5 reasons to visit Japan

Incredible Japan is an unforgettable destination, with high tech cities, stunning nature, a fascinating culture & history offering unique experiences found nowhere else. We recommend spending at least 2 weeks if you can so you can experience as much as possible of this amazing country. 

I was lucky enough to visit Japan on a small group tour several years ago & it was definitely one of my all-time favourite holidays. With a culture so vastly different from my own, it was an amazing learning experience from start to finish. Some of my standout memories are: 

• Watching a sumo tournament & cheering for our favourites
• Experiencing traditional Japan at a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) in the Japanese Alps: the delicious cuisine, onsen & hospitality were outstanding  
• White water rafting: Something I didn't expect but it was such a fun experience. 
• Dressing as a maiko: the preparation is so meticulous & time consuming

1 Fascinating culture & traditions

Japan's spiritual heritage is a harmonious blend of Shinto & Buddhism religion centred around the values of nature, compassion, inner peace & respect for ancestors. Experience this for yourself at sacred sites like Kyoto's Fushimi Inari Shrine, known for its iconic red torii gates, and the tranquil Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion.

Discover the feudal past in historic castles & learn about the samurai 'warrior' culture which continues to fascinate visitors. We recommend visiting Himeji (also known as White Heron) and Matsumoto, both are spectacular. 

An integral part of Japanese culture, geisha are highly trained in arts, music & dancing & excellent conversationalists. Many are also skilled at flower arranging, calligraphy or performing the tea ceremony. The Gion district in Kyoto has long been the centre of geisha life. You may get a glimpse of a geisha or maiko (apprentice geisha) in the narrow lanes or see them at traditional performances such as the Miyako Odori dance.

"Kawaii' culture is fun & playful with its cute characters like Hello Kitty, colourful quirky fashion & cafes. It has spread globally but the home is firmly in Japan. Experience it for yourself in Harajuku in Tokyo or join a tour to find the best places. 

2 Stunning landscapes 

Japan has a diverse variety of gorgeous landscapes just waiting to be discovered at any time of the year. 

Iconic Mt Fuji with its snow-capped peak & surrounding forests & lakes is understandably on many first-timers list. For the more adventurous, it is possible to climb it in the summer months on designated trails.   

Visit the spectacular Japanese Alps for scenic trails & outdoor activities like hiking in the summer & skiing in the winter. The snow monkeys love a soak in the hot springs at Jigokudani.

Explore the Iya Valley for historic vine bridges, hot springs & beautiful Iyakei Gorge. I enjoyed visiting an old samurai house & white water rafting here. 

Japan's coastline offers dramatic scenery, from the crystal-clear waters in Okinawa to the secluded beaches in the Ogasawara Islands. Inland, discover rice paddies & traditional villages where life seems unchanged by modern life. We recommend the villages in the Shirakawa-go region with their unusual triangular shaped houses. 

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3 Delicious cuisine

Perched at the counter of a tiny restaurant at the Tsukiji Fish Market, my travel companions & I were treated to the freshest sashimi, from the catch an hour or so earlier. Simply served with soy sauce, pickled ginger & wasabi, it was melt in the mouth delicious. This is one of my all-time favourite dining experiences.

There is much more than sashimi & sushi on offer though from yakitori grilled chicken skewers & katsu curries to ramen noodles & takoyaki (delicious dough balls with octopus). Kaiseki, known as the art of fine dining, is a multi-course delight with the focus on seasonality, balance & presentation. 

I also enjoyed the aptly named Shabu -Shabu (or swish swish), it's a hot pot dish where you cook your own thinly sliced meat & vegetables in the hot broth.

Other highlights of Japanese cuisine include the world-famous wagyu beef & delicious tempura seafood & vegetables.  

4 Unique experiences 

The best way to learn about Japanese culture is to immerse yourself in the plentiful unique experiences, where you get to meet local people & experience the traditional way of life.

The iconic sport of sumo wrestling is hugely popular. Watching a tournament is highly recommended if there happens to be one when you visit. We watched the more junior competitors earlier in the day before joining the crowds later in supporting our favourites. Don't worry if there is no tournament on, you can visit the sumo stables to see the wrestlers in training.  

Stay in a traditional ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) where you'll sleep on tatami mats, eat authentic cuisine & enjoy bathing Japanese style. Choose to stay at a small family run ryokan or a larger hotel style based on your location, the experience you are looking for & your budget.

I stayed at a wonderful one in the Iya Valley. We slept on tatami mats, ate a delicious multi-course dinner dressed in kimonos & relaxed at the amazing onsen. The open-air hot bath had a wonderful view over the valley & the hospitality was faultless. It was a highlight of my trip, so I highly recommend staying in one at least once during your holiday,

Try an onsen (a natural hot spring bath) to experience a key part of life for many Japanese people. Many visitors skip this experience, but it is well worth it. The onsen is a place for health & relaxation as well as a popular social communal experience to catch up with their friends. They are found all over Japan, so you'll definitely get the opportunity at some point. 

5 Cherry Blossom 

For most people. the cherry blossom (Sakura) is the first thing that comes to mind when they think of Japan. The season usually lasts from late March to late April, possibly into early May depending on where you go in Japan. It tends to be earlier in the south & later in the north. The pretty pink petals add a gorgeous twist to the landscapes, temples & castles & make for stunning photos. Sakura festivals across the country feature traditional performances, tea ceremonies & food stalls offer sakura-themed treats. It is a popular time to visit so please do book in advance.

If you'd prefer to visit at a quieter time of year, we recommend the autumn for the gorgeous colour of the leaves.  

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