Millions of travellers flock to Japan for their vacation every year. And no wonder. Japan is such an intriguing country that it delights its visitors with its multifaceted charms, gifting them unique experiences that they would not be able to find elsewhere. Here are 20 reasons why Japan is awesome, giving you insights into its people, culture and nature!
1. Japan has beautiful cherry blossoms
Around late March to April every year, thousands of cherry blossom trees burst into full bloom, feasting your eyes with vivid hues of red and pink and imbuing Japan with a vibrant mood. As cherry blossoms bloom at different times in different parts of Japan, it will be wise to consult the cherry blossom forecasts released by the Meteorological Agency so that you can time your trip perfectly. You can either choose to head to Tokyo or Kyoto to admire cherry blossoms or start your trip in Kyushu - where the blossoms bloom first in late March - and follow the cherry blossom front as it moves northwards. One thing’s for sure. Merrymaking is in order as Japanese people often hold picnics at parks to admire cherry blossoms and enjoy one another’s company. Be sure to pack your bento boxes and beverages and have a picnic under the comforting canopy of cherry blossom trees!
2. Japan enlivens your trip with kawaii things
Kawaii is not just a word that the Japanese use to describe cute things; it is also their way of life. Japanese people are fond of kawaii things, so be prepared to be bowled over by adorable things and people around you during your trip. For instance, you can have a whale of a time browsing through the shopping malls and buying accessories that are modeled after cute characters and irresistible macaroons and the like. Surely, these items will help you accentuate your funky style. You should also make it a point to visit Harajuku on a weekend and be entertained by the many youths who will capture your attention with their quirky outfits. You can gawk at cosplayers who dress up in bright elaborate costumes and act like their favourite anime characters, thus enjoying this popular subculture to your heart’s content.
3. Japan serves oh-so-yummy ramen
Ramen is one of the Japanese’s most popular dishes and hence, should be savored whenever you can. Originated from lamian (a kind of Chinese noodle), ramen has since evolved and acquired a life of its own. What’s distinctive about ramen is how it reveals the dietary practices of the locals as well as the signature homegrown ingredients of the prefecture where you tuck into your delicious bowl of ramen. Each region will have its own version of ramen. For instance, Hokkaido people love miso ramen that is delectably topped with sweet corn, onsen eggs and barbecued pork slices (‘chashu’) whereas Kyushu people swear by their frothy tonkotsu ramen that comes with fragrant black garlic oil, chashu, leek and bamboo shoots..Other kinds of ramen include shio ramen and mazesoba. So, eating ramen is a great way to get acquainted with the culture of the prefecture you are visiting. Itadakimasu! (‘Let’s eat!’)
4. Japanese summer festivals are a riot of fun
Summer in Japan is hot and humid, but it is no match for the boisterous energy of the fun-loving Japanese people. Entire cities come to life as communities band together to celebrate the festivities. The culture buffs among you will gravitate towards traditional festivals like the Gion Matsuri in Kyoto and the Aomori Nebuta Festival in Aomori, where you can observe the locals proudly partake in traditional rituals and parade around in humongous colorful floats. If you are touring Japan with a special someone, you will do well to take part in firework festivals like the Sumida River Fireworks Festival in Tokyo so that you can spend a lovely night admiring how the spectacular fireworks decorate the night sky. Be sure to plan your itinerary so that you can take part in as many summer festivals as possible and join in the revelry with the locals!
5. Japanese fascinating temples and shrines awe you with their majesty
Since ancient times, Japanese people practised Shintoism and Buddhism, and many Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples that people prayed at are still wonderfully preserved today. These temples and shrines come in all shapes and sizes. Some of them like the Kiyomizudera temple in Kyoto are world-renowned UNESCO World Heritage Sites; others are located in a nondescript part of a local neighbourhood. Some temples like Yamadera Temple in Yamagata are situated high up in the mountains; others like the Miyajima Shrine in Hiroshima are located out at sea. However, all of them emanate a regal atmosphere that will recharge you with its serenity. Visiting Japanese temples and shrines is thus a wonderful way to receive some calming energy and create lasting memories.
6. Japan lets you sing your heart out
As the country that invented karaoke, Japan will surpass your expectations in the area of karaoke. Travelling can sometimes get a tad stressful, so if you wish to slow down for a few hours and chill out at a karaoke lounge, Japan has your back. Karaoke establishments are located strategically in many shopping streets in Japan, so you can book a room conveniently with your friends and sing all your favourite tunes loudly without a care in the world. Some rooms come with microphone stands and disco lights, so you can create a conducive atmosphere and pretend to host your concert. Most karaoke shops will sell finger food, snacks and drinks - all the better to sustain your energy for a karaoke marathon!
7. Japan has out-of-the-world toilets
Most travellers who visit Japan will come away with a healthy love of Japanese toilets. With so many features and functionalities, it is not hard to understand the appeal of Japanese toilets. But fret not. These toilets often come with pictograms so that you can figure out how to use the different buttons, varying from the washlet bidet to the deordorizer to even the tune which some shy women play in order to disguise their flushing. Japanese toilets are especially a godsend in winter because the seats will be warm, thus providing you a much-welcomed respite from the cold outdoors. You must try the washlet spray function - first-hand experience of having your bottom cleaned by warm water.
8. Japanese onsens help you recharge and release stress
Onsens in Japan need no introduction. Soaking in piping hot spring waters is a quintessential part of Japanese culture as the locals go to onsens to unwind after a hectic period at work or connect with one another during their vacation. With about 28,000 onsens scattered all over Japan, you are spoilt for choice as to which onsen to patronize. If you wish to stay briefly in an onsen town, you can look into the following choices: Noboribetsu, Hokkaido; Hakone, Kanagawa; and Beppu and Yufuin in Beppu. No matter where you are, you will be amazed by how they are surrounded by spectacular natural scenery so that you feel enveloped in the warm embrace of Mother Nature. Japanese onsens also contain useful minerals like aluminium and iron, so you can rest assured that your skin will feel rejuvenated after a relaxing dip!
9. Japan is a fashion paradise that will spruce up your wardrobe
Japanese people are known for their attention to detail and imaginative mind. This explains why Tokyo is one of the fashion capitals of the world as Japanese designers harness time-honored craftsmanship techniques to produce stylish outfits and accessories that will inject a breath of fresh air into your wardrobe. What’s more, travellers do not need to pay Japanese consumption tax if they stay in Japan for less than six months - all the more to pamper yourself with some great finds! Head over to the shopping malls at Shibuya, Ginza and Omotesando; you are bound to find something you like that fits your budget. Intrepid travellers can even make a trip to Kojima in Okayama to get their fix of Japan-made denim jeans.
10. Japan has spectacular national parks
Nature lovers, rejoice! You will feel right at home in Japan because it boasts 34 national parks, all of which feature verdant forests and majestic mountains that let you immerse yourself in the warm embrace of Mother Nature. Take your pick. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park enables you to admire the iconic Mount Fuji from afar whereas Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park yields you the opportunity to get up close and personal with active volcanoes. Outdoorsy travellers will love to trek the terrain and explore the flora and fauna that is unique to Japan. Just be sure to visit the visitor information center to secure the latest information on safety advisories, weather conditions and area maps before you set off on your adventure.
11. Japanese people bowl you over with their amazing hospitality
When you visit Japan, you can truly sit back and enjoy your time there because Japanese people are dedicated to attend to your various needs - sometimes before you realise what you need yourself. Japanese people not only put themselves in your shoes, but also go the extra mile to include small gifts or value-added services that will elevate your experience. This is why the service staff are unfailingly polite and knowledgeable retail assistants patiently answer all your queries.They exhibit the Japanese brand of hospitality - also known as ‘omotenashi’ - and exemplify the spirit of service. Feel at ease interacting with the locals even if you can’t speak Japanese.
12. Japan effortlessly blends nature and urbanity together
Mention Japan, and people tend to think of towering skyscrapers and buildings, all of which lend the impression that it is a concrete jungle. Nothing cannot be further from the truth. Once travellers set foot into Japan, they will realize that green spaces are strategically located even within the bustling cities of Tokyo and Osaka, thus enabling Japanese people to take a breather from the stresses of urban living. In fact, visiting parks like Ueno Park in Tokyo and Osaka Castle Park in Osaka is a fun way to people-watch and understand what the locals do with their loved ones - playing baseball or soccer, having picnics, and walking their dogs. Similarly, you must take time out to visit the rooftop gardens in Japan. Not only do they allow you to soak in spectacular panoramic views of the city landscape, but they also allow you to rest your eyes by gazing out at the greenery.
13. The reliable Japanese public transport system will knock your socks off.
Travelling in Japan can yield plenty of memorable experiences. The public transport system is well planned and offers a plethora of options that allow you to travel from one prefecture to another. Shinkansen trains, overnight buses and luxurious ferries - all these are just some of the transport modes at your disposal. Furthermore, as per the Japanese’s penchant for punctuality, all forms of transportation arrive at their station at the designated timing, thus helping you follow your itinerary with minimal hassle. Everything runs like clockwork here, and you will love the Japanese’s brisk efficiency. As if this isn’t enough, some buses and trains are designed based on a theme. Boarding the Hello Kitty shinkansen or Pokemon buses is the best way to create indelible memories.
14. Japan offers unique cafe experiences
Cafe-hopping is a favourite pastime for people in many countries, and there’s no reason why you can’t do likewise In Japan, especially when it offers you experiences that are unparalleled. For those of you who crave for some peace and quiet, you can opt to patronize book cafes that enthrall your senses with their attractive covers and illustrations. Kick back with a good book and sip a cup of coffee. Some book cafes even sell beer! And of course, who can leave out the maid cafes at Akihabara? Step into one of these ubiquitous cafes, be pleasantly surprised by the waitresses wearing kawaii French maid outfits, and enjoy this surreal time in which they address you as Master and bestow a level of service on you that will leave you grinning for days!
15. Japan offers one-of-a-kind accommodation experiences in the form of capsule hotels
Only in Japan can you spend an interesting night in a pod that will not look out of place in a science fiction movie. Such pods are found in capsule hotels and are originally intended for Japanese ‘salarymen’ who need a place to stay for the night when they miss the last train home. This is why many capsule hotels offer many great amenities like a public bath, massage chairs, lounge, among others. As for the pods themselves, each capsule may feel like a tight squeeze but is actually quite spacious so that you don’t feel claustrophobic. They even come with in-built TV sets and earpieces so that you can entertain yourself.
16. Japan fascinates the world over with its traditional performing arts
A large part of what makes Japanese culture distinctive is its appealing traditional performing arts. Japanese people who are committed to keeping these art forms alive pass down the tools and techniques from generation to generation, thus helping to preserve Japanese culture in all its authenticity. Drama aficionados should catch a kabuki show at the Kabuki-za Theatre in Tokyo. Interestingly, kabuki is typically performed by an all-male cast, so it will be an eye-opening experience to see how some of these performers bring out the feminine side of the characters they portray. Alternatively, you can watch taiko performances, in which drummers beat the drums in sweet synchronisation, impressing you with their graceful, yet powerful movements.
17. Japan is a safe country for travelling
Travelling is a breeze in Japan as it is blessed with honest and hardworking people. Hence, you can rest assured that your trip won’t be spoilt by pickpockets and snatch thefts. Even if you are unlucky enough to misplace your belongings, chances are that they will be returned to you because Japanese people are known to try their best in locating the owner of the missing items. Also, the neighbourhoods in Japan are safe to navigate around at night. Violent crime is almost non-existent, so even ladies can explore the nightlife in Japan without having to worry about their safety.
18. Japan has awesome convenience stores.
It is not often that convenience stores will make you excited, but Japanese convenience stores are in a different league of their own. Be prepared to be awed by the wide selection of goods and services; it’s like these convenience stores offer a one-stop service for daily living. For instance, 7-Eleven and Lawson stores have made a name for themselves by selling onigiri and oden items, snacks that are of unique Japanese flavours, and even bespoke coffee. Even more delightfully, many of them are open 24/7, so you can patronize them anytime. This also means that should you find yourself cash-strapped, you can use your credit card to withdraw cash in Japanese yen at an ATM machine in a convenience store. How convenient!
19. Japan has spell-binding sumo matches.
Sumo wrestling is one sport exclusive to Japan but is loved by supporters from all over the world. Every year, locals and foreigners alike flock to Japan to watch plus-sized sumo wrestlers duke it out in a ring and try to win their opponent. The Nihon Sumo Kyokai, which is the official association for sumo wrestling, holds six professional tournaments that are held in the odd-numbered months. This means that it is not that difficult to squeeze in a sumo-wrestling match (or two) into your itinerary. Tokyo is host to three tournaments while Osaka, Nagoya and Fukuoka each host one tournament. Head over and support your favourite sumo wrestler!
20. Japan empowers you to travel according to your preferences
Japan is often stereotyped to be an expensive country to visit. Indeed, well-heeled travellers will enjoy themselves tremendously in Japan as they can pamper themselves by splurging on high-end branded goods and treating themselves to exclusive and premium services. However, if you prefer to travel on a more modest budget, you will find that Japan will not close its charms off to you. Eating at Japanese-style pubs (‘izakayas’) and shopping at department stores will make you delirious with happiness., Even backpackers travelling on a shoestring budget will find that making use of Japan’s convenience stores, vending machines and discount shops is fun. In short, Japan appeals to all kinds of travellers as people can eat, shop and travel on any kind of budget.
Don’t Hesitate! Visit Japan Now!
Japan has a lot to offer as a traveller’s destination. Straddling the old and new with finesse, it preserves its historical buildings while breaking new ground with novel technologies. What’s more, its natural scenery, seasons and foods spark joy. Its people are also some of the most hospitable people in the world. Have a blast of a time in Japan!
