Shelly Tal, an Israeli newlywed, sparked heated debate online after sharing her harshly critical review of her honeymoon in Japan. In a widely discussed social media post, she described Japan as a country built on appearances and gimmicks, where food looks impressive but tastes mediocre, hotel rooms are cramped, and the culture feels rigid and unwelcoming. Tal recounted her disappointment with Japanese cuisine, which she found bland and lacking in variety, and expressed frustration with the inflexibility she encountered in hotels and restaurants. She also criticized the lack of human interaction, the overwhelming crowds, and the uniformity of shopping experiences, ultimately concluding that Japan felt cold and soulless compared to other destinations.

Tal's post drew hundreds of responses, with some travelers agreeing with her candid assessment while many others passionately defended Japan. She maintains that her experience was honest and personal, suggesting that many are reluctant to admit disappointment after investing in a highly praised destination. Despite the backlash, Tal stands by her view that Japan did not live up to its reputation, and she found relief and joy only after leaving for Thailand.