Japan
Imagine a country that’s been inhabited since 30,000 BC, an archipelago of 6,852 islands, that offers an incredibly diverse culture, amazing cuisine, and everything from Olympic-quality skiing in the north, to tropical beaches in the south, and one of the world’s most metropolitan cities:
Well, that’s Japan.
Japan is a land of contrasts, spiritual and ancient, yet modern and otherworldly. From the neon city streets of Tokyo, to tranquil fishing villages, Buddhist gardens and ancient tea houses, Japan is one country that offers something for everyone.
There are the hip fashionistas and funky pop culture of Tokyo to the exquisite geishas walking along the Gion district of Kyoto where the cherry blossoms bloom. From the tea ceremonies to the high tech culture (even the toilet seats will amaze you!). Enjoy a stay at a Ryokan (a traditional Japanese inn) or enjoy a night singing karaoke in your own private room!
Yes, there are a lot of people. But Japan is extremely clean, organized, safe and efficient: their bullet trains run exactly on-time and connect the whole country. They can get you from the buzz of metropolitan Tokyo to someplace completely serene and different at roughly 190 mph. Japan is a country of National Parks, mountains, ski slopes, tropical beaches, hot springs and beautiful Buddhist and Shinto temples and shrines. The ancient city of Kyoto has over 2,000 Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines alone.
Parts of Japan get incredible amounts of snow, perfect for winter sports. Olympic hosts Nagano, and Sapporo are some of the snowiest places on earth! While further south, you can relax and island hop along the clear blue beaches of Okinawa and explore Churaumi Aquarium, one of the best aquariums in the world.
The food in Japan fits every budget and taste. You can slurp noodles dispensed from a vending machine (trust me, better than it sounds), or sip sake in hidden izakayas. You can dine on traditional kaiseki meals (elaborate multi-course meals) in your own private room, or enjoy a pristine omakase course at a sushi bar. But no matter where you go, the regional cuisine is amazing, and a point of pride. Japan has a such a diverse landscape, which means regions offer different specialties and tastes based on local ecology. Known as kyōdo ryōri (郷土料理), regional cuisine is made from local traditions and ingredients that have developed over centuries, from noodle styles and broth to types of sushi and tofu.
As if that wasn’t enough, your hosts – the people of Japan – make it even more special. Everyone is polite, respectful and passionate. Their heartfelt arigatous (thank-you’s) and bows from everyone, like chefs escorting guests out the restaurant or the ticket taker on each cabin of the train all make you feel special. The Japanese term ichi-go ichi-e (一期一会 “one time, one meeting”) underscores their cultural concept of treasuring encounters with people: something they view as unique, and once in a lifetime. You will find yourself feeling welcomed and treasured in Japan.
There’s so much to see and do, Japan’s the kind of place you leave, wanting to come back to see more, experience more, meet more people and absorb more of their culture. No matter what it is you’re looking for, there’s so much more to Japan that most of us ever imagined.
Have Follow Lindi design your next adventure!
