Why Now’s a Great Time to Visit Japan
Thinking about a visit to Japan?
Congrats, you’ve picked an amazing destination!
Whether you're into the neon buzz of Tokyo, the peaceful temples of Kyoto, the culinary delights of Osaka, or something completely off the beaten path, Japan is a popular global travel destination for all the right reasons.
But why now?
Why are so many people coming to visit Japan? From couples and honeymooners to solo travelers and families, people from all walks of life and with a wide array of travel interests are planning trips to Japan.
In this edition of the Japan Travel Pros blog, we talk about why Japan should be on your travel radar – and how best to experience its many charms and offerings.
What’s Japan Really Like?
Living here in Japan, this is a question we get asked a lot.
Of course we've all seen the highlight reels on social media. You know the stuff I'm talking about, those stories and posts and whatnot that all depict Japan as this super magical destination.
I mean, it is a pretty great place, don't get me wrong. I'm a big proponent of travel to Japan, and not just because we run a Japan-focused travel business.
But I'm also a big proponent of transparency and being upfront with everyone, so I will always give you the good with the not-so-good. That said, let's start with the highlights.
Japan is Clean: Fact or Myth!
Facts!!
Japan might very well be the cleanest country on this green earth. And that's saying a lot, considering how densely populated Japan is (at least where most of the population lives).
Japan is super clean, and that's no lie. Like uber clean… like clean beyond anything you can imagine for really any city.
It's as if someone comes around the streets overnight and vacuums everything and then scrubs it all down and waxes it before you wake up.
That kinda clean.
And here's the kicker, it's nearly impossible to find any garbage cans anywhere. No, seriously, I dare you to find one!
Haha, well there are a few, most notably at the “konbini” – Japan’s famous convenience stores which are ever-popular with visitors and, bonus, are easy to snack at and quickly dispose of your trash. Pro tip: If you’ve bought food/drink from a konbini and are consuming it on the go, it’s perfectly acceptable to throw it in the bins at another location of the same chain (which is likely to be within spitting distance of where you’re at, only please don’t spit ‘cause like I said earlier Japan is CLEAN!).
So without the garbage cans, what do Japanese people do with all their, you know, garbage? Turns out, they take it with them. Yup, in the same spirit of “you broke it, you bought it,” think of garbage here as “you mash it, you trash it.” Most Japanese carry a bag with them while on the go, and throw away their trash back at home (or at the hotel, office, etc.).
So when in Rome – no, when in Japan – take a cue from the locals and bin it the right way.
Japan is Safe – There’s No Crime, Ever?
Fact … aaaand then myth.
Japan is one of the safest countries in the world.
Even in the big cities like Tokyo, Osaka or elsewhere, people walk around town at all hours with little if any fear of anything going wrong.
When visitors ask “where are the bad neighborhoods?” my response is usually something like, “well, um, there really aren’t any.” Sure, some Japanese folks might caution you about such–and-such place being run down or sketchy. But compared to cities in North America or Europe? Honestly, it doesn’t come close.
But Crime Isn’t Nonexistent, Right?
Having said that, it’s always good to be vigilant.
Especially with the rise in tourism in Japan and the weakened yen, there are some things for travelers to bear in mind.
Scams in tourist areas are a thing anywhere in the world, and Japan is no exception.
And we do occasionally hear reports of people having wallets lifted, purses snatched or bags stolen in touristy areas or transport centers. While it is unlikely that all of these (relatively petty) crimes are being perpetrated by Japanese people, that is somewhat anecdotal and maybe not enough proof to say definitively.
That’s why, when you're moving out and about, you should always be aware of your surroundings, know where you have your money and other valuables, and keep them on you or close by in safe and difficult to snatch places.
Clean & Safe, Got It – Why Else Should One Visit Japan?
Think of “clean” and “safe” to be the basic elements of why it's a no-brainer to visit a place like Japan.
But I'm guessing the clean-and-safe thing alone might not do it for a lot of people. You need a little more than that to make the trip over here worthwhile, right?
Well I could go on about the “Timeless Allure of Japan,” the “juxtaposition of old and new, ancient and modern,” yada yada yada. I mean, that's what a lot of the clickbait headlines are telling us these days right?
Dollars to donuts (great, now I want donuts), a lot of that content is generated by ChatGPT and its other AI kin.
I honestly don't know what timeless is supposed to mean. And the contrast / juxtaposition thing can be said of pretty much any travel destination anywhere in the world. So, why Japan?
Sure, Japan has its famous spots like Kyoto, Osaka & Tokyo. Those have been covered in depth. But there’s even so much more to see!
Explore the quieter corners like the Japanese gardens of Kanazawa or the rustic villages of the Japanese Alps. Get out to the other islands – like Hokkaido, Kyushu, Shikoku or Okinawa. Hit the highlights of the tourist route, in other words, then make a beeline off the beaten path and see more of the “real” Japan.
Each area has its own character and charm, offering a deeper dive into what makes Japan tick.
Japan Is Super Sleek, Ultra-Modern & Totally Unlike Anything You’ve Seen on Earth
Calling bullshit on this one, too?
You should be!
While Japan has its share of modern features and benefits, much of Japan as we’ve already said is stuck in another area.
“Japan has been living in the Year 2000 since 1980,” is a favorite dad joke in our home and across much of the expat community in Japan. But it really does feel like it!
Japan was doing super-cool stuff 40-50 years ago, carving its place as a global leader in manufacturing, logistics, consumer electronics… and, of course, the famous Japanese toilets! And then, as if a switch flipped, Japan practically froze in time, at some point in the early to mid Nineties. Progress slowed to a crawl.
The more you step off the beaten path, the more you notice that so much of Japan seems to be frozen in time!
Here you can see and experience a variety of historical eras, from the ancient Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, to wide swaths of Japanese cities and towns that are ensconced in the “Showa” era of the 1950s-1980s. And as a visitor, that’s actually pretty cool to see!
Soak in the ambience in the cafes and mom-and-pop restaurants. Visit a “shotengai” shopping street. Roam the sidestreets, alleyways and residential lanes that form the bulk of Japanese daily life (even in Tokyo).
It’s quaint to stroll through those street markets, seeing people greet each other with a bow and a smile, watching & experiencing scenes that feel right out of the 70s or 80.
So while you might be disappointed if you come to Japan expecting jetpacks, flying cars and robots serving gourmet sushi, there’s a whole lot to be said for the real Japan – clean, safe and stuck in time in some of the best possible ways.
One Area in Which Japan Excels Is Its Transportation Networks
That one’s true!
Transportation in Japan is great, really world class.
In all likelihood, you won’t need a car when you’re traveling in Japan, and you’ll be able to get just about anywhere in good time (and relative comfort) by train, bus or taxi/rideshare.
While the JR Rail Pass is less of a bargain than it once was (and I’ll make the case why it’s often not even convenient), trains in Japan are fairly inexpensive and rather frequent. At peak hours, for example, the bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka runs every five minutes or so.
If you’re traveling further afield in Japan, the air network is also world class and not to be overlooked.
Whether you are taking a honeymoon in Japan and want flawless, worry-free transport, or you’re a solo traveler who’s tight on time before getting back to work next week, Japan’s transportation network won’t let you down.
Japan’s airports are sparkling, smooth and convenient. You can usually set foot in the terminal in 40-50 minutes before departure time, since security isn’t the intense theatrical production seen in North America. Airports are usually well connected to the city transport systems as well, making flights to Hokkaido or Kyushu a better option for many travelers compared to trains.
Why Now Is a Great Time to Visit Japan
With travel back in full swing, popular spots like Kyoto, Tokyo and Osaka are buzzing.
I still hesitate to recommend skipping these destinations (though we’ll sometimes have one or two of the trio on clients’ Japan itineraries, depending on one’s travel goals and preferences).
But this is also a great reason to venture off the beaten path. Discover the beauty of Tottori’s sand dunes, the artsy vibes of Naoshima or the scenic coastlines of Tohoku.
Enjoy succulent beef and chicken in Kyushu, fresh seafood in Hokkaido and regional cooking across the country that will surely leave you raving about what a culinary destination Japan is.
These hidden gems help you avoid the crowds and offer a more authentic experience.
You’ll get a taste of local life and see sides of Japan that many tourists miss. Plus, with the current travel scene, there are more options and flexibility for planning your trip.
Why Japan Is a Must-Visit Travel Destination
Japan has a lot going for it. From its cultural heritage to its natural beauty, there’s plenty to explore and enjoy.
And it’s way more than sushi and samurai!
Get into the local culture by visiting festivals in Japan, where you can enjoy traditional dances, music and fireworks.
Stroll through bustling markets, department store food halls and local supermarkets, savoring the sights and smells of local, authentic Japanese food at its finest.
And don’t miss staying in a ryokan, a Japanese inn, where you can experience the hospitality and service unique to Japan.
Japan’s Amazing Scenery: Beyond the Major Cities
Japan’s landscapes are diverse and beautiful.
In one trip to Japan you can hike through bamboo forests, ski in Hokkaido’s powdery snow and then relax on Okinawa’s beaches.
Nature puts on a show with cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant foliage in autumn.
The quicker you get out of Tokyo or Osaka/Kyoto, the more you can soak in Japan’s brilliant and highly underrated natural beauty.
Indulge in Japan’s Epic Food Scene
Did I mention the food?!
Right, I did. But with good reason!
Japanese food is a highlight for many visitors.
Sure, the sushi is fantastic, but there’s so much more to try.
Enjoy ramen from small, hole-in-the-wall shops. Snack on takoyaki (octopus balls) from street vendors, or indulge in kaiseki, a multi-course meal that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Each region has its specialties, too, so there’s even added incentive to travel beyond Tokyo.
Planning Your Japan Itinerary
When it comes to planning your trip, it’s important to make sure all the details are properly tended to.
Though it might seem like a contrarian idea at first, consider hiring an experienced travel planner who specializes in Japan.
They can help you craft the perfect itinerary, provide insider tips, book your accommodations, and even arrange unique experiences that you might not find on your own.
This way, you can focus on enjoying your trip without the stress of planning every detail.
Self-Guided Tours of Japan
If you prefer a bit more independence, a self-guided tour can be a great option.
Japan’s public transport is top-notch, making it easy to get around. Trains are clean, punctual, and can take you almost anywhere you want to go.
Look at using a mix of guided day tours and self-exploration. This way, you get the best of both worlds – the insights of a local guide and the freedom to discover Japan on your own terms.
Japan Travel: Unique & Memorable
Japan is an incredible destination. It’s clean, it’s safe, it’s timeless (just kidding, if you’ve read this far thanks for getting the joke) and it’s got travel gems galore.
Whether you're drawn by Japan’s culture, scenery, delicious food or unique experiences, there's no better time to visit Japan than now.
Want to know more about how Japan Travel Pros can help make your Japan trip unique and unforgettable?
Schedule a FREE call today, so that we can discuss your travel goals and start planning your bespoke Japan itinerary.
Until next time, happy travels!