6 Best Reasons Why Visit Japan: More Than Culture & Food

International travel can be quite costly, which is something to consider when asking yourself why visit Japan. However, once you find yourself walking through Japan's quaint streets, enjoying the thrills of its theme parks, savoring local cuisine, and immersing in its unique natural beauty, you'll realize it's all worth it.

If these highlights aren't enough to convince you, then read on. The following six reasons to visit Japan will surely impress you.

A Short Answer to Why Visit Japan

Why visit Japan? As an East Asian country far removed from Europe and America, Japan is mysterious and fascinating. Its culture, traditional or anime, and its cuisine, from sushi to yakitori, offer lasting appeal.

Not only that, colorful kimonos, centuries-old shrines, diverse malls, and the seasonal changes marked by cherry blossoms and maple leaves are best enjoyed in person.

Even better, customized travel plans are another reason why people visit Japan. No need to search and plan on your own - just show your needs and preferences, and a unique itinerary will be created for you. Not only can you visit more destinations and taste a wider variety of cuisines, but you can also avoid crowded places. Most importantly, the customized service includes professional guides throughout your trip, ensuring that language barriers won't hinder your experience.

1. Five Awesome Fun Things

The main goal of travel is to unwind. Therefore, the first reason to visit Japan is because there's so much fun to be had. This is also a great start for your what to do in Japan list.

1) Amazing Summer Festivals

In Japan, hundreds of summer festivals take place during the summer months.

Among the most famous are the Gion Festival in Kyoto and the Aomori Nebuta Festival in Aomori.

Additionally, Obon in August, which is a Buddhist celebration honoring ancestors, is also worth attending for prayers and blessings.

Every festival is a chance to join joyful parades, witness hundreds of people dressed in traditional costumes, eat special food, and take part in many different activities.

2) Relaxing Natural Hot Spring

With over 27,000 hot spring sources, Japan has made hot spring/onsen bathing a national pastime.

Some of the most renowned hot spring resorts include Hakone, Kusatsu, Beppu, and Arima. They are all rich in minerals beneficial to the body and also excellent locations to enjoy the stunning natural scenery.

3) Theme and Amusement Parks

Unlike some countries, theme amusement parks are also a major reason why visit Japan.

From the iconic Tokyo Disneyland and Universal Studios Japan to more niche attractions like Legoland Japan and Sanrio Puroland, there's an option to suit every interest.

They all offer a nostalgic escape with a theme park guide and are perfect for family outings.

4) Shopping Paradise

If shopping is your thing, then you get a reason to visit Japan. From Tokyo's Ginza to Osaka's Shinsaibashi, you can find everything from fashion to electronics.

Plus, traditional crafts such as Kyoto kimonos, Nara lacquerware, and various handmade goods from across the country make wonderful keepsakes to bring a piece of Japan home. Continue to read Top 9 souvenirs to buy in Japan

5) Anime & Manga Attractions

You may not be familiar with the Shogunate or the Meiji Restoration. But if you have ever been touched by modern Japanese anime culture, visiting Akihabara to shop for merchandise and exploring One Piece Tower, Ghibli Park, and the Ghibli Museum are great to relive your youth.

2. Rich Japanese Cuisine

Another reason for visiting Japan can be its special local eating and drinking. If you're one of those travelers, let's dive into some of the most mouthwatering Japanese food.

1) Authentic Kaiseki Food

For a truly refined and traditional Japanese dining experience, don't miss kaiseki. Known for its exquisite presentation, artful use of seasonal ingredients, and delicate flavors, kaiseki is a culinary journey.

It is typically found in high-end restaurants in Japan, such as Kitcho. From appetizers to simmered dishes, grilled items, and desserts, each course is crafted like a work of art that delights both the eyes and the palate.

2) Diverse Sushi and Sashimi

Sushi and sashimi are renowned delicacies, and also reasons to visit Japan for global tourists.

Sushi, made with vinegared rice and fresh fish, comes in various forms such as nigiri and maki.

Sashimi, on the other hand, is thinly sliced raw fish, emphasizing knife skills.

Tokyo's Tsukiji Market and Osaka's Dotonbori are popular spots to enjoy a wide variety of sushi and sashimi, where seasoned chefs will tickle your taste buds with the freshest seafood.

3) Kyoto Nishiki Market Food Exploration

Japanese cuisine is also about the joy of discovery. This is a big reason why visit Japan for many people.

Kyoto's Nishiki Market, a vibrant market street, is the perfect place to start your culinary adventure. With over a hundred food stalls and shops, you can find not only sushi and sashimi, but also crispy tempura, handmade tofu, fragrant grilled eel, and takoyaki. Every bite offers a new and delightful surprise.

3) Osaka Food Hub

Osaka is a food lover's paradise. Under the neon lights of Dotonbori, you'll find street vendors selling delicious okonomiyaki everywhere.

In Shinsekai, try kushikatsu—crispy, deep-fried skewers that are perfect bite-sized treats. Shinsaibashi boasts the widest variety of snacks, from ramen to sushi.

And do not forget Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street, which is filled with both traditional and modern restaurants that will leave you spoilt for choice.

3. Fascinating Japanese Culture

Japan offers a unique cultural experience that can't be fully understood until you've seen it for yourself. This is also why you should visit Japan.

1) Watch Sumo Wrestling

Sumo originated 2,000 years ago and, nowadays, hardly anyone is unaware of this unique sport. Back in the day, sumo was seen as a dance to fight and drive away evil spirits, and today it is a fight of strength and intelligence between two athletes.

If you're interested in American boxing, Japanese sumo wrestling might make you feel connected as well. It is strongly recommended to watch a full day of a tournament, as this is a sport you won't find anywhere else. Match details and ticket information can be found on the English website of the Japan Sumo Association.

2) Wear Traditional Japanese Clothes

How can you visit Japan without trying on traditional Japanese clothing? Whether you're strolling through the historic streets of Kyoto or visiting Asakusa Temple in Tokyo, wearing a kimono or Haori allows you to immerse yourself in Japanese history and aesthetics.

And imagine interacting with adorable deer in Nara in a Japanese dress — it's an experience you won't forget!

3) Feel the Spirit of the Samurai Sword

The unique samurai sword culture adds another compelling reason to visit Japan. The Samurai Ninja Museum in Kyoto and the Samurai Museum in Tokyo showcase exquisite sword craftsmanship and history.

In Kamakura, you can even experience sword-making firsthand. It is a journey beyond a visual feast when admiring Japanese samurai swords.

4) Experience Ninja Culture

Beyond the samurai spirit, Japan's ninja culture is equally fascinating. You can similarly learn about its history at the Samurai Ninja Museum in Kyoto.

However, it is even more recommended to visit Edo Wonderland Nikko for a more immersive experience. Their live ninja shows and interactive games offer a thrilling and unforgettable adventure that far surpasses the static displays of museums.

5) Watch Noh and Kabuki Theatre

Theatre is an important part of many cultures, and the noh and kabuki theatre are widely popular in Japan. Watching one of these shows is a unique experience. You will be amazed by the colorful masks, showy dresses, and the amazing skills of the performers.

Noh and kabuki are both stylized, and tell traditional stories. Noh is calm and quiet; while kabuki aims to shock and entertain the spectator with gruesome stories and spectacular performances.

4. Unique Traditional Heritage

How about exploring traditional houses in Japan like shrines, temples, and castles when considering why visit Japan? Here are some highlights to help you decide if you're still hesitating.

1) Historic Temples And Shrines

Kyoto Kinkaku-ji Temple is famous for its exquisite gold leaf exterior and beautiful gardens; Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine entices countless visitors with its maze of red torii gates.

Tokyo Senso-ji Temple boasts a magnificent Kaminarimon gate and the ancient Nakamise-dori shopping street.

Each shrine and temple in Japan carries a rich history and unique story. Here, you can not only pray for good fortune and participate in festivals but also share the joy of newlyweds if you're lucky enough.

2) Stunning Castles

Japan's castles, with their unique design distinct from Western counterparts, attract many visitors.

The famous Osaka Castle renowned for its majestic keep and surrounding cherry blossom gardens, is one of the best places to enjoy cherry blossoms now. It often hosts traditional and interactive performances, allowing you to immerse yourself in rich culture and history.

Beyond that, Himeji Castle, one of Japan's best-preserved ancient castles, is worth a visit. Its white exterior and intricate defensive structures are sure to impress.

3) Serene Gardens

Japanese gardens represent the effort of the artist to recreate the harmony Japanese people love in nature. This tradition originated during the 7th century, and since then many different styles have been developed, each one focusing on one or more different aspects of the creation of these beautiful gardens.

The gardens, designed following the principles of harmony, are decorated with ponds, streams of water, sand, rocks, lanterns, bridges, etc. Every element is important, and what you will have to do is just walk around and contemplate the beautiful surroundings.

Many of the best gardens are to be found in Kyoto, and they are mainly decorated following the Zen principles.

5. Impressive Natural Landscapes

The diverse geography and cultural backgrounds have created a wide variety of Japanese landscapes, which is one of the best reasons to visit Japan.

1) Cherry Blossom Seasons

Cherry blossoms can't be appreciated all year round, but when it's there, it's amazing. Every year, for about a month between March and April, all the Japanese cherries of the country will blossom, coloring the parks and the cities with a beautiful, soothing, relaxing pink.

The sight is so unique and charming that Japanese people have created a festival to celebrate it and a word to describe it: hanami. In Japanese, this indicates the traditional custom of appreciating the transient beauty of flowers. People will have picnics under the trees to fully appreciate this beauty as long as it lasts.

2) Colorful Autumn Leaves

Japan's autumn scenery is nothing short of breathtaking.

Daisetsuzan National Park in Hokkaido is the first place in Japan to welcome autumn, with forests, mountains, and lakes painted in vibrant hues of red and yellow.

Even in bustling cities like Kyoto and Tokyo, you can witness stunning displays of maple and ginkgo leaves carpeting the streets.

Autumn is arguably the best time to visit Japan and the best reason to explain why you should visit Japan.

3) Hiking at Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji is ideal for hiking. Every summer, from July to September, Mount Fuji opens for climbing, allowing you to witness breathtaking sunrises and panoramic Mount Fuji and Fuji Five Lakes from the summit.

From afar, the mountain is truly stunning. Its shape is unmistakable, and it is one of the symbols of Japan.

Visibility would be good if hiking during colder seasons, early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

4) Skiing and Snowboarding

Japan offers exceptional skiing and snowboarding experiences in Hokkaido and Nagano regions. The latter, especially Hakuba Village, hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics.

Other reasons why visit Japan in winter include the Sapporo Snow Festival for its spectacular ice and snow sculptures, and Atami's Winter Fireworks Festival for a warm visual feast.

If you want more leisure, soak in an onsen with sushi and sake savored, or enjoy a hearty sukiyaki meal to celebrate Christmas in Japan.

Want to ski with the whole family in Japan? Click to tailormade your travel plan: How to Plan a Family Ski Holiday in Japan

Inspire Your Next Adventure in Japan with Asia Highlights

Overall, entertainment, cuisine, culture, historical sites, and natural scenery are rich and appealing in Japan, making plenty of reasons why visit Japan convictive.

Even better, Asia Highlights can be a reliable support to plan your perfect Japanese vacation. Regional services and customized itineraries for travel across Japan are within our scope of services, plus all-inclusive meals and accommodations, private transportation, and a dedicated guide. Feel free to contact us and get your Japan trip started.

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