Japan holds an appeal for Western tourists that’s unique among Asian nations. It’s a cultural powerhouse, with many of its most famous exports, like manga and sushi, being recognised across the world. But it also offers an amazing, volcano-strewn landscape and incredible music and history.
For a blend of ancient tradition and modern innovation, a Japan tour should be near the top of your list. Let’s look at a few of the features that have made the country so appealing.
Rich Cultural Heritage
Many of Japan’s more distinctive cultural facets, like the tea ceremony, are instantly recognisable to Western visitors. These ceremonies come in varying degrees of formality, with the full version unfolding over many hours. To experience an authentic tea ceremony, you’ll need to travel to Kyoto or Uji.
Elsewhere in the country are a number of temples and shrines, many of which boast the iconic earthquake-resistant ‘tiered’ structure. While you’re in the country, make a list of the nearby festivals and cultural hotspots and work your way through them.
Stunning Natural Beauty
Many of Japan’s natural wonders are present for only a short time, like the famous cherry blossom season, around which festivals and major traditional gatherings have developed. From tranquil gardens to soaring mountains, there’s plenty of natural wonder here to appreciate, even outside of the cherry blossom season.
Modern Marvels
In recent decades, the thing that has really distinguished Japan has been its technological innovation. The cities and appliances here are just a little bit more sophisticated than what you might expect. The neon-infused centre of a major hub like Tokyo provides a marked contrast from rural Japan, but the same traditions and aesthetic sensibilities tend to run through both.
Delicious Cuisine
Japanese cuisine offers a completely different experience than its Western counterparts. Staple ingredients like wasabi, soy, and seaweed have found their way across the world, but there’s a whole universe of deep, rich flavours waiting to be discovered too. You’ll want to try everything on the menu at the best sushi bars and to sample pantry staples like ramen, which come in more varieties than the average tourist could realistically hope to sample. Look for the best local restaurants, do your research, and make sure that you ask for the opinions of the people you meet—they know what food is best!
Warm Hospitality
Finally, we should consider the people you’ll meet during your stay in Japan. The country has a longstanding tradition of looking after guests, which stems from the tea ceremony. There’s even a special word for this concept: omotenashi. You’ll find this attitude baked into certain establishments and experiences, and it’s worth planning your trip around these things.