For many people, Japan is a once-in-a-lifetime place to go to. It’s such a wonderful and distinctive nation crammed with bucket record experiences. I’ve been fortunate sufficient to go twice however there’s nonetheless a lot I wish to see and do!
Listed below are 10 bucket record experiences in Japan that you simply gained’t wish to miss!
See the cherry blossoms
Spring in Japan is unbelievable 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 record.
The cherry blossom is out in March and April in most locations however you’ll be able to see it earlier and later relying the place you’re 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 standard spots to view it embrace Ueno Park and Shinjuku Gyoen in Tokyo, and Maruyama Park and the Thinker’s Path in Kyoto.
Journey a bullet prepare
Japanese Bullet Trains put our British trains to disgrace!
Travelling at nearly 200mph, bullet trains zip throughout the nation with pace, effectivity and luxury. What’s even higher is that they’re truly on time. Practice delays are measured in seconds and so they make travelling round Japan seamless.
There are 9 traces connecting Japan and you may get a bullet prepare rail move that offers you limitless entry.
Not solely is driving a bullet prepare an actual bucket record expertise for Japan but it surely’s additionally the easiest way to get round.
See the Snow Monkeys in Jigokudani Monkey Park
Jigokudani Monkey Park in Nagano Prefecture is known for its snow monkeys, or Japanese macaques, which may be seen bathing in sizzling springs. It’s much more attractive if you happen to’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
In case you’re the lively journey sort then you’ll be able to’t miss the possibility 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.
Mountain climbing to the summit at dawn is an unbelievable expertise and it might be busy however this solely provides to the magical ambiance. There are 4 trails open via the summer time months.
In case you don’t fancy the hike, there are many day excursions that take you to the fifth station on the mountain through 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’ll be able to take pleasure in outside bathing amenities with a beautiful view.
Learn extra on my first timer’s information to visiting a Japanese onsen.
Attend a standard tea ceremony
There’s a lot cultural significance in a standard tea ceremony in Japan.
It’s a wonderful ritual across the preparation and consuming of matcha (powdered inexperienced tea). It normally takes place in a minimalist room for a serene and pure ambiance. 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 without doubt one of the most unbelievable cities on the earth and, fortunately, many individuals will fly into Tokyo so it’s an excellent place to begin your journey. These are a few of the finest issues to see in Tokyo:
1. Tokyo Tower – Go onto the statement decks for gorgeous 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 recent 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 Avenue – A unusual space with plenty of boutiques
Keep in a Conventional Ryokan
A Ryokan is the Japanese equal of staying in a British B&B!
It’s a standard Japanese inn and so they’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 standard Japanese meal.
Go to the temples and shrines of Kyoto
Kyoto is well-known for its temples and shrines which are all so lovely and intricately adorned.
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 unbelievable panoramic views of Kyoto too!
Kiyomizu-dera is a gigantic temple complicated on Mt Otowa. There’s a lot to see and superb views of Kyoto.
Take a meals tour
Japanese meals is a few of the finest on the earth. Simply excited about recent 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 realizing 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’ll be able to and in addition to get a really feel for tips on how to order and the place to go.
There are some nice suggestions on TripAdvisor for meals excursions in several areas.
In case you’re planning an enormous bucket record journey to Japan then check out Vicky Flip Flop’s 3 week Japan itinerary
