The nation of Japan is bursting with culture and exquisite landmarks, so much so that it can be a challenge to fit all of the most sought-after tourist opportunities into a single holiday. Keep these tips in mind and you’ll be on your way to turning your short holiday into a memorable cultural experience. The Japanese government announced to launch the new eVisa in April 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, plans have been postponed. Read all the updated information Japan online visa requirements.
Choose your timing well
The best time to visit Japan depends on what you want to get out of your holiday, and whether you’re willing to brave the crowds with cost to move to Japan on that time. The busiest time of year for Japanese tourism is in the spring, as cherry blossom season is a huge attraction for international visitors. If you prefer less hustle and bustle, you will be better off planning your trip for autumn or winter, when you can enjoy a less crowded atmosphere and friendlier temperatures. No matter when you choose to visit, chances are you will have no trouble finding a festival to celebrate.
Find your way around faster
Japan has cultivated an international reputation for fast, reliable public transportation, and this is largely thanks to the city’s extensive train network. Trains can take you to almost any part of the country, and a new one arrives every few minutes, but if Japanese isn’t your strong suit, a map of the train lines will come in handy – you’ll need to know which train you want before it arrives and leaves just as quickly. A Suica or Pasmo travel card will also serve you well in terms of streamlining the travel process and saving money.
Finding food
For all the cultural significance and beauty Japan has to offer, according to a recent perception study, its capital is still best known for its food. Tokyo’s restaurant scene ranges from bargain basement to high-end expenditure, but you don’t have to spend a lot to experience the flavours of the city. Places like Memory Lane in Shinjuku serve up classic dishes like tempura, ramen noodles, and yakitori, and you can often find street vendors selling cheap homemade options. For the nights when you would rather stay in, the local convenience stores have got you covered with cheap and traditional Bento boxes, a collection of tasty snack-like Japanese specialities which will do more than expected for your taste buds.
Don’t miss the top spots
Depending on where your interests lie, Japan is a wealth of cultural experiences waiting to be had. If it’s historic value you’re after, don’t miss taking that token shot in Shibuya Crossing, a photographer’s after-dark dream. Shibuya is also home to almost any store you could conceive of, but if your appetite for shopping remains unsatisfied, Harajuku is the place to go. The stores are only the beginning – Harajuku is packed with locals embracing wild fashion and intriguing themed cafes, from cats and owls to maids and robots. If you’re travelling to Kyoto, make the trip worthwhile with a visit to Arashiyama and its bamboo forest, as well as famous temples Kiyomizu-dera and Kinkaku-ji.
Do as the locals do
Some of the most memorable experiences you can have in Japan are the same things Japanese locals do every day, starting with something as unique as a fish market. Tokyo’s best-known fish market opens well before the sun rises, drawing locals in from miles around with its electric atmosphere and supremely fresh produce. Only a few hours later you can expect to find crowds of locals gathered in parks and alongside rivers to practice the art of Tai Chi. Even if you’ve never tried Tai Chi before, it promises to be a memorable part of your trip, and you might even develop some skills after a week or two.
Seek out something unusual
Often the best experiences are the ones you won’t find in a travel guide. In a country of almost 127 million people, finding a semi-secluded area is a strange and luxurious feeling, and you’re sure to fall in love with Lake Okutama. If you’d rather stay dry, any one of Japan’s huge parkland areas is a great place to create memories and experience serenity, and you can often find seasoned locals feeding birds out of the palm of their hands. Then when meal times roll around, hunt down small local restaurants, take a chance on their menu and prepare to be pleasantly surprised. Local dishes like okonomiyaki (seafood pancakes) are always better when prepared on a grill before your eyes.
Get out of your comfort zone
If you want the most authentic experience possible from your Japanese holiday, you’ll need to break through a few barriers – personal and cultural. Learning a few phrases in Japanese and trying them out on the locals is a great place to start – they’re guaranteed to be impressed, and simple things like asking for directions will make your holiday much more comfortable. Then, if you’re feeling brave, head to a karaoke bar and show off your skills. Karaoke is more than a casual pastime in Japan; in fact, you can find hordes of office workers winding down in one of these bars on any given night. As a final test of courage, try bathing in a traditional onsen. Everyone who uses these public spas is required to remove all clothing, and you’ll find none of the locals batting an eye.
Japan is a country full of culture, history, and flavour, and there’s no wrong way to go about experiencing it. Prepare yourself to embrace the humble rice bowl and a flat tatami mattress, and you can look forward to the holiday of a lifetime.
