The Ultimate Japan Experience

by Shane
(Japan)

Traditional Japanese Wedding

"What is the Ultimate Japan Experience?"

People ask me this question a lot. Invariably, I answer that it is not just one thing. The Ultimate Japan Experience is the sum total of the incredible variety and volume of all there is to see and do in Japan.

And then I entice by giving them just a small sampling of what Japan has to offer:

Explore ancient Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines found in historically rich and culturally important destinations like Kyoto, Nara, Kamakura, and Nikko.

Dive head first into the sea of humanity on the lively streets of Tokyo and absorb the youthful energy of Shibuya, the electronics universe of Akihabara, the far-out fashions of Harajuku, the upscale glitz of Ginza, and the vibrant nightlife of Roppongi.

Take a speeding shinkansen bullet train across the country while you gaze at the picturesque view of Mt. Fuji out your window.

Spend a night in a ryokan and soak away your stress in a soothing ponsen hot spring in Hakone, followed by a delicately crafted multi-course traditional kaiseki meal in a Japanese-style room decorated with tatami mat flooring and shoji paper screen walls.

Experience the thrill of a Grand Sumo Tournament up close and in person, attend a Japanese baseball game, or take a front-row seat at a live Japanese mixed martial arts event.

Climb Mt. Fuji. Practice Zen meditation. Train in the martial arts. Try your hand at the Ninja Warrior game show challenges. Take part in an authentic Japanese tea ceremony.

Enjoy cherry blossom viewing (hanami) at Shinjuku Gyoen in spring, visually stunning fireworks by the Sumida River in summer, the brilliant changing colors surrounding the temples of Kyoto in autumn, and lavishly crafted ice sculptures at the Sapporo Snow Festival in winter.

Indulge in unbelievably fresh sushi at the Tsukiji Fish Market, a bowl of artfully prepared ramen, or grilled yakitori with a bottle of ice-cold Asahi beer or perhaps a warm bottle of sake.

Sample an eclectic mix of foods at an izakaya Japanese-style pub, pile up a stack of plates at a revolving sushi restaurant, grab a bento boxed lunch at a Japanese convenience store, or gather around a grill with friends and create your own okonomiyaki Japanese-style pancakes.

Take your experience a step further and live in Japan. Teach English in Japan. Find a job in Japan. Do business in Japan. Study abroad in Japan. Get married and spend the rest of your life in Japan.....

I tell them that the Ultimate Japan Experience is all of these things and much more. And they are waiting to be experienced. In Japan. By you!

And then I conclude by asking:

"So how will you experience Japan?"

Your Japan adventure awaits... Read more in the Essential Japan Guide.