Top Reasons Why You Should Definitely Take That Trip to Japan
From riding a bullet train past Mount Fuji to sampling the best sushi and ramen in Tokyo, there are dozens of reasons why you need to visit Japan.
From exploring the quirky neighbourhoods of Tokyo to watching sumo wrestling and bathing in a steaming onsen, we’ve listed our top reasons to book a trip to Japan – and most of them feature on our carefully curated Japan trip, led by a local insider.
1. Marvel at the cherry blossom in spring
Architectural Landmark
Spring and autumn are the prettiest seasons in Japan. While autumn brings golden foliage, spring here is synonymous with cherry blossoms. The flowers are best seen in March and April along the Philosopher’s Path in Kyoto, at Shinjuku Gyoen in Tokyo, or at Hirosaki Park in northern Japan where 2,600 trees flower each year.
2. Discover the cultural capital of Kyoto
Shinto Shrine, Shrine
4. Bathe in an outdoor onsen
Architectural Landmark
Sinking into an onsen is a right of passage for any first-time (and seasoned) visitor to Japan. An onsen is a mineral-rich hot spring said to have a slew of health benefits, often found in upscale resorts across the country as well as in mountain towns such as Hakone – which you can visit on Culture Trip’s epic 12-day trip to Japan – and Yufuin in the southern part of the country. Just remember to leave your swimmers at the door, most onsens have a strict no-clothes policy.
5. Explore Tokyo’s eclectic neighbourhoods
Market
6. Ride the bullet train past Mount Fuji
Hill Station
7. Take a day trip to the Chureito Pagoda
Natural Feature
Speaking of Mount Fuji, the Chureito Pagoda is one of the most aesthetically pleasing vantage points from which to view the famous peak. You can reach the pagoda by public transport from Tokyo and, after climbing the seemingly endless steps to the top, you’re met with a beautiful temple surrounded by cherry blossom, which frame the snow-capped Mount Fuji in the background.
8. Learn about Hiroshima’s storied past
Park, Architectural Landmark
Hiroshima was devastated when an atomic bomb flattened the city in 1945 – so a visit to Hiroshima Peace Park and Museum is a must for a deep dive into the city history. This is one of the first stops on our small-group tour of Japan. Add on a day or two to your time in Hiroshima to visit the roaming deer herd and floating torii on Miyajima Island and dine on regional delights such as okonomiyaki.
9. Sample endless foodie treats
Natural Feature
From ramen to sushi, tempura to yakitori, Japan is a foodie’s paradise. Each prefecture has different specialities; Hokkaido is the birthplace of miso ramen, while Osaka has the original sushi train. Head to Tokyo – the Michelin star capital of the world – for fine dining interwoven with street food gems, or down to Hyogo to dine on the local kobe beef.
10. Ski the Japanese Alps
Natural Feature
Skiing may not be the first thing you think of when planning a trip to Japan, but if you are an avid skier, discovering the deep powder of the Japanese Alps is a must. The peaks, formed of the Hida, Kiso and Akaishi mountain ranges, run along the spine of central Honshu and make for a beautiful place to visit no matter the season – summer brings thick pine forests and teal rivers.
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Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.