My expectations of Japan: what I want to experience and discover

My expectations of Japan: what I want to experience and discover

Japan, the land of the rising sun, fascinating contrasts and my cultural fascination. Before I set off for Japan, I already have certain expectations - of the country, of my trip and of myself.

A journey between modernity and tradition

As I described in my last article, the mix of centuries-old traditions and ultra-modern, futuristic buildings is what fascinates me the most. The idea of seeing an old geisha house or a sacred temple right next to flashing pink LED billboards is both absurd and deeply impressive.

This interplay between past and future is what I find most appealing about Japan. This contrast was one of the main reasons why I booked the flight. I'm looking forward to experiencing this unique mix of history and innovation up close in cities like Kyoto and Tokyo.

The people and their culture

Japanese culture and the people there are a fascinating mystery to me. Their exuberant hospitality, the famous calm in the big cities and the subtle restraint - all this makes Japan so special. At the same time, I imagine that as a foreigner you might feel alien at first.

I find the fact that people there rarely look directly at each other on the street, at least not in a way that you notice, particularly fascinating. As a German, I understand some of these behaviours, but I can imagine that it will be challenging to make contacts. To counteract this, I plan to join a sports club to socialise with Japanese people and understand the culture better.

Culinary highlights

Another thing that attracts me to Japan is the food. I tried fish for the first time a few years ago - and raw fish like sushi soon followed. Now I'm looking forward to fully adapting my palate to Japanese cuisine. Whether it's ramen, sushi, okonomiyaki (Japanese pancakes) or the rather unusual speciality natto (fermented soybeans) - just the idea of it makes me curious and hungry.

I expect the culinary experiences in Japan to be more than just meals. They are deeply rooted in the culture and tell stories of tradition, regionality and innovation. Food is often seen as an art form in Japan, and I look forward to experiencing this with my own eyes - and of course with my sense of taste.

Natural beauty and seasons

Another highlight of my expectations is, of course, Japan's breathtaking nature. Imagine the cherry blossom season in spring, or the view from Mount Fuji (Japan's highest mountain at 3776 metres) at sunrise. Imagine experiencing autumn with the bright red maple leaves, or visiting the hot springs in the onsen regions in winter - my heart skips a beat. But I'll be honest: I also see the old, chaotically built villages and suburbs with their many overhead power lines as natural beauty.

Philosophy and outlook on life

I've saved the best for last, because the Japanese perspective on life is probably what appeals to me the most. Concepts such as ‘wabi-sabi’, beauty in imperfection, or ‘ikigai’, finding the meaning of life (roughly translated), have long inspired me, just as I try to integrate these principles into my life. But I believe that this will be easier for me if I can find them there in the architecture, nature and people. I believe that I can finally gain a deeper understanding of these views of life in Japan.

The magic of temples and shrines

Japan is known for its centuries-old shrines and temples, and they also play a central role in my expectations of Japan. From the golden pavilions in Kyoto to the red torii of the Fushimi-Inari-Taisha, I very much hope to be touched by the spiritual tranquillity of these places. But it's not just the architecture of the temples that fascinates me. I am also curious about the rituals: the cleansing of the hands, the ringing of the bells and the silent prayers. In my opinion, little things like these give great places authenticity.

Expectations of myself

Of course, I am not only bringing expectations of the country with me on this trip, but also of myself. I expect myself to always be disciplined in learning the language, integrating culturally and withstanding the loneliness and uncertainty ahead. At the same time, I see the opportunity to get to know myself better, to gain new perspectives and to grow from the difficulties that this journey brings with it.

Realistic expectations?

I realise that expectations can often be unrealistic or that you can end up being disappointed by setting your expectations too high. Perhaps I won't always experience the perfect harmony between tradition and modernity, perhaps the language barriers will be more difficult than I imagine. And perhaps I will also be disappointed by many experiences. But that's okay. Japan will certainly surprise me day after day, and even if it doesn't, I'm still looking forward to it.