I only had one short layover in Osaka, but even with just a few hours I got a small taste of what Japan is like. It’s a long and tiring flight,so by the time I reached the hotel I was dead tired. Still, first time in Japan… of course I had to do some exploring. Looking back, I regret not doing more, but with these kinds of flights you never know if you’ll get the chance again. That’s the downside of this job.. Thinking you will get the chance to get back soon but you never actually know since these flights are very popular amongst crew and most of us are bidding for them.
What struck me right away was how different the people, the culture, and the whole vibe felt. Food-wise, I can’t say I’m the biggest fan, but there’s so much I haven’t tried, so I keep an open mind. Japan is definitely one of those countries I would love to come back to properly, with time to explore more.
Get Your Vocabulary Right
Hi – Konnichiwa (こんにちは)
Goodbye – Sayonara (さようなら)
Good morning – Ohayō gozaimasu (おはようございます)
Good night – Oyasuminasai (おやすみなさい)
One coffee please – Koohii hitotsu kudasai (コーヒーひとつください)
No thank you – Īe, kekkō desu (いいえ、結構です)
Yes, thank you – Hai, arigatō gozaimasu (はい、ありがとうございます)
Have a good day – Yoi ichinichi o (良い一日を)
📜 Short History
Japan’s history goes back thousands of years, shaped by emperors, samurai, and shoguns. For a long time, the country was closed off from the outside world, but when it opened up in the 19th century, Japan transformed into a modern nation almost overnight. After World War II, it rebuilt itself into one of the strongest economies in the world, mixing tradition with cutting-edge technology.
Today, Japan is a constitutional monarchy with an Emperor as a symbolic figurehead, while the country is led by a Prime Minister. The current Emperor is Naruhito.
🍣 Culinary Delights
Sushi & sashimi – Fresh, simple, and famous worldwide.
Ramen – Perfect comfort food, with endless regional variations.
Okonomiyaki – A savory pancake, especially popular in Osaka.
Tempura – Lightly battered seafood and vegetables.
Matcha everything – From tea to desserts.
🏯 Places to Visit
Japan is big, and a short layover only scratches the surface. If I get the chance to go back, these would be on my list:
Osaka – Famous for its street food and don’t miss Osaka Castle.
Dotonbori – with its giant signs and food stalls, and Umeda Sky Building for city views.
Kyoto – The heart of traditional Japan. Highlights are the Fushimi Inari Shrine with red gates, the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji), and the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest.
Tokyo – A city of contrasts. Wander through Shibuya Crossing, explore Shinjuku’s nightlife, shop in Harajuku, and visit Meiji Shrine.
Mountains & Ski Resorts – Japan is famous for skiing in places like Niseko (Hokkaido), Hakuba Valley (Nagano), and Nozawa Onsen. Best season is winter (Dec–Feb).
Cherry Blossom Season – Usually late March to early April. Top spots are Ueno Park (Tokyo), Maruyama Park(Kyoto), and Himeji Castle surrounded by blossoms.
🚆 Transportation Tips
Japan is known for being efficient. The Shinkansen (bullet train) is an experience in itself. Inside cities, subways and trains are the way to go, they run on time, clean, and easy once you get used to the maps. Taxis are available too, though more expensive. Apps like JapanTaxi or even Uber can work in big cities.
🌸 Nightlife & Drinks
Something I didn’t know before visiting, Japan has quite a strong drinking culture. After work, many people head out for drinks with colleagues, and bars can be lively. The most famous drink is probably sake (rice wine), but they also love their beer, brands like Asahi, Kirin, and Sapporo are everywhere. For spirits, shōchū is another traditional drink you’ll come across.
