Is Japan worth visiting? Without a doubt, YES!, Japan is worth visiting. It is the land of futuristic cities, traditional temples, stunning nature and delicious food.
But if you need more convincing, find reasons why you should and also a few reasons why you shouldn’t add it to your travel bucket list below.
BEST PLACES TO STAY in JAPAN:
• Be like a bee for Nine hours (my favourite capsule hotel)
• Yiyi Tokyo Disney minpaku (house close to Tokyo Disneyland)
• Fujikawaguchiko Onsen Konanso (onsen and Mt. Fuji view!)
• Kiraku Kyoto Honmachi (the best Ryokan in Kyoto with a private onsen)
• Miyajima guest house (perfect place to stay close to Itsukushima shrine)
• Guest house Pongyi (sleep in old kimono shop!)
• Yudanaka Yasuragi (small traditional Japanese ryokan)
TOP EXPERIENCES in and around JAPAN:
• Drive a Go-Cart on Tokyo streets (super fun Super Mario for a day!)
• The ABSOLUTE BEST museum ever (TeamLab is MUST VISIT!)
• Rent a Kimono (… when in Rome Kyoto …)
• Fushimi Inari Walking Tour (Nice way to learn about Torii Gates)
• Hiroshima and Miyajima (perfect day tour!)
• Food tasting in little Kyoto (come hungry!)
• Shirakawa go Village (see traditional Japan)
• Tea ceremony (experience the art of drinking tea)
Looking for the best way to GET TO JAPAN:
• Find best flight fares to Japan
• Having a Japan Rail Pass is the best way to travel around Japan
The Land of the Rising Sun, Maikos, Geishas, Samurais and Sumo wrestlers. Japan is perfect if you want to meditate in a centuries-old temple, and then get a coffee from a vending machine on a neon-light street, that reads your mind (okay, maybe not quite, but close!).
Below you will find reasons why Japan should top your travel bucket list or why you should skip it (but shouldn’t really).
FRIENDLY REMINDER
Never leave for a trip without travel insurance. Unexpected issues can arise so I suggest using insurance that covers people from all over the world, while outside their home country. You can buy this travel insurance even if you are already abroad.
Visiting Japan
KEY TAKEAWAYS
● Discover how Japan’s seamless blend of ancient traditions and cutting-edge technology offers a travel experience like no other destination in the world.
● Go to Japan and find out about the unique cultural experiences, incredible food scene, stunning landscapes, and exceptional hospitality of the Japanese people that should put Japan on your travel wish list.
● Learn which types of travelers might not enjoy a trip to Japan.
Why visit Japan
Visiting Japan will be an experience, different from any other place on earth. It is a destination where the future and the past coexist. This is where ancient temples sit next to neon-lit skyscrapers, and bullet trains zoom past peaceful gardens. It is the uncommon and unexpected mix that makes Japan so special.
You’ll find some of the world’s best food here – from perfect sushi to steaming bowls of ramen – or get up close with unique cultural experiences you just can’t get anywhere else. Just think how the whole country stops to admire the cherry blossoms in spring.
The country’s super safe, perfect for solo female travelers, and a great family-friendly destination. It is clean, runs like clockwork (those trains really are always on time!), and offers everything from watching sumo wrestlers in Tokyo to soaking in a hot spring in Hakone, and endless other things to do in Japan.
Find out why I think everyone should travel to Japan at least once in their life.
Unique cultural experiences
Samurai, Shinkansen, Geishas, Pokémon … for most, the first association when they think about Japan.
Here, you can witness the elegance of a geisha performance, take part in a traditional tea ceremony, try folding paper cranes in an origami class, or practice the brush strokes of Japanese calligraphy.
If you’re up for some action, catch a sumo tournament (they happen six times a year) or book a samurai experience. For a deeper cultural experience, rent a kimono and walk through Kyoto’s historic streets. And when it’s time to unwind, soak in an onsen for pure relaxation.
All the things you can’t try at home and then ones that make Japan unique.
Delicious food
Japan is one of the best food destinations in the world.
Food in Japan goes way beyond sushi, ramen, wagyu, and tempura. Watch sushi masters slice fresh fish with surgical precision, taste tender, perfectly marbled wagyu beef, or grab street food like takoyaki and okonomiyaki.
Try fluffy Japanese pancakes, matcha tea, or unique (yet delicious) desserts filled with red bean paste, like anpan (a sweet roll filled with red bean paste) and daifuku (mochi filled with sweet red bean paste).
And if you’re feeling fancy, Tokyo alone has 230 Michelin-star spots where chefs turn food into art.
Historic sites and architecture
Here you can see some of the most stunning historic sites and architecture in the world.
Japan’s ancient temples tell incredible stories in stone and wood. Have a look at famous landmarks like Kyoto’s Kinkaku-ji, Sensoji in Tokyo, the Golden Pavilion, or the ancient temples of Nara, such as Todai-ji. Wander through the white Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site, or the black Matsumoto Castle.
Traditional wooden shrines, districts, torii gates, peaceful gardens, and the intricate designs of pagodas reveal the country’s deep cultural roots and timeless beauty.
Stunning natural landscapes
Japan has it all. Tropical beaches and coral reefs, snow-covered mountains, forests with wild boars, hot springs, and active volcanoes.
You can relax in the waters of Okinawa or dive among its coral reefs. Climb Mount Fuji, a UNESCO World Heritage site, Japan’s tallest mountain, and an active volcano that last erupted in 1707. Walk through the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in Kyoto or ski in Hokkaido, known for its deep powder snow and top ski resorts.
Even without activities, Japan is a prime destination to see sakura (cherry blossoms) in spring or experience koyo (red and yellow autumn leaves) and momiji (red maple leaves) in the fall.
Modern attractions
On the opposite side of tradition, Japan is known for its cutting-edge technology, robot restaurants, and even high-tech toilets.
Include riding a Shinkansen (bullet train) in your Japan itinerary, and visit the best museum I’ve ever visited, teamLab Planets and teamLab Borderless. Include the tech-heavy districts of Akihabara and Shibuya in your Tokyo itinerary, and watch robots serve food at Robot Restaurants.
You will have plenty of chances to enjoy Japan’s advanced toilets with heated seats and built-in bidets, and you can even stay in a hotel staffed by AI robots.
Walk through Odaiba, home to life-sized Gundam statues and interactive VR attractions. Try arcade games, visit Tokyo Disney and Universal Studios Japan, shop for high-end fashion, or buy gadgets you never knew you needed.
Efficient transportation system
Japan’s trains run more precisely than a Swiss watch. If a train is even a few seconds late, there’s an official apology.
The Shinkansen (bullet train) connects major cities at speeds of up to 320 km/h (200 mph), making long-distance travel fast and efficient. Metro systems in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto operate with near-perfect punctuality, with trains arriving within seconds of their scheduled time. IC cards like Suica and Pasmo make it easy to switch between trains, buses, and even some taxis.
To navigate it all, useful apps for travel to Japan like Google Maps, Hyperdia, and Japan Transit Planner help plan routes and check real-time schedules.
Futuristic accommodation options
Here you can sleep in some of the most interesting places.
You can spend your night in a capsule hotel. I’ve been to Nine hours Narita and felt like a bee with my own compact pod, that actually felt really spacious and not claustrophobic at all. They’re cheap, clean, and perfect for a night’s rest in the city.
If you wish something more traditional, book a ryokan. These Japanese inns come with tatami mat floors, futon beds, and often their own hot spring baths. You’ll walk around in a yukata robe while staff bring meals right to your room. Have a look at Kiraku Kyoto Honmachi, known for being one of the best ryokans in Kyoto.
For something more ‘out of the box,’ have a look at robot-staffed hotels where machines handle check-in, like Henn na Hotel Maihama Tokyo Bay, or stay in places decked out like your favorite anime.
You could stay overnight in a Buddhist temple and join the monks for morning prayers, or book a night in a love hotel just for the novelty.
High standards regarding safety, cleanliness, and hospitality
Japan is known for its exceptionally high standards of safety, cleanliness, and hospitality.
Nippon consistently ranks as one of the safest countries to visit, with low crime rates, making it an ideal destination for solo travelers and families.
Streets, public spaces, and even restrooms are immaculately clean. You’ll rarely spot a piece of trash anywhere, with people taking pride in maintaining their surroundings. Honestly, they put all of us to shame!
Here, you’ll experience world-class customer service and the next level of hospitality. The level of politeness and attention to detail is unmatched, with hotel staff, shop attendants, and locals all going out of their way to ensure your comfort and satisfaction.
Who is Japan not for
I’ve been to Japan and think it’s an incredible destination. But I also believe it might not be the best fit for everyone. Below, I share who might not find Japan to be their ideal travel destination and I also suggest places they could go instead.
Ultra budget travelers
If you’re traveling on a shoestring budget, Japan may not be the most affordable destination. While you can find some budget options, like capsule hotels or ramen shops, the overall cost of accommodation, food, and transportation can add up quickly. For budget-friendly options, consider places like Thailand, Vietnam, or Cambodia, where you can stretch your money further.
Party seekers
Japan’s nightlife is as diverse as its culture, but is not the place for those searching for wild party scenes or non-stop nightlife. While you can sing your heart out in a karaoke bar in Tokyo, grab drinks at a tiny izakaya in Golden Gai, or enjoy a night out in the neon-lit streets of Dotonbori in Osaka, the atmosphere is generally more laid-back compared to destinations like Ibiza, Miami, or Bali.
Nature lovers looking for seclusion
While Japan offers stunning natural beauty, it may not be ideal if you’re seeking remote, untouched wilderness. For a truly off-the-grid experience, places like New Zealand, Iceland, or Costa Rica might better satisfy your craving for vast, pristine landscapes.
Laid-back beach lovers
Japan does have beautiful beaches, but they’re not the first place you’ll find classic laid-back beach vibes. If you’re craving quiet, isolated beaches, destinations like the Maldives, Seychelles, or the Caribbean may be more in line with your style.
Verdict: Is Japan worth visiting?
I believe the answer is 100% yes! Japan isn’t just worth visiting, it’s worth visiting twice, three times, or honestly, as many times as your wallet can handle.
Japan gives you experiences you simply can’t get anywhere else. Here you can zip between cities at bullet speed, feast on Michelin-starred ramen for lunch, and sleep in a pod that looks straight out of a sci-fi movie?
It has the best combination of old and new – from peaceful tea ceremonies to crazy pop culture. Sure, you might struggle with the language barrier but trust me – the moment you experience that perfect blend of chaos and zen, high-tech and tradition, you’ll understand why Japan’s magic is absolutely unmatched.
However, if you’re after wild nightlife, party scenes, or a super-budget experience, Japan may not be your ideal fit. Consider places like Zanzibar or Bali for vibrant beach parties, or the Maldives if marine life tops your travel bucket list.
If Japan sounds like a destination you would like to visit, be sure to check out my Japan guides, including where to stay, must-visit spots, and essential travel tips. Have a look at my Japan itinerary, best cherry blossom spots and my in-depth how-to guides for an unforgettable trip.
➤ Read more Japan travel guides
• How to spend 17 days in Japan Itinerary
• How to visit Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto
• Top 5 Ramen tours in Tokyo that are absolutely delicious
• 15+ Best places to see cherry blossoms in Japan (+ Map!)
• Ultimate List of 23 Best Japan travel apps (Tried & Tested)
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