We interviewed people from France who had come to Japan for the first time.

We asked Vincent and JB, two people from France who had come to Japan for the first time, about their impressions of Japan.

Q1. Please tell us the reasons why you chose Japan as your destination this time.

Vincent&JB：
Both of us have already travelled to over 20 countries up until now.
We picked Japan after discussing destinations together, but the reason was because Japan felt very mysterious and unique to us French people.
By the way, although we have been travelling many times before, this was the first time we travelled together.
It was a really fun trip.

Q2. How many days did you stay in Japan?

Vincent&JB：
We stayed for 23 days.

BATTERA:
Unlike Japan, we hear that in France taking a long holiday is not uncommon.
It appears they were enjoying their trip at a relaxed pace. Because they had room in their itinerary, they didn’t make detailed plans and would just say “Where should we go today?” “Well, how about going to Kobe!” after getting up in the morning.
We’re so envious.

Q3. About how long did you stay in Osaka?

Vincent&JB：
We stayed in Osaka for 4 days.

BATTERA:
While they were in Japan, they stayed in Osaka twice.
It appears they made full use of the Japan Rail Pass, going to many different places.

Q4. Where in Japan did you go to?

Vincent&JB：
We went to Tokyo, Lake Kawaguchi (Mt. Fuji), Hiroshima, Fukuoka, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Kobe, Matsumoto, and Nagano.

Q5. Where did you go in Osaka?

Vincent&JB：
In Osaka, all things considered, we walked a lot!
Nanba, Dotonbori, Shinsaibashi, Osaka Castle, Abeno Harukas, Shitenno-ji, Sumiyoshi Taisha…
Also, we went to many bars, pubs and karaoke boxes as well.

Q6. What things were you impressed about after coming to Japan?

Vincent :
Things like the transportation system are extremely well developed, so getting accommodation, delicious food, and getting around are really easy to do.
Also, I was impressed that the cities were very clean.

JB :
That’s right! And I was impressed that the Japanese people were all really friendly.

Q7. What things surprised you after coming to Japan?

Vincent :
That the food was really delicious as well as being cheap as well!

JB :
That wherever you go, you can find something delicious.
Also, because absolutely everything is completely different, the city streets were full of surprises for Westerners!

Q8. Did you have any problems when you came to Japan?

Vincent :
None!

JB :
That’s right. None at all!

BATTERA:
That was a surprising answer.
We expected various problems such as not being able to communicate in English or the fact that there were no free Wi-Fi spots, but it seems that Japan was very easy for these two seasoned travelers.

Q9. What was your impression of the Japanese people?

Vincent :
They were really friendly, generous, and very cordial.

JB :
They have an amazing culture and they are polite and very hygienic.
French people are like animals compared to the Japanese!

Q10. What was your impression of the city of Osaka?

Vincent :
It was good, with the energy that you can only get from the city. Also, the Osaka specialties (Takoyaki, Kushikatsu) were delicious!

JB :
It’s a wonderful city, with many places where you can go for sightseeing or to have fun in. The size of the city was fantastic, and although it is a huge city it is still warm hearted.

Q11. What was your impression of the people of Osaka?

Vincent :
Everyone was very kind. I also felt that the people of Osaka were very curious about a variety of things.

JB :
That’s right! Also we met wonderful people in Osaka! (People that you know quite well!)

Q12. Please tell us the best 3 delicious things that you ate in Japan.

Vincent
Best1 Sushi
Best2 Unagi (Eel Rice Bowl)
Best3 Gyoza

JB
Best1 Gyoza
Best2 KatsuDon (pork cutlet bowl)
Best3 Sushi

Q13. Please tell us your best 3 great sightseeing spots in Japan.

Vincent
Best1 Abeno Harukas
Best2 Nara Daibutsu in Todaiji
Best3 Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

JB
Best1 Kinkakuji
Best2 Abeno Harukas
Best3 Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Q14. What about good sightseeing spots within Osaka?

Vincent:
Best1 Abeno Harukas
Best2 Dotonbori
Best3 Osaka Castle

JB:
Best1 Abeno Harukas
Best2 Dotonbori
Best3 Osaka Castle

Q15. Please show us your favorite pictures taken in Osaka!

Q16. Has your impression of Japan changed now after you have actually come to Japan?

Vincent :
I thought that Japanese people would be shyer and not very open. I thought that everything would be more expensive. But that was a mistake.

JB :
Japan was a far better and more amazing country than I thought. It was the best out of all the countries I have visited until now. Everything is different to France and it is very fascinating.

On that note, after fully enjoying Japan, the two returned to France.
After returning home, they connected to us through Facebook, and it appears that JB has started learning Japanese.

We would like to go to France in the future.

Thank you very much JB and Vincent.
Next time let’s meet in Paris!