Perhaps you’ve visited Japan before. Maybe it’s entirely new to you. Either way, if you’ve been thinking of traveling to Japan, chances are this year of staying closer to home has only deepened your hunger to visit.

Japan is a country of contrasts. Centuries-old fishing villages, buzzing megacities, and plenty of destinations in between showcase a fascinating mix of traditional and modern life.

Japan’s rich culture and natural beauty beckon travelers with a strong appreciation for art, architecture, aesthetics, cuisine, history, and the outdoors. Whether you’d like to experience the cities, the countryside, or a bit of both, Japan is an incredible experiential travel destination for the discerning traveler. The opportunities for curated, one-of-a-kind, customized adventures here are practically endless.

It’s never too soon to start dreaming about your journey to Japan. Keep reading to discover three wonderful ways to immerse yourself in this magical place.

Indulge in World-Class Cuisine

From mouth-watering ramen and sushi shops to Tokyo’s famous Tsukiji and Toyosu fish markets, Japan offers a bevvy of gastronomic delights. And the options range from street food stalls to Michelin-starred restaurants. Here are a few ideas:

Take your taste buds on a thrilling tour of flavors, sampling the many varieties of ramen with a local guide.
Revel in “the world’s finest meal,” the meticulously perfected multi-course Japanese dinner, kaiseki.
If you’re looking for a quintessentially Japanese grilled-meat dish, the char-broiled chicken skewers known as yakitori, are just the ticket (most yakitori restaurants also offer vegetarian options featuring shishito peppers, cherry tomatoes, shiitake mushrooms, and enoki mushrooms).
Takoyaki, a popular street food from Osaka, is an appetizer of battered octopus balls.
Save room for something sweet! Paired with a cup of green tea, wagashi (Japanese traditional sweets) are the perfect treats to cap off your meal. Wagashi are commonly made with sweet azuki bean paste for a refreshingly different approach to dessert.

And while Japan’s culinary landscape could keep you satisfied for months on end, let’s not forget the beverages.

Japan is famous for its sake, an alcohol made from fermented rice. It’s served during formal ceremonies, national holidays, and special events. To round out your experience of Japan’s wide-ranging culinary offerings, perhaps you might embark on a sake tasting and educational experience. Enjoy sampling different types of sake along with food pairings while you learn about the history and cultural importance of sake. You’ll even learn how to select the best sake for your own tastes.
While sake is the national drink of Japan, beer is the country’s most-consumed alcoholic beverage. Craft beers are a staple in Japan, and they have the festivals, brewery tours, and museums to prove it. If you like a cold pint, be sure to try a few while in Japan.
Japan’s whisky tradition dates back to 1870, but its status on the world stage is still relatively new. Japanese whisky gained international notice in 2003 when Yamazaki 12 Years Old won gold at ICS (International Spirits Challenge). While you can certainly taste some of the big names that have brought Japanese whisky international attention, there are plenty of fantastic lesser-known varieties. If you love whisky, take time to try a few of these “hometown favorites.”

Another experience not to be missed is the Japanese tea ceremony, also known as Chanoyu, Sado, or “Way of the Tea.” The tea ceremony, which originated in China, is a quintessentially Japanese experience that puts on display the traditional sense of omotenashi (“to look after guests wholeheartedly”). In that vein, the atmosphere at tea ceremonies is undeniably meditative, designed to promote wellbeing, harmony, and mindfulness. You can even study the tea ceremony at tea schools all across Japan that offer courses in “tea appreciation.”

Experience Nature in All Its Forms

Explore Stunning Landscapes

Iconic Mt. Fuji, one of the most recognizable sites in Japan

Japan is one of the largest island countries in the world, made up of 6,852 islands. It’s home to a dazzling array of natural wonders, including snow-capped volcanoes, hot springs, dense forests, sandy beaches, waterfalls, caves, wetlands, and more. Hit the trails of Kyoto’s breathtaking mountains and bamboo forests. Stroll through Tokyo in spring, reveling in the beauty of the cherry blossoms. Whether you’re an outdoor adventure enthusiast or you just want some variety in your itinerary, Japan offers plenty of natural beauty to explore.

There are also more than 30 national parks in Japan, scattered across the country from Hokkaido in the north to the islands of Okinawa in the south. No matter your route through Japan, you’re sure to find beauty all around you.

Wander Through Tranquil Gardens

Home to some of Japan’s foremost historical, spiritual, and cultural heritage sites, it’s no surprise that Kyoto boasts some of the country’s most beautiful gardens. Enjoy a tranquil stroll through the gardens at one of Kyoto’s lesser-known temples, Enkoji Temple. The colors here in autumn are magnificent, and its bamboo forest is a wonderful alternative to the sometimes-crowded Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.

While in Tokyo, be sure to make time for a stroll through the expansive Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. Trust me when I say you might just forget that you’re in the middle of a city of nearly 9.3 million people.

Relax and Recharge

Amidst all the amazing food and gorgeous views, be sure to take some time out to relax and recharge. Japan is home to many onsen (hot spring) resorts, and especially in the cities, you’re never far from a luxurious spa. Book a day full of first-class spa treatments in Tokyo, soak in Nagano’s onsen (just like the famous wild “snow monkeys!”), or snorkel in the waters off Okinawa.

For a truly unforgettable experience of the quieter side of Japanese culture, I highly recommend you stay in a traditional ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn. Omotenashi (hospitality) is a central element to any stay at a ryokan, and it’s an Japanese cultural experience you really shouldn’t miss. Paired with a soak in an onsen, a stay in a ryokan is the perfect way to enjoy all the tranquility and charm the Japanese countryside has to offer.

A Few More Considerations

Consider the Season

Japan has four distinct seasons. The magnificent fall colors make it an enticing autumn destination, and the cherry blossoms draw travelers in the spring. Winter offers opportunities to ski, snowshoe, and enjoy an onsen (hot spring) soak in some of the most beautiful mountain destinations in the world. Summers in Japan can get quite humid, but the season also hosts many of the country’s most celebrated matsuri (festivals).

Whatever time of year you plan to visit, Japan offers destinations, experiences, and memory-making opportunities suited to every type of traveler.

Explore Beyond Tokyo and Kyoto

Most travelers to Japan will visit Tokyo and Kyoto—and for good reason. The two cities offer so much to experience, and you should absolutely spend some time in at least one of the two (if not both). But Japan is a fascinating country of contrasts with plenty of special destinations beyond Tokyo and Kyoto.

I recommend expanding on your journey to include experiences and destinations that speak to the encounter—that je ne sais quoi, perhaps—that you want to have.

This could mean visiting Nagano for exceptional skiing with a stay at a luxury ryokan. Or you might travel to buzzing Osaka to soak in the neon lights and sample street food fare. How about experiencing the mountain town of Takayama and the UNESCO-listed Shirakawa-go village? For still more experiences of this amazing country, consider visiting the classical gardens and traditional geisha district in Kanazawa. There are countless ways to experience Japan - I have only scratched the surface here.

Your Perfect Journey to Japan

Japan offers so much to be explored. And whether or not you are ready to start making plans now, these times are ideal for dreaming up your next adventure and finding inspiration for a journey full of memorable moments that will truly light you up.

As of October 2020, Japan is not yet open to international travel, but if you’re thinking of traveling in 2021 or 2022, it might offer you just the sort of chance for respite and a re-charge that you’re looking forward to.

Inspiration Starts Here

If you’re feeling inspired to experience Japan for yourself in the future, reach out to schedule your complimentary consultation here. Whether you’re ready to start planning your own incredible adventure or you’d just like to know more about my process, now is the perfect time to get in touch.

It’s never too early to start imagining where your next travel adventure will take you. Give yourself something amazing to look forward to. The inspiration starts here.

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