Your ultimate guide toJapan

On the surface, Japan seems to be an exceptionally modern country. However, travelling around, you’ll find there are more opportunities to connect with traditional culture than previously thought.

Cherry blossoms

A truly unique experience to Japan, seeing the bloom of the Cherry Blossoms in March and April truly is magical. A visit to Hitsujiyama Park is a must with both the shibazakura (lawn cherry blossoms) and the Shibazakura Hill with more than 400,000 trees of nine different varieties on display. Set against the backdrop of Mount Buko, the patchwork of pink, red, white and violet is spectacular.

Kabukicho in Tokyo

Kabukicho in Tokyo is one of Japan’s biggest red light districts, a haven for nightclubs and bars. However, it has evolved to be more than just the glitz. With famous Robot Restaurant in the area and the delight of the neon signs, Kabukicho has become one of Tokyo’s biggest attractions. It’s also where VR Zone Shinjuki is where you can play games such as Mario Cart in virtual reality.

Itsukushima Shrine

Steeped in religious significance, the Itsukushima Shrine is one of the country’s best. The shrine was built like a pier over the water so it appears to float during high tide. Historically, commoners were not allowed to visit the island in order to maintain its purity. Now, it’s one of Japan’s leading attractions.

Scramble Crossing

Shibuya is home to the ‘Scramble Crossing’. While it may look like merely a pedestrian crossing, it has become of the most iconic sights of Tokyo. On an average weekday, more than 2.8 million people use the crossing. The area is also home to Tokyo’s hippest clothing brands and cutting-edge fashions shops.

Kawachi Fuji Gardens

Kawachi Fuji Gardens will truly leave you speechless with wisteria blossoms in full bloom. There’s also the wisteria dome to walk through. Remember to get your timing right with this one though as the flowers bloom for only a small window of time, from the end of April to the middle of May.

Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama

Always wanted to come face to face with a monkey? Head to Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama in Kyoto. You can feed the monkeys and play with them, and there are also wild birds and deer. Just remember, the animals are wild so you need to follow the park rules. Enjoy the walk up the mountain and bask in the spectacular view.

Kabuki

If you’re up for some Japanese entertainment, the Kabuki has been registered by UNESCO has a cultural heritage art form. It’s flashy and over the top and the dramatics are sure to entertain.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum

Finally, a visit to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum is a must. As the only country to have an atomic bomb dropped on it, the Museum is a tribute to the tens of thousands of people who lost their lives and to those who survived. It uses personal belongings left by the victims, artefacts, testimonies and more to convey the horrors of what really happened.

Japan is stunning all year round, however the best time to visit largely depends on what you’re planning on doing.

Cherry blossom season

If you want to catch the cherry blossoms, best to be there in late March or early April. Likewise, if you’re keen to see the colours of the autumn leaves, which is one of the most popular times to visit Japan, the best time to visit is September through to November.

For more information on seeing the cherry blossoms in Japan, read our guide on everything you need to know.

Winter

What’s great about Japan is the ability to be outdoors. The country is covered with mountains and the hiking is incredible. Pair this with the bubbling hot springs and the snow during winter and you won’t be disappointed no matter what time of year you go.

Cultural celebrations

It’s also a good idea to be mindful of all the cultural celebrations that happen in Japan. Being there for cultural days such as the Birth of Buddha which is celebrated throughout Japan on 8 April or Tanabata Matsuri, the Star Festival, on the 7 July is a lovely way to experience first-hand the traditions of the culture. However, these are busy times to visit so bear this in mind when you’re booking your dates.

Tours and Deals

Depending on the amount of time a visitor has in Japan, it may be worth booking a tour in order to get the most bang for your buck. There are several kinds of tours offered in Japan, those that are more immersive and those that provide the highlights. There are also tours that will see you board flights and those that will mean hopping on high-speed trains. It really depends on whether you want to plan your trip yourself or leave it to the experts.

Once in the cities as well, there are day tours you can do to specific sites or places. These can be bus tours, private car tours or even cycling or Segway tours.

The Japanese are known for the unique delicacies. While there are opportunities to eat Westernised food, why go to Japan to eat French fries?

Robot Restaurant, Tokyo

More than just the food, Robot Restaurant in Tokyo’s Kabukicho district is a unique entertainment experience. The 90-minute show changes constantly, and features dancers, special effects, monsters and more. It’s truly unlike anything you’ve ever experienced.

Nishiki Market, Kyoto

On the complete other end of the spectrum, there’s Nishiki Market in Kyoto, which serves traditional takoyaki. It’s cheap and cheerful and perfect for a quick bite to eat.

Seafood

Of course, there are different regions of Japan that specialise in different kinds of food. For seafood, head to Shimoda, home to a number of fish markets and restaurants that specialise in squid and snapper.

Cheese

Love cheese (and cheesecake)? Hokkaido, in the north of Japan, is home to some of the best dairy products in the country. Don’t forget to sample the Hokkaido cheese tart with buttery pastry and warm gooey sweet cheese.

Soba noodles in Morioka

While soba noodles are not unique or new in Japan, the city of Morioka is known for wanko soba, also known as little bowls of soba. Visiting a restaurant here is an experience in itself, with dedicated waiters who will patiently wait until you’re finished your tiny bowl before handing over another one. When full, all you need to do is cover the bowl and the waiter will stop replenishing it.

Takoyaki in Osaka

For the famed Takoyaki octopus balls, Osaka is the place to go. It’s the perfect on-the-go meal or snack. Think of it as a traditional form of fast food.

Ramen in Yokohama

Finally, to enjoy a deliciously warm bowl of ramen, a visit to Yokohama is in order. The city even has a ramen museum and it’s believed that the world’s first Japanese ramen shop opened in Yokohama. The city is so proud of its heritage, that there’s a dedicated ramen festival each year.

Japanese culture is extraordinary. It’s interesting and charming, and most definitely unique.

Sumo wrestling

Sumo is Japan’s national sport. Originating in ancient times, the Japanese style of wrestling was used to entertain the deities, and some religious rituals are still followed today. Because there are no weight restrictions, it’s encouraged to gain weight to have an edge over the opponent. There are six tournaments held every year and it’s a fascinating sport to watch.

Geisha culture

If you want to experience Geisha culture, you need to head to Kyoto. Less than 100 geisha remain in the city, working in the traditional teahouses. Geishas were introduced in the Edo era of Japan, when the country cut off all ties with the outside world. The role of the geisha is to entertain and charm, playing music, dancing and joining in with drinking games when necessary.

Japanese tea ceremonies

There is also the traditional Japanese tea ceremony, known as the sado. The ritual of preparing and serving Japanese tea, known as Matcha, alongside traditional Japanese sweets, puts the emphasis on the guest, becoming more like a choreographed routine rather than the simple act of pouring a cup of tea. Enjoying a traditional Japanese tea ceremony is a definite highlight.

Cultural charm meets historical tradition meets modern technology, Japan is a whirlwind of adventure, intrigue and exploration.