There is some great food available in Japan, and every area seems to have it's own speciality, so be sure to check it out! Definitely make sure you don't come home without giving these essentials a try though!
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Sushi
If you think you've tried great sushi before, I can assure you, nothing will beat the experience of going to a sushi restaurant in Japan. Super fresh produce and highly trained chefs make for an extremely enjoyable experience!
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Takoyaki
On paper, octopus tentacles in an egg based batter might not sound too appealing, but they are truly delicious, and a must try. Often found at outdoor stalls during festivals.
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Curry
The amount of variety when it comes to curry in Japan is vast. If you think you know what "Katsu Curry" is, think again. Popular chains like Coco Ichibanya offer hundreds of customisable features, and you can fill your belly for an extremely reasonable price.
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Taiyaki
Custard filled treats shaped like fish - what more can I say! It's mesmerising to watch these being made and they taste delicious warm.
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Okonomiyaki
A japanese-style savoury pancake that is popular in the Osaka area - packed with veg and tpped with bonito flakes, this is like nothing else you will have tried before.
Sometimes, the best experiences happen by putting the guidebook away and allowing yourself to venture off-route. The scenic parts of Japan are truly breathtaking, and even the cities offer some great experiences if you take a turn down a quiet residential street. Observing everyday life, finding local shops and admiring temples that pop up in the most unexpected of places all make for a unique experience like no other.
The sounds and lights are somewhat overwhelming, but japanese arcades are a sight to behold. Some are glaringly obvious, whilst others may be tucked away in basements, out of view of the main street. Stumble across one and you'll be in for a great time. The retro ones are a real gem!
Not as easy as it might sound, as Mt Fuji is notoriously hard to spot through it's layer of fog. Time it right or get lucky though, and the sight is absolutely breathtaking
The train network across Japan is extensive and extremely efficient. Everyone knows that bullet trains, or 'shinkansen' are the fastest way of getting between the bigger cities, and the experience is one you won't want to miss. Hold off eating lunch and grab it at the station instead - the bento boxes on offer are incredible! That said, the slower trains offer fatastic value for money and really are beautiful in their own right. The scenic views on offer as you trundle through the suburbs and sleepy villages offer a completely different experience that is just as worthwhile in it's own unique way.
I truly believe that no one does a theme park quite like Japan! The care and attention to detail that is put into the environments, the 'mascots' that no park is complete without, and the exceptional variety of rides, from tame and cutesey, to 'thrill-seekers only', makes for a fantastic day out. There are the big names like Disney and Universal, but there are also plenty of other less touristed ones on offer too if you don't mind travelling out of the cities a bit
Sharing a bath with a bunch of strangers whilst completely naked might not be on everyones bucket list, but the onsen experience is deeply embedded in japanese culture and well worth pushing past the potential apprehensions that you might have. Maintained to a high standard, and always used with respect, the waters are clean and often offer medicinal benefits too. Frequented by young and old, once you get past the initial embarrassment and begin to relax, you will soon understand why they are so popular.
The way of life here really is so far removed from western life that words can't really do it justice. Breathtaking temples, sleepy fishing villages, festivals, traditional foods and outfits, castles, and breathtakingly landscaped gardens, there is so much to explore in this wonderful country that no two trips could ever possibly be the same.
Whatever your interests, there will be a shop for you! The department stores are sprawling masses of every kind of item you can imagine, and the traditional wares of each region are truly beautiful and crafted to an exceptionally high quality.
In the privacy of your own karaoke room you can let your hair down and sing like no one is watching. Sure, it's a little bit cheesy, but that all adds to the charm!
