5 Reasons Why We Love Japan

written on April 12th, 2016 by Kristiana Rule

A mainstay in anyone’s bucketlist, everyone ought to visit Japan at least once.

Here are 5 reasons why we adore the Land of The Rising Sun:

 

1. The Elegant Old-World Japan

Japan is a progressive country, but at the same time, they’ve managed to preserve their elegant old world roots. It is every history buff’s daydream. We love that their culture is rich with tales and traditions that can still be experienced by travellers today.

You can expect many beautiful temples and castles, including the World Heritage Site. Who wouldn’t want to wear a pretty cool yukata (summer kimono) while walking along the castle’s sakura-lined paths? There are also tea ceremonies, bon-odori festivals and kabuki plays all around the country that everyone can enjoy.

 

2. The Shiny Trendy Kawaii Japan

We love how Japan’s pop culture co-exists with its deeply-rooted traditions. Everything cool from this generation has Japanese roots: anime, manga, crazy technology, Godzilla, Shibuya and Hello Kitty. Name it, Japan has it. Sometimes people can take these trends too seriously in the name of kawaii but it can’t be denied, today’s Japan is trendy, fresh and unique. It doesn’t hurt that they have their own Disneyland and Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

3. Their Food Makes Us Go Itadakimasu!

Japanese food- what’s not to love?  Any foodie knows that Japanese cuisine is a work of art. There’s such a wide variety! Rolls and sashimi, ramen and okonomiyaki– name it, try it, and fall in love with it. Japanese cuisine is known for its unique, complex flavors and eye-pleasing presentation. One favorite is the Tonkotsu ramen, whose broth is made out of boiled pork bones. Itadakimasu!

4. Nature in Japan

Japan loves nature, and we love Japan. Their natural treasures are sights to behold. Case in point: the beautiful cherry blossom trees, which bloom from March to April. Gardens are considered an art form in Japan, and there are loads of them within the cities.  Japan also has great, albeit lesser known beaches like Miho beach, which has pine trees and an awesome view of Mt Fuji.

5. The Crazy Things You Can Only Find in Japan

Japan has its share of the bizarre. Their weirdness is almost endearing. One good example is Aokigahara, otherwise known as the Suicide Forest. Located at Mt Fuji’s northwestern base, the dense forest is a popular site for suicides. Creepy. There is also Tashirojima, but you may know it as Cat Island, where the feline population exceeds the number of humans in the island. We wonder if they prohibit dogs. And of course, to anime lovers, there is Ghibli Museum, designed by renowned director Hayao Miyazaki. Here one can enjoy exhibits and shops made after famous Studio Ghibli anime classics like Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro.