Japan is a country where ancient traditions and ways of life coexist harmoniously with the hustle and bustle of a modern, eclectic lifestyle. Japan is easily recognizable with its picturesque landscape, bright neon lights, pure white snow-capped mountains, and experiences that make you think of “only in Japan.” If you want to travel to Japan, you will not be short of a new and unique way to discover the country. The Nippon country will always leave you wanting more.
In 2019, Japan was one of the most popular tourist destinations for a perfect reason. One of the reasons Japan is so famous is that it is easy to travel the country through public transportation and experience amazing restaurants and cultural experiences, such as tea ceremonies and sumo. Not to mention that the locals are some of the most polite and friendly people in the world. Let’s say Japan is on your bucket list by reading it; you can get ideas and inspirations for your next holiday.
Seasons in Japan
The seasons in Japan add to its wonder because it is fantastic at any time of year. For example, the summer in Japan is hot and humid, making it perfect to head inland to the mountains. From July to mid-September is the climbing season on Mount Fuji. If you want to avoid crowds, you can head north to Hokkaido to experience the flower fields and mountain landscapes.
Japan is truly amazing in autumn because the changing landscapes offer stunning, vibrant, bold vistas. Autumn is perfect for those who are nature enthusiasts because the colors and the falling leaves leave you in awe in every corner you turn.
Winter in Japan is like a fairy tale come to life. From December until February is the period when skiers and snowboarders rejoice. Winter in Japan is perfect for heading out north and hitting the slopes. You can visit the snow monkeys at Jigokudani Monkey Park or head to Sapporo in early February for the annual Snow Festival.
Spring in Japan is marked by the cherry blossom season, which typically takes place from late March to early April. In early May, there is the Golden Week, a peak travel period for Japan. During this time of the year, you can expect sights and attractions to be extremely crowded, and finding a reasonable accommodation may be hard.
Things to do Around Japan
The Nippon country offers travelers an inspiring insight into its incredible culture and traditions. Japan is at the top of many travel lists because it offers unique experiences found nowhere else. You are bound to see once-in-a-lifetime experiences no matter where you look, from watching a sumo match to eating at a famous themed cafe.
Japan offers traditional experiences, including staying the night at a traditional ryokan, bathing in an onsen, and learning how sake is made on a brewery tour. P.S. You might even see snakes in sake. Watching a sumo wrestling match and dressing up in a kimono is also part of Nippon’s traditional culture.
The new, contemporary part of Japan offers you the experience of having dinner at the Robot Restaurant, visiting a themed cafe, Go-Kart through Tokyo as a real-life Mario Kart, experiencing the electric city of Akihabara, and eating your way through Harajuku. When visiting Japan, be sure to look out for gift shops and buy a souvenir; it will always remind you of the pleasant experience that Japan has to offer.
If you are a Lego fan, you will find that Japanese toy shops offer similar Lego toys, called Nanoblock. Nanoblock toys are exclusive to Japan, and owning one will surely impress you if you enjoy building with blocks. These toys are not only for children but also for adults, as they feature a wide range of themes, from building planes and animals to recreating your favorite anime characters, such as those from Dragon Ball or Pokémon.
Tokyo
Tokyo is the largest metropolitan in the world, and it has enough activities and sights to keep you busy for weeks. The city embodies a unique blend of tradition and modernity, from luxury hotels to capsule hotels, from Michelin-starred restaurants to ramen bars, and from ordering from vending machines to seeing skyscrapers alongside temples. These beautiful contradictions make Tokyo such a unique place and an exciting city that appeals to everyone of all ages.
Osaka
The city of Osaka is the laid-back and down-to-earth sibling of Tokyo and is Japan’s second-largest metropolitan area. Osaka is the perfect city to experience modern Japanese culture at a more relaxed pace. The city is known for its fantastic food and shopping experiences.
Kyoto
Many large Japanese cities are bustling with busy streets and neon lights. Meanwhile, Kyoto is renowned for its traditional temples and impeccably dressed geishas. Many traditional arts and crafts are passed down from generation to generation in Kyoto by the city’s artisans. If you want to be immersed in Japanese culture, then Kyoto is the city for you.
Sapporo
This city is often overlooked on Japan itineraries. However, Sapporo is a dynamic city that offers everything you want, from a thriving food scene to vibrant nightlife and numerous shopping centers. In winter, Sapporo focuses on nearby ski resorts. In February, Sapporo’s population almost doubles because of its famous Snow Festival. During the summer, Sapporo is renowned as a perfect destination, hosting numerous food and beer festivals.