Always loved the idea of visiting Japan? Perhaps you were forced to put it on hold during the pandemic, now that the culture-rich country has finally reopened its borders to tourists in October, don’t let anything else stop you.
While it’s still wise to keep an eye on the country’s entry rules, turn your Japanese travel dreams into reality, with these breathtaking experiences you’ll never, ever forget.
Float on a “sea of clouds”
There’s a Japanese word for these low-elevation layers of clouds: unkai. Much like the northern lights, this natural event can never be guaranteed. Still, you can boost your chances by visiting the most renowned unkai spots first thing in the morning during September and October.
Our favourite unkai spot? Probably the self-explanatory Unkai Terrace in Hokkaido, or Bitchu Matsuyama Castle in Okayama Prefecture (pictured above) perched 1,410.8 ft on the peak of Mount Gagyu, known as Japan’s “mountain castle in the sky”. Visit the Bitchu Matsuyama Castle Unkai Observatory for the spectacular view of the sea of clouds.
Soak up the traditional charm of Kyoto
Discover Japan’s many traditions and more rural appeal by visiting its cultural capital Kyoto - you can read our full standalone guide here.
Expect Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, Samurai museums, and picturesque gardens and palaces. With Kyoto being the setting of several films, books, and anime, it’ll almost feel like returning to a familiar place (yes, even if you’re visiting it for the first time!).
Try skiing with a difference
How is skiing in Japan different to Europe? Thanks to its unique climate and location, Japan is famous for its abundance of powder snow: light, dry, and… fun to ski on! Go in #Japanuary to make the most of it. Rather than the steepest slopes, this country tends to offer shorter and milder ones that are peppered with trees and stunning views. Instead of boozy bars, après-ski in Japan starts with a visit to an “onsen”, one of the country’s iconic hot springs and bathing facilities.
Hokkaido is especially renowned for its ski resorts, like Niseko and Rusutsu, and so are the Japanese Alps on the main island of Honshu (especially Nozawaonsen, Shiga Kogen, and the Hakuba Valley). Alternatively, try a ski trip with a twist at Takayama, a historical city full of wooden merchants’ houses from the Edo Period.
Kuidaore (“eat until you drop”) in Osaka
The concept of kuidaore, or “eat until you drop”, is often associated with this city — known as the nation’s kitchen—and especially with its neon-lit district of DÅtonbori. Choose from unique regional dishes and mouth-watering recipes from all over the country (and beyond!).
Some must-tries include okonomiyaki (cabbage pancake), takoyaki (octopus balls) and kushikatsu (skewered meat and veggies). For a hearty bowl of ramen, lose yourself in the vibrant wards of Minami and Tennoji.
Admire the real-life art of ‘Monet’s pond’
Technically, this pond in Seki is nameless. Thanks to its crystal-clear surface and colourful water lilies, though, it’s now Instagram famous for looking just like Monet’s paintings (but with Japanese carp swimming around). Visit it in early summer to see the water lilies in full bloom or in autumn when the trees around the pond turn red.
Whilst in Seki, explore the local temples, the Traditional Swordsmith Museum, and the giant Japanese cedar forest.
Enjoy tea with furry friends in an animal café
Spending time with animals can have a de-stressing effect and boost your feel-good hormones. Luckily, cafés where you can pet and play with them are extremely popular in Japan, in Tokyo in particular. Not all animal cafés are ethical, though. So, try and support those that make a positive difference in the lives of their residents. Rescue Cat and Dog Café Lua and Neco Republic are homes to rescued or protected cats seeking a home.
