Tourism and impressions

❃ Tourism and impressions

日本はどうですか。 [ Nihon wa dou desu ka. ]: How do you like Japan?
とても美しい国ですね。 [ Totemo utsukushii kuni desu ne. ]: It's a very beautiful country.
日本食は美味しいです。 [ Nihonshoku wa oishii desu. ]: Japanese food is delicious.
皆とても親切です。 [ Mina totemo shinsetsu desu. ]: Everyone is very kind.
街がとてもきれいです。 [ Machi ga totemo kirei desu. ]: The streets are very clean.
今までどこに行きましたか。 [ Ima made doko ni ikimashita ka. ]: Where have you visited so far?
京都と奈良に行きました。 [ Kyouto to Nara ni ikimashita. ]: I went to Kyoto and Nara.
どこが一番好きでしたか。 [ Doko ga ichiban suki deshita ka. ]: Which place did you like the most?
伝統的なお祭りを見たいです。 [ Dentouteki na omatsuri o mitai desu. ]: I want to see a traditional festival (Matsuri).
神社の中で写真を撮ってもいいですか。 [ Jinja no naka de shashin o totte mo ii desu ka. ]: Is it okay to take pictures inside the shrine?
どうやってお参りしますか。 [ Douyatte omairi shimasu ka. ]: How do I pray at a shrine?
着物を着てみたいです。 [ Kimono o kite mitai desu. ]: I want to try wearing a kimono.
この町はいい雰囲気ですね。 [ Kono machi wa ii fun'iki desu ne. ]: This town has a nice atmosphere.
景色が素晴らしいです。 [ Keshiki ga subarashii desu. ]: The scenery is wonderful.
絶対にまた日本に来ます。 [ Zettai ni mata Nihon ni kimasu. ]: I will definitely come back to Japan.

Cultural notes

Asking a tourist "Nihon wa dou desu ka?" (日本はどうですか - How do you like Japan?) is the most common conversation starter you will encounter during your trip. Japanese people are immensely proud of their country, its safety, its cleanliness, and its distinct four seasons. They are genuinely curious to know if foreigners appreciate the famous Japanese hospitality, known as "Omotenashi" (おもてなし). Replying with enthusiastic praise like "Totemo utsukushii kuni desu ne" (とても美しい国ですね - It's a very beautiful country) or highlighting how much you love the food ("Nihonshoku wa oishii desu" - 日本食は美味しいです) will immediately endear you to anyone. When exploring the historical side of Japan, you will inevitably visit both Shrines and Temples, and it is vital to know the cultural difference. Shrines ("Jinja" - 神社) belong to Shinto, the indigenous animistic religion of Japan, and are visually marked by giant "Torii" gates. Temples ("Otera" - お寺) belong to Buddhism, which was imported from mainland Asia, and are adorned with statues of Buddha. The etiquette for praying at a Shinto shrine is highly specific: you throw a coin into the box, bow twice, clap your hands twice to awaken the gods, pray silently, and bow once more. Asking a local "Douyatte omairi shimasu ka?" (どうやってお参りしますか - How do I pray here?) shows deep respect for their ancient traditions. A modern, highly popular trend for tourists and locals alike is collecting "Goshuin" (御朱印). These are exquisite, hand-calligraphed stamps collected in a special book at each shrine or temple you visit, serving as a spiritual proof of your pilgrimage. Sharing your positive impressions and partaking in these traditions shows that you are a respectful traveler deeply appreciative of Japan's rich heritage.

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