Each person who visits Japan has a different reason in mind. Some are total foodies, people who love food, and want to eat the local cuisine. Some are history buffs, fascinated by the history of the area, such as the story of the 47 Ronin, 47 masterless samurai who committed seppuku (ritual suicide by disembowelment) after avenging the death of their master. Others want to see the local sights. According to the site Conde Nast Traveler, here are some of the reasons it's thought that people should go to Japan, according to travel blogger and food connoisseur Tokyo Halfie
There are other sights and things to experience. You just have to know where to look on the internet to find out how to access these sights
1. The massive restaurant scene
-The diversity of restaurants is staggering. They range from casual walk-in places to Michelin five-starred rated places. The chefs take extreme pride in their work, and when guests truly appreciate the food they prepare, it makes them feel worthwhile
2. The wide array of cuisine
-This country offers a mind blowing amount of diverse foods. They can range from the traditional foods, such as sushi, kaiseki and tempura to more modern fusions. They strongly appreciate the change in seasons and adjust food to each season. Vegetables and fruits vary according to season. Each region will have their own unique specialty
3. The excellently brewed sake
-When you think of Japan, sake might come to mind. This strongly brewed "rice wine" is a staple of Japanese culture. Some sake can be light and sweet while others far stronger. Originally brewed in Shinto shrines, this beverage has a strongly sacred place in Japanese culture. The mountainous areas where the ingredients to make sake are grown are watered with nutrient-rich water. This often determines the character and flavor of the completed drink
4. The spring blossoms
-Spring in Japan represents new beginnings. After a long, cold winter, the delicate blossoms start blooming and there is a sudden explosion of color from the various cherry blossom trees planted throughout the country
5. The wide array of summer activities
-Summer is the busiest time of year in Japan. There are dozens of festivals to be celebrated. It's the matsuri festival season, with these festivals featuring food vendors selling things like ringo ame (candy apple), yakisoba (a type of noodle dish with soy or other sauces)
6. The explosion of color in autumn
-When autumn rolls around, there is an explosion of beautiful colors with the changing of the foliage. Mid-September marks the beginning of the fall season in Japan. Many visit the Buddhist temples and view the stunning colors of the traditional and iconic momoji (Japanese maple trees)
7. The beautiful and refreshing winter weather
-Contrary to popular belief, Japanese winters are not as harsh as other winter time periods in other countries. There is a wide array of wintertime activities that can be practiced in Japan, including snowboarding, skiing and hiking. The onsens or "hot springs" are also popular during the winter. Many Ryokans (traditional Japanese inns), offer hot springs. And there is even a location called the Jigokudani Monkey Park where snow monkeys or Japanese macaques, can be found bathing with people
-Just a warning though: if you have tattoos, exercise special caution. There is a strong cultural connection between tattoos and the Yakuza (Japanese Mafia), who are known for extensive tattooing all over their bodies. A lot of onsen owners are hesitant to see tattoos and it might upset their clientele. Find out ahead of time what the policy is on on tattoos at hot springs just to avoid invoking the wrath of the owner and offending the customers. Finding out ahead of time will not only save you trouble, but will earn you respect from the owner, because it will show you are respecting their wishes. Although, in years past, restrictions on tattoos have relaxed. But it's still good to find out ahead of time. After all, you are a guest in Japan and, as such, you need to respect the wishes of the locals, including covering up tattoos if that is what they wish
8. The combination of loud and chaotic with serene and peaceful coming together in perfect harmony
-Japan is the definition of oxymoron-the clean, organized chaos of the Scrambler Crossing in Shibuya with the Meiji-Jingu Shrine, with its beautiful tranquility, being nearby show that chaos and tranquility can coexist peacefully. Tokyo is said to be the City That Never Sleeps
9. Stunning history in Kyoto
-This was once Japan's capital city, for over 1,000 years. It includes over 3,000 Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines. 16 of these Shinto shrines are listed as UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites. There are many things to see in Kyoto
10. A nature lover's paradise in Hokkaido
-If you're a nature lover, Hokkaido is a must! The diversity in landscapes and nearby oceans provide a wealth of fresh seafood and vegetables. There are flower fields which provide a tranquil stroll to skiing in the mountains on powder-soft snow. There are ramen noodle restaurants where slurping noodles is an everyday thing to local hole-in-the-wall restaurants which provide the best food. These "hole-in-the-wall" restaurants are the best places to go because they are off the beaten path and will be less crowded, because not everyone knows about them
11. Crafts galore in Hokuriku
-If you love handicrafts, you simply must travel to Hokuriku. Located on the northwest side of the country along the Sea of Japan, this region provides some of the best unique Japanese handicrafts, including handmade steel knives, pottery and stationery
12. Ramen noodle lovers unite in Kyushu
-On the southern coast of Japan is Kyushu. The Hakata district is iconic for its food restaurants. The local ramen here is served with a pork-based broth. Other local delicacies include mizutaki (chicken hotpot), gyoza (dumplings), mentaiko (spiced pollock roe)
13. Naoshima is where art lovers go
-Located in the Seto Inland Sea, this fishing village is an art lover's paradise. They were transformed into "art islands", over the years. Museums and art displays are everywhere and these museums and art displays have something for everyone
14. The beautiful rainforests of Yakushima
-Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the rainforests of Yakushima have that typical tropical rainforest climate. There is a tree there that is said to be a few thousand years old. This forest is also said to have inspired the iconic Studio Ghibli film Princess Mononoke. This iconic studio also produced My Neighbor Totoro.
15. The tropical destination of Okinawa
-This tropical island has beautiful white sand beaches that have you thinking you are in the Caribbean rather than Japan. There is a wealth of summer activities that can be done here, including scuba diving and snorkeling. Here, you can encounter manta rays, turtles and even sharks. In the urban areas, castles and fortresses are scattered. This island is also home to a US Air Force base called Kadena Air Force Base. So it won't be too surprising to find a lot of US military running around and hear a lot of US English being spoken
16. The beautiful Mount Fuji
-This is the first thing that comes to mind when someone is asked what they think of when they hear Japan. This beautiful mountain can be seen clearly from Tokyo on a clear day. It's strong spiritual presence can be enjoyed all year round. There is a lake nearby, called Ashinoko Lake in the Hakone region that provides opportunity to get picturesque views of the mountain. There are even ways of climbing the mountain by taking hiking trails
17. The calm, serene and relaxing hot springs
-This country has over 100 active volcanoes, and as such, there are tons of hot springs, or onsens, located here. They range in quality from rustic town bath houses to elaborate spa-like locations to luxurious ryokan (traditional Japanese inn). Visitors can soak in mineral-rich waters that contain a wealth of minerals that can aid in healing various conditions, from aches and pains to various skin conditions. Remember to shower and clean yourself thoroughly prior to entering the onsen. It's important to enter fully unclothed, as swimsuits are prohibited due to sanitary reasons
-Just a warning though: if you have tattoos, exercise special caution. There is a strong cultural connection between tattoos and the Yakuza (Japanese Mafia), who are known for extensive tattooing all over their bodies. A lot of onsen owners are hesitant to see tattoos and it might upset their clientele. Find out ahead of time what the policy is on on tattoos at hot springs just to avoid invoking the wrath of the owner and offending the customers. Finding out ahead of time will not only save you trouble, but will earn you some respect from the owner, because it will show you are respecting their wishes. Although, in years past, restrictions on tattoos have relaxed. But it's still good to find out ahead of time. After all, you are a guest in Japan and, as such, you need to respect the wishes of the locals, including covering up tattoos if that is what they wish
18. The wide array of architectural styles
-There is a combination of traditional architecture with modern architecture in Japan. Various styles blend together easily to form a unique type of architecture not found elsewhere. Temples and shrines dating back 1,000 years or more can be found nestled next to high-rise buildings
19. Contemporary art found no place else
-Japan is home to many forms of contemporary art. Some of the names becoming well known as international artists include Yayoi Kusama, Takashi Murakami and Yoshitomo Nara. Their unique art can be found at the various galleries and museums located all throughout Japan. Kusama is known for polka dots and infinity rooms defining perception. Murakami takes pop culture and traditional Japanese art and motifs and blends them together with vibrantly and flowery characters. Nara takes a wide-eyed character, like one found in traditional anime (animation) or manga (cartoons) and gives them both innocence and a bit of rebellion with a charm that makes them irresistable
20. The many festivals going on during each of the four seasons
-The calendar year in Japan is jam packed with festivals celebrating one thing or another. Springtime brings about festivals celebrating the cherry blossoms in full bloom. Summer brings about festivals where people hang tanzaku paper on bamboo stalks during the Tanabata Star Festival. Autumn brings about festivals where offerings of Mochi are made during the Tsukimi Autumn Moon Festival. Winter brings about festivals showcasing ice sculptures
21. The public transport is top quality
-Japan is a nation that takes strong, deep pride in its efficient public transportation. It's known for not only being reliable, but punctual. The Shinkansen bullet train runs frequently, taking passengers where they need to go at 300 km per hour. The various subways and trains arrive at the stations frequently on time. Those who want to travel outside the city can apply for the Japan Rail Pass, which allows them use trains to access cities like Hakone, Hokkaido and more
22. Cleanliness is of the highest priority
-Japan is a nation that prides itself on top notch sanitation and cleanliness. It's considered respectful to be clean and tidy. There is a deep seated sense in the community to keep things neat and tidy. It's even customary in Japanese homes to remove shoes prior to entering. Travelers will be baffled at the lack of public trash bins. This is due to the custom of taking one's trash home to dispose of
23. Safety is incredibly important
-Japan is said to be one of the safest countries in the world. Like most countries, it will have the occasional crime, but Japan has eyes and ears everywhere and police respond with lightning fast efficiency. Police have even asked local taxi drivers to assist in preventing crime, through a program called the Takusha Crime Prevention Program, where taxi drivers act like the eyes and ears of the streets. There is also koban, police boxes where officers will be readily accessible. Any cash found on the street is handed over to police. This is done out of goodwill and respect. It's not uncommon to see children commuting by themselves to school or other places. The sense of community trust is shown through a program called Old Enough! It's a program showing kindergarteners going on errands alone for the first time
24. Customer service is of the highest priority
-It's considered a high priority to provide top notch customer service in Japan. Politeness and attention to detail are strongly important. There is a word for this, called omotenashi. This culture takes the concept of hospitality and ensures that those who practice it anticipate the needs of guests. This can range from hotel concierges to shopping mall staff. Visitors are welcomed and provided warm, friendly service and tended to with top level care. Bowing is the ultimate form of respect and humility, this is the way that those in Japan show respect. It's also important for visitors to know to bow to show respect
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