There’s a reason Japan tops so many wish lists around the globe. Tourism in Japan is all the time high, and it seems that everybody wants to see the sights for themselves. In many ways, this historical country is full of contradictions. It is home to some of the oldest belief systems and traditional values, but is a hub for new technologies.
From Nagasaki to Tokyo, there’s so much to see, do, and eat in Japan that it is hard to squeeze into one trip. Do you take Japan tour or exploring on your own, there are several things you should do to make your trip a hit. Here are 5 things to plan for your trip today so you can see the better of Japan.
1. Visit the Temple
Most of the top sights in Japanese guidebooks are shrines, and with good reason. This sacred space has been a very important Japanese tradition for generations. The process of visiting and praying at a shrine is known as omairi, and prayers at this shrine are said to bring good luck.
In Japan, there are two major religions: Shinto and Buddhism. Shinto is an historical and traditional tradition that has existed since the dawn of civilization. This religious tourist spot is known as a place of worship while the temples are Buddhist. You can find these places easily in any city you visit, make sure to familiarize yourself proper ethics.
2. Go to the Sumo Tournament
Sumo wrestling is as ingrained in Japanese culture as baseball is in the west. According to historical legends, Sumo is a practice passed down from the gods themselves. There are six major tournaments yearly in Japan for sumo wrestling, but there are smaller events during the year. Well worth a visit to see the sport for yourself. It’s more of a way of life for those who practice Sumo, so it is quite an eye opener to experience it firsthand.
3. Sing Karaoke
If you have ever karaoke with friends at a party or bar, there’s nothing quite like it in Japan. You’ll see karaoke bars virtually everywhere in Japan’s major cities, but not all the time in the way you’d expect based on our western tradition. For starters, most karaoke bars let you rent rooms known as “karaoke boxes” where you can enjoy your singing privately with your friends.
You can find karaoke box chain stores and personal bars all over Tokyo, in addition to smaller towns. These bars also serve food and drink, so it is the perfect way to enjoy a night out with friends. Although many of the songs are in Japanese, you will not have much trouble changing them to English.
4. Eat udon
While you may be capable to find udon noodles in the west, trust me they aren’t pretty much as good as in Japan. What makes these noodles different from soba and ramen? First, they’re made of thick oats, and are famous for their chewy and soft texture. They are used in a number of dishes so you can find a flavor that suits you.
That best udon place in Tokyo can be seen from a mile away because they virtually all the time have a line. However, it is worth the wait, as you are sure to become an udon convert in no time. Don’t be afraid to try local flavours, even if they appear odd to your western palette. You’ll never be capable to eat ramen again!
5. Bathing in Public Baths
While enjoying a public bath may not sound like a pleasing idea to most people, it’s a long-standing Japanese tradition. These baths in Japan are known as sento, and they come from an era where homes did not have their own bathrooms. Most traditional baths require total nudity, and are segregated by sex. Don’t worry, there’s nothing as intimidating as it sounds.
Hot springs are known as onsen, and this involves heated bathing water, but different pools can have different temperatures or even contents. Today, you can find baths crammed with everything from natural spring water to green tea. Get ready to relax and reflect, as this is what these baths are primarily used for at this time.
If you visit Japan, ensure your trip is complete by adding the above to your itinerary. There’s so much to explore in Japan, and you are sure to have a fantastic time just being surrounded by the culture. The Japanese are passionate about sharing their heritage and traditions with tourists, so make the most of the best sights and experiences.
