Travel in Japan

Tokyo

We decided to spend New Year's Eve in Tokyo, the capital of Japan and the most populous metropolitan area in the world.

In the afternoon we visited the metropolis and at lunch we had a plate of soba and sushi.

In the evening we wanted to spend it quietly, so we left the hotel and went to a Ramen restaurant. Our guide Ursula explains to us that ramen is a noodle soup that originated in China and was introduced to Japan in the 19th century. Ramen became a popular food among the poor people of the country.

The restaurant requires that you place your Ramen order on a digital device, and then you pick up the item at the cash register. So Marco, knowing a few words in Japanese, helps the family get the tastiest ramen dishes. Our turn comes and we go to pick up our tasty dish. Franco gets us the chopsticks and the spoon, essential tools to eat this food. Paolo is now an expert with chopsticks and helps us improve our skills. It's cold outside and ramen helps us warm up a bit.

As soon as dinner was over we headed towards the Ginza district, but first we passed by a Kabuki theater. One of the most unique and interesting aspects of Japan is the art of Kabuki. This art form originated in the 17th century and is one of the most popular forms of theater in the country. Performances include a wide variety of styles, including the use of classical Japanese music and dance. Paul says we still have an hour before the end of the year, so he invites us to see the theater from outside and we take a few pictures. It's New Year's Eve and the show is sold out.

So we finally get to the Ginza district.

Ursula explains to us that Ginza is the most famous shopping area in Japan. The year is almost over and Marco can hear the words "san, ni, ichi", which in Japanese means "three, two, one". Immediately and with the help of the clock tower, we understand that the year has come to an end. Also this year is over and we go to the hotel to go to sleep, because the next day we have a long walk through the city.