Japan is on the high of many individuals’s journey want lists, and rightfully so! However what’s Japan well-known for? This record contains 30+ superb issues that Japan is thought for, which could simply encourage you to go to the nation and expertise them for your self.
Japan is my favorite nation to journey. From peaceable shrines and breathtaking nature to trendy megacities and jaw-dropping festivals, a lot of Japan is price seeing. It’s no shock that it’s additionally well-known for thus many superb issues!
From the seventeenth century onwards, Japan was closed to the world for greater than two centuries. This preserved the nation’s distinctive tradition and plenty of of its historical customs and traditions, which nonetheless stay to today.
Consequently, Japan is crammed with distinctive locations, actions and cultural experiences so that you can uncover on a journey to the nation. In the event you’re dreaming of visiting Japan quickly, listed here are 32 of Japan’s most well-known choices to spark a little bit wanderlust on your journey.
What Is Japan Identified For?
Listed here are 32 issues Japan is known for:
1. Cherry Blossom
Cherry blossom, or sakura, is a lot extra than simply Japan’s nationwide flower. It’s one of many world’s nice seasonal occasions, bringing collectively a few of Japan’s most beloved traditions in a novel celebration of the beginning of spring.
Sakura is an emblem of the fleeting nature of life, but in addition its magnificence. It represents a time of nostalgia and transition, marking the time when Japanese folks end college, graduate college and begin their first jobs.
When the blossoms arrive, many individuals rejoice by gathering underneath the cherry timber for hanami. This actually interprets to “flower viewing”, and it’s just about precisely that, together with a picnic with family and friends. You get pleasure from some drinks and meals underneath the timber whereas the pink sakura petals slowly drift down.
The entire nation is in a festive temper throughout this era, and also you’ll be capable to discover a lot of unique sakura-themed merchandise which can be solely out there throughout this time of 12 months.
The arrival of those little flowers is very anticipated, and yearly, you will discover the sakura forecasts to see if you’ll be capable to get pleasure from them in sure components of Japan.
Nevertheless, they solely blossom for a few week, so it takes a little bit of planning if you wish to be in Japan in time for the celebrations. If you wish to catch the cherry blossom, late March or early April is your finest likelihood, nevertheless it very a lot will depend on which space of Japan you’re planning to go to.
2. Japanese Meals
Japan is likely one of the world’s nice culinary locations. Everyone seems to be aware of world-famous Japanese dishes like sushi and ramen, however Japanese delicacies has a shocking quantity of depth and breadth that extends far past the highlights.
From soba noodles and mochi to yakitori and katsu curry, each city and metropolis on this food-obsessed nation has its native speciality. Even within the countryside, a well-known restaurant can appeal to queues of shoppers patiently ready for his or her style of the native delicacy.
Massive cities like Tokyo, Kyoto and Fukuoka all have distinctive culinary cultures, nevertheless it’s Osaka that’s identified for being the stomach of Japan. In the event you ever end up in Osaka at evening, ensure that to go to Dotonbori or Shinsekai for a number of the finest road meals of your life.
Between meals, there are numerous bizarre Japanese snacks you may refill on in comfort shops. Or in the event you can’t wait on your subsequent repair of Japanese meals, you may order a Japanese snack subscription field to your private home – Tokyo Treats is certainly one of our favourites.
3. Mount Fuji
You’ve in all probability already seen numerous gorgeous photographs of Mount Fuji, one of the crucial well-known landmarks in Japan. At 3,776 meters, Japan’s tallest mountain graces the Tokyo skyline on clear days. It’s additionally an energetic volcano that final erupted in 1708.
Fuji’s peak is usually hidden within the clouds by the hotter months, making recognizing it much more particular. It’s attainable to see it on the Shinkansen between Tokyo and Kyoto. However if you wish to see it up shut, it’s finest to go to Kawaguchiko or Hakone.
In the course of the climbing season (July to September), you’re capable of hike up Mount Fuji. Relying on the route, it takes between 5 and 10 hours to finish. Most individuals make an in a single day cease in a mountain hut earlier than climbing by the darkness to catch the dawn on the summit.
4. Manga and Anime
Anime and manga play an enormous half in Japanese popular culture. Manga refers to Japanese graphic novels and comics, whereas anime contains Japanese cartoons and animations. Each anime and manga have develop into fashionable across the globe, and it’s typically one of many issues that conjures up folks to go to Japan.
In the event you’re a fan of manga and anime, Akihabara and Nakano Broadway are important stops in your Tokyo itinerary. You’ll be able to spend hours exploring manga and anime-related merch, from collectible figurines of your favorite characters to cosplay necessities.
5. Shinkansen
The Shinkansen, often known as the bullet prepare, takes Japan’s famously environment friendly railway system to a brand new degree. These high-speed trains can attain as much as 320 km/h and are the easiest way to discover the nation.
In whole, there are ten Shinkansen strains within the nation, working by most of Japan’s main cities. You’re most definitely to experience the Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo to Osaka, however the strains stretch all the best way from Hakodate in Hokkaido to Kagoshima within the far south of Kyushu.
In the event you’re planning to take the Shinkansen a number of instances, you may look into getting the JR Go. These passes allow you to take limitless journeys on the JR strains for one, two or three weeks. Following a big worth enhance in 2023 it’s not at all times a great deal, nevertheless it’s price contemplating in the event you’re planning to discover your complete nation. Take a look at our information to the JR Go to see if it’s price it on your journey.
6. Samurai
The samurai loom giant over Japanese historical past. These elite warriors formed nearly 700 years of Japanese tradition with their historical code of ethics: bushido. Their bravery, delight and full loyalty to their lords helped to unify Japan and usher the Tokugawa shoguns into energy, who would rule Japan till as just lately as 1867.
When the samurai class was abolished in 1868, they left castles scattered throughout Japan. You’ll be able to see their well-known armour and swords displayed at museums throughout the nation, the place you’ll be capable to hear tales of their bravery and brutality.
7. Autumn Leaves
Japan’s autumn colours will not be fairly as well-known because the cherry blossom, however they’re no much less spectacular. All through late autumn, the altering leaves flip the streets, mountains and temples of Japan right into a riot of reds, yellows and oranges.
Momiji, or maple, has a number of the prettiest autumn leaves and is usually present in temples and gardens round Japan. In the course of the peak of the season, many temples will maintain night-time illuminations in order that guests can see the leaves of their full glory.
The pink leaves often attain their peak in the direction of the tip of November or early December. Much like the cherry blossom, there are forecasts which is able to enable you time your journey to see the very best of the foliage.
8. Kimono
It’s unimaginable to think about the lords and girls of historical Japan with out their kimono: the colourful robes that are Japan’s conventional type of costume. Whereas Japan began taking sartorial cues from the West throughout the Meiji period, the kimono continues to be often worn for particular events like weddings.
It’s attainable to put on a yukata, a sort of summer time kimono, when visiting Japan – there are tons of rental locations in Tokyo and Kyoto. Guests could fear that sporting a kimono as a foreigner Is cultural appropriation, however there are not any points so long as you put on it respectfully. In actual fact, some locations in Kyoto supply particular reductions for folks in kimono as they goal to protect this custom for future generations.
9. Sumo Wrestling
Sumo wrestling is Japan’s unofficial nationwide sport. Full of custom and fearsome shows of energy, it’s a uniquely Japanese expertise to observe these large males face off of their quest to develop into a yokozuna, the best class of sumo wrestler.
The foundations of sumo are deceptively easy. The wrestler who’s pressured out of the ring or touches the bottom with something apart from the soles of his ft loses. However there are literally 82 other ways to win a sumo match, with mixtures of energy, approach and crafty.
There are six main sumo tournaments every year in Japan, and with some prior planning, it’s attainable to purchase a ticket as a vacationer. In the event that they’re not on if you’re in Japan, you may ebook a ticket to observe a sumo follow session as a substitute. They’re fairly fashionable with vacationers and offer you an enchanting perception into the game. Simply be ready to abide by the strict guidelines and customs that govern the lifetime of a sumo wrestler.
10. Festivals
Japan’s distinctive tradition, historical past and traditions have led to quite a lot of showstopping festivals all around the nation. Almost each city, temple and shrine has an annual celebration linked to native legends, seasonal phenomena or rites of passage.
Whereas festivals occur year-round, late summer time is a very good time to witness these distinctive occasions. A number of native shrines and temples maintain their annual celebrations throughout this era, and also you may simply witness dancers, musicians and mikoshi, or moveable shrines, as you discover Japan.
A few of Japan’s most well-known festivals are Aomori’s Nebuta Pageant with its mind-blowing paper floats, Tokushima’s Awa Dance Pageant with its well-known awa-odori dance, and Kyoto’s Gion Pageant, which shuts down the town centre for a celebration that dates again to antiquity.
11. Kawaii Tradition
Wherever you go in Japan, you’ll hear the locals calling issues kawaii. Translating to “cute” in English, the kawaii aesthetic is all over the place in Japan, from snack wrappers and face masks to garments and latte artwork! In the event you’re struggling to image one thing kawaii, consider a few of your favourite chubby-cheeked Japanese characters like Pikachu and Hiya Kitty.
Whereas this tradition of cuteness could also be checked out as infantile within the Western world, Japanese folks take the refreshing strategy of appreciating lovely issues at face worth. Why not let it soften your coronary heart and take residence a few kawaii souvenirs for your self?
12. Karaoke
Including karaoke to your Japan bucket record is a should. Though karaoke is now fashionable all around the globe, it initially got here from Japan. And Japan continues to be the most effective locations to hire a karaoke sales space and sing your coronary heart out.
If you wish to sing karaoke in Japan, you often hire out a personal karaoke room with a microphone and karaoke machine. You merely pay for the variety of hours you wish to use it for after which get began. Most karaoke locations have an intensive library of songs, with sufficient English songs to final you for hours!
Along with a personal sales space for you and your mates, Japanese karaoke locations additionally will let you order drinks and snacks, which shall be delivered to your door. Some locations even supply all-you-can-drink plans to maintain you singing till the early hours.
13. Baseball
Whereas sumo is Japan’s unofficial nationwide sport, baseball is its most cherished. Gamers like Ichiro Suzuki and, extra just lately, Shohei Ohtani have reached legendary standing in Japan.
Japanese baseball video games have their very own distinctive environment crammed with singing, dancing and fan shows, which construct on long-standing rivalries between a number of the nation’s sporting establishments just like the Yomiuri Giants and Hanshin Tigers.
Excessive-school baseball can also be a serious annual occasion in Japan’s sporting life. Colleges from throughout Japan enter spring and summer time tournaments generally known as Koshien, that are adopted obsessively by followers. The tales of those college students and their quests for glory tug on the heartstrings and have impressed a number of manga and anime.
14. Tea Ceremony
Japanese tea ceremony takes the straightforward act of serving company and transforms it right into a mesmerising ritual, the place each motion and motion is influenced by centuries-old traditions. Each factor of the tea ceremony is rigorously chosen with the visitor in thoughts, from the kind of tea to the decorations within the tea home and even the utensils used to arrange the tea.
A full tea ceremony takes a couple of hours, however you too can expertise a shorter model in locations like Kyoto or Uji, which have a historic reference to the best way of tea. You’ll often obtain a cup of rigorously ready matcha tea (powdered inexperienced tea) and a small Japanese snack as a part of the expertise.
15. Onsen
As a byproduct of its location on the Ring of Hearth, Japan is filled with geothermal sizzling spring baths, or onsen. There are lots of onsen cities in Japan the place you may take a dip in these enjoyable sizzling springs your self. Many of those onsen have water crammed with minerals, that are believed to have a variety of well being advantages and, in some instances, therapeutic powers.
There are each indoor and outside onsen, and males’s and girls’s baths are sometimes separated because you often need to enter an onsen bare. Nevertheless, a small onsen towel will enable you to protect a little bit modesty and dry off after you get out of the baths.
Some onsen even have personal baths which you’ll hire out for a household group. Onsen cities like Beppu are a fantastic place to strive these particular Japanese sizzling springs.
It takes a little bit of getting used to, however you’ll discover that it’s a supremely enjoyable expertise to take a seat within the heat bathtub, take heed to the sounds of the water and benefit from the cosy, clear feeling after your go to.
16. Geisha
The phrase geisha interprets roughly to “lady of the humanities”. They carry out conventional tea ceremonies and entertain company by taking part in conventional devices, singing, dancing and typically taking part in consuming video games.
Their distinctive white make-up and delightful kimono make geisha stand out from the group. Whereas geisha quarters was frequent throughout Japan, Kyoto is now one of many final and most well-known areas to identify these entertainers. They’re fairly elusive, and you might solely catch a glimpse of them, however they nonetheless entertain company within the Gion and Pontocho districts to today.
17. Sake
Japan has a variety of scrumptious alcoholic drinks, however sake needs to be essentially the most well-known one. It’s created from fermented rice and might be drunk sizzling or chilly. Don’t be fooled although: sake often has an ABV of at least 15%, so it’s very simple to get drunk on it.
Sake breweries might be discovered all through Japan, every including its personal regional twist to the straightforward record of components that go into sake. Some breweries additionally supply excursions if you wish to be taught extra in regards to the craftsmanship that goes into every bottle. Even in the event you’re not a giant drinker, having a sip of sake at an izakaya is a should.
18. Izakaya
An enormous a part of Japanese work tradition is heading to an area izakaya after work along with your colleagues to eat, drink and let off steam. Falling someplace between a restaurant and a pub, izakaya might be discovered within the downtown space of each metropolis in Japan. And also you’ll be spoilt for selection – izakaya are available all sizes and styles, from massive chains and gourmand diners to smoky mom-and-pop outlets run by homeowners who haven’t taken a day without work in a long time.
No journey to Japan is full with out a journey to an izakaya, the place you’ll get to see Japanese folks chill out, loosen their ties and even get a little bit rowdy. Seize a seat, get pleasure from a couple of snacks and a chilly beer, and see the place the feel-good environment takes you. Chances are you’ll find yourself making a couple of new pals!
19. Themed Cafes
Japan’s obsession with cuteness has led to an explosion in themed cafes and eating places. From robotic eating places to maid cafes, there’s a themed cafe for just about any curiosity.
There are additionally numerous animal cafes in Japan, the place you may spend time with all the pieces from canine and cats to owls and mini pigs. However earlier than visiting certainly one of them, it’s price asking whether or not these animal cafes are moral. Not each cafe is run by animal lovers and it’s finest to do your analysis upfront
20. Video Video games
Japan knocks it out of the ballpark relating to video video games. Classics similar to Tremendous Mario, Pokémon, The Legend of Zelda and plenty of extra had been born right here.
In the event you’re after a number of the unique copies from again within the day, you’ll be capable to discover them in Japan. Akihabara is a good place to begin, however there are tons of retailers all throughout the nation which have nice offers on beloved video games out of your childhood.
We’ve bought a full information on the right way to purchase retro video video games in Japan for extra info – it contains all the very best locations to hunt on your favorite retro video games.
21. Literature
With two Nobel Prize winners and famous person authors like Haruki Murakami, Japanese literature is taking the world by storm. Whether or not you like weighty novels that introduce Japan’s distinctive worldview or just curling up on the couch with a light-weight novel, an rising quantity of Japanese literature is obtainable in translation so that you can discover.
Japan can also be the supply of distinctive poetry traditions like haiku, with its 5-7-5 syllable construction and its shut reference to nature and the seasons. As you go to temples and palaces round Japan, you may nearly think about teams of noblemen and girls gathering to compose poetry impressed by the cherry blossom, autumn leaves and harvest moon.
22. Ninja
Ninjas are sometimes imagined as elusive assassins, however in actuality, their roles had been a little bit extra sophisticated than that. They specialised in espionage, deception, ambushes and ninjutsu, a Japanese model of martial arts.
Whereas the ninja light into obscurity within the seventeenth century, the attract of those mysterious teams has introduced them fame and recognition within the trendy world. You’ll be able to nonetheless be taught rather a lot about them throughout Japan in locations like Nikko’s Edo Wonderland.
Whereas it’s not technically related to ninja, you too can go to the Ninja Temple in Kanazawa to expertise a number of the hidden entice doorways and secret rooms that type a part of the ninja stereotype.
23. Shinto
Japan has two essential religions: Shintoism and Buddhism. Many individuals in Japan practise each religions concurrently. Whereas Buddhism originated in India and is practised throughout Asia, Shinto is exclusive to Japan.
Shinto is predicated on the worship of kami, the divine spirits that inhabit all the pieces on the earth. From rocks and crops to animals and pure forces, something could be a residence for kami.
Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples are throughout Japan, however you may recognise Shinto shrines by their torii gates. These gates are sometimes painted pink and mark the doorway to a sacred place. Fushimi Inari Taisha is likely one of the most well-known Shinto shrines in Japan, with 1000’s of torii main you up Mount Inari.
To expertise the essence of Shinto, go to one of many two most essential Shinto shrines in Japan: Ise Grand Shrine in Mie Prefecture, residence of the goddess Amaterasu, and Izumo-taisha in Shimane Prefecture, which hosts the annual gathering of the gods.
24. Capsule Accommodations
In the event you’re on the lookout for distinctive resorts in Tokyo, you may’t go incorrect with a capsule resort. Providing an answer to the restricted area in Japan’s massive cities, these sci-fi-like sleeping pods are an reasonably priced different to an costly resort room.
The pods include a mattress, a light-weight and typically a TV. There are communal loos and lounge areas, just like a hostel.
Capsules in these resorts are sometimes separated by gender and often include a single mattress, however there are some out there for {couples} too. Both approach, it’s a novel expertise to have when staying in Japan.
25. Snowboarding
The north of Japan will get a number of the heaviest snowfall on the earth, and resorts like Naeba and Niseko at the moment are world-famous for the standard of their powder. Each winter, skiers descend on the Japan Alps, Tohoku and Hokkaido to hitch the locals on the slopes.
Whereas winter holidays in Japan are sometimes constructed round snowboarding, there are many different points of interest to get pleasure from after a day on the slopes. From snow festivals to monkey onsen, you don’t must pack the ski gear to have enjoyable throughout Japan’s colder months.
26. Origami
The particular paper-folding approach generally known as origami originated in Japan. From a single sheet of paper, persons are capable of create gorgeous sculptures – all with out reducing or ripping the paper.
The phrase origami actually means “folding paper”. It began off as a ceremonial Shinto ritual, nevertheless it became a extra leisurely exercise within the Edo Interval.
Origami specialists are solely restricted by their creativeness, however essentially the most well-known origami form is the paper crane. There’s a preferred saying that in the event you fold one thousand paper cranes, your want will come true. With these needs in thoughts, you’ll see lengthy, colourful strings of paper cranes made by schoolchildren on the Hiroshima and Nagasaki peace memorials, in addition to different historic and cultural monuments round Japan.
27. Calligraphy
Japanese calligraphy, or shodo, is a type of inventive writing. Utilizing an ink-dipped brush, each character is drawn onto the web page in a particular stroke order.
Whereas it could actually take a long time to really grasp the type of Japanese calligraphy, kids typically be taught the fundamentals in elementary college. There are all kinds of various calligraphy kinds, from sharp and well-defined strokes to free-flowing, nearly summary creations.
You don’t want to have the ability to learn Japanese to understand the great thing about calligraphy. However in the event you’re travelling to Japan, a couple of primary Japanese phrases will enable you dive into all the pieces the nation has to supply.
28. Godzilla
Godzilla, or Gojira in Japanese, is a big prehistoric monster and a Japanese cultural icon. It first emerged from the ocean on the large display in 1954 and since then, it has starred in 33 Japanese movies, 5 Hollywood motion pictures and numerous manga, books and video video games.
Regardless of repeatedly destroying Tokyo with its atomic breath, the King of the Monsters is so fashionable that it’s now the official tourism ambassador of the capital’s Shinjuku ward. You could find Godzilla’s head poking by the tall buildings on high of Resort Gracery Shinjuku. The resort even has some Godzilla-themed rooms you may keep in!
29. Manhole Covers
In Japan, it pays to look down. Cities, cities and municipalities throughout the nation have taken the standard manhole cowl and turned it right into a murals, with vivid colours and photos. Many are distinctive to the area and depict native landmarks, well-known scenes or beloved regional characters.
There are such a lot of arty manhole covers that discovering them has develop into a collector’s passion. There’s one thing for everybody, from reproductions of Hokusai’s The Nice Wave off Kanagawa to designs created by native schoolchildren.
Themed collections of manhole covers are additionally taken fairly severely by each creators and collectors. One of the crucial fashionable is by The Pokémon Firm, who put numerous thought into deciding on Pokémon designs that may match the native space.
We actually have a Japan manhole cowl group on Fb, the place you may share those you discover throughout your journey!
30. Arcades
Japan’s massive cities are a dream for any online game lover, with an enormous choice of arcades to play in. Simply search for indicators that say Bandai Namco, Sega or Taito and also you’re heading in the right direction.
The underside ground of those arcades is often crammed with claw machines that supply the prospect to win all the pieces from Japanese snacks to cute stuffed toys out of your favorite anime. If you may make your solution to the flooring above it, you’ll be capable to discover extra skill-based video games, together with Japanese rhythm video games and shooters.
They’re typically fairly low cost to play, and for a couple of hundred yen, you may have a fantastic night of leisure. Plus, your winnings will make for a fantastic memento to convey residence. Even in the event you don’t have a lot luck your self, you’ll be capable to marvel at some unimaginable performances from the native players, who’ve spent weeks, months and years honing their expertise to perfection.
31. Bonsai
The traditional artwork of bonsai brings collectively endurance, dedication and talent to nurture a miniature tree into one thing lovely. Every bonsai tries to breed nature utilizing cautious pruning, watering and changes.
There are lots of completely different kinds of bonsai impressed by the completely different qualities of nature, from bonsai with straight or artfully curved trunks to creations that appear to be they’re blowing within the wind or cascading over a cliff edge. A number of the extra well-known and helpful bonsai are centuries outdated, handed down between grasp artisans as a factor of putting up with magnificence.
32. Tatami
Tatami is a particular kind of flooring materials that’s utilized in conventional Japanese rooms. It’s made out of woven rushes, with a fabric or brocade edge.
Whereas using tatami is slowly declining, many Japanese properties nonetheless have not less than one tatami room. You probably received’t encounter it in the event you’re staying in a resort, however ryokan typically present tatami rooms with conventional futon bedding.
I extremely suggest staying in a ryokan in some unspecified time in the future throughout your journey to expertise a conventional Japanese retreat. They’re a number of the finest locations to remain in conventional areas like Kyoto or areas away from the large cities, like Hakone or Nikko.
Conclusion – What Is Japan Well-known For?
Japan is known for a panoramic number of historic, pure and cultural experiences. Whether or not you’re fascinated by Japan’s traditions or enthusiastic about its popular culture, you’re more likely to have unforgettable encounters with a couple of of the issues on this record throughout your go to.
With so many issues to do and expertise, Japan is a worthy addition to any traveller’s bucket record. In the event you’re able to ebook your journey, try our two-week itinerary for first-time guests that can assist you expertise one of many world’s nice journey locations.
