I'm kind of excited to try." (Norwegian female, teens)

"I've never eaten Japanese cuisine before, so I'd like to try a nabe hot pot." (Dutch female, teens)

"I like drinking, so I want to go to a pub or a bar to try sake and Japanese whiskey. I also want to eat instant noodles and tempura." (Indian male, 20s)

"In other countries, Japanese Sanuki udon has a very good reputation, so I would like to try the real thing." (Korean woman, 30s)

"I would like to go to an izakaya, which has a lot of menus and cheap prices, to taste various Japanese foods and experience the difference in service from Korea. There are izakayas in Korea, but for me as a student, it is a little expensive.” (Korean female, 20s)

"I think it would be fun if I could not only eat but also make a traditional Japanese meal myself." (French male, 20s)

There were many foods that were loved by Japanese people, such as Sanuki udon, nabe, and okonomiyaki. Sanuki Urabara is a popular area of Kagawa prefecture, and Osaka, Asakusa, and Tsukishima are popular places to eat okonomiyaki.

Due to the age of the interviewees, there was a variety of responses. Note the large number of answers related to anime, one of the cultures that Japan brings to the world.

“Japan has a fashion that I like, so I want to buy a lot of clothes and accessories in Shibuya and Harajuku!" (French female, teens)

“Because I am a big fan of manga ONE PIECE, I want anime goods! I like having a tattoo of the ONE PIECE motif on my arm." (Danish male, 20s)

"I would like to go around Kyoto and buy souvenirs. I would stop by a cafe and enjoy matcha, and fully enjoy the Japanese experience." (Korean female, 30s)

"In Japan, there are many small and cute souvenirs. I want to buy accessories and sweets while sightseeing in Asakusa." (Korean female, 20s)

In addition to the classic Shibuya and Harajuku, some women asked to shop in Asakusa and Kyoto. In Japan, there are many goods that are specific to each region. The quality of manufacturing is high, so you can really enjoy your purchases.

Classic sightseeing spots such as Mt. Fuji and temples were popular responses, but we will focus on answers that are unique to Japan’s different seasons and the sights that are unique to this area.

"I would like to see the cherry blossoms. I have heard Japanese sit at the bottom of blooming cherry trees eating or drinking.” (Dutch woman, teens)

"I want to feel a traditional Japanese garden and the power of nature of like in Yakushima or Kyoto. I would like to visit spring and summer when the greenery is beautiful." (Korean female, 30s)

"I saw a photo of the snow festival in Hokkaido and it was fantastic, so I really want to go there." (Korean female, 20s)

It is inevitably crowded, but seeing cherry blossoms, a beloved Japanese tradition, is something tourists should experience. Popular areas in Tokyo are Ueno Park and Yoyogi Park, but there are lots of other places throughout the country to view cherry blossoms.

In addition to the popular “tatami” and “hot springs” at accommodations, there were some unexpected answers, so be sure to check them out.

"I would like to stay in a traditional Japanese style house, such as a room with tatami mats. I also want to see a love hotel." (Indian male, 20s)

"I would like to stay at a traditional Japanese inn with hot springs – it would be refreshing and help relieve a lot of stress and fatigue." (Korean female, 30s)

"I would like to stay at a hostel that houses locals." (Luxembourger female, teens)

"I want to stay at Hoshino Resort Tomamu in Hokkaido. There is a Cloud Terrace there and it has a beautiful view. I'm longing to go someday." (Hong Kong female, teens)

In recent years, the number of people who come to love hotels for a variety of purposes other than "loving" is increasing. Hoshino Resort Tomamu with its Unkai (Sea of Clouds) Terrace is a hotel with an extraordinary feeling and is perfect for an important anniversary!

The question about the recreational sites respondents want to visit reflects their hobbies and preferences.

"I would like to experience Japanese-style sports such as Aikido, Judo, and kendo." (Indian male, 20s)

"I'm interested in baseball, so I want to go to the batting center and practice there." (Danish male, 20s)

"I want to go to Tokyo One Piece Tower, a theme park with the theme of manga ONE PIECE! I also want to see other places related to anime! "(Danish male, 20s)

"I would like to go to the Ghibli Museum (*editorial note: Ghibli Museum, Mitaka). I love Ghibli animations because of my father, and there are many works such as Totoro, Ponyo on the Cliff, and Princess Mononoke.” (Danish female, teens)

"I heard that there are cool shops and areas in Ikebukuro, so I want to go and have fun with my friends." (Danish female, teens)

From the answers, you can see how popular Japanese anime is. Sports-related spots seem to be popular among active men. If you want to be active, go to the batting center or bouldering; however, if you want to relax, go to the sports bar to watch sports with your friends.

Another interview revealed that Japan has not only traditional culture but also other various attractions. In recent years, the number of spots and events that make use of Japan's cutting-edge technology, such as projection mapping by teamLab, has increased so it may be interesting to check it out.

One of the interesting things about Japan is that there are major differences between the regions of the country. Be sure to visit not only Tokyo and Osaka, but also other areas to find your favorite spots and foods.

Thanks to: International People’s College, https://ipc.dk/

Written by Kaori Kobayashi
Website: https://love-trip-kaori.com/ , Facebook , Instagram , Twitter