Japan has always been a country which has fascinated me. Having the opportunity to visit Japan for 2 weeks during autumn last year I quickly fell in love with just about everything this country has to offer.
From the rich culture to the high tech toilet seats that keep your a** warm making those post ramen toilet rushes that much more comfortable.
I think I could spend a whole year discovering this incredible country and still have so much more to learn, eat and experience.
So here are 10 reasons why you have to plan your next trip to Japan.
1. Culture
Japan, a country leading in technology and innovation has always kept true to their culture and traditions. You can experience some Japanese culture at a Geisha performance, tea ceremony or at one of the many temples and shrines where you will see Japanese people making prayers, burning incense and rinsing at the purification fountain.
Impressive Temples and shrines can be found all over Japan from the buzzing metropolis of Tokyo to the ancient city of Kyoto, Japans culture is always present.
2. Food
One of the many things Japan gets right is food. Whether it’s a hot bowl of hearty ramen. Fresh sushi resembling a piece of art. Deep Fried battered pieces of seafood and vegetable tempura. Juicy skewers of grilled chicken (Yakitori). Savory Japanese pancakes (Okonomiyaki).
Or maybe something sweet like Matcha (green tea) soft serve ice cream, red bean filled pastry in the shape of a fish (Taiyaki) or sweet chewy mochi balls.
The Japanese take great pride in the food they serve. This can be seen in the presentation of the food as it often looks like a piece of art. The taste can be attributed to the freshness and use of seasonal ingredients as well as the preparation of the raw ingredients.
3. Weird Sh*t
Ahh Japan… during the 2 weeks I spent here I found myself frequently stopping to look at random things on the streets and in shops laughing and thinking W*F. I’m just going to list some of the weird things you may encounter when in Japan.
KFC for Christmas, wasabi flavored Kit Kats, capsule hotels, vending machines selling underwear, toilet museum, remote controlled toilets, rabbit island, robot restaurant, penis festival (the Kanamara Matsuri Festival) yeah you read that right, maid cafes, cuddle cafes and love hotels. Sorry I can’t speak from experience about the last three.
4. Transport
Having experienced the public transport in Japan and in particular the trains, it made me feel embarrassed for what we had back home in Australia. It honestly felt like Japan was at least 10 years ahead. Japans public transport is efficient, reliable, cost effective, safe, clean and well structured.
You’ve probably heard about the bullet trains and after taking a ride on the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Osaka I can say it’s defiantly a memorable experience. I took a Snapchat video out the window to use the speed filter which showed up as 279km/h. I showed friends and family and they genuinely thought the video was in fast forward.
The public transport in Japan may seem intimidating at first but once you have gotten lost a few times which is quite fun by the way and figured out how to get from A to B. You will find it to be not as confusing as it once seemed and you will be navigating around Japan like a local.
5. Nightlife
To be honest coming from Sydney the nightlife just about anywhere is going to be more exciting.
The nightlife in Japan and Tokyo in particular is whatever you want it to be. You will never run out of things to do no matter what day of the week it is. Here are just some of the many ways you can spend your night out.
- Race Mario Karts at an arcade
- Drink beer and eat yakitori with locals at an Izakaya
- Sing all night long with your friends in a private Karaoke room
- Go clubbing at some of Asia’s biggest EDM clubs
- Admire the breathtaking city views at an observation deck
- Experience a Japanese soccer or baseball match
- Fill up on Japanese street food at a Yatai (street food stands)
- Visit a temple or shrine without all the crowds in a unique night setting
- Dine at a Michelin star restaurant
- Shop till your bank starts asking questions
- Go to the Robot Restaurant in Tokyo and try and figure out W*F is happening
6. Shopping
Shopping in Japan will definitely exceed your expectations. The Japanese shopping experience offers everything from high end fashion, multi-level tech/electronic stores, traditional souvenirs, 100 yen stores, manga and anime collectibles, department stores, youth fashion, handmade arts and crafts and my favourite shop Don Quijote. It’s basically a big discount store that literally sells everything.
Some of the thoughts I had while shopping in Japan were as follows. “Dam this shop is big”. “What, this shop has 7 levels”. “W*F is that”. “A hand shaped head holder for better posture while napping at work? Only in Japan”. “Wait that’s a microphone you sing in to which mutes your voice so you don’t disturb people? Ok”. “Wow Japanese people are into some weird sh*t”. “I just came here for the food court”.
So in summary the shops are huge with multiple levels. Whatever you need or thought you didn’t you’ll find it. There is a lot of weird sh*t that will have you saying W*F and It’s definitely an experience.
7. Safety
Japan was ranked 9th on the 2018 Global Peace Index so basically it’s one of the safest countries in the world. This is what makes Japan such a great option for solo travelers.
I can say I definitely felt safer walking around the streets of Tokyo past midnight while alone than I do in my home city! This doesn’t mean you should disregard exercising caution and common sense wherever you are.
8. Natural Scenery
When you think of Japan you probably think of the neon mega city of Tokyo and the great temples and shrines. But what you may not know is that Japan is home to some impressive natural sights to take in.
Japan is a diverse country offering everything from world class ski slopes, breathtaking waterfalls, towering bamboo forests, pristine white sand beaches, limestone caves, steamy hot springs and perhaps Japans greatest natural attraction Mount Fuji.
Experience the magical cherry blossom season from late March to mid-April or the stunning autumn colours of green, yellow, orange and red.
Some of the must see natural attractions In Japan include: Mount Fuji, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Chūbu-Sangaku National Park, Nachi waterfall and Kabira Bay.
9. Convenience Stores
Not only are the trains, toilets, technology and just about everything else years ahead of Australia but also the convenient stores or konbini stores as they are known in Japan. There are 3 big players Seven Eleven, Lawson and Family Mart each with their own unique products. Apart from the impressive range of food and drinks available they also provide some useful services.
Some of the services available include: Free WIFI, ATM (accepting international cards), toilet, eating area, open 24/7, shipping service and ticket machines for sporting events, concerts, attractions, bus tickets and much more.
Eating out in Japan isn’t exactly cheap but don’t worry because the convenient stores in Japan are more than equipped to satisfy your hunger, thirst and curiosity.
Japanese convenient stores offer everything from the Japanese favorites sushi, instant ramen, bento boxes, hot ready to eat fried chicken, Yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), Oden, Onigiri (rice balls), pork cutlet sandwich, egg salad sandwich I could go on and on. I haven’t even mentioned the drinks like the transparent milk tea or the Suntory Strong Zero, this is an alcoholic drink in a can with an alcohol percentage of 9%! It just takes 1 can of the fruit flavored drink and you’ll be singing karaoke without a care in the world. In Japan it’s perfectly acceptable to drink alcohol wherever you want and you just need to tap a button to confirm your over 20 years old.
10. Japanese Etiquette
In Japan etiquette and using correct manners is an important part of daily life. Being a tourist it is important to educate yourself on some of the basic manners and etiquette to follow so you avoid being disrespectful and embarrassing yourself.
Some basic etiquette to follow:
- Place money on the small tray at the counter, do not directly hand money to the Cashier
- Be quite while on public transport
- Do not point chopsticks or stick them in a bowl of rice
- Do not tip as customer service is important in Japan and it is seen as disrespectful to tip
- If a building has slippers at the bathroom remove shoes and wear the slippers while using the bathroom
- Avoid eating while walking, eat your food then and there
- Always pour other people’s drinks first
- When using an onsen (hot spring) wash yourself before entering the onsen and enter naked covering hair with a towel
This may seem a little overwhelming but from my experience if you just be a good respectful person and use common sense you will be fine. Most of the locals will be understanding that you are not familiar with Japanese etiquette and not frown upon you unless you are purposely being disrespectful.
So there you have it 10 reasons you need to book your next holiday to Japan. There are more reasons I can think of but hey, 10 is a round number everyone likes. If you enjoyed this post I would appreciate it if you shared it with your travel buddy or anyone who is thinking of travelling to Japan. If you have any feedback leave a comment down below!
