Ever wanted to visit JAPAN?
If you ever have the chance to go to Japan…simply do it! It is totally affordable and you will simply have the best time of your life. From dancing robots shows to singing toilets, Cat Cafes, Karaoke and to die for Ramen, Japan is a roller coaster ride full of crazy surprises and non-stop fun. Just travel all round the globe, but Japan is the only country to blow your mind and have begging to return. So if you are thinking of going to Japan or have already booked your flights, here are our top 10 things to do in Japan…
1. Crazy Cafes, Tokyo
Unique to Japan are their specialty cafés. There are Cat cafés filled to the brim with cats to pet while you enjoy a cup of green tea or visit a Maid Café where Japanese girls dressed as maids will have their photo with you and give you a hug should you need a pick me up after a long day. Why go to Starbucks when there are so many other quirky possibilities?
2. Relax in an Onsen, Hakone
Head to Hakone (aka Spa Town) to seek out delightful hot tubs overlooking the lush green mountains. You will simply love Japan’s spa culture. There are a few Onsens, each one had a range of steam and sauna facilities and were set in tranquil surroundings. After a day of hiking, you will love being able to strip off and soak away the day.
3. The Red Gates, Kyoto
Otherwise known as the Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kyoto’s famous red torii gates are a destination on all tourists’ lists. The bold red gates snake through the lush green forest of Kyoto marking a gentle hike that is magical and memorable. Once you have taken 200 photos of yourself simply enjoy the peace of these remarkable gates, which are a symbol of the wonder of Japan.
4. Delicious Ramen, Kyoto
If you are a foodie then you need to add Kyoto Gogyo to the top of your destinations. The reason there is a queue for this place is because the Ramen is fantastic; they serve the best noodles, you have ever eaten in your life. The presentation of the dish was impeccable and the smokey flavor of the broth was out of this world. To eat tasty food, so this place can deliver.
5. Temples and Deer, Nara
Away from the hustle and bustle of city life is peaceful Nara. Famous for its huge bronze Buddha Todai-ji, Nara will provide you with temples and tradition in a garden filled with cute little deer. Complete your day trip by kicking back with a green tea ice-cream, the perfect treat for a sunny day.
6. Photos and Hiking, Miyajima Island
Miyajima is one of the most photographed spots in Japan, and it’s famous for its Red Shrine that seems to float on the sea. Be sure to put on your hiking shoes and climb up this great mountain to get unbeatable panoramic views of the island. After your climb, reward yourself with succulent fresh oysters, a local food tradition.
7. Relax in a Ryokan, Kinosaki
Another famous spa town not to be missed is Kinosaki. Book in advance to enjoy a Ryokan guesthouse experience where you can change into a Yukata and eat a traditional multi-course dinner before sleeping on a futon. In the morning, stroll around the canal visiting different Onsen.
8. Live It up in Dotonbori, Osaka
Finish your trip by shaking it out in the neon lights of Dotonbori. When you originally picture how Japan would be, this will be the image of bright lights, gaming machines and fun that I conjured. Try out the Pachinko machines (a popular pinball game) before heading to one of the many restaurants that offer tasty delights such as Yakitori (meat on sticks) or Shabu-shabu (meat cooked in a soupy broth).
9. Everything else, Japan
Other things you need to try in Japan include taking a bullet train (Shinkansen), experiencing modern musical toilets, singing as loud as you can at the Karaoke, climbing Mt Fuji, viewing the cherry blossoms, eating Onigiri (rice balls) for your packed lunch, buying a drink from a vending machine (less boring than it sounds), eating world famous Kobe Beef and spying a glimpse of a geisha in Kyoto.
“This is a country of old and new, nature and technology standing tall, side by side. Japan could be the most exciting place to be in the world right now, and should be in the number one spot on your holiday list. …”
“Japan is a roller coaster ride full of crazy surprises and non-stop fun.”
