Named the island of the rising sun, Japan is a place that promises much and delivers on these promises. From the fascinating culture to the delicious food, there are so many great things about this country. An Asian paradise, you can expect upmarket hotels, bewildering travel attractions, and plenty of fun to be had.
Holidays to Japan attract people from all over the world. Whether you are travelling solo, as a couple, or you are looking to go on holiday with your friends, Japan does not disappoint. It offers something for everyone. You will find a lot of solo travellers here, so if you are planning on taking a trip by yourself, Japan will make you feel at ease.
Top 5 things to do in Japan
There are so many things to do and see in Japan. It was difficult to crop the list down to five things, but we managed it…
Tōshō-gū – This is an ornate and lavish Shinto complex, situated in a natural and idyllic setting. Now a UNESCO world heritage site, this complex is where Tokugawa Ieyasu (1543 – 1616) is enshrined. Tokugawa Ieyasu is the first shōgun and founder of the last feudal military government in Japan, the Tokugawa Bakufu. There are lots of amazing structures here, including the Honji-do, with its famous “crying dragon”, and Yomei-mon.
Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum – There are a lot of amazing and fascinating museums in Japan, and this is one of them. In 1945, the second nuclear weapon in the world detonated over this area. This somber place recounts the loss of life and destruction of the city. You can expect stories of heroic relief efforts, first-hand accounts from survivors, a clock stopped at the hour of the bombing, clothing, pottery, furniture, trees, mangled rocks, and photos. It is a sad yet touching place, to say the least.
Tokyo National History Museum – Another museum that is worth visiting during your trip is the Toyko National History Museum. This museum features the world’s biggest collection of Japanese art, including gorgeous kimonos, colourful woodblock prints, samurai swords, Buddhist sculptures, and ancient pottery. If you only have a couple of hours to spare, the Japanese Gallery, Honkan, is recommended, as it features a selection of artistic highlights that have been specially curated.
Mount Fuji – Of course, we cannot mention Japan without talking about Mount Fuji. This is divided into ten concentric stations from the base. Most climbers will start from the fifth station, which is half-way up. You can reach this station via car.
Meiji-jingū – Finally, we have Meiji-jingū, which provides an atmosphere unlike anywhere else. This is the grandest Shinto shrine in Tokyo. It is dedicated to Empress Shoken and Emperor Meiji. It was rebuilt in 1958, after being destroyed during the Second World War.
Which hotel to choose in Japan
There are lots of amazing hotels in Japan. Some of the best include…
Kyoto Tokyu Hotel
Firstly, we have an upmarket hotel that has won the Kyoto Scenic Beauty Award. This hotel promises relaxation as soon as you get there thanks to the calm and quiet atmosphere. Despite this, it is in a great location, situated only five minutes from Nishi-Honganji Template the World Heritage site. The hotel is home to 430 guest rooms, as well as a gym, spa, courtyard terrace, and three restaurants and bars.
Toshi Center
Next, you will find the Toshi Center in the middle of Tokyo. Right in the heart of the city, this hotel provides luxurious bathrooms and spacious bedrooms for an idyllic stay. It is also conveniently located, as you have access to the JR and Subway lines. If that was not enough to tempt you, most of the rooms feature a panoramic view of Tokyo, which will take your breath away at nighttime.
Kanko Hotel Higashiyamaso
Finally, this promises a luxurious experience you won’t forget. We definitely recommend reserving one of the open-air baths for a special treat. One of the best things about this traditional hotel is that it provides majestic views in all directs. You have the vast greenness of Higashiyama Park to the back, the flowing Maruyama River to the South, the Onsenji Temple to the West, and Sasaura Bay to the East. It is a treat for the eyes!
Practical information about Japan
Now you know about all of the amazing things Japan has to offer, but what about the practical stuff? Well, we’ve got you covered too…
What is the weather in Japan like?
Most people tend to book holidays to Japan for the late autumn, i.e. from September to November, or during late spring, from March to May. This is because the temperatures are mild, the skies are clear, and there is little rainfall. What’s more, is that the delicate cheery blossoms flourish in spring.
What sort of budget do you need
Of course, your budget will depend on what you plan on getting up to while you are in Japan. We have sourced some of the entrance fees for popular attractions…
Ticket for the Hiroshima Peace Memorial: 200¥
Entry to Ryoan-ji zen garden in Kyoto: 500¥
Entry to the Golden Pavilion in Kyoto: 300¥
Entrance to Kenroku-en gardens in Kanazawa: 310¥
Entrance to the Snow Monkey Park: 800¥
A lot of people also like to incorporate other parts of Asia into their trip, with Singapore being highly popular. You can find a condo for rent here for a few days, and there are non-stop flights running every day.
In terms of food, you can easily find cheap and plant-based eats that will satisfy your cravings. Street food is a big deal in Asia, and there are lots of traditional snacks to enjoy. Of course, if you are ready to splurge, you won’t be short of fancy restaurants either. Eating badly in Japan is simply impossible!
This is a contributed post.