A country that has something new to discover each time you visit, Japan is a fascinating mix of age-old tradition and cutting-edge modernity. Here are some reasons why you should visit.
Rich History & Heritage
From ancient temples to impressive castles, there are many key attractions steeped in history. This includes several UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Himeji Castle which is a complete feudal castle, Horyuji Temple with the oldest surviving wooden structures in the world and the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto.
Captivating Architecture
The architecture here is equally enthralling be it the modern 634-metre Tokyo Skytree, (the world’s tallest tower) or the Shima Peninsula’s traditional Ise shrines. Of note, is the Otaru Canal with its storehouses near hotels like Grand Park Otaru; those finding such central Otaru accommodation can also visit Sakaimachi Street with Western-style buildings dating to the 1800s.
Natural Beauty
From the iconic Mount Fuji and the Arashiyama bamboo forest to the spellbinding beauty of cherry blossoms, there are many natural attractions as well. This includes places like Yakushima with its ancient cedar trees, Shiretoko home to brown bears and the Shirakami Sanchi mountain range, all World Natural Heritage Sites.
Eclectic Cuisine
No trip would be complete without sampling Japanese cuisine with cooking styles varying from region to region as well. What’s more, it is amongst the countries with the highest number of 3-star Michelin restaurants too! Must-try foodie favourites include authentic ramen (noodle soup), takoyaki (snack with octopus), yakiniku (grilled meat) and sukiyaki (hot pot dish).
