Bamboo forests, warm hospitality and traditional culture with a modern backdrop. These are just a few of the memories I made in the Land of the Rising Sun.
Japan has always evoked a mix of mystery and nostalgia for me. And if you’ve ever visited this place, then you know it’s hard to fully put it into words. But I’m here to try.
So, is Japan worth visiting? Absolutely.
This post shares my personal experience there and the favourite parts about my trip. From convenience and safety to food and adventure, this is definitely one place you don’t want to miss.
Now let’s do this!
Japan 101
Before jumping into my top reasons to visit Japan, it’ll help to get to know the country a little better. These are some interesting facts I think are worth sharing.
Consider this your crash course to Japan.
Quick Facts About Japan
- Japan is also called Nihon or Nippon in Japanese
- Japan is made up of over 14,000 islands
- There are 47 prefectures that make up Japan
- Tokyo is the most populated city in the world
- The deeper you bow in Japan, the greater the sign of respect
- Traditional Japanese homes and hotels (ryokans) are tiled with tatami mats
- Solo dining in Japan is very common
- Japan received 25 million tourists in 2023
- Japanese uses three alphabets: kanji, hiragana and katana
- Kongo Gumi, a Japanese construction company, was established in 578 AD, making it the oldest company in the world
Is Japan Worth It? My Top 10 Reasons to Visit Japan
Japan attracts visitors from all over the world and has a solid reputation with travellers.
Here’s why.
1. It’s Got Something for Everyone
Adventure? Check.
Amazing sights and experiences? Double check.
Fantastic nightlife, relaxing hot springs and everything in between? You know it.Japan has something for everyone. I was actually a little surprised by much you can do in such a small country (compared to Australia, that is). From epic nature to luxury shopping or anime culture, you’ll have no problem finding your thing here.
Here are just a few examples on the diversity of experiences I’m talking about:
- Beautifully preserved old temples and shrines
- Amazing nature (like hiking through the Sagano Bamboo Forest in Kyoto)
- Smooth and convenient train travel across the country
- Seriously tasty foods
- The epicentre of anime culture
- Luxury shopping and hotel stays (like Ginza and Omotesando in Tokyo)
- Quintessential Japanese experiences, like renting private karaoke rooms
- Okinawa (dubbed “Japan’s Hawaii”) for beautiful tropical vibes
- Getting lost in a sea of old neon-lit buildings, towering skyscrapers and modern tech
- Lots of historical sites to see (like the Genbaku Dome in Hiroshima)
2. The Safety
You may have heard, but Japan is known for its safety.
According to Statista, the most common crimes in Japan (2022) are theft and property damage, which are two nonviolent offences. And you can definitely feel this safety when you’re here.
I never saw a fight or even a public altercation (between locals) during my stay.
And even though theft is the most common crime, it’s still not that common (compared to other countries). So it’s pretty normal to see laptops left unattended and bikes without locks.
Japanese society is collectivist and keeping the peace is a shared value. There’s a strong sense of respect for each other here. And this made my experience that much better. Of course, you should still use your best judgement and keep your essentials nearby (especially in busy areas that may have scams).
But basically, I’m able to relax there and just focus on taking in my surroundings.
3. It’s Super Convenient
One of the most common things you’ll hear about Japan is its convenience.
The super efficient train systems, 24-hour convenience stores, copious amounts of public restrooms and walkability altogether made my trip feel totally stress-free and easy.
In fact, according to Statista, Japan ranks number one for having the most efficient train system in the world.
And I can attest to this! Especially with the trains, which are always on time, clean, quiet and can pretty much get you to anywhere you want to go.
But Japanese convenience doesn’t stop there. It’s also a pretty English-friendly place.
There are plenty of English signs, English-speaking staff (more or less) and language options on screen displays (when checking out, for example). The language barrier really wasn’t an issue for me.
The biggest caveat though is things tend to lessen the farther outside of busy areas you get (which makes sense). But coupled with a decent translation app (I just used Google), Japan is very user-friendly. This means you can spend more time enjoying yourself and less time lost or confused.
4. There’s So Much to Do
Japan could probably keep me busy for at least one lifetime. There’s so much to do there.
You could easily spend a couple months travelling the country and still be left feeling like you’ve only scratched the surface.
But don’t despair! This just means you’ll always have new experiences to enjoy when you undoubtedly fall in love with the country and revisit.
From adventure to relaxation and cultural immersion, Japan has your back.
So here are a few of my favourite things I like to do during my trips:
- Lake Kawaguchiko for stunning views of Mt. Fuji. And if you’re feeling ambitious, you can hike Fuji-san during the summer months)
- Rent a private karaoke room. Karaoke is a classic Japanese experience. And the private booths you get make it much easier to let loose.
- Check out the cafe culture. There are endless aesthetic cafes, delicious cake shops and unique spots to choose from.
- Try wearing a Kimono. You can find kimono rental shops in busier areas, like in Kyoto or Asakusa in Tokyo.
- Visit old yokocho (drinking alleys). Yokocho are old, narrow alleys lined with izakayas, lanterns and shops. It’s a great place to find some decently-priced drinks.
- Taste the amazing foods and drinks. A few of my go-to spots are AFURI ramen and Age.3 fried sandwich shop in Ginza.
- Visit old temples and shrines. There are over 100,000 temples and shrines scattered throughout Japan. So you may as well check some of them out!
5. It Doesn’t Need to Break the Bank
There’s a reputation that Japan (Tokyo specifically) is expensive. But the truth is, it doesn’t need to be.
I was able to explore Japan and do tons of amazing things without breaking any banks.
You can easily find plenty of cheap (but still amazing) eats, accommodations and experiences.
And you definitely won’t feel like you’ve been left with “the scraps” if you’re not doing expensive, luxurious things.
Japan is well worth the visit – even on a budget. Still, here are some quick budgeting tips in you’re planning a trip there:
- Avoid Golden Week travel since prices are inflated (usually at the end of April, early May)
- Plan ahead and create a travel budget
- Book your tickets and accommodations ahead of time
- Search for free or cheaper experiences (like festivals, parks and exploring local culture)
- Stay slightly outside city centres
- Use cash or a local IC card to avoid exchange rate fees
6. The People Are Amazing
The Japanese people are incredibly warm, welcoming and polite. The customer service here is second to none.
While there will always be exceptions, my experience in Japan was a drama-free, quiet and polite one. But I think it’s important to also do your part. That’s why I always recommend studying up on some Japanese etiquette before your trip. It’s easy to do and it goes a long way to show your respect.
Plus, it’s a great way to make your travel experience more immersive. So here are some simple etiquette tips to keep in mind during your visit:
- Take your shoes off in homes (and some restaurants)
- Avoid talking on the phone while on the train
- Give up your train seat for elderly, injured or pregnant passengers
- Avoiding eating on trains or in busy public areas
7. The Food Is Incredible
Japanese food is amazing. I can still taste the crispy gyoza and hot ramen bowls.
But remember, there’s so much more to Japanese food than just sushi, dumplings and noodles.
In fact, most regions will have a specialty dish. So doing a little research beforehand is a smart way to make sure you take full advantage of your trip. For example, Osaka is known for its okonomiyaki while Tokyo is known for its slightly sloppier cousin, monjayaki.
And if you’re a vegetarian or simply prefer more plants in your diet, you can rest easy too. Many traditional Japanese dishes are veggie-based or at least light on the meat.
Plus, if you’re staying in busier areas like Tokyo, vegan restaurants are fairly easy to find (but an app like HappyCow will make things easier).
So you may be asking, what foods in Japan are best? There are too many to list in this post. But here are some of my personal favourites:
- Ramen (naturally)
- Abura soba (i.e, oil soba)
- Gyoza (pork dumplings)
- Gyudon (beef and rice bowl)
- Karaage (fried chicken)
- Katsudon (breaded pork and rice bowl)
- Miso soup
- Nabe pot (lots of vegetables and tofu/meat in a soup broth)
8. The Contrast of Old Japan vs. New
Part of Japan’s charm is its ability to balance the old and the new.
The architecture and technology is where I noticed this relationship the most. There really aren’t too many places that seamlessly blend historical heritage sites with a backdrop of modern skyscrapers. For example, if you visit Meiji Jingu in Shibuya, you’ll be surrounded by nature and tall torii gates but you’ll still catch views of Tokyo peaking through.
This contrast gives Japan its unique character and aesthetic. For me, it creates a feeling of nostalgia mixed with futurism, which is great for inspiration and travel-inspired photos.
So with that, let’s keep moving.
9. Lots of Photo Ops
Japan is full of camera-ready spots.
Busy crosswalks, people packed into trains, tiny drinking alleys lined with lanterns and impressive historical sites all sufficiently filled up my phone’s storage.
Not to mention all the unique cafes and experiences. For example, the famous 2D cafe is a great place to grab some trippy photos.
It’s what some locals would call Insta-bai (aka, Insta-worthy).
So why not make your friends, family or followers a little bit jealous? Japan is full of incredible photo ops.
My camera roll is proof of that. Plus, photography is an awesome way to infuse more creativity and engagement into your travels.
10. Amazing Skiing and Snowboarding
If you’re planning a winter trip to Japan, then get ready for some epic powder runs.
Trendy ski and snowboard culture has been gaining more traction there in recent years too. So there are tons of amazing shops, resorts and vacation packages to explore.
So where should you go?
If your main priority is the snow, onsens and hot sake, then a trip to Hokkaido is probably your best bet. But if you still want to squeeze in some big city time, then there are plenty of resorts close to Tokyo too. Hakuba or Nozawa Onsen are two popular spots you can easily get to from Tokyo by train or bus (they’re around 3-4 hours away).
But wherever you end up, Japan is a top destination for snowboarders and skiers worldwide.
This makes it well worth your visit, especially for Australians during the summer months.
Wrapping Up
Japan is absolutely worth visiting. I had an incredible time there and I can’t wait to plan my next trip. The safety, convenience and hospitality only start to scratch the surface.
Japan gave me unforgettable experiences. Plus, it didn’t break my bank either. So pack your bags, grab your camera and plan your trip. You won’t regret it.
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