Japan is an aspirational tourist destination for Westerners. Historically, the most intrepid traveled to the country to see its delights. But the fact that the Land of the Rising Sun has maintained its position among the most desirable locations in the world says something about what the country has to offer. If nothing else, it is consistent.
Part of the magic of Japan is its “differentness.” Nothing is quite like it anywhere else. Japan is a creature all unto itself, unique in an increasingly homogenous globe.
Part of what sets Japan apart is the country’s heritage and aesthetics. The entire country is bristling and brimming with landmarks, like the Kinkaku-ji in Kyoto (also called the Golden Pavilion) and the Meiji Shrine in Tokyo. These speak volumes about the country’s deep and abiding culture, and how it influenced its development over the centuries.
Traditional practices, like tea ceremonies and flower arranging, remain very much in vogue. Many tourists stop by the tea houses where diligent hostesses prepare ceremonial grade matcha leaves in the finest chinaware on the market, with sessions lasting an hour or more.
Then there are the country’s seasonal variations. Famous for cherry blossoms in the spring, Japan looks different every time travelers visit it. It’s a photographer’s dream come true.
But, of course, these traditional elements are just a small part of what makes Japan such an exceptional country. While it has the heritage, it is also a place that is pushing new frontiers and trying to further the achievements of humanity. It’s involved in space exploration, advanced electronics, submarine construction, genetics projects, and advanced personalized medicine.
For tourists, this heady combination is a godsend. It means that they can enjoy culture on a par with Rome but excitement on the same level as Orlando, Florida.
An English speaking scuba diving shop in Okinawa Japan, sums up what the country is all about. “We’re located in the warm south of Japan on an island famed for its laid-back lifestyle and long-lived locals. Just like anywhere in the Mediterranean, foreign tourists flock to our location for the incredible beaches but also the large waves that come crashing in from the Pacific.
It’s ideal for thrill seekers or anyone who wants to go below the ocean and explore the life teeming on the floor.”
Scuba diving, surfing, and other water sports aren’t the only attractors for tourists. Japan also offers other unique experiences that are challenging to find anywhere else.
One popular pastime is the use of hot spring baths or “Onsen” as they call it locally. These facilities are usually somewhere in nature and offer guests a way to enjoy their surroundings while receiving nourishing heat.
Themed attractions are also popular in the country. Japan’s Hello Kitty theme parks are quirky, unique, and, frankly, unforgettable for many of the tourists who visit them.
These pair nicely with the country’s seasonal festivals, like the Gion Matsuri in Kyoto or the Sapporo Snow Festival. These provide overworked and tired office workers with some mild respite from the day job at certain points in the year.
Just be aware that Christmas isn’t much of an event in Japan. It’s not an inherent part of their culture, although they do recognize it.
Beyond the cultural delights, though, there is no getting away from the fact that Japan is an advanced country. In many ways, it seems more sophisticated than parts of Europe and America, thanks in part to its dense cities and urban sprawl.
Urban life in Japan is among the most exciting across the globe. High-speed trains run along the edges of the country’s mainland, zipping tourists and commuters between cities more than twice as fast as conventional Amtrak. Along the way, there is evidence of Japan’s obsession with robots, neon lights, and convenience store innovations.
This futurism is evident everywhere in the external city. But once travelers step inside, the atmosphere changes and reverts back to the country’s ancient past. For example, Tokyo is famous for its world-class cuisine. Sushi and tempura restaurants abound. However, these often have a quaint, delicate aesthetic that contrasts oddly with the outside advertising and neon lights. It’s the difference between Pokemon and Memoirs of a Geisha.
Visitors primarily find their hearts being captured with the delicacy of the food. Japanese chefs are masters with tweezers and often craft dishes that look like they might topple over with the first wobblings on the seismograph.
However, it isn’t just the quality of the food that is so alluring, but also the way the Japanese serve it. There is a cultural tradition in the country called “omotenashi” which means serving every guest well and making them feel welcome.
This feeling of belonging is something that becomes immediately apparent whenever travelers step through the door of an establishment, with locals more than willing to serve tourists and meet their needs. Staff are invariably polite and go out of their way to show deference, which can be an attractive feature for some visitors.
Finally, Japan captures people’s hearts because of its safety and cleanliness. The country is famous for its spotless public spaces. Almost every part of major cities like Tokyo and Osaka feels safe, something that isn’t true even in Western Europe or parts of the 1. Going home is often considered a danger for many people who fall in love with the country. Perhaps that’s why so many want to go back.
