For many people, Japan is a once-in-a-lifetime place to go to. It’s such a ravishing and distinctive nation stuffed with bucket listing experiences. I’ve been fortunate sufficient to go twice however there’s nonetheless a lot I wish to see and do!
Listed here are 10 bucket listing experiences in Japan that you just received’t wish to miss!
See the cherry blossoms
Spring in Japan is unimaginable due to the gorgeous cherry blossom that brightens up the nation. I’ve nonetheless by no means been throughout cherry blossom season and it’s very excessive on my bucket listing.
The cherry blossom is out in March and April in most locations however you possibly can see it earlier and later relying the place you might be in Japan. It’s completely magical to see so many cherry timber bursting into bloom and it’s a photographer’s dream to seize this magnificence.
In Tokyo and Kyoto cherry blossom season is in late March and early April and widespread spots to view it embody Ueno Park and Shinjuku Gyoen in Tokyo, and Maruyama Park and the Thinker’s Path in Kyoto.
Experience a bullet practice
Japanese Bullet Trains put our British trains to disgrace!
Travelling at virtually 200mph, bullet trains zip throughout the nation with velocity, effectivity and luxury. What’s even higher is that they’re really on time. Prepare delays are measured in seconds they usually make travelling round Japan seamless.
There are 9 traces connecting Japan and you may get a bullet practice rail cross that provides you limitless entry.
Not solely is driving a bullet practice an actual bucket listing expertise for Japan nevertheless it’s additionally one of the best ways to get round.
See the Snow Monkeys in Jigokudani Monkey Park
Jigokudani Monkey Park in Nagano Prefecture is legendary for its snow monkeys, or Japanese macaques, which will be seen bathing in sizzling springs. It’s much more beautiful for those who’re fortunate sufficient to go to within the winter when the realm is roofed with snow and the new springs are steamy!
Climb Mount Fuji
When you’re the lively journey sort then you possibly can’t miss the prospect to climb Mount Fuji. It’s an iconic hike and, whereas it’s difficult, you don’t have to be an skilled mountaineer to finish the hike.
Climbing to the summit at dawn is an unimaginable expertise and it might be busy however this solely provides to the magical environment. There are 4 trails open via the summer season months.
When you don’t fancy the hike, there are many day excursions that take you to the fifth station on the mountain by way of bus.
Soak in an Onsen
An onsen is an enormous a part of Japanese tradition. It’s a pure sizzling spring tub, famend for its therapeutic mineral waters. You’ll normally discover an onsen in scenic areas so you possibly can get pleasure from out of doors bathing services with a beautiful view.
Learn extra on my first timer’s information to visiting a Japanese onsen.
Attend a conventional tea ceremony
There’s a lot cultural significance in a conventional tea ceremony in Japan.
It’s a ravishing ritual across the preparation and consuming of matcha (powdered inexperienced tea). It normally takes place in a minimalist room for a serene and pure environment. The host meticulously prepares and serves the tea utilizing sleek, deliberate actions. It’s all about mindfulness and appreciation of the second, reflecting deep-rooted Japanese cultural values.
Expertise the vibrancy of Tokyo
Tokyo is among the most unimaginable cities on the earth and, fortunately, many individuals will fly into Tokyo so it’s an excellent place to start out your journey. These are among the finest issues to see in Tokyo:
1. Tokyo Tower – Go onto the statement decks for beautiful views over the town, day and evening!
2. Senso-ji Temple – Tokyo’s oldest and most vital temple
3. Shibuya Crossing – The world’s busiest pedestrian crossing
4. Meiji Shrine – A serene Shinto shrine
5. Akihabara – Tokyo’s mecca for electronics, anime, manga, and otaku tradition.
6. Tsukiji Outer Market – An incredible place to get contemporary sushi
7. Tokyo Skytree – The tallest tower on the earth!
8. Ginza District – A luxurious purchasing and leisure district
9. Odaiba – A futuristic man-made island with leisure, purchasing, and futuristic structure.
10. Harajuku and Takeshita Road – A unusual space with a number of boutiques
Keep in a Conventional Ryokan
A Ryokan is the Japanese equal of staying in a British B&B!
It’s a conventional Japanese inn they usually’re normally household run. They’ve matted flooring and futon beds and it’s an excellent place to expertise Japanese hospitality. You’ll normally be handled to a tea ceremony and revel in a conventional Japanese meal.
Go to the temples and shrines of Kyoto
Kyoto is well-known for its temples and shrines which might be all so lovely and intricately embellished.
A few of my favourites had been Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) which appears to drift majestically on a tranquil pond. It’s a Zen Buddhist temple coated in gold leaf and the dazzling yellow displays within the nonetheless pond so completely.
Fushimi Inari Taisha is well-known for it’s hall of crimson gates referred to as Torii Gates that create a tunnel impact that lead you up the mountain. It’s a magical 5km hike that takes you to the temple and again and different, smaller shrines alongside the way in which. You get unimaginable panoramic views of Kyoto too!
Kiyomizu-dera is a gigantic temple advanced on Mt Otowa. There’s a lot to see and superb views of Kyoto.
Take a meals tour
Japanese meals is among the finest on the earth. Simply desirous about contemporary sushi, gyoza, ramen, tempura and udon makes my mouth water!
However one factor I discovered about being in Japan was that it’s a bit overwhelming figuring out the place to go and what to order. I extremely advocate taking a meals tour while you arrive to attempt as many genuine dishes are you possibly can and in addition to get a really feel for the best way to order and the place to go.
There are some nice suggestions on TripAdvisor for meals excursions in numerous areas.
When you’re planning an enormous bucket listing journey to Japan then check out Vicky Flip Flop’s 3 week Japan itinerary