<aside> 💡 After returning from Japan, I had planned to write. I had constructed the general content in my mind, but due to procrastination, the Diablo 4 game, and various matters that seemed of higher priority, I didn't start writing until the second week of July. Of course, this might also be because the first season of Diablo 4 is launching next week, and I want to wrap things up before that.

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Background

Why Writing

1. It serves as a summary. There are indeed many thoughts in my mind, especially as this is my first overseas trip after three years of COVID-19 pandemic and human-imposed lockdowns. Once again, I have reached the real world. Compared to past experiences, this journey carries deeper symbolic significance.
2. To influence those who can be influenced, bringing them some enlightenment and inspiration.
3. To keep a record. Compared to videos, writing is a more economical method and can convey more information effectively.

Why Japan

Obviously, it was to visit Super Nintendo World in Universal Studios Osaka. As early as my first trip to Japan in 2017, I had heard that Nintendo World would be opening in the future. This sparked the thought, "There will surely be a next time." The plan was postponed from 2020 to 2021, and then to 2023.

So after the lockdown was lifted, I frequently checked for updates on flight tickets and visa information. Fortunately, I found a travel agency through Xiaohongshu in March that could help with the process, and received my visa in April. Initially, I planned to go during the Labor Day holiday, but due to vaccine policies, Japan's Golden Week, airfare prices, and an upcoming exam, I postponed it to the Dragon Boat Festival holiday.

Clearly, this was my third trip to Japan, which should have occurred in the summer of 2020, but unfortunately was delayed by three full years.

New Experiences from this Trip

My first journey post-pandemic came with several changes:

1. ChatGPT: I could ask it questions anytime, especially about local history and geography.
2. Xiaohongshu: For practical travel information, Xiaohongshu was a better tool than ChatGPT or NewBing. Thanks to recommendations on Xiaohongshu, I took long-distance buses, high-speed boats, and giant ships.
3. Immigration plan: This time, I certainly had a different mindset.

Arrival in Japan

Whether it was airport check-in or immigration customs, there were lots of people. It felt as though 2019 had returned (although the actual number of visitors to Japan had only recovered to a little over 70%). Perhaps due to visa reasons, there weren't as many mainland tourists as I had imagined. Instead, there seemed to be more people from Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Korea (data from May 2023 validated my observations.

Oaska/Kyoto