7 Things To Do In Japan
Japan is a highly popular travel destination, with the "Land of the Rising Sun" attracting around 30 million people each and every year. This East Asian nation consists of five main islands and hundreds of smaller islands situated between the Sea of Japan and the Pacific Ocean. Japan has 21 World Heritage Sites across the country, including Himeji Castle and the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto. Other popular attractions include Tokyo, Mount Fuji, the Monuments of Ancient Nara, and the nation's many ski resorts and thermal spas.
Planning for Your Japanese Adventure
Japan is a long way from North America and Europe, which means you need to plan ahead to ensure a successful trip. From buying luggage and packing clothes to reserving hotels and booking tours, there's a lot you can do before you leave home. Luckily, there's a lot you can do online these days, from researching destinations and booking flights through to comparing prices and looking at maps. It's essential to create a travel timeline and organise a working budget before you put any money on the line.
It's also important to organise your communications, with a Japan SIM card the best way to navigate safely around the country and stay in contact with the people you love. We live in an amazing age where it's easier to stay in touch with people than ever before. Simple prepaid SIM cards are ideal for holiday travellers who want to enhance their holiday experience. With nothing more than a SIM card and your favourite mobile device, you can navigate seamlessly, connect conveniently, and share your trip with friends and family anywhere in the world.
The Seven Most Memorable Things to Do in Japan
Whether you're looking for things to do in Tokyo, things to do in Kyoto, or things to do in Asaka, Japan is full of numerous cultural and natural attractions. The following Japan attractions are available throughout the year, with this top seven list providing a truly memorable Japanese travel experience:
Culture in Kyoto
Located in the Kansai region on the island of Honshu, Kyoto is the capital of Japanese culture. This city of 1.5 million people features Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, majestic palaces, and perfect zen gardens. Many of these attractions are listed collectively by UNESCO as the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto. Popular landmarks in Kyoto include the Kyoto Imperial Palace, Kiyomizu-dera, Kinkaku-ji, Ginkaku-ji, and Katsura Imperial Villa.
Cherry Blossoms
The cherry blossom trees of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka are renowned for their spectacular beauty. Japan's unofficial national flower blooms on dozens of tree varieties, all over just a few days in spring. Cherry blossom season is a time of celebration in Japan, with hanami, or cherry blossom viewing parties, held under the trees with friends and family. A long-time hit on Facebook and Instagram, many international tourists time their visit to Japan so they can witness the cherry blossoms in full bloom.
Iconic Mount Fuji
Mount Fuji is the highest volcano in Japan at just over 12,000 feet. This iconic holy mountain is like no other, with its almost perfectly symmetrical cone acting as a cultural icon of Japan. You are probably already familiar with Mount Fuji from its depiction in numerous Japanese arts and photographs. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Site and Special Place of Scenic Beauty, you can visit the mountain up close and personal or stand back and witness its splendour from Kumomi Kaigan, Lake Tanukiko, or Shizuoka.
Temples and Shrines
Japan is renowned for its temples and shrines, of which there are hundreds located across the country. Buddhist temples are designed to store and display sacred Buddhist objects, with some temples also functioning as monasteries. Common temple structures include the main hall, lecture hall, pagoda, temple gates, temple bell, and cemetery. Along with Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines are also located across Japan's many islands. Shinto shrines are more than just places of worship;
they are thought to be the dwellings of the Shinto gods or Kami.
Bullet Trains
The bullet trains of Japan are famous the world over for their speed and technological innovations. These trains reach speeds up to 177 miles per hours, and travel between many of the nation's biggest cities. For the most iconic Japanese travel experience of all, head off on a bullet train on the Tokaido Shinkansen line and enjoy a spectacular view of Mount Fuji from your window.
Sumo Wrestling
Sumo wrestling is more than a sport in Japan – it's an ancient martial art and important cultural ritual backed by centuries of tradition. Japan's legendary Sumo wrestlers weigh in at over 300 pounds, with six tournaments held each year to please the gods and entertain tourists. If you're lucky enough to get a ticket to a Sumo wrestling event, don't forget to take photos and share them with your friends back home via your Japan SIM card.
Harajuku Fashion
Tokyo is the biggest and most exciting city in the entire world. Harajuku is one of the most unique parts of Tokyo, with this geographic area spreading from Harajuku Station to Omotesando. Harajuku is a retail fashion and dining destination that has become famous for its amazing youth-oriented fashion subcultures. If you want to see Japanese girls in full manga cosplay, young male rockabillies, or ultra kawaii cuteness, this is the place to come.
Reliable and affordable communication is an absolute must for anyone visiting Japan. Purchasing a prepaid Japan SIM card before you leave home is the best way to ensure your safety and connectivity on the other side of the world. With a Japan SIM card in your cell phone or tablet, you can navigate seamlessly across Japan and share your adventures with loved ones back home. If you're looking for reliable and affordable communications, contact SimsDirect so you can stay travel connected while you explore the wonders of Japan.
