Japan is a place of curiosity and enjoyment. With diverse experiences (think traditional ryokan one night and dinosaur robot hotel the next) there is something for everyone in Japan.
Here are 10 reasons why I think Japan should be next on your travel itinerary.
Known as one of the safest countries to travel, Japan did not disappoint.
Walking home after exploring in the evening, or popping out to grab some late night snacks, walking the local streets about our business, was safe. Japanese are incredibly respectful and private people and it is unlikely you will be bothered walking around during the day or night.
*This comes with a warning though, you are still in a foreign country and while Japan is safer than a lot of other countries, if you go looking for trouble, it may still find you.
We travelled with a three year old, who loves a bland, beige diet. One of our biggest worries was she would attempt to live on rice the entire trip. However, we were surprised how willingly she tried new cuisine when it was served on child sized plates.
Most restaurants and cafes cater to kids. Think kid sized knives and forks, plates and cups + highchairs and seats. Most places offered child friendly food options too, at very reasonable prices.
Our kid loved being part of the dining experiences which is a big step up from places in New Zealand. This made eating out in Japan super easy and an exciting experience for the whole family.
Food in Japan is delicious, fresh and affordable. If you’re worried about what you’ll be eating on a budget, don’t be. From ¥100 sushi train, to grill style street food you will be eating like a king. Try all the takoyaki (octopus balls) and yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) without blowing the budget. Affordable options are easy to find and there will be something for everyones flavour.
If you’re in a rush, trusty corner stores like 7-Eleven, FamilyMart and Lawsons also offer a variety fresh food that is tasty and cheap. Eating out in Japan doesn’t have to break the bank and the food is delicious. Whether it’s ramen, or freshly made onigiri, you’re never far from a delicious and budget-friendly meal.
Navigating Japan is easy, thanks to its world famous public transport system. Completely accessible via Google Maps, trains and buses run on time, are clean, efficient and make travel around or between cities easy.
Even with a toddler and parents in tow, we found public transport easy and accommodating with plenty of signage in English.
Japan’s rich history is displayed through out the country. Stunning temples, cute tea houses, and majestic castles – we loved the preservation of the culture and heritage. Visiting historical sites like Kyoto’s Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) or Nara’s ancient temples provides a fascinating glimpse into Japan’s rich, cultural past.
The sites aren’t just educational though. They are often a part of everyday Japanese life and well cared for by locals. We loved witnessing the love and prayers at the temple in Asakusa and felt privileged to experience traditions from another time.
These beautiful landmarks also offer perfect photo opportunities for your very own travel blog.
Historical temples next to robot factories, Japan really has something for everyone.
If you’re interested in modern innovations, don’t worry Japan also has something for that too. In Tokyo, checkout the teamLab Borderless digital art museum or the Gundam Robot Factory in Yokohama. Universal Studios Japan in Osaka offers the most up to date thrill rides and Sanrio Hello Kitty theme park is perfect for the smaller members of the family.
Futuristic entertainment is literally at the tips of your fingers in Japan.
There is plenty of unique accommodation available in Japan. There are your standard hotels, themed guesthouses and Air BNB or you can get adventurous with a capsule hotel or traditional ryokan. Each stay is sure to provide you with a different slice of Japanese culture.
Every night can be a new adventure!
Japan’s cleanliness is legendary. Spotless streets to immaculate public toilets. The cleanliness standards make the travel experience enjoyable. When you’re with young children or elderly family members, you will appreciate the convenience of clean parent rooms.
Our daughter was in the middle of potty training when we went to Japan and the easy kid-sized toilets made it super easy for us to get her out of nappies for good. She was more than happy to use the easily accessible and clean facilities, which play music too!
Whether it’s cherry blossoms in spring, vibrant festivals in summer, colourful foliage in autumn, or snow sports in winter, Japan is truly a year-round destination. Each season offers unique experiences, making every visit distinctive and memorable.
Summers are hot and humid while winters are cold and crisp. Japan offers distinct weather for each season and boasts many different natural attractions for each. From the beaches of Okinawa to the hot pools of Akita, you are bound to find something in nature to enjoy, no matter the season you travel.
From sumo wrestling, sushi-making workshops and ikebana (flower arranging) there are plenty of activities to truly experience Japanese culture. From authentic and traditional, to fun and educational, every city offers something unique.
We participated in ninja training at the Ninja Museum and witnessed a cultural ceremony and parade down the streets of Nara.
One of the most memorable experiences was watching geisha walk down the narrow streets of Kyoto. While Kyoto have since blocked some streets to tourists, you can still glimpse geisha occasionally. They are just as breathtaking from afar, as they are up close – but please respect them and give them space.
If you’re thinking of a trip to Japan soon, then make sure to checkout my post about what adapters you’ll need so you can plug in and connect right away: Travel Adapters You’ll Need in Japan
Until next time,
Nic x
Planning a trip to Japan? Don’t get stuck without the right tools and accessories! From the e-sim we use to get online as soon as we land to the only booking site we trust to find us the best hotels, we have listed everything out in out toolkit:
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