There are so many reasons why you should travel to Japan. An extraordinary country, there’s something for all ages and tastes. But if it’s your first time interrailing in the country, then you might be lost for inspiration.
To ensure you’re on the right path, here are 17 incredible reasons why you should visit Japan.
1) The Breath-Taking Cherry Blossom Season
Perhaps the main reason why so many people travel to Japan every year is because of the beautiful cherry blossoms. With the season peaking in April, there are so many wonderful places to enjoy the picturesque trees, including the awe-inspiring Yoshino, Maruyama Park and Himeji Castle.
2) The Fascinating Temples
No matter where you’re interrailing in Japan, you’re never far from a temple. So if you’re looking for a break from the bustling city life, then a trip to one of Japan’s traditional temples is bound to please.
With an abundance of both Shinto Shrines and Buddhist temples scattered around the country, you’ll have a wonderful day exploring these spiritual buildings.
Two beautiful temples to visit are the Kiyomizue-dera Temple in eastern Kyoto and the Toji Temple, a five-story pagoda with the tallest wooden tower in the country.
3) The Soothing Onsens
Japan’s famous hot spring baths, the onsens, are heated by geothermal forces and are said to have soothing powers. Present in Japan since the 1st Century, they are frequented by tourists and locals alike, offering a unique experience no matter what season you visit.
4) The Delicious Japanese Cuisine
Japan is known for its delectable cuisine. A very important part of the culture, there are so many incredible foods to try during your interrailing trip, including the prolific sushi and sashimi to ramen, Gyudon (beef with rice) and other mouth-watering delights.
During your trip, if you’re lucky, you might be able to attend one of its iconic food and drink festivals, including the Ramen Expo in Osaka and the Kyushu Beer Festival in Fukuoka.
5) How Quick and Efficient Public Transportation is
Not only are the Shinkansen (bullet trains) fast, but during your Japan trip, you’ll love the efficiency of all the trains in Japan. Known for their punctuality, there are so many different connections to choose from – allowing you to visit tons of locations throughout your getaway without having to wait for hours upon end.
6) The Awe-Inspiring Landscapes
With so many diverse landscapes to be explored, you’ll have tons of opportunities to capture some incredible photos. From mountains to waterfalls, there’s something for everything in Japan. Perhaps one of the most extraordinary natural landscapes to visit is the much-admired Mt Fuji (pictured above). And if you want to discover the beauty of the mountain whilst learning some fascinating history, you can book a tour around it.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for the hustle and bustle, you can head to the bright lights of Tokyo and enjoy views out over the city from the Skytree or Tokyo Tower.
7) The Abundance of UNESCO Sites
Did you know that Japan has 21 World Heritage Sites that you can visit? The ideal place to interrail around if you want a mixture of natural landscapes, cultural monuments and more, you can spend your days exploring these extraordinary places whether you’re travelling alone or with friends.
Whether you visit the poignant Hiroshima Peace Memorial, the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto or the Itsukushima Shrine, the UNESCO sights are remarkable.
8) Two Iconic Animation Attractions: Disneyland and Studio Ghibli
Image by Sam Chen from Pixabay
For anyone that loves Disney, you’ll be pleased to know that Japan is home to Disneyland-themed parks just outside of Tokyo. Opened in 1983, it has two parks to choose from, including the original Disneyland Tokyo and Tokyo DisneySea.
If you’re looking for something less Americanised and something more traditional, then perhaps the Studio Ghibli Museum is more suitable. An interactive attraction that celebrates all of Japan’s respected Oscar-winning directors, it’s sure to delight every visitor.
9) It’s a Very Safe Country
Did you know that Japan is one of the safest places to visit? Frequently listed in the top 10, it prioritised crime prevention through a series of safety measures. For example, firearms aren’t readily available – unlike other countries. Because of this, along with the local’s friendly behaviour, you’ll feel at home whilst interrailing around it.
10) The Locals Are Lovely
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One of the main reasons people go back to Japan every year is down to the overwhelming politeness and friendly nature of the locals. Not only do they respect your space, but they are very welcoming and love to socialise.
11) It Has a Captivating History
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If you love history, then you’ll adore Japan. One of the most intriguing and captivating cultures globally, you can discover how the country has evolved over thousands of years. Combining history with a modern flair, you can see how it’s seamlessly represented everywhere in the country – whether you spend your time visiting shrines, castles or temples.
12) Sing The Night Away at Karaoke
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If you’re not familiar with Japan’s love for karaoke, then you’ll be surprised the moment that you plan a night out in one of its main cities. In Japan karaoke is an extremely popular pastime and it’s offered in dozens of bars across the country. One in particular that tourists love to visit is Karaoke Kan in Tokyo – which is famous as it was where Bill Murray frequented in the hit film Lost in Translation.
13) Enjoy a Geisha Performance
If you really want to revel in Japanese culture, then spend a night (or two) enjoying a Geisha performance. A show that’s considered to be only for the highly privileged, these rare appearances are simply extraordinary. The most esteemed Geisha performance can be seen as Miyako Odori in Kyoto. Telling a variety of stories, from love to loss, these fascinating shows are unlike anything else.
14) Its Unique Themed Restaurants
Image by Sharon Ang from Pixabay
Another reason why Japan is beloved by tourists is because of it’s extraordinary themed restaurants. From Tokyo’s ultra-futuristic Robot Restaurant to the spooky Vampire Cafe, there’s a themed restaurant out there no matter what you’re into!
15) The Futurist Cities
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Although Japan’s renowned for its enchanting history, it’s also incredibly modern. From the futuristic robot exhibitions in Miraikan to the cutting-edge capsule hotels across the country, there’s no denying that Japan is constantly finding ways to modernise and innovate.
16) There Are Over 200 KitKat Flavours
Image by Wolfgang Eckert from Pixabay
Did you know that Japan has over 200 KitKat flavours to choose from? From the not-so-unique (strawberry), to the delicious (Cinnamon Cookie) and the bizarre (Wasabi and Pear), this is a little known fact that fascinates tourists when they visit Japan every year.
17) The Remarkable Castles
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And the last key reason why you should visit the Land of the Rising Sun on an interrailing adventure is because of its remarkable castles. Peppered throughout the country and dating back hundreds of years, there are so many beautiful castles to visit. One, in particular, that’s popular with tourists is Osaka Castle – a notorious landmark that dates to the 16th-Century.
Final thoughts on why you should travel to Japan
So, there you go! Those are the top 17 reasons why you should visit Japan. A breath-taking and extraordinary country, it’s easy to see why over 30 million tourists visited in 2018. The ultimate place to interrail in, you’ll create unforgettable memories the moment you arrive there.