We had been trying to plan a Far East trip with Singapore Airlines for a long time. One day became the next, and before we knew it, a full two years had passed. Finally, we found a period of 2–3 weeks when we would both be available and said, “Alright, let’s go this spring.” We started discussing where we wanted to go. Among many options such as Australia, the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia, Japan seemed like the most sensible choice, as March and April coincide with Sakura season, one of the most popular travel periods. And so, our tickets to Tokyo via Singapore were booked.
Of course, while we were making all these sensible plans, how could we have known that we were about to visit the most awe-inspiring country we had ever traveled to—a country that would deeply affect us and make us question life itself?
Text: Nihan Özgen Meleke
Photographs: Adem Meleke – Nihan Özgen Meleke
Starting a long journey with an excellent flight experience definitely doubles the pleasure of travel. Our trip to Tokyo via Singapore with Singapore Airlines was, in every sense, a perfect experience. For someone like me, who finds long flights boring and exhausting, the comfort of the business-class cabin with its fully reclining seats, along with features and services such as unlimited internet access, made me think, “I wish it had lasted even longer.”
After our journey—which lasted a total of 21 hours, including a 10-hour flight from Istanbul to Singapore, approximately 7 hours from Singapore to Tokyo, and a 4-hour wait in Singapore—we finally arrived in Tokyo.
Brief Facts About Japan
- Japan, written in Kanji characters, means “The Land of the Rising Sun.”
- An island nation, Japan consists of 6,852 islands.
- With a population of approximately 123 million, it is currently the 12th most populous country in the world.
- Tokyo, the capital city, which has nearly half the surface area of Istanbul, is home to 37 million people!
- Japanese people greet one another with a slight bow and show respect in this way. They do not like physical contact; they generally dislike handshakes, hugs, and kisses.
- Their habit of removing shoes indoors is even more widespread than in Türkiye. In addition to homes and temples, they remove their shoes when entering fitting rooms in stores and some restaurants.
- When entering fitting rooms, stores provide disposable face covers to prevent makeup from staining clothing.
- In this country famous for its rain, there is a machine in front of nearly every store where people can place a plastic cover over their umbrellas.
- It is very difficult to come across a Japanese person whose phone rings or who talks on the phone while riding trains or subways.
- Likewise, you will hardly ever see a Japanese person chewing gum or eating and drinking while walking. There are designated areas for eating and smoking.
- We did not see a single unclean restroom anywhere in Japan. The Japanese are among the most advanced societies in the world when it comes to cleanliness. There is no need even to mention hotels and restaurants; even in subway underpasses and the most remote locations, there are spotless, state-of-the-art restrooms.
- Although there are no trash bins on the streets, we did not see any litter anywhere. The streets and all public spaces are immaculate.
- Seeing Japanese people move in an orderly fashion on the subway, even during the busiest hours, without the slightest pushing, shouting, or fighting for space, is truly something that makes you question life itself!
- In Japan, where there are endless options for shopping and dining, deciding where to eat and where to shop can be difficult.
- Beyond all of this, the pleasure of being a tourist in a country where not even a single lira of yours will be unfairly taken, where your belongings will not be stolen, and where you will receive more than your money’s worth is priceless!
Tokyo, the City That Made Our Hearts Beat Faster
Tokyo is one of the world’s major capitals. As the heart of fashion and technology, this city is an exciting destination with its colorful neon lights, endless shopping and dining options, fascinating temples, and intense crowds. To put it briefly, Tokyo is like a larger, Japanese version of Manhattan.
On our first day in Tokyo, we eagerly went to Shibuya Crossing. Those who have visited before or watched videos about Japan online will know that this is the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world. To see Shibuya Crossing from above—where 2.4 million people pass every day and up to 2,500 people cross at one time—you can visit Shibuya Sky or Magnet by Shibuya 109.
Among the best places to view the cherry blossoms in Tokyo are Ueno Park, Shinjuku Gyoen, and Chidorigafuchi Park. We had arrived in Japan on March 23 based on information suggesting that the weather would warm up early and that the blossoms would bloom a week ahead of schedule. However, as usual, the flowers only began blooming in the first week of April. As a result, we waited a long time to see them in the parks. In fact, we extended our stay in Japan by four days for this reason. Of course, it was worth the wait, because the blossoms and Japan together offered us a magnificent visual feast.
Let us also add Sensoji Temple, the Imperial Palace, Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Skytree, a day trip to Mount Fuji, and TeamLab Planets to the list of places that must be seen in Tokyo.
Notes from Tokyo
Rain suits Tokyo very well. By the way, interestingly enough, most Japanese people use the same type of large transparent umbrellas. The harmony of these umbrellas with Tokyo’s neon lights creates highly attractive scenes for photography enthusiasts.
We spent an entire day under the rain, cameras in hand, photographing Japanese people walking with umbrellas! But if you prefer, you can simply sit in a romantic café in Tokyo, enjoy your coffee, and watch people walking in the rain.
By the way, I should mention a few notes for shopping enthusiasts. First of all, in Japan you can shop tax-free at almost every shopping destination (except for certain local stores). Any purchase over 5,000 Yen qualifies for this benefit. However, packages containing consumable products (food, cosmetics, medicine, etc.) must not be opened until you leave Japan. Even though we followed this rule, we did not encounter any inspection mechanism when leaving the country. Everything is based on trust!
In Tokyo, which offers countless shopping opportunities, you may find yourself wondering what to buy and where to buy it. Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Ginza are the most popular districts for shopping. For a quieter shopping experience and luxury brands, Ginza is the best option. You should definitely visit local brands such as GU and Uniqlo, as well as Tokyu Hands, a store that offers a huge variety of stationery, household goods, and lifestyle products.
Osaka, Japan’s Financial Center
We arrived in Osaka from Tokyo in three hours on the Shinkansen high-speed train. Although we mainly chose Osaka as a base because of its proximity to Kyoto, during our three-day stay we had the opportunity to explore the city center, shop in its underground shopping arcades, and dine in several restaurants with city views.
We even promised each other that if we travel to Japan again, we will definitely start our trip from Osaka! Places worth seeing in Osaka include Osaka Castle, Dotonbori, Shinsekai, Sumiyoshi Shrine, Tsutenkaku, Osaka Station, and its colorful shopping centers.
Kyoto, the Cultural Capital
If you are coming to Japan solely to experience Japanese culture up close, you should definitely start with Kyoto. However, it should be noted that Kyoto does not have an airport, so you must first fly to Tokyo or Osaka and then travel to the city by high-speed train.
We stayed in Osaka and planned day trips to Kyoto. (It is possible to travel from Osaka to Kyoto in less than an hour by train.)
Art, nature, culture... Whatever you are looking for, you will find yourself immersed in it here. Kyoto is not only highly touristic but also one of the major cities where traditions are most actively preserved. It is also known as the city that the United States ultimately decided not to bomb during World War II—a fact that those interested in history, and those who watched Oppenheimer, will likely know.
As Japan’s former capital, Kyoto deserves at least three days if you want to properly explore its temples, especially those in the Gion district. Known as the city with the largest geisha population, Kyoto is home to more than two thousand temples.
Because of limited time, we were only able to visit some of the most popular temples: Ginkakuji, Kiyomizu-dera, Nanzen-ji, Otagi Nenbutsu-ji, and many smaller temples we encountered while walking. These religious sites are located quite close to one another, and walking along the canal-side path known as the Philosopher’s Path is an especially enjoyable experience.
The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in Kyoto is truly a natural wonder worth seeing. Since it is located far from the Gion district and the city center, we decided to dedicate our second day in Kyoto entirely to this attraction.
Listening to the gentle rustling of bamboo leaves in the breeze and watching the towering stalks sway made us feel as though we were inside a movie.
If you are someone who loves local products, as I do, Kyoto is definitely the right place for shopping. You will come across countless large and small stores where you can purchase some of the most remarkable products created by the Japanese people, who are renowned for their dedication to craftsmanship.
While I had been disappointed that we were unable to do much of this kind of shopping in Tokyo and Osaka, I more than made up for it in Kyoto! (Just between us—don’t let Adem Meleke hear about it!)
As We Left Japan...
As people who have traveled to many countries and experienced many different cultures around the world, I can say that we were deeply impressed by Japan and the Japanese people.
Especially for those who have a perfectionist nature and aspire to live in a society that functions almost flawlessly, this country feels utopian. How did they achieve this? How did they reach such a level? These are questions we should think about carefully.
Personally, I can say, “I would never get tired of coming here every year.” This is one point on which Adem Meleke and I have slightly different opinions, but both of us were seriously impressed by Japan. At the end of our fifteen days, which were filled to the brim with unforgettable experiences, we felt a sense of excitement as we headed to Haneda Airport, knowing that we would soon be flying to Singapore on another comfortable Singapore Airlines flight.
A Giant Magical Amusement Park: Singapore
If you fly with Singapore Airlines, you cannot pass through Singapore without stopping. And when you have a layover there, it would be a shame not to spend a few days in this beautiful island nation!
After Japan’s cool weather, arriving in Singapore, where the temperature was 33°C (feeling like 40°C), seemed like a good reason to put our cameras away. But Adem Meleke didn’t. (I did. 😊)
During the four days we spent in Singapore, we saw countless shopping malls, countless light shows, countless flowers, greenery, and skyscrapers covered in plants. It was a complete feast for the eyes.
As I mentioned in the title, this place truly feels like a giant amusement park.
Founded in 1819, Singapore remained under British rule for many years before gaining full independence in 1965. Today, as one of the world’s leading financial powers, Singapore shines like a jewel thanks to its high level of development and significant investments in technology.
The luxury boutiques of Marina Bay Sands, the light shows at Gardens by the Bay, the natural beauty of Cloud Forest, Flower Dome, and Floral Fantasy, shopping along Orchard Road, the cultural experiences of Chinatown and Little India, a cable car ride to Sentosa Island, and Palawan Beach—the southernmost point of continental Asia—all of these are among the attractions that make Singapore what it is.
We invite everyone with an appreciation for visual beauty to visit this small yet extraordinary country.
Finally, our endless thanks go to our travel sponsor, Singapore Airlines, as well as the managers and employees of its Türkiye office, for all the support they provided throughout our journey.
