Things to do in Japan

On nearly all trips to Japan there are ways to learn about the many varied aspects of their culture and heritage. Not just from the tours of temples or hiking of historic trails, but just by immersing yourself in authentic Japanese traditions. You will come away with some of the most stunning photographs from Japan, but it is the memories of watching someone meticulously wrap a gift in fabric, or preparing tea for a ceremony that will stay with you. It feels like everything is a ritual here, and done from the heart. There are many ways you can take part in some of these traditions in Japan, from learning to make sushi from a master, watching a sumo wrestling match, going on a paper making workshop, learning the rules of bowing, sharing a bottle of sake with your hosts, donning a kimono, taking part in a Taiko drumming class, or singing your heart out in a karaoke box. Or just take your time to sit in one of the many stunning parks, with a bento box lunch in hand, and watch the people come and go.

There are hundreds of Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples across Japan, many of the largest and most visited now also accessible for wheelchair users. In cities such as Tokyo and Kyoto, viewing these ancient structures amid clusters of high rise apartment blocks and gleaming skyscrapers is an incongruous, fascinating spectacle. Some, such as Tokyo’s Meiji Shrine and Sensoji Temple, and the Todai-ji Temple in Nara with its wild deer, are among Japan’s most iconic landmarks. However there are many smaller places frequented mostly by locals where you can meditate in peace. Another option available on some Japan vacation itineraries is to stay at a Buddhist monastery for a night or two, perhaps joining in monastic routines of prayer and meditation, and sharing their Spartan but tasty vegetarian meals.

Japan is heaven for the foodie traveler, no surprises there. From cheap and cheerful ‘salarymen’ restaurants where you select your meal from a vending machine to the myriad sushi stalls of the famous Tsukiji Fish Market, Kobe beef and sake tasting sessions, Osaka street food safaris and countless variations on ramen dishes, you cannot fail to eat well here. For those really interesting in exploring their passion for Japanese cuisine, there are also specialist foodie vacations here that bring it to the fore with cookery lessons, guided visits of sake breweries and market tours. Japanese cuisine places a strong emphasis on fresh, seasonal and local ingredients – fantastic for reducing the carbon footprint of your vacation.