A First-Timer’s Journey Through Japan: Cities, Culture & Cow Tongue

Akihabara, the Anime district in Tokyo

All Photos by Josh Gratton & Jenna Tullis Gratton

My interview with Jenna continues as she delves into her favorite sights, the most surprising cultural moments, how she handled the food (yes, including cow tongue), and what made Japan feel so unforgettable. If you’re curious about where they went or what stood out most, you’ll love this part of the story:

Where all did you go?

We visited Tokyo, Kakegawa, Kyoto, and Nara.

In Tokyo, we did a ton of sightseeing and explored several iconic neighborhoods. Some highlights included the Meiji Shrine, Yoyogi and Hibiya Parks, Takeshita Street in Harajuku for its vibrant street fashion, and Omotesando Avenue—a luxury shopping district where we snapped lots of photos of the high-end storefronts. We also visited the Imperial Palace East Gardens, Akihabara (the Anime and Manga district), the area around Tokyo Tower, and Odaiba Park with its futuristic statues and famous Gundam figure. One of our last stops was Senso-ji Temple, which was fascinating for its contrast between a historic Buddhist temple and the bustling tourism around it.

Kakegawa is a rural area where we spent just one day. Our main purpose was to tour Yamaha’s exclusive piano factory, where their high-end, handcrafted pianos are made—such a unique experience.

In Kyoto, we saw several incredible Buddhist temples, including Kiyomizu-dera (absolutely stunning, though very crowded even in the off-season), Fushimi Inari Shrine with its iconic red torii gates, and Kinkaku-ji—the Golden Pavilion. While in Kyoto, we also took a short train ride to Nara to visit the famous deer park (the deer bow when you bow!) and Todai-ji Temple. Back in Kyoto, we explored the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and wrapped up one evening with drinks at the luxurious rooftop bar at Six Senses Hotel.

Park in Tokyo

What were the highlights?

One of the most memorable and unique experiences was going to an onsen—a traditional Japanese hot spring. It felt like a more local, authentic activity and not overly touristy. That said, it took some adjusting, especially since swimsuits aren’t allowed and the baths are gender-separated. Josh and I couldn’t enjoy it together, but it ended up being incredibly relaxing. We traveled about 45 minutes from our hotel to visit Thermae-Yu Onsen, one of the top-rated onsens in Tokyo. It was worth the trip!

How was the food? What was the weirdest thing you ate?

The food in Japan was fantastic! I was a little nervous before going, especially since I don’t eat a lot of seafood, but there were tons of options. Rice and meat dishes were everywhere—flavorful and comforting. Ramen became a go-to, and of course, the sushi and seafood were unbelievably fresh. You could be adventurous or stick to familiar foods.

The weirdest thing I tried? Cow tongue! I only had one small slice, but it was actually delicious—high-quality Kobe beef, perfectly prepared.

Family-style barbeque

How would you describe the culture—did you feel safe, welcome, overwhelmed?

I felt incredibly safe—even in Tokyo, the largest metropolitan area in the world. It was amazing how comfortable we felt walking around and using public transportation. I think a lot of that comes from how deeply the value of respect is embedded in the culture.

In one crowded tourist area, our Japanese friend even said, “You don’t need to worry about Japanese people—it’s the tourists you have to watch!” (Take that how you will, ha!)

The culture was also very welcoming. Every service interaction was met with politeness and care. Bowing as a sign of respect is so common, and it was beautiful to witness.

As for feeling overwhelmed—it honestly wasn’t too bad. If you’ve been to a big city like Manhattan, Tokyo feels similar in pace and energy. Once you adjust to the language and different customs, it becomes easier to navigate.

Mount Fuji

Would you recommend people visit Japan?

Absolutely! Japan is incredible. However, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend going in the winter like we did. It was very cold—and not just cold, but that humid, ocean-air cold that cuts right through you. And this is coming from a North Dakotan!

The plus side of visiting in the off-season is fewer crowds, but if you don’t mind the busy times, I’d suggest going in spring, summer, or fall when everything is blooming and lush. Personally, I’d love to go back during cherry blossom season—it looks absolutely magical. JTG