…. that’ll most undoubtedly make you wish to come again repeatedly.
It’s possible you’ll have already got a tough concept of the wondrous issues, thrilling sights and interesting tradition that makes Japan a bucket-list nation to journey to because of fashionable tradition references reminiscent of The Quick and the Livid’ third installment ‘Tokyo Drift’ and Arthur Golden’s novel ‘Memoirs of a Geisha’, however really experiencing it firsthand is one thing else totally.
From the towering snow-capped peak of Mount Fuji to the bustling and sometimes frenzied crowds at Tokyo’s Shibuya Crossing, get swept up within the electrical energy of this progressive nation and uncover the various extraordinary options it’s well-known for.
Whereas we might’ve made this record extraordinarily lengthy, we’ve picked out the 11 issues we predict must be skilled on any journey to the ‘Land of the Rising Solar’.
1. Mount Fuji
Commanding the Shizuoka skyline, Mount Fuji is probably the most recognizable pure formation in all of Japan and the seventh-highest peak of an island on Earth. Superbly coated in snow for 5 months out of the yr, this beautiful volcano shouldn’t be solely considered one of UNESCO’s World Heritage-listed websites however can also be considered one of Japan’s Three Holy Mountains – a sacred assortment of peaks which can be believed to have a unique, explicit energy.
Whether or not you wish to absolutely immerse your self in Mount Fuji’s magnificence by enlisting a information and making the trek up the mountain itself or have a look at its spectacular type from varied viewing spots across the nation (each Kyoto and Osaka supply unparalleled views), you merely can’t go to Japan and never be entranced by one of many world’s most well-known – and iconic – peaks.
Learn extra: Try to spot these 8 native Japanese animals in your subsequent journey
2. Cherry Blossoms (Sakura)
Heralded as some of the sacred timber in Japan and acknowledged as an vital a part of Japanese tradition, the cherry blossom is commonly seen in spring as a part of springtime competition celebrations. Whereas its origin as an emblem of the multi-faceted nation is comparatively unclear, there are stories of cherry blossoms way back to the eighth century – planted to encourage peace, fertility and prosperity.
Coming to life in the course of the months of March and April (and even earlier in some components of the nation) these stunning flowering timber are actually a sight to behold. Boasting greater than 200 totally different types of cherry blossoms, together with the Somei Yoshino and Yamazakura, Japan’s record of greatest locations to behold these magical timber is lengthy, with areas reminiscent of Mount Yoshino within the Nara prefecture and gardens like Kyoto’s Botanical Backyard on the high.
3. Japanese delicacies
One of many vital issues to contemplate earlier than travelling to a unique nation is the meals you’re going to eat once you get there and in the case of Japan, you’re actually spoilt for selection. From freshly rolled sushi crammed with salty tuna and earthy avocado to steaming bowls of noodle-y ramen, your urge for food’s in good arms no matter which Japanese area you’re spending time in.
When you is likely to be conversant in a few of these conventional Japanese dishes (or their barely much less genuine variations), there’s nothing fairly like the true deal and only one mouthful of mochi or a single chew of crunchy vegetable tempura will probably be sufficient to fulfill your tastebuds – that’s, earlier than they begin begging you to eat extra.
Learn extra: Japan’s world-beating culinary expertise
4. Manga & Anime
You’d be laborious pressed to seek out somebody who doesn’t know of Manga & Anime and their spot in Japanese fashionable tradition, such is their worldwide enchantment, nonetheless, nothing compares to having front-row tickets to the true factor. These comics and cartoons not solely present numerous hours of leisure for avid readers from everywhere in the world, however in addition they maintain a particular place within the hearts of Japanese locals.
When you’re unaware of the distinction between the 2, Manga is thought to be graphic novels that cowl a number of genres whereas Anime refers to hand-drawn animations that take the type of varied mediums from drama television reveals to child-like cartoons. Fortunately for you, Japan has loads of locations so that you can get your otaku* on.
Whether or not you wish to wander the streets of Tokyo’s Akihabara district and go searching digital shops, maid cafes and gaming venues, or go to the shops discovered on Nakano Broadway for Manga & Anime merchandise from years in the past, Japan is an leisure lover’s dream.
Learn extra: This Tokyo robotic cafe is all about human connection
5. Geishas
Maybe some of the immediately recognisable and universally cherished symbols of Japanese tradition is the geisha – a lady educated within the conventional arts. Not solely are geishas beautiful to take a look at with their completely made-up faces, strikingly patterned kimonos and elaborate and ornamental hairstyles, however in addition they have a deep data of entertain an viewers by mastering the artwork of music and dance.
Initially influenced by Japanese theatre, geishas purpose to inform a narrative by their actions with some practising for years with the intention to amaze visitors. Whereas they’re changing into more durable and more durable to identify, there’s nonetheless an opportunity you’ll catch a glimpse of a geisha in Kyoto as the town’s recognized to have the very best inhabitants of working geisha, nonetheless, they will nonetheless be present in different cities reminiscent of Tokyo and Kanazawa as effectively. Our recommendation? Plan forward.
6. Shibuya Crossing
Simply once you assume you’ve seen all of it, you bump into Shibuya Crossing – an intersection so busy it’s reported an estimated 2500 individuals cross it each time the sunshine adjustments. To place that quantity into perspective, you might fill a complete theatre with that many individuals. Now think about all of them making an attempt to cross the highway on the similar time, and also you’ve obtained Shibuya Crossing.
Often called the busiest intersection on the planet but in addition considered one of Tokyo’s most well-known sights, Shibuya Crossing is surrounded by skyscrapers and neon indicators in any respect hours of the day and stays top-of-the-line methods to immerse your self within the Japanese lifestyle. In spite of everything, nothing says ‘I’m a real native’ like getting pushed and shoved whereas making an attempt to enter the traditional metropolis of Shibuya.
7. Merchandising machines
When you’re wandering by the streets of Japan, you’re sure to note one thing you’re not used to seeing in fairly the identical abundance – brightly colored merchandising machines each 100 metres. Sure, Japan has one merchandising machine for each 25 individuals (and no we’re not exaggerating).
Boasting roughly 6 million merchandising machines filled with every part beneath the solar, from contemporary lobsters able to be cooked as dinner to umbrellas for when the climate unexpectedly turns, buying need-to-have gadgets has by no means been extra handy. Apart from, we reckon shopping for fortunes or fortunate charms out of a merchandising machine not solely makes for a terrific journey story but in addition fairly good souvenirs.
8. Onsens
After exploring the attractive countryside and energetic cities of Japan day in and day trip, there’s nothing higher than getting the possibility to chill out your drained physique in geothermally heated water. Surprisingly, Japan has round 440 volcanoes scattered all through the nation that means you gained’t should look far to find a pure, mineral-filled onsen.
Mentioned to be useful to your thoughts, physique and soul, these onsens are embedded in Japanese society and have been for hundreds of years, permitting soakers an opportunity to not solely refresh their our bodies but in addition type a deeper, religious reference to different fellow onsen-goers.
Learn extra: A non-nudist’s information to utilizing a Japanese onsen
9. Bullet trains
It’s merely unattainable to go to Japan and never take a experience on a Shinkansen prepare (bullet prepare) because the community connects travellers to and from the nation’s busiest cities. Reaching speeds of effectively over 300km/h (making them 2 to three occasions sooner than vehicles), these trains are the simplest, least expensive and quickest approach of travelling across the nation with 9 traces in complete.
Whereas they will get packed (and we imply packed) throughout peak commuting hours, Shinkansen trains are each punctual and protected with no accidents being reported within the community’s virtually 60-year historical past. In brief, a experience on considered one of these trains is a should with the intention to really feel like a real native.
10. Tea ceremonies
Whereas the matcha craze could have solely taken the world by storm within the final couple of years, performing conventional tea ceremonies and delighting within the earthy style of the now well-known powdered inexperienced tea has been a staple in on a regular basis life in Japan for hundreds of years.
Carried out in tea rooms or tea homes by a number or tea grasp, these ceremonies are much less in regards to the act of ingesting tea and extra in regards to the preparations beforehand reminiscent of the main focus that goes into making it and the precise hand actions used, in addition to the kind of tools used and their placement.
11. Temples & shrines
Simply once you thought Japan couldn’t get any extra extraordinary, you stumble throughout one other temple that includes intricate structure you’re sure to be amazed by. With tens of 1000’s of locations of worship scattered all through the nation, there’s little doubt of their significance inside Japanese custom and tradition.
Whereas Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples are each, in reality, temples, their variations embody the faith they belong to and their look with shrines usually accompanied by a crimson gate (torii) and temples that includes a gate as effectively, however one which’s extra sophisticated.
Even when faith isn’t your factor, these sacred shrines and temples are effectively price a go to, and we predict you’ll agree once you take within the sight of the Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto – considered one of Japan’s most well-known. Different well-known shrines and temples in Japan embody Kiyomizudera Temple additionally in Kyoto and Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island.
*refers to an individual with a consuming curiosity in anime and manga.
Discover what makes Japan well-known on considered one of Intrepid’s small-group adventures.
