…. This will definitely make you want to come back again and again.
You may already have a rough idea of the wondrous objects, exciting sights, and fascinating culture that make them up Japan A country on my bucket list to travel to thanks to pop culture references like the third installment of The Fast and the Furious 'Tokyo Drift' and Arthur Golden's novel turned epic period drama 'Memoirs of a Geisha' but to actually experience it is otherwise. completely.
From the towering snow-capped peak of Mount Fuji to the boisterous and often frenzied crowds at Tokyo's Shibuya junction, get swept up in the electricity of this innovative country and discover the many extraordinary features it is famous for.
While we could have made this list way too long, we've picked 11 things we think should be tried on any trip to the Land of the Rising Sun.
Dominating the Shizuoka skyline, Mount Fuji is the most recognizable natural formation in all of Japan and the seventh-highest island peak on Earth. Beautifully covered in snow for five months of the year, this stunning volcano is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but also one of Japan's Three Sacred Mountains - a sacred group of peaks that are believed to have a different, special power.
Whether you want to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of Mount Fuji with the help of a guide and trek up the mountain itself or catch a glimpse of its awe-inspiring form from various viewing spots around the country (Kyoto and Osaka both offer unparalleled views), you can simply 'go' To Japan and not be enchanted by one of the most famous - and iconic - peaks in the world.
See Mount Fuji for yourself on our classic tour of Japan
2. Cherry Blossoms (Sakura)
Cited as one of the most sacred trees in Japan and recognized as an important part of Japanese culture, cherry blossoms are often seen in the springtime as part of Spring Festival celebrations. While its origin as a symbol of the multifaceted nation is relatively unclear, there are reports of cherry blossoms dating back to the 8th century - planted to encourage peace, fertility and prosperity.
These beautiful flowering trees come to life during the months of March and April (or even earlier in some parts of the country) and are truly a sight to behold. Boasting more than 200 different varieties of cherry blossoms, including Somei Yoshino and Yamazakura, Japan's list of best places to view these magical trees is long, with areas such as Mount Yoshino in Nara Prefecture and gardens such as the Kyoto Botanical Garden at the top.
Related: Things to do in Japan in summer
3. Japanese cuisine
One important thing to consider before traveling to a different country is the food you are going to eat when you get there and when it comes to Japan, you are really spoiled for choice. From freshly rolled sushi filled with salty tuna and earthy avocado to bowls of steaming ramen noodles, your appetite is in safe hands no matter which Japanese region you're spending time in.
While you may be familiar with some of these traditional Japanese dishes (or their slightly less authentic versions), there's nothing quite like the real deal and one mouthful of mochi or one bite of crunchy vegetable tempura will be enough to satisfy your taste buds - that's before. They start begging you to eat more.
Try Japanese Food in Japan: A Tour of the Land of the Rising Sun
4. Manga and Anime
You'd be hard-pressed to find someone who knows nothing about Manga & Anime and their place in Japanese popular culture, such as their worldwide appeal, however, nothing beats getting real tickets in the front row. Not only do these comics and cartoons provide countless hours of entertainment to avid readers from all over the world, but they also hold a special place in the hearts of Japanese locals.
If you are not aware of the difference between the two, Manga is known to be graphic novels that cover several genres while Anime refers to hand-drawn animation that takes the form of various media from dramatic TV shows to kid-like animations. Luckily for you, in Japan there are plenty of places where you can enjoy otaku*.
Whether you want to stroll the streets of Tokyo's Akihabara district and check out the electronic stores, maid cafes and gaming venues, or visit the shops on Nakano Broadway for Manga & Anime merchandise from years ago, Japan is an entertainment lover's dream.
Related: Beyond Tokyo and Kyoto: 6 Underrated Sites to Visit in Japan
5. Geisha
Perhaps one of the most instantly recognizable and universally beloved symbols of Japanese culture is the geisha - a woman trained in the traditional arts. Not only are Geishas stunning to look at with their perfectly made-up faces, strikingly ornate kimonos, and elaborate and ornate hairstyles, but they also have a deep knowledge of how to entertain an audience by mastering the art of music and dance.
Originally influenced by Japanese theatre, geisha aim to tell a story through their movements with some rehearsals for years in order to impress guests. Although it is difficult to spot them, there is still a chance to catch a glimpse of a geisha in Kyoto as the city has the highest number of working geisha, however, they can still be found in other cities such as Tokyo and Kanazawa as well. Our advice? Plan ahead.
Discover geisha in our experience in southern Japan
6. Shibuya Crossing
Just when you think you've seen it all, you stumble upon Shibuya Intersection - an intersection so busy that an estimated 2,500 people have been reported to cross it every time the light changes. To put that number into perspective, you could fill an entire theater with that many people. Now imagine they are all trying to cross the road at the same time, and you have the Shibuya crossing.
Known as the busiest intersection in the world but also one of the most famous sights in Tokyo, Shibuya Crossing is surrounded by skyscrapers and neon signs at all hours of the day and remains one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the Japanese way of life. After all, nothing says "I'm a real local" like pushing and shoving as I try to enter the ancient city of Shibuya.
Related: Here Comes the Sun: Your Guide to the Best (Secret) Sunrise Spots in Japan
7. Vending machines
If you're walking around the streets of Japan, you're sure to notice something you're not used to seeing in the same abundance - brightly colored vending machines every 100 metres. Yes, Japan has one vending machine for every 25 people (and no, we're not exaggerating).
Featuring nearly 6 million vending machines stocked with everything in the sun, from fresh lobster ready-to-cook for dinner to umbrellas for when the weather turns unexpectedly, buying essential items has never been more convenient. Besides, we believe that buying fortunes or lucky charms from the vending machine not only makes for a great travel story but also very good souvenirs.
Discover a vending machine on our ultimate Japan tour
8. Onsens
After exploring the beautiful countryside and energetic cities of Japan day in and day out, there is nothing better than getting a chance to relax your tired body in the hot geothermal waters. Surprisingly, Japan has around 440 volcanoes spread across the country which means that you don't have to look far to discover natural onsen that are full of minerals.
Said to be good for your mind, body, and soul, these Onsens are an integral part of Japanese society and have been for centuries, giving residents the chance to not only refresh their bodies but also form a deeper spiritual connection with fellow Onsen pioneers.
Whether you want to experience Kurokawa Onsen in the Kumamoto Mountains, lounge in a less traditional onsen in Osaka's spa world, or find peace and quiet in the warm waters of Noboribetsu, this Japanese bathing experience will be remembered forever.
Related: What to See, Eat, Drink, and Do in Kyoto, Japan's Most Beautiful City
9. Bullet trains - Shinkansen
It is simply impossible to visit Japan and not take a shinkansen (bullet train) because the network connects travelers to and from the country's busiest cities. Reaching speeds of over 300 km/h (making them two or three times faster than cars), these trains are the easiest, cheapest and fastest way to get around the country with 9 lines in total.
While it can be packaged (and we mean packed) During peak commuting hours, shinkansen trains are punctual and safe with no accidents reported in the network's nearly 60-year history. In short, riding one of these trains is a must in order to feel like a real local.
Ride a mini train on the Japanese family vacation
10. Tea ceremonies
Although the matcha craze has taken the world by storm in the past couple of years, performing traditional tea ceremonies and enjoying the earthy taste of the now famous powdered green tea has been a staple of daily life in Japan for centuries.
Performed in tearooms or coffeehouses by a tea host or connoisseur, these ceremonies are less about the act of drinking tea and more about advance preparations such as the concentration that goes into making it and the specific hand movements used, as well as the type and location of equipment used.
11. Temples and shrines
Just when you thought Japan couldn't get any more extraordinary, you stumble across another temple that has intricate architecture that you will be amazed at. With tens of thousands of places of worship spread across the country, there is no doubting their importance in Japanese tradition and culture.
While Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples are actually temples, their differences include the religion they belong to and their appearance with shrines often accompanied by a red gate (torii) and temples with a gate too, but it is more complex.
Even if religion isn't your thing, these sacred shrines and temples are well worth a visit, and we think you'll agree when you see Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto - one of the most famous shrines in Japan. Other famous shrines and temples in Japan include Kiyomizudera, also in Kyoto, and Itsukushima Shrine, on Miyajima Island.
*Denotes someone with a keen interest in anime and manga.
Source link
0 Comments