First Encounter with Japan丨A Journey of Hakone Hot Springs and Cuisine! Spring Festival Family Trip (Visiting My Brother Studying in Japan)

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In the beginning, we introduce an overview of Tokyo, Hakone, and Yokohama. In the second part, we discuss the itinerary for the following days. Mentioning that Hakone is an important stop on our hot spring tour of Japan. Then we drove to Tokyo.

Attached: Family member list

Mom - Grandma - Me (the writer) - Younger brother and his girlfriend - Uncle - Aunt - Older brother - Sister-in-law

Tokyo, a metropolis of fashion and technology, a vibrant city often referred to as the Kanto region. Unlike the equally famous Kansai region, the Kanto region, where Tokyo is located, features more modern and contemporary urban and scenic landscapes compared to the Kansai region, which is known for its ancient cities and traditional cultural sights.

Yokohama, a busy modern port city, boasts charming sea views, a lively Chinatown, and modern landmark buildings. However, its unique geographical location makes it a port city that blends diverse cultures from various places.

Hakone, a famous tourist destination in Japan, is renowned for its hot springs, which have long been famous both domestically and internationally. I used to watch movies and wonder what it’s like to soak in an open-air hot spring in the snow while drinking sake. Upon arriving in Japan, it’s easy to be drawn by its profound and quirky culture. The feeling of soaking naked in a hot spring with strangers is beyond words.

From the moment I got off the plane, I could already feel the “Japanese service.” Since we brought an 81-year-old lady (Grandma) to Japan for the New Year, the trip had some inconveniences. Fortunately, the service industry in Japan is full of thoughtful details, especially for the elderly and babies. They truly deserve a big thumbs up. Many shopping malls and public places offer free wheelchairs and strollers.

Because of the elderly, we didn’t walk fast. There was a long way from deplaning to baggage claim. When we reached the baggage claim area (we were almost the last ones), we found that our luggage had already been neatly arranged on the floor and was guarded by staff. (Back home, our suitcase lost a wheel.)

Stole a picture, didn’t take any.

We arrived around 7 PM on January 23rd. My brother drove to pick us up, and his girlfriend stayed home to tidy up our rooms and make the beds. Haha, actually, she had already prepared everything. Maybe because it was our first meeting, she was worried she hadn’t done well enough. My brother drove us to his place. Looking through the car window, the streets in Japan weren’t wide, but the greenery along the roads was well maintained. The roads were also very clean. Even wearing white shoes, you wouldn’t have to worry about getting them dusty. Perhaps I had a preconceived notion about Japan, so my first impression was that everything is small (both from my actual experience in Japan and what I learned in textbooks). But my brother said, “Small as it is, Japan is still a country.” Haha… that makes a lot of sense!!!

After driving for over two hours, we arrived at a noodle shop near my brother’s place. He recommended we try “Ichiran” ramen, saying it’s very famous in Japan and also delicious. Japanese ramen is world-renowned. I had only seen it in anime before… Now I got to taste it in Japan.

The shop’s interior was also very Japanese-style, elegant and vintage. The serving method was very unique. You couldn’t see the server’s face because a curtain blocked your view. My brother said it’s a form of etiquette—to respect guests and let them enjoy their meal more freely.

When the ramen was served, my impression was “white,” “fresh,” “rich,” and “fragrant.” No need for many words—four characters sum it up. If you drink up the last bit of soup, you’ll see a golden phrase at the bottom of the bowl. For Ichiran, that represents the utmost joy.

Ramen price: around 998–1100 yen per bowl, equivalent to about 60–66 RMB.

After dinner, I went back to the place to charge my phone and noticed… well, Japan’s voltage is 110V, so I needed a converter. Luckily, my phone could use my brother’s charger, but what about my razor… awkward!

Japanese houses aren’t big, but they’re thoughtfully designed. There was also a Chinchilla cat at home. Its name… I forgot.

Then we unpacked our luggage, took a hot shower, and quickly fell asleep, exhausted from the day. The day’s itinerary came to an end.

Outside view of my brother’s place

I noticed a strange phenomenon in Japan. I guess it’s because Japanese culture doesn’t shy away from deceased family members, so they build cemeteries right next to residential areas. We passed a house where the opposite side was a large cemetery, less than 10 meters away. Opening the window gave a direct view of the cemetery, which was surrounded by low wooden fences. The local residents’ deceased family members were likely buried there. (I didn’t dare take a photo.) Who could stand that at night!!

Looking at Japan’s main roads, there’s a reason why Japanese people love small cars, especially K-cars, which are perfect for these narrow streets. Japanese people also have a fondness for boxy little cars.

Japan’s main roads look a bit like community roads in China. Driving in Japan really tests your driving skills.

Orange tree planted in a resident’s yard

No one picks the fruit arbitrarily, even if it grows over the wall.

When my brother drove us out to play, I noticed that every car on the road was sparkling clean, without exception—from small K-cars to large trucks and buses. Every crevice and even the tires were spotless. Especially the oncoming trucks, polished so bright that when the sun shone, they really dazzled your eyes.

First stop in Saitama: Shopping at the mall

When traveling to Japan, “hand-chopping” shopping is a must (can’t resist). My brother took us to various shopping malls, drugstores, electronics stores, etc., both in the city and countryside. He knew every street and alley in Japan inside out. Which brands are worth buying, where to buy them cheaper, where to find them—all clear. We also bought a lot of goods for family and friends. Many shopping places in Japan have Chinese-speaking guides, which is very convenient.

If you’re overwhelmed by Japan’s wide variety of products and don’t know what to buy or how, I’ve listed our shopping order for your reference:

Our shopping order: face masks – skincare – shampoo and conditioner – daily necessities (steam eye masks, bathroom fresheners) – nutrition supplements (dietary) – clothes – figurines, etc. Also mentioning that cosmetics and electronics (watches, cameras, etc.) are very cheap. We bought so much this time (bought an extra suitcase to carry goods) and many brands (Japan’s Shiseido products are excellent). I won’t list them all in detail, but overall, it was very cheap and cost-effective (you can get a tax refund with your passport for purchases over 5000 yen, about 300 RMB, with 10% tax refund).

Conveyor belt sushi—as the name suggests, various types of sushi are placed on a rotating conveyor belt, and you pick the ones you want and bring them to your table. Isn’t it amazing? This is a Japanese specialty, and you must try it when in Japan. Even the Japanese, who are from the sushi homeland, love it. This method is very innovative, and there are many such restaurants in Japan, found everywhere in streets and alleys.

My brother worked part-time at such a sushi restaurant. He said that on weekends, there were many Japanese people coming to eat sushi. On Saturday alone, he made 500 plates of sushi. Wow… that’s terrifying! However, the conveyor belt method is very convenient—no need for servers; a high-speed conveyor belt brings the sushi right in front of you. The only downside is that the speed isn’t slow, so if you miss it, it’s awkward…

The plates come in yellow and red, with different prices. Yellow plates are 100 yen (about 6 RMB), and red plates are about 10 RMB. Each plate holds two pieces of sushi. Very cheap, and the key is the fresh ingredients. Of course, don’t think it’s not enough. If two people eat up to 200 RMB, that’s already a lot, and you’ll usually be full. Haha… oh, by the way, if you’re not used to raw food, you can order cooked ones. In short, it suits everyone’s taste.

1. Be sure to rent a WiFi device at the local airport. I rented one for 50 RMB per day, unlimited speed. If you don’t, the trip will be boring.

2. Japan’s voltage is 110V. It’s best to bring a converter, or you’ll be in an awkward situation!!!!

3. Remember, never smoke on the streets of Japan, including indoors. If caught, the consequences will be serious! Japan has designated smoking areas.

4. If you plan to go shopping, don’t forget your passport—you can get a tax refund.

Hakone - Atami - Mount Fuji two-day, one-night trip itinerary:

Owakudani - Lake Ashi - Temple - Hot spring hotel

Interlude~ Free travel is my favorite way to travel; you can play with passion and no restrictions!

This time, our trip to Hakone was an ideal driving trip—a two-day, one-night (in Japanese: "1泊2日", opposite to us) round trip to a hot spring town. My brother drove a Honda minivan, heading to Kanagawa · Hakone! (Traveling from my brother’s place to Hakone is neither close nor far.)

A few days before departure, it was drizzly. We worried that the trip might be disappointing. Fortunately, we were blessed by the goddess of luck. On the day of departure, the sky was clear. From multiple angles while driving, we could see Mount Fuji in the distance. The majestic and graceful Mount Fuji came into full view. As we drove up the winding mountain roads of Hakone, clear streams surrounded the peaks, and Mount Fuji felt within reach. At that moment, my brother probably thought that even the expensive tolls were worth it! Haha…

First stop of the trip · Owakudani

Owakudani is a natural active volcano site and Hakone’s most famous tourist attraction. In the green tree-surrounded Hakone, only here are the rocks exposed. Geothermal steam gushes from crevices, creating a misty, smoky atmosphere. Large amounts of sulfur vapor spray from cracks in the earth’s crust, boiling the spring water. It’s truly a valley of hell. The weather that day was wonderful, and we took in the beautiful scenery of Mount Fuji and the Hakone mountains.

When you come to Owakudani, you must not miss the local specialty—black hot spring eggs. It is said that eating one can extend your life by 7 years.

PS: Each of our family members ate one. We should all live to be a hundred! En… the taste is slightly fresher than ordinary eggs.

Second stop · Lake Ashi

Lake Ashi, with its sparkling waves, is perfect for boating on sunny days. The lake water is clear and blue, with sunlight sparkling on the surface, reflecting the majestic figure of Mount Fuji. Every view here could be part of a beautiful painting.

Mount Fuji under a clear sky, truly beautiful

License plates are so cute, exclusive to the Mount Fuji area

Third stop · Temple

In Japan, besides experiencing hot spring culture, there are shrines and temples. Hakone’s temples are hidden in dense green forests, nestled in the silent words of tranquil time. Walking in an ancient temple, it’s full of peace and serenity. Our family each got our own wish slip. Whether they come true or not, it’s good to have something to hold on to.

Fourth stop · Atami Hot Spring Hotel

After leaving the temple, we began our hot spring tour. What makes Hakone most appealing is its hot springs. We drove to the pre-booked hot spring hotel, checked in, but didn’t rush to soak. Instead, we chose to stroll leisurely through the streets of Atami town, occasionally stopping to listen to the babbling streams and see the early-blooming cherry blossoms in February winter in Japan. (I should add that in Japan, the cherry blossom season hasn’t started yet, but these early blossoms were already in full bloom. Usually, cherry blossoms appear in March. We were fortunate that the "goddess of luck" accompanied us along the way.) Every scene here can only be appreciated with your own eyes.

Enjoying the night cherry blossoms in Atami, exceptionally charming.

Back at the hotel, we enjoyed exquisite buffet sushi and seafood cuisine.

With this luck, we decided to come back early the next morning before leaving to see the splendor of Atami’s early cherry blossoms. Seeing flowers blooming on the branches during the Spring Festival in a foreign land might symbolize reunion and fulfillment.

After a day of fun, we experienced authentic Japanese hot springs—men and women bathe naked separately. In the open-air bath in the Japanese garden, it warmed our bodies and relaxed our minds. Everyone knows Japan is in a volcanic earthquake belt, but it’s these volcanoes that give Japan abundant hot spring resources. The hot springs we soaked in were heated by geothermal energy continuously supplied from the active volcano in Owakudani.

Hakone allows us to put aside worries during our travels and quietly enjoy hot springs, fine food, and beautiful scenery.

Half-day trip to Tokyo

On the way back from Hakone, we took a detour to Tokyo. We ascended Tokyo Tower’s observation deck (divided into the main deck at 150 meters and the special deck at 250 meters), offering a 360-degree panoramic view of Tokyo’s cityscape: high-rise buildings, parks, temples and shrines, and the Imperial Palace. Unfortunately, we couldn’t stay to see Tokyo’s romantic night lights or its breathtaking night view. But I imagine it would be a wonderful experience.

However, during these days, when we drove through Tokyo, we saw the morning Tokyo Bay Bridge, the evening Tokyo Bay Bridge, and the night Tokyo Bay Bridge, experiencing the magical interplay of light and shadow over Tokyo Bay.

Half-day trip to Yokohama

Yokohama Minato Mirai 21

Yokohama was an interlude in our trip, but it held special feelings. This was the first city my brother came to in Japan, where he studied, got his first part-time job, and began to gradually understand Japan.

When we came to Yokohama again, the first thing that came to my mind was Shanghai. It felt familiar yet fresh. The streets filled with well-dressed pedestrians hurrying by, and the skyscrapers, all made you think that such a big city would lack a bit of human touch (I know that feeling well).

But my brother said that there was a park near where he lived, close to the sea, where he would go for walks. When academic pressure was high, he would go to that park to watch the blue sky and white clouds and the deep blue sea. Perhaps there, he could feel Yokohama’s slow-paced life.

We got off the subway and walked along the streets to the Minato Mirai district. Passing through a pedestrian street, we saw a very tall building. My brother said, "This is Yokohama’s landmark." I’ve been to many cities, each with its own unique charm. I personally think that a landmark is like a city’s postcard. No matter where you go, a building that can be called a landmark must have its appeal. But right in front of us, there was also a building that nobody could name; let’s call it a piece of art. Along the way, there was the Yokohama Museum of Art, whose architectural style blends Eastern and Western cultures, another thing that reminded me of Shanghai.

Yokohama’s landmark building

Unnamed building

But what I think best captures Yokohama’s style is the amusement park, the Ferris wheel, and the sail hotel. My brother had even eaten at the sail hotel, and he just said, “Very expensive.”

Minato Mirai also has a Nissan car exhibition hall. As a car enthusiast, how could I miss it? In Japan, where classic and modified car culture thrives, it’s deeply ingrained in people’s minds. Modification culture has even penetrated every corner of the automotive industry. Classic cars and heavily modified cars can be seen speeding through Japanese streets from time to time. I guess car enthusiasts in China who love modified car culture wouldn’t miss these places when they come to Japan, or maybe they come precisely for this beloved culture.

Affordable cars for ordinary people

Japan’s rail system is amazing: Shinkansen, JR, trains, and oil tankers all run on the tracks

After reading other people’s travelogues, I realized that the night view of Minato Mirai is truly enchanting. Because of our later schedule, we couldn’t see it. We’ll leave that regret, along with our Tokyo regret, to be made up for next time.

Taking the train from Saitama City in Saitama Prefecture to my aunt’s house

Kanagawa/Saitama City is where my uncle and aunt’s family lives, and it’s also where we celebrated the New Year. My aunt’s house is the tallest residential building in Saitama City (a serviced apartment). It has about 47 floors, and the rooftop can be considered a sightseeing spot, offering a 360-degree view of all Japan.

When I climbed to the rooftop and looked down over Japan, my direct impression was “small,” and then the disorderly and messy residential houses. My older brother pointed to a distance and said, “That tall building is Tokyo’s Skytree.” Then he pointed in another direction and said, “That bridge there is Tokyo Bay.” Then he slightly shifted his finger and told me, “Here is Yokohama.” En… that’s Yokohama already. And that tall building over there was his high school, the only tall building in that area.

Japanese buildings don’t necessarily follow the rule of facing south, so their houses face in all directions, looking very messy. Due to Japanese law, real estate in Japan has permanent ownership, so houses can be freely used and passed down through generations. This makes it difficult for the government to carry out urban planning and construction later.

Japanese law stipulates that houses cannot be built too high, so from a distance, it’s all low-rise houses.

My aunt’s friend sent a king crab from Australia. As the Hermès of seafood, the king crab’s status is absolutely unshakable. When I saw a king crab for the first time, I believe everyone is deeply shocked by its size. I was no exception. How big is the crab? A single pot couldn’t hold it.

After the king crab was cooked, my brother and older brother thoughtfully cut large openings in the hard, spiky shell to make it easier for us to eat. The king crab meat was firm and full. The aroma of the shell had seeped into the meat. The white crab meat looked very tempting. After pulling the meat out of the shell, I couldn’t wait to take a bite. The taste was delicious, juicy, tender, and smooth. Paired with my aunt’s signature fruit salad, it was so good we couldn’t stop eating.

Attached: Ingredients for fruit salad

Apple, pear, kiwi, citrus, avocado, salad dressing.

During the New Year, my aunt took us to worship at Kawasaki Daishi. At first, I thought we were going to meet a real master, and I wondered when my aunt became superstitious about masters. But when we got there, I found out it was to visit a temple dedicated to a great exorcist monk. The New Year is about getting rid of bad luck to welcome the new year—a good meaning indeed.

Before visiting Kawasaki Daishi, we had to walk through the approach street of the large temple complex. The street retains a strong Japanese flavor, lined with various old local shops, where you can see traditional Japanese antiques, snacks, and street food.

Before entering the street, we already heard "dong, dong, dong" sounds. I thought it was some Japanese custom, but when we got closer, we saw it was the sound of a shopkeeper cutting a kind of candy.

Upon entering the temple, before praying, you must first scoop water from a water basin to wash your hands, symbolizing washing away bad luck and purifying yourself. After washing hands, you can light incense at the incense burner in front of the Buddha to further remove bad luck.

On New Year’s Eve, our family chose to go to a Chinese restaurant to celebrate the New Year with them. For us Chinese, no matter where or how you celebrate the Spring Festival, if you care about family and friends, and your homeland, you can have a warm Spring Festival anywhere and feel the strong festive atmosphere.

The Chinese owner is from Fujian. My aunt said that when my older brother was in elementary school, he would come here for lunch every day after school. My aunt has a good relationship with the Chinese owner, so we chose to have our New Year’s Eve dinner there. The owner made delicious dishes for us: fish, shrimp, dumplings, and a rich variety of delicacies from land and sea.

After returning home, we gathered around the TV to watch the Spring Festival Gala: funny cross talk, beautiful songs, and lovely dances. Even though we were in Japan, the festive atmosphere was still strong.

We went to Yokohama again. Since we were going back to China in a few days, we came to see my older brother. He works near Chinatown, so we chose to eat Chinese food in Yokohama Chinatown. Yokohama’s Chinatown is the largest Chinatown in Japan and even in Asia. There are many shops and Chinese restaurants run by Chinese people. The saying "Food is the first necessity of the people" is well reflected in Yokohama’s Chinatown. You can taste various Chinese cuisines and delicious dishes here. No matter which country you come from, no one can resist the temptation of good food. That’s our travel style: eat wherever we go. My older brother said, "Japanese people love Chinese food the most."

Many drugstores, electronics stores, and other places in Japan accept Alipay, and there are some discounts. For those planning to shop in Japan, I recommend buying from remote countryside drugstores or malls, as they are cheaper than in the city. (Airport duty-free shops are not recommended. Although duty-free, they are still expensive.) For items that are hard to find, you can find them after visiting several shops in the countryside. Before returning to China, we went to a Japanese outlet. I didn’t expect a lake there—whether artificial or natural I don’t know—that was very beautiful. You can shop and sightsee.

Indoor leisure and entertainment area

Haha… If you want to go shopping after playing in Japan, you can ask my brother to take you. He knows Japanese and is convenient. He knows which brands are popular and effective in Japan. If you don’t know, asking his girlfriend is also fine, haha… Only in parts of Kanto.

I experienced Japan’s unique culture, saw the early cherry blossoms in early February, saw the solitary and elegant Mount Fuji, enjoyed the refreshing hot springs, bought all the things I wanted, and most meaningfully, the whole family gathered together for a lively New Year. Although we were not fully satisfied, we could leave contentedly.

Is Japan worth visiting?

Japan is a country deeply influenced by Chinese culture. Due to its unique geographical location and history, it has nurtured a distinctive Japanese culture. Japan, with its Tang dynasty influences, has a unique cultural charm. Japan has many exquisite buildings that have been preserved as historical heritage to this day.

Japan maintains ancient capitals with traditional beauty, bustling urban landscapes, safe and healthy gourmet cuisine, as well as hot springs, cherry blossoms, and other beautiful natural ecological scenery. Chinese people who have been to Japan all give the same answer: Japan is worth a visit. I also recommend it.

We do not forget history, do not forget national shame, but we travel as tourists to see the world and its beauty. However, if you are blindly patriotic, please be cautious!!!!

Travelogue Directory

1. Introduction

2. Tokyo – The charming blend of tradition and modernity

3. Yokohama – Perfect combination of city and nature

4. Hakone – Best place to experience Japanese hot spring culture

5. First stop: Saitama Prefecture, Saitama City (where my brother lives)

6. "Hand-chopping" shopping in Japan

7. Go, go! Conveyor belt sushi

8. Second stop: Hakone

9. Third stop: Tokyo

10. Fourth stop: Yokohama

11. Fifth stop: Kanagawa Prefecture, Saitama City