Here’s how to admire Mt Fuji from a rural homestay and take in Japan’s other key cultural touchstones – from sushi to the spring sakura season.
You may already have a rough idea of the things that make Japan a bucket-list country to travel to, like its world-renowned rail system, authentic sushi and blend of cutting-edge tech and centuries-old traditions. But actually experiencing it firsthand is something else entirely.
Sure, you know all about Japan’s highlights: the peak of Mount Fuji, the plates of freshly poised sushi. But do you know how to see the snow-capped natural landmark while discovering rural life in the foothills of Shizuoka prefecture? Or which insider food tour is going to take you beyond mere mochi to find out what monks eat at remote temples on Koya-san? If you really want to get swept up in the electricity of this innovative country, you have to go beyond the obvious, to discover on-the-tourist-trail onsen towns.
While we could’ve made this list extremely long, we’ve picked out the 11 things we think need to be experienced on any trip to the ‘Land of the Rising Sun’.
1. Mt Fuji
Commanding the skyline of Shizuoka prefecture, Mt Fuji is the most recognisable natural formation in Japan and the seventh-highest island peak on Earth. Beautifully covered in snow for five months of the year, this UNESCO-listed volcano is one of Japan’s Three Holy Mountains – a sacred collection of peaks that are believed to each have a different, particular power. Mt Fuji is the country’s spiritual beacon, while Mt Haku is known for its life-giving water force and Mt Tateyama for its ancestral connections.
Often the best way to glimpse Mt Fuji is on the bullet trains, riding between destinations. But if you really want to connect with the natural landmark and its people, try a plugging into local life with a rural homestay in Shizuoka, set against the backdrop of Fuji.
Read more: How to see Japan’s cherry blossoms responsibly
2. Cherry blossoms (sakura)
One of the most sacred trees in Japan, the cherry blossom is heralded in spring as part of the sakura-season celebrations when locals typically gather beneath the petals for a picnic. Dating back as far as the 8th century, it’s said the trees were once planted to encourage peace, fertility and prosperity.
Today, they bloom during March and April (or even earlier in some parts of the country) and there are now more than 200 different varieties, including the somei yoshino and yamazakura cherry blossoms. Regions such as Mt Yoshino in Nara prefecture and Kyoto’s botanical gardens are great places to see them. However, bear in mind that you’ll find fewer crowds during the autumn momiji maple season – with a display that’s no less spectacular.
3. Japanese cuisine
Where to start with Japan’s food? So much to eat, so little time… From freshly rolled sushi filled with salty tuna and earthy avocado to steaming bowls of soupy ramen, tender melt-in-your-mouth Wagyu beef, crispy tempura and so, so much more.
If you’re here for more than just one mouthful of mochi, the best way to tackle it is on an expert-led food tour, where you can delve deeper into plant-based monastic cuisine in Koya-san and go on a food crawl in Osaka, as well as get hands-on with cooking classes, demonstrations and market visits.
Read more: Where to go in Japan based on your travel vibes
4. Manga and Anime
You’d be hard pressed to find someone who isn’t familiar with Manga and Anime comics and cartoons – and their special place in Japanese popular culture. However, nothing compares to experiencing the real thing.
If you’re unaware of the difference between the two, Manga is known to be graphic novels that cover several genres, while Anime refers to hand-drawn animations that take the form of various mediums from drama TV shows to child-like cartoons. Luckily for you, Japan has plenty of places for you to get your otaku (intense, obsessive interest) in these cultural cornerstones on – whether you want to wander the streets of Tokyo’s Akihabara district and look around electronic stores and gaming venues, or visit the stores found on Nakano Broadway for vintage-era Manga and Anime swag from years gone by.
Read more: This Tokyo robot cafe is all about human connection
5. Geishas
One of the most instantly recognisable symbols of Japanese culture is the geisha – a woman trained in the traditional arts. Not only are geishas visions of white-powdered oshiro faces, patterned kimonos and decorative hairstyles, they also have a deep knowledge of entertaining audiences via masterful music and dance performances.
Originally influenced by Japanese theatre, geishas aim to tell a story through their movements with some practising their craft for years. Kyoto is known to have the highest population of working geisha and one of the best ways to see them is simply by wandering the city’s Gion district at sunset with a local guide to give you the inside track on their lives.
6. Shibuya crossing
Just when you think you’ve seen it all, you stumble upon Tokyo’s Shibuya crossing – an intersection so busy it’s reported an estimated 2500 people cross it every time the light changes. To put that number into perspective, you could fill a whole theatre with that many people. Now imagine them all trying to cross the road at the same time, and you’ve got Shibuya crossing.
Known as the busiest intersection in the world, but also one of Tokyo’s most famous sights, the crossing is surrounded by skyscrapers and neon signs, making for an immersive, sensory experience that you can file under ‘only in Japan’.
7. Vending machines
If you’re wandering through the streets of Japan, you’re bound to notice something you’re not used to seeing in quite the same abundance elsewhere – brightly coloured vending machines every 100 metres. Yes, Japan has one vending machine for every 25 people (and no, we’re not exaggerating).
Boasting roughly 6 million vending machines full of everything under the sun, from hot takoyaki (octopus balls) and yakitori (chicken skewers) to umbrellas for when the weather unexpectedly turns, purchasing need-to-have items has never been more convenient. Besides, buying fortunes or lucky charms out of a vending machine not only makes for a great travel story, but also pretty good souvenirs.
8. Onsens
After exploring the beautiful countryside and energetic cities of Japan, there’s nothing better than getting the chance to relax in geothermally heated water. Surprisingly, Japan has around 440 volcanoes scattered throughout the country meaning you won’t have to look far to discover a natural, mineral-filled onsen.
Onsens are embedded in Japanese society and have been for centuries, allowing soakers a chance to not only refresh their bodies but also form a deeper, spiritual connection with other fellow onsen-goers. Veer off the tourist trail to onsen towns such as Beppu and spend a night in the volcanic Mt Aso to immerse yourself in an authentic way.
Read more: A non-nudist’s guide to using a Japanese onsen
9. Bullet trains
It’s almost impossible to visit Japan and not take a ride on a shinkansen (bullet train) as the network connects travellers between the country’s busiest cities. Reaching speeds of well over 300km/h (making them up to three times faster than cars), these trains are the easiest, cheapest and fastest way of travelling around the country with nine lines in total.
Better still, shinkansen are both punctual and safe with no accidents reported in the network’s almost 60-year history. In short, a ride on one of these trains is a must – whether you’re short on time or planning the ultimate adventure to cover a lot of ground.
10. Tea ceremonies
While the matcha craze has now taken the rest of the world by storm, performing traditional tea ceremonies and delighting in the earthy taste of the powdered green tea has been a staple in everyday life in Japan for centuries.
Performed in tea rooms or tea houses by a host or tea master, these ceremonies are less about the act of drinking tea and more about the preparations beforehand, such as the focus that goes into making it and the specific hand movements used, as well as the type of equipment used and their placement.
11. Temples and shrines
With thousands of places of worship scattered throughout the country, a trip to a temple to admire its intricate architecture is key to contemplating Japanese culture.
While Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples are both, in fact, temples, their differences include the religion they belong to and their appearance: shrines are often accompanied by a red torii gates, while temples feature a gate as well, but one that’s more complicated.
Even if religion isn’t your thing, these sacred shrines and temples are well worth a visit – especially the sight of the Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto, one of Japan’s most famous, and Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island. And if you want to spend the night in one of the sacred spaces, you can do that with a shukubo (temple stay) too.
Explore what makes Japan famous on one of Intrepid’s small-group adventures.
