20 Distinctive Issues To Do In Japan

There isn’t a doubt that Japan is without doubt one of the most original and numerous nations on the planet.

You possibly can discover centuries-old traditions nonetheless carried out at this time, in addition to witness the nation’s high-tech, revolutionary facet – with know-how by far surpassing anyplace else on the planet.

Japan will be an amazing nation to go to, since English is just not extensively spoken outdoors the main cities, and every little thing is so numerous and completely different from anyplace else on the planet, you might really feel such as you’ve entered a brand new world solely.

However that’s what makes Japan distinctive. It’s completely different, and it’s to be celebrated.

If you wish to expertise the variety and uniqueness of Japan, listed below are some distinctive issues to do in Japan that present you the genuine and conventional facet of The Land of the Rising Solar

Distinctive Issues to Do in Japan

1. Go to the Shinto Shrine of Meoto Iwa

The distinctive mix of Buddhism with historic Shinto beliefs is without doubt one of the issues that make faith and tradition in Japan so deeply fascinating.

An enormous share of Japanese individuals nonetheless frequent non secular websites all around the nation frequently, thus displaying the significance of conventional beliefs in at this time’s Japanese society.

You’ll discover lovely Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines all throughout Japan, tucked away between skyscrapers and automobile dealerships, hidden on mountain-tops and generally proper below your very nostril.

Nevertheless, probably the most awe-inspiring and some of the sacred Shinto websites in all of Japan is the Meoto Iwa.

These spectacular “wedded rocks” rise majestically from the waves simply off the coast of Ise, wedded by a sacred rope made from rice straw. They’re a part of the Futami Okitama Shrine.

Shinto is the title for the indigenous non secular beliefs of Japan, of which a big half is the worship of spirits inherent in pure forces corresponding to rivers, timber and also you guessed it, rocks.

Ise, situated in Mie prefecture and simply reached by prepare from anyplace in Japan, can be residence to the Ise Grand Shrine and a part of the Ise-Shima Nationwide Park.

Take a go to to this sacred place and also you’ll uncover a lot concerning the magic of Japan and its individuals.

2. Spend A Evening Studying Manga in a Manga-kissa

Japanese tradition is characterised all over the world by its distinctive mix of outdated and new.

The age-old traditions and customs are sharply juxtaposed by ultra-modern cyber tradition and the pinnacle of know-how, and in order that’s the place we journey subsequent, to the large metropolis life!

Whereas visiting a sacred Shinto website is one strategy to combine into Japanese tradition, staying an evening in a manga-kissa, or Manga Cafe, is one other.

A manga-kissa is a spot the place Japanese individuals go to learn manga comics, use the web, play video video games and extra.

You might be charged for the time that you simply spend there and lots of maga-kissas, corresponding to Popeye or GeraGera, supply discounted in a single day charges on personal cubicles. There’s typically a TV, food and drinks, and even a bathe and toilet!

Manga kissa are a wonderful lodging possibility, particularly for these vacationers who wish to take pleasure in themselves freely with out being tied to strict schedules. There are normally a number of manga cafes in every space in huge cities, so yow will discover lodging wherever and everytime you need.

3. Eat Lesser-Identified Japanese meals

After all, no journey to Japan could be full with out filling your abdomen with sushi, ramen, kobe beef, okonomiyaki, and all of the matcha desserts yow will discover!

Whereas most Japanese meals is cherished by guests, there are a number of notable exceptions.

Like marmite, you’ll both love or hate a number of Japanese favourites…

Creating an acquired style for them is a significant step in direction of changing into bona fide Japanese.

• Nankotsu – Typically off-puttingly translated as “softbones”. That is one among Japan’s hottest snacks. Fabricated from deep fried rooster cartilage, it’s the feel that’ll get you. When you get your head round that, you might even develop to like them.
• Nattou – Fermented beans! Want I say extra? This revolting scent can’t be precisely described right here. You’ll simply need to attempt it for your self.
• Takoyaki – Most likely the best of the three to get your head round, these scorching, battered Octopus balls are topped with an uncommon array of sauces and dried fish flakes to style. It may go both manner.

4. Have A Tea Ceremony

One of the fascinating customs on the planet, the Japanese tea ceremony or “Method of tea” can let you know extra about Japanese tradition than anything! In case you are fortunate sufficient to be invited to 1, you can not afford to go up the chance.

Revolutionised by Sen no Rikyu within the sixteenth Century, the tea ceremony embodies the ideas of respect, concord, tranqility and purity, and is firmly linked to Zen Buddhism.

Sen no Rikyu was some of the influential individuals to ever stay in Japan. He taught that every “assembly” was to be treasured whereas it lasted, as no different would ever be the identical, and developed the idea of Wabi – the place the main target is just not on present or adornments however on simplicity and pure magnificence.

After a disagreement along with his grasp, Rikyu was ordered to commit ritual suicide. His philosophies, nevertheless, stay on, and will be seen in virtually each side of Japanese life at this time.

5. Go to Hokkaido

You’ll by no means really feel that your journey to Japan was full with out a journey to the far jap shores of Hokkaido, the northernmost of Japan’s primary 4 islands.

It would seem to be a little bit of a trek, however that is the journey that’ll both make or break you in your journey to changing into Japanese.

Go away Western tradition and the large cities behind and journey into Japan’s wealthy previous as you cross lovely Aomori Prefecture and arrive on Hokkaido.

Right here you’ll uncover an abundance of lovely surroundings, numerous nationwide parks which are good for mountain climbing and different out of doors actions, and only a few vacationers to get in the best way of your awe-inspiring pictures.

Hokkaido can be residence of the Sapporo brewery and the Yoichi distillery (which is quick gaining essential acclaim on the world whisky scene), in addition to being the final place on earth to see the Ainu – Japan’s native inhabitants.

The Ainu have undergone centuries of discrimination and persecution and are solely now starting to be accepted as an integral a part of Japanese tradition.

There are conventional villages corresponding to Nibutani the place you’ll be able to go to the Ainu and find out about their distinctive language, faith, music and delicacies. Only a few Japanese individuals make this journey, and even fewer vacationers.

Pull it off and no-one can deny that you recognize your stuff in terms of Japan.

6. Get pleasure from Some Karaoke, the Japanese Method

Karaoke in Japan is an enormous deal! It’s not accomplished at residence or at weddings when your Uncle John has had an excessive amount of to drink.

In Japan, Karaoke is held in a non-public room with all your folks and a seemingly limitless alternative of songs.

In most main cities, there are devoted karaoke institutions, often called “karaoke packing containers,” the place you’ll be able to lease personal rooms geared up with state-of-the-art sound techniques and comfy seating, personal bars, and any tune you’ll be able to consider to select from.

Karaoke is just not solely enjoyable, however it’s a singular a part of Japan’s historical past. It started within the Nineteen Seventies when it was invented by Daisuke Inoue, a musician who created a machine that performed instrumental tracks for individuals to sing alongside to.

This innovation rapidly gained reputation and by the Nineteen Eighties, karaoke had grow to be a staple of Japanese nightlife!

Locals love karaoke. For those who ever go to work in Japan, little question your native colleagues will drag you out for a night of singing tunes!

7. Catch the Annual Sumo Championships

A sumo match is an expertise you’ll always remember. Happening all year long, the annual sumo championships are tournaments that function giant, highly effective sumo wrestlers making an attempt to push the opposite out of the ring.

Every match attracts giant crowds desirous to witness the highly effective and ceremonial matches.

The environment is electrical, and the matches are thrilling and thrilling to observe.

Sumo wrestling is exclusive to Japanese tradition and has been practiced for 1000’s of years. It’s mentioned to have began as historic Shinto rituals and agricultural practices, and through the years grew as a type of leisure for the imperial courtroom.

Right this moment, watching a sumo match permits you to witness the mix of athleticism, custom, and spirituality, with rituals such because the shiko (foot stomping) and the symbolic purification of the ring.

Matches happen in Tokyo in January, Might, and September, and in Osaka in March, Nagoya in July, and Fukuoka in November.

8. Keep in a Ryokan!

A ryokan is a conventional Japanese Inn, sometimes situated in scenic rural areas and infrequently containing an onsen tub advanced.

Staying in a ryokan is a strategy to get a real really feel for Japanese hospitality and recognize the aesthetics of their conventional structure.

Upon arrival, you’re greeted with heat hospitality and invited to vary right into a yukata, an off-the-cuff kimono, which boosts the authenticity of the expertise.

Ryokans sometimes have tatami-matted rooms, sliding shoji doorways, and futon bedding.

Many of those ryokans are centuries outdated, with the primary ryokans going way back to the Edo interval (1603-1868). What makes them distinctive is that they don’t seem to be simply lodging, however an opportunity to expertise native tradition.

9. Drink Japanese-style

Nomihoudai, or “All-you-can-drink,” is the commonest strategy to drink socially with associates.

You pay for the time, not quantity of alcohol, and it’s normally limitless alcoholic for a set interval, sometimes starting from 90 minutes to 2 hours. Attempt to not abuse the privilege an excessive amount of.

This follow is especially frequent in izakayas (Japanese pubs), and a few eating places, however is greatest loved with the locals throughout social gatherings.

You possibly can attempt some native beer, sake, shochu, or cocktails, or you’ll be able to have tender drinks too however it defeats the aim of the nomihoudai.

What I like about nomihoudai is that it serves as a way of bonding amongst associates, colleagues, and household, and the place you’ll be able to strengthen your relationships with out the concern of accumulating prices with too many drinks!

Among the greatest areas to search out these institutions are in Tokyo, significantly round Roppongi, Shibuya and Ginza, that are well-liked nightlife areas.

10. Keep in a Capsule Lodge

One other distinctive lodging alternative in Japan is a capsule lodge, which is a singular reflection of the nation’s revolutionary strategy to saving house!

Capsule lodges are characterised by their compact sleeping pods, that are sometimes organized in rows and supply simply sufficient room for a single particular person to sleep comfortably.

Every pod has primary facilities like a mattress, bedding, a light-weight, and generally a small shelf for retaining vital objects, however not often a lot else.

They originated in Osaka within the late Nineteen Seventies, and have been designed by Kisho Kurokawa, who noticed it as an answer to the rising want for reasonably priced and environment friendly lodging.

Right this moment, it’s a budget-friendly possibility for vacationers visiting Japan who need someplace low-cost however with out sacrificing consolation.

11. Bathe in an Onsen

An onsen, or scorching springs, is a deeply enjoyable and culturally enriching expertise.

They’re sometimes situated in scenic areas, typically surrounded by nature, and are designed to mix a serene setting with the rejuvenating heat waters who that visitors can really unwind.

You could find many sorts of onsens, from personal onsens to communal onsens surrounded by manicured gardens.

A terrific place to go for an onsen expertise is Kyushu, which is thought for its abundance of scorching springs.

12. Experience the Shinkansen (Bullet Practice)

Driving the Shinkansen, or bullet prepare, is without doubt one of the most original methods to get throughout the nation! Identified for its outstanding pace, punctuality, and clean trip, the Shinkansen connects main cities throughout the nation, permitting vacationers to cowl huge distances in a fraction of the time it will take by automobile or conventional prepare.

It started in 1964, simply in time for the Tokyo Olympics, and was a groundbreaking transportation system for its time.

The Shinkansen does come at a value although. With a view to trip this prepare, that you must buy the Japan Rail Cross (JR Cross), which is about £340 USD for 7 days use.

13. See the Cherry Blossoms

Cherry blossom season in Japan, often called “sakura,” is the most important pageant within the nation. It attracts each locals and vacationers alike to go to the gardens and inexperienced areas every spring.

The blooming of cherry blossoms sometimes happens from late March to early April, when parks, gardens, and streets throughout the nation are adorned with delicate pink and white flowers.

Throughout sakura season, many cities host festivals that commemorate the fantastic thing about the blossoms. Hanami, or flower viewing, is a cherished custom the place individuals collect below the blooming timber for picnics, events, and celebrations with household and associates.

Among the greatest locations to see the cherry blossoms are in parks corresponding to Ueno Park in Tokyo and Maruyama Park in Kyoto, which grow to be vibrant gathering spots crammed with laughter, meals stalls, and the joyful spirit of the season.

14. Take a Day Journey to Hiroshima

Hiroshima is without doubt one of the most profound and transferring locations to go to in Japan.

Town is thought for its tragic historical past as the positioning of the primary atomic bombing on August 6, 1945, throughout World Warfare II.

Hiroshima was polluted by radiation for a few years, however has begun to rebuild itself and has been reworked right into a vibrant metropolis of greater than 1.1 million individuals.

One of the vital websites to go to is the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, which commemorates the victims of the atomic bomb and promotes a message of peace.

The park consists of the enduring Atomic Bomb Dome, a UNESCO World Heritage Web site that stands as a haunting reminder of the destruction.

15. Go to the Historic Temples

There are many temples in Japan to go to, and each is a deeply enriching expertise.

One of the well-known temples in Japan is Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo, which is the oldest temple within the metropolis, relationship again to 628 AD.

You possibly can stroll by way of the enduring Kaminarimon Gate, and be greeted by the buzzing Nakamise purchasing road, crammed with conventional snacks and souvenirs.

In Kyoto, the Golden Temple (Kinkaku-ji) stands out as some of the lovely, with its beautiful gold-leafed exterior, set in opposition to a picturesque pond and plush gardens.

This Zen Buddhist temple, initially constructed as a retirement villa within the 14th century, is a UNESCO World Heritage Web site and exemplifies the concord of structure and nature.

One other UNESCO World Heritage Web site is the Fushimi Inari Shrine, which is legendary for its 1000’s of vibrant pink torii gates that create enchanting pathways up Mount Inari.

This shrine is devoted to Inari, the Shinto god of rice.

A bit additional afield is Itsukushima Shrine, situated on Miyajima Island, which is thought for its “floating” torii gate that seems to rise from the ocean throughout excessive tide.

Within the Nikko area, the ornate Toshogu Shrine, devoted to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founding father of the Tokugawa shogunate, is well-known for its intricate carvings and vibrant colours.

16. Stroll Round Tsukiji Fish Market

Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo is a sensory-rich expertise! It was as soon as the biggest wholesale fish market on the planet, and is famend for its bustling environment.

The market is a feast for the senses, with the sights of colourful fish shows, the sounds of distributors calling out to prospects, and the engaging aromas of freshly ready dishes.

It opened in 1935, initially situated within the Tsukiji district of Tokyo, and have become a central hub for fish distribution, supporting Tokyo’s sushi and seafood eating places.

17. Climb Mount Fuji

Climbing Mount Fuji, Japan’s iconic peak, is a rewarding expertise.

Standing at 3,776 meters (12,389 ft), Mount Fuji is just not solely the tallest mountain in Japan, however probably the most well-known pure landmark.

The climbing season sometimes runs from early July to early September, when the climate is most favorable.

There are a number of trails to select from, with the Yoshida Path being the most well-liked.

Even when you don’t climb Mount Fuji, you’ll want to head to Hakone or Kawaguchiko on a transparent day to get an excellent view of this iconic landmark.

18. See the Geisha in Gion

Gion in Kyoto is a must-visit vacation spot. It’s the most effective locations to go if you wish to spot a geisha, although sightings are uncommon as they prefer to rapidly sprint from their vehicles to the venues they’re entertaining.

Gion is called a historic geisha district, the place the artwork of the geisha—often called “geiko” in Kyoto dialect—has been preserved for hundreds of years.

Even when you don’t see a geisha, it’s well-liked to lease conventional apparel and stroll the historic streets in intricately designed kimonos.

19. Stroll the Bamboo Forest in Arashiyama

One other distinctive pure landmark in Japan is the Bamboo Forest in Arashiyama, Kyoto.

The forest is thought for its towering bamboo stalks that sway gently within the breeze, making a tranquil environment crammed with the tender rustle of leaves.

Strolling by way of the winding paths surrounded by dense bamboo groves, it’s exhausting to not really feel a way of peace and connection to nature.

20. Go to a Maid Cafe in Akihabara

Lastly, you’ll want to go to a maid café in Akihabara, Tokyo. It is a distinctive and kooky expertise the place you will get extra acquainted to Japanese popular culture.

For those who’ve not heard of a maid café, they’re basically themed cafes the place waitresses, often called “maids,” gown in cute, elaborate costumes and serve you in a cute, playful manner.

Upon coming into, visitors are greeted with enthusiastic phrases like “Welcome residence, Grasp!” or “Welcome residence, Mistress!”

It may be a bit odd for vacationers, however it’s little question a singular expertise. It started again within the early 2000s, rising from the otaku tradition that thrives in Akihabara.

These cafés cater primarily to followers of anime and manga, and so they typically participate in actions corresponding to drawing cute characters on meals objects or singing songs.

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