Behind the Filters: 5 Insta-Fails in Japan
I recently read a study that showed more people are using social media—sometimes even more than traditional search engines—to research topics, especially travel and food. Even though this information may not be groundbreaking, it underscores the importance of being aware of the disparity between social media images and reality.
Planning a trip to Japan can require as little or as much work as you want to do. When I first traveled here, I had a guidebook that I purchased at a bookstore in the US. Even when I later moved here, reliable online resources for travel and life in Japan were scarce. Fast forward to the present, and we find ourselves inundated with information, particularly on social media platforms, in blogs/vlogs, and in books. But how can we distinguish between which places should or shouldn't be included in our itineraries? The answer lies in conducting thorough research. As we're reminded daily, what we see on social media doesn't always align with what we experience in reality.
With that in mind, I would like to share five places that I came across on social media, which, regrettably, turned out to be underwhelming and fell far short of the expectations set by the posts circulating online.
1. Monet’s Pond
For a few years, Monet’s Pond (located in Seki, Gifu) was on my list of places to visit. It is only about an hour from my house, but I waited to go because I wanted to have other things to do in the area. Unfortunately, when I finally made it there, my experience left much to be desired. While some semblance of a Monet painting existed, it was a far stretch from what I saw online.
First and foremost, getting Instaworthy photos proved to be a challenge. The pond was incredibly small and had a few very undesirable angles. Plus, it’s unfortunate positioning behind a greenhouse made it difficult to capture without getting other visitors in the image. Unless you visit during fall or spring, the pond loses its vibrancy and fails to evoke the colors reminiscent of a Monet painting. If you happen to find yourself in the area, it's worth considering a quick visit to Monet's Pond, but I wouldn't recommend making it your primary destination. Manage your expectations accordingly and allocate more time to other attractions in the vicinity that are likely to offer a more fulfilling experience.
2. The Bee’s Knees
The Bee's Knees, renowned as one of the top bars in Asia, has garnered impressive online reviews for its speakeasy ambiance and "unique" cocktails. Since I visit Kyoto quite regularly, it wasn’t difficult to work into my itinerary one day. I arrived early and lined up to enter the door that indicated it was a bookstore. Undoubtedly, the speakeasy vibe proved to be the highlight of the experience, complemented by decent music choices.
While the atmosphere was fun, the bar staff and cocktails were completely unimpressive. Many of the cocktails appeared to be concocted from pre-made mixers, lacking the artistry and craftsmanship I had anticipated. The staff barely interacted with patrons, and changes to the menu were made without updates or a short explanation when receiving the drink list. It was only upon placing my order that I discovered these modifications. In subsequent conversations with friends, I learned that the bartenders are typically friendly. Nonetheless, I have no intentions of returning. I’ve visited several amazing craft cocktail bars on my travels and in places I have lived. However, this would rank in one of the least impressive to me. If you are looking for incredible bars, there are plenty that aren’t overhyped in the area. If you just want an Instagramable experience, the Bee’s Knees is fine.
3. Shiraito Falls
Nestled in Karuizawa, Shirato Falls can be found surrounded by beautiful trees, and the journey from downtown to the falls is stunning especially in the summer and fall. Furthermore, the overall atmosphere is undeniably rejuvenating. As you arrive and embark on the short walk towards the falls, you'll immediately notice the beauty of the surrounding trees and the charming pathway. Upon reaching the falls themselves, you may find them rather small and underwhelming. When visiting Karuizawa, the journey makes it worth it, but you shouldn’t expect some magnificent display of nature when you arrive at the falls. Even so, the overall ambiance and the natural beauty surrounding the falls make the area a worthwhile stop if you have free time in Karuizawa.
4. Chinatown in Yokohama
Filled with anticipation and a deep interest in Chinese culture, I visited Chinatown in Yokohama. However, much to my surprise, my time in Chinatown did not live up to my expectations. I couldn't help but notice that most of the shops catered predominantly to tourists. Despite our efforts to select a restaurant that appeared less tourist-oriented, the flavors seemed to be adapted to suit local preferences rather than offering an authentic Chinese taste. Many of the stalls also seemed to be offering foods that weren’t authentic just to attract more people. While the overall experience was not terrible, I couldn't help but feel that the excitement and abundance of delicious food portrayed online were somewhat overstated.
Comparatively, in Aichi, we are fortunate to have a multitude of excellent Chinese restaurants and shops. Perhaps my viewpoint is influenced by this. If your objective is simply to see the Chinatown area and check it off your list, it is worth a visit. However, if you are seeking an authentic culinary experience, I would recommend exploring local restaurants in other areas or conducting more thorough research about Chinatown before your visit.
5. Ameya-Yokocho (Ameyoko) in Tokyo
Recently, this area has experienced a resurgence in popularity on social media platforms, particularly YouTube. Even though the juxtaposition with old and new is interesting, it failed to captivate me as an exciting destination. Comparable shops can be found all over Japan, and in other areas, these shops tend to have more variety and personality. The food stalls and souvenir shops predominantly cater to tourists, offering a limited sense of authenticity. Even though many of the sweets and snacks are traditional, you don’t always find the best examples or quality there. The benefit is that if you live in Tokyo and are looking for specific spices or home goods, it’s not a bad place to visit. In my opinion, other markets throughout Japan seem to offer more to visitors. Markets in Kanazawa, Nagoya, Osaka, other parts of Tokyo, and many cities have the ability to evoke the same sense of the past blending with the present or evoke similar feelings but in a more authentic manner.
While these are my personal opinions, it's important to note that other travelers often rave about these places. It's likely that their enthusiasm arises from a culmination of their own unique adventures around the world, especially in Japan. Everyone bases their opinions on their own personal preferences and experiences. Therefore, I encourage you to exercise caution and conduct thorough research before including these destinations on your itinerary. Remember, even with diligent preparation, it's still possible to have less than stellar experiences.That’s all part of travel, and I use these times to have a laugh or learn something.
Travel isn't always about perfect photos and flawless experiences. It's about embracing the full spectrum of emotions and discovering the unexpected. While these five destinations in Japan may not have fulfilled my initial expectations, they provided valuable insights and laughs.
