There are many reasons to visit Japan but I’m sure there are a few you haven’t thought about. If you’re on the brink of booking a spontaneous trip or trying to convince you friend to tag along with you, here are a handful of great reasons to visit Japan – including the Japanese obsession with soft-serve ice cream, of course!
1. Because the food is cuter than your pet dog
Dogs are cute and puppies even cuter… but can you beat this animal donut!? Japan is full of cute things to nibble away at but some are just so cute you might just want to keep them a while before the inevitable occurs…
2. Because you can re-live your childhood
If something is cute in Japan it is “kawaiiiiiii” (hold on the ‘i’) and believe me when I say nearly everything is kawaii in Japan. Vending machines where you can snag a pokemon or sailor moon toy to shove in your handbag? No problem. You’ll find them on main streets everywhere.
3. Because Kit Kats come in SO many different flavours
Wasabi, strawberries and cream…. and whatever the hell this is!?
4. Because you can find solitude in the many Shinto Shrines
There’s nothing like thousands of endless torii gates leading four kilometres up a mountain to remind you that “you can do it”!
5. Because tea drinking is an institution
Tea drinkers be prepared for endless offerings of tea in this tea loving country. Green tea is especially popular and widely available (for free in restaurants!)
6. Every flavour of soft-serve
Because who wouldn’t want to travel to a country where you can eat soft-serve on every street corner in almost every flavour you could imagine!? Be sure to try green tea, cherry blossom, vanilla milk and should you dare… wasabi ice cream!
7. Because there’s more to Japanese food than sushi
Say you love Japanese food but you don’t know what that is beyond sushi and bento boxes… then I promise you, you will love Japan. Expect healthy, fresh cuisine often cooked in front of you to ensure you’re eating things just the way you like them.
8. But when you do want to eat sushi, you can make your own
Try a sushi making class to master the art of sushi, learn the techniques and take your findings home with you to create your own sushi, just the way you like it!
9. To see the country covered in Cherry Blossoms
Cherry blossom season lasts only two weeks in Japan but boy, is it worth while!
10. To walk through walls of Bamboo
Because who wouldn’t want to find peace and serenity inside these bamboo walls in Kyoto!?
11. To View Castles as Old as Time
So you’ve seen castles in Europe but have you seen the unique thousands of years old castle in Japan!?
12. To Eat yourself into a Matcha-induced Frenzy
Matcha (green tea) is everywhere in Japan and when I say everywhere I really mean e-v-e-r-y-w-h-e-r-e. Expect matcha ice cream, matcha frappes, matcha parfaits and an all-out matcha frenzy! Delicious.
13. To See Mount Fuji
Is there a mountain quite as picturesque and surreal!? Be sure to visit around winter to see the peak in a layer of snow as it is unquestionably more scenic in the colder months.
14. To Experience the Weird and Wonderful side of Tokyo
Robot restaurants, karaoke bars and cat cafes… what more reason could you need to visit Tokyo!?
15. To Eat Plastic Food
…Not really… but, really. Don’t expect to ever think twice about what a meal might look like in Japan, you’ll be able to see the food offerings front and centre in plastic form at most restaurants. If anything, it offers an insight.
16. Because it is the land of Hello Kitty
Who doesn’t love the cutesy, pink plush world of Hello Kitty!? You can expect to find her everywhere in Japan.
17. For ancient Japanese Culture
…That withstands the test of time! In Japan culture is thousands of years old but it is still as rich and prevalent as ever, wherever you go in the country. Kyoto is one of the best cities to view Geisha history and culture in particular, especially in the Gion district.
18. Because the Japanese have Mastered Street Food
Where else can you pay next to nothing for amazing, fresh, quality produce!?
19. SAKÉ!
Need I say more?
20. Because Getting Lost is Half the Fun
If you haven’t seen Lost in Translation, a film featuring Scarlett Johansson and Bill Murray as they navigate the craziness and chaos of Japan’s capital, then now is the time to give it a look. Japan is full of cultural differences that allow you to lose and find reason… so what are you waiting for!