DestinationsAsiaHow to Have a Once in a Lifetime Trip to Japan
How to Have a Once in a Lifetime Trip to Japan

How to Have a Once in a Lifetime Trip to Japan

Japan is without a doubt one of the most beautiful and culturally rich countries you can visit in Asia. It’s one of those places that absolutely, positively should be on your bucket list. Rich in tradition as well as being forward-thinking in technological innovation, Japan has got it all.

The Land of Elegantly Simple Cuisine

enjoy Japanese sushi when travel to Japan
Eating Japanese sushi when travel to Japan.

Of course, no visit to Japan would be complete without sampling the local cuisine. After all, it’s the country that’s synonymous with sushi. If you’re worried about the price of authentic Japanese sushi, Eater.com (2017) assures you that there is a range of dining options when it comes to this coveted delicacy. For instance, Hanamaru is known for being the finest conveyor belt sushi restaurant in the country, as well as being the establishment with first picks at Tokyo’s Tsukiji Market. For mid-range prices, check out Manten Sushi Marunouchi.

Yakitori, street food to enjoy when travel to Japan
Yakitori can be found almost everywhere on the street in Japan.

On the other hand, try the local street food if you’re not in the mood for anything fancy. Yakitori (grilled skewered meats) can be found almost everywhere that food is sold. Along with octopus balls or takoyaki, an Osaka delicacy topped with dried bonito flakes and Japanese mayonnaise. If it’s sweets you’re after, check out the mochi delicacies from Seigetsudo Honten, a confectionery store that’s been in business for more than a century. Those are one of the reasons people around the world travel to Japan, but not yet.

Variety is the Name of the Japanese Cultural Game

The sheer diversity of Japanese culture will have you struggling to decide what to check out next. If you’re a really early riser, head on over to Aeon Mall Kasai. It has adjusted its opening time for elderly customers. Open at 7 AM, which is referred to as “Gold Time,” the mall actually offers not just special deals for seniors, but activities like mass exercise classes as well.

A Japanese woman in Harajuku style
Harajuku style.

Just walking around Tokyo will also allow you to see Japan’s intensely committed fashion subcultures. That includes the loudly colorful and imaginative Harajuku style or the nostalgic 1950s Americana-inspired Japanese Rockabilly. Pick up the mic and don’t be shy to bellow out a tune at the nearest bar that offers karaoke. Indeed, it’s a popular way for Japan’s seniors to stay active and happy.

The diversity of Japan’s cultural offerings is precisely why the country is so visible in global media today. From the Netflix reality TV series Terrace House, which has taken the US by storm, to the popularity of Japanese art, more and more people are interested in the country. This, in turn, has led to a mass influx of tourists. In other words, international backpackers, tourists, etc. are now traveling to Japan a lot.

Japanese influenced game Sakura Fortune
Japanese-influenced game Sakura Fortune.

In the digital world, the Japanese-influenced game Sakura Fortune features many aspects of the country’s culture that have become huge tourist attractions. The game’s main focus is on the country’s famous cherry blossom trees. It blooms between March and April every year and sees millions of tourists travel to Japan from all over the world.

The Art of Relaxation

A monkey 's relaxing at the Jigokudani Monkey Park's hot spring
Monkeys at the Jigokudani Monkey Park.

The Japanese take everything seriously, even relaxation. Speaking of cherry blossoms, the public bath Tokyo Somei Onsen Sakura combines the beauty of local Somei-Yoshino cherry trees with the relaxing, mineral-rich waters of an underground hot spring. Evenly, not just the human you can find a lot of monkeys relaxing in the hot spring at Jigokudani park.

Apart from the many public baths, Japan also has a long-held tradition of manicured gardens, which you can see in Koishikawa Korakuen Garden’s traditional Edo-period landscaping.

If you’re looking to wet your whistle, there’s Cocktail Works in the bookstore neighborhood of Jinbocho. It offers a 160-strong collection of international craft gin that’s served in a variety of delectable ways. However, if you’re looking for something a little stronger – like inner peace – there’s no shortage of Taoist temples in which you can learn a thing or two about Japan’s spiritual/religious philosophy.

Houses people can stay when travel to Japan
Houses in Japan where you can book from Airbnb to stay.

In terms of accommodations, you can either go for a luxury hotel or try out cheaper Airbnb options to experience Japan’s famed politeness and hospitality first-hand. There’s no doubt that Japan is a must-see location for anyone who’s looking to dip their toes in a gorgeous culture that’s both familiar and unfamiliar.

For those who are interested in exploring other cultures and countries, be sure to check out our travel guides here at The Broad Life.


Hey, I Have Travel Planning Resources Here to Help You Easily Plan Your Trip

Essential Items

Don't forget to bring the Travel Medicines, as well as your necessary Travel Kit.

If Your Next Destination Requires a Visa

IVISA will help you with their speed, simple, and secured services with just a minimal chance of being rejected.

Find Your Flight and Transportation to The Destinations

You can read my travel tips to Find Cheap Flights. You can also use 12Go to book buses, trains, ferries, or any transportation to places.

Book An Accommodation

I mostly use Booking.com to find a place for my trip. Sometimes I try to Get Free Credits on Airbnb to book homestays.

Driving Yourself Will be More Enjoyable

You can easily compare prices and find great deals on Discover Cars.

Protect Yourself and Your Trip

Travel Insurance is Important, especially after COVID-19, there are more possible health issues and pandemics. Please don't forget to have a shield for yourself and your trips!


IF YOU LOVE THE TIPS, PIN THIS POST NOW!

Pinterest Board of The Broad Life's How to have a once in a lifetime trip to Japan

READ MORE JAPAN POSTS

I hope you like the tips in this post, and hope it creates you ideas to travel to Japan. If you want to know more about the country, here are some posts I believe you will love reading too:

The Broad Life is a travel blog with guides, stories, and reviews to inspire people to explore the world and live a more interesting, experience, and adventurous life.

18 Comments

  • Brianne

    I’ve been trying to make a trip to Japan happen for years. Something always comes up, though. We WILL get there!

    • Khoi Nguyen

      Wish you can travel to Japan one day and enjoy the beauties of the country!

  • Paula Schuck

    Well the Ivisa service sounds interesting. I will keep that in mind. My brother’s wife is from Japan and they visit often. I’d love to visit one day for the cherry blossoms.

  • The JOYOUS Living | Influencer (@thejoyousliving)

    especially in this day and age – travel insurance is so critical! the entrance to the airbnb is so interesting. looks nothing like i’d expect. wish i could see pics of the public bath.

    • Khoi Nguyen

      I agree with you, travel insurance is extremely critical nowadays.
      And I will show you the public bath when I’m able to take

  • Stacy B Miller

    I have never been to Japan. But hope one day I will fulfill my dream. I love Japanese cuisine specially sushi.

  • Ntensibe Edgar Michael

    Nnnniiiiccceeeee….I wanna have some yakitori when I visit Japan! It sounds more like my favourite dish of skewed meat.

    • Khoi Nguyen

      And you should try the other foods as well, I believe you will like all of them

  • Matt Taylor

    Japan is definitely on my bucket list!! I want to go and ride the big Mario Karts! haha.

  • Dreams Abroad

    I am sure flights a super cheap from the state to Japan right now. In due time everything will be back to normal once again. I love Japan and all the culture.

    • Khoi Nguyen

      Yeah Japan and its culture is great. But this time is just quite bad to travel anywhere. Keep calm and roam the broad life soon!

  • Emman Damian

    I have been to Japan 4x! It’s one of my favorite countries to visit. I hope to go back soon. I love their onsen and food!

    • Khoi Nguyen

      Cool! Can you share your experience and enjoyment there? How was the onsen and the foods?

  • Lily

    I have never been to Japan but its definitely on my list. It is such a beautiful country!

    • Khoi Nguyen

      You should visit the country. I’m sure you ‘re gonna love it

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

a man running to the sun on a rope bridge

Sign up for Newsletter

    Discover more from Travel Blog - Blog About Traveling | The Broad Life

    Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

    Continue reading