I just learned to not travel to a conservative Muslim country during the month of Ramadan. I had been in liberal Abu Dhabi for 3 months but did a solo trip to Doha for the entire month of March which was the month of Ramadan. Muslims fast, no eating or drinking, from dawn to dusk during Ramadan so EVERY cafe, coffee shop, food court, and restaurant was closed until 6pm. The only place to get food was the grocery store; I went there every morning to have food for the day in my hotel room. Even non-Muslims cannot drink or eat in public during Ramadan.
Surprised me that Doha is that conservative. The other surprising thing was no music or loud talking during Ramadan fasting hours. Even now, post-Ramadan, shops and eateries are closed during Friday prayer times.
You are so lucky to be in Tokyo for a month! I will have to go back and see your other videos. The only holiday marked on my calendar to definitely avoid is Golden Week. Not that I go to Japan every year, but it is really the worst week ever for travel I have ever experienced. I do try to avoid France in August, when locals also are on vacation. And I always check local or national holidays before we book anything - you can get some bad surprises. As for US holidays, if you fly on the actual holiday, say Christmas, it's not so bad. :)
It's great you went to Tsukiji, and it's great that Aren is into the history behind the places! My favorite place in Ginza is Ten-Tei tempura - check it out if you still have time. I hope you were able to get to teamLab Planets while you were there, and Shibuya Sky at sunset, and maybe a cool ryokan in Izu, or a minshuku if that is more your style. There is so much to love outside of Tokyo!!!
I enjoyed all of you commenting. I especially liked the details that Aaron contributed like Ginza being rebuilt after a fire.
I just learned to not travel to a conservative Muslim country during the month of Ramadan. I had been in liberal Abu Dhabi for 3 months but did a solo trip to Doha for the entire month of March which was the month of Ramadan. Muslims fast, no eating or drinking, from dawn to dusk during Ramadan so EVERY cafe, coffee shop, food court, and restaurant was closed until 6pm. The only place to get food was the grocery store; I went there every morning to have food for the day in my hotel room. Even non-Muslims cannot drink or eat in public during Ramadan.
We were in Malaysia during Ramadan, and the stores were all open. I had no idea Doha was that strict.
Surprised me that Doha is that conservative. The other surprising thing was no music or loud talking during Ramadan fasting hours. Even now, post-Ramadan, shops and eateries are closed during Friday prayer times.
You are so lucky to be in Tokyo for a month! I will have to go back and see your other videos. The only holiday marked on my calendar to definitely avoid is Golden Week. Not that I go to Japan every year, but it is really the worst week ever for travel I have ever experienced. I do try to avoid France in August, when locals also are on vacation. And I always check local or national holidays before we book anything - you can get some bad surprises. As for US holidays, if you fly on the actual holiday, say Christmas, it's not so bad. :)
It's great you went to Tsukiji, and it's great that Aren is into the history behind the places! My favorite place in Ginza is Ten-Tei tempura - check it out if you still have time. I hope you were able to get to teamLab Planets while you were there, and Shibuya Sky at sunset, and maybe a cool ryokan in Izu, or a minshuku if that is more your style. There is so much to love outside of Tokyo!!!