I Want to Go There Again! 5 Memories of Japan Captured on the Camera Rolls of Foreign Visitors
- Written by: Miyu Shimada
As the Covid-19 pandemic rages on throughout the world, times are hard, and people have taken to sharing their past travel photos on social media sites, in a trend known as “Air Tabi,” or “air travel,” where you can almost feel like you’ve been there.
Though you still can’t head out and travel as you wish, you can at least get a taste of travel as you immerse yourself in the memories of travel while seeing these photos.
Be it places they’ve been to or places they want to go to again, or the taste of a gourmet dish they could never forget, there’ll be many people with such memories that come to mind.
With that, in this article, we find out from foreign visitors about their memories of travel and food in Japan left on their camera rolls! (The comments below are the personal opinions of the interviewees)
I want to stay at the ryokans in Hakone, Izu, and Atami, and enjoy the hot springs!
“Indeed, I want to go to Hakone. As well as the hot springs in Atami and Izu. Soaking in the hot springs and enjoying delicious seafood is very much like the essence of Japan.
"The food served at ryokans is somehow extra special. Once we can go out again, this is the place I want to go to the most. The sea and lakes are beautiful too. I haven’t ridden the ferry in the lake in Hakone yet (Lake Ashi), and I want to try riding it.” (USA, female, 20’s)
“I have fond memories of the hot springs in Hakone. I went during the Momiji season, and I could take great photos with just my smartphone. The view was splendid.” (USA, male, 20’s)
The culture of hot springs in Japan is popular amongst foreign visitors as well. Though there are people resistant to the idea, there are also others who get hooked the very first time they try it.
Be it Hakone or Izu and Atami, the access from the capital is great, and it’s a hot spring town that you can access easily. Watching the autumn foliage from the hot spring is a true luxury. You can understand why autumn is so eagerly awaited.
Picking strawberries in Shizuoka! I want to enjoy Japanese fruits!
"I wanted to go strawberry picking this year as well. Previously, I went to Shizuoka to pick strawberries, and it was very fun, I want to go again.” (Korea, 20s, female)
Fruits have a peak season, and with the strawberry season being from March to May, it’s probably difficult to go this year. However, there are other fruits besides strawberries, and from here on out, various fruits will come into season in order, so going fruit picking is still possible.
As the seasons turn to autumn, grapes, cherries, pears, and apples gradually come into season, so do enjoy yourself picking fruit!
I want to go sightseeing around Asakusa and eat gyukatsu beef cutlet!
“I like the atmosphere of Asakusa. Be it the view from the river, or the streets themselves. Though it was my first time trying beef cutlet, it was unusually delicious. I want to eat it. After that, I want to eat soft ice cream while strolling around!!” (USA, male, 20s)
Asakusa is a sightseeing spot popular amongst foreign visitors. You can explore the area on foot, and for those interested in it, you can feel the olden downtown atmosphere of Japan from bygone times as well.
Just looking at the photo of the beef cutlet, you’ll think of going to Asakusa. Asakusa has many shops and restaurants with long histories as well, and there are many gourmet spots that you can’t miss.
I want to go to Fushimi Inari in Kyoto and eat matcha parfait!
“Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari. The view of the torii gates lined up together is really beautiful. You can see how beautiful it is just from photos, and it makes me feel nostalgic. The matcha parfait I had there was delicious as well!” (Philippines, 20s, female)
Amongst the nostalgia-inducing photos of Japan, the one that comes to mind the most is the view of the rows of torii gates at Fushimi Inari. Even amongst the Japanese, its beauty is considered top-class.
Besides this, amidst the numerous delicacies of Kyoto, one particularly unforgettable one is the matcha parfait. Indeed, matcha sweets are popular amongst foreign visitors.
Walking at Minatomirai at night, and shopping
“I really love the night view at Minatomirai. The Ferris wheel is also very beautiful. As it is near the ocean, the streets are both beautiful and calm. The atmosphere is just like San Francisco, where I used to live. And there’s also window shopping at the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse. I want to do such things there!” (USA, 20s, female)
The scenery of the port at Yokohama lets you forget the hustle and bustle of the capital. The night view of the large Ferris wheel and the tall skyscrapers side-by-side make for a unique view you can’t find in the city. If you head down to the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, there are many trendy shops too. It’s a great spot for dates as well.
Let’s eagerly await the day when you can experience the many charms of Japan, and make new memories again!
Everyone has a camera roll with photos that they treasure. There are memories of various places in Japan, and amongst these, the individual thoughts and reminisces associated with each one are precious gems.
Looking back at each photo, recollecting the memories you’ve forgotten is interesting too. At the same time, you can enjoy the warm embrace of your memories as well.
You can freely go to the places you want to and make new memories, and as we wish for that day to come sooner, please try planning your own journey as well.
Miyu is a travel writer and tour conductor with over a decade of experience in developing educational content for working individuals. She has a passion for exploring new cultures and has visited more than 150 cities in around 50 countries. Her goal is to sample great food, experience nature, enjoy historical sites, and bathe in hot springs around the world. Miyu left her corporate job to pursue her passion for travel and now spends over 100 days a year abroad while working as a writer. She promotes the joy of travel, the beauty of Japan, and the diverse cultures of the world by traveling to different parts of Japan and collaborating with inbound tour operators and fellow travel writers.
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.
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