We continue our countdown to Celebration Japan with our weekly series focusing on the different planning aspects of such a big trip.
Today, we look at ten of the most famous cultural Japanese experiences you might want to add to your itinerary.
The Onsen
The Onsen is essentially a natural hot spring. It uses volcanic spring water and is packed full of natural minerals. The health benefits are what you might expect; good for circulation, detoxes and improving the skin. There are a lot of Onsens found in private rooms at certain hotels scattered across the country but there are certain villages and towns in Japan are dedicated to your experience of an Onsen. Now, just to be clear, these are not the same as something called sentos. Sentos are essentially public baths that are just hot tap water. Relaxing sure, but not the authentic Japanese experience. As a side note, if you are looking at public baths, just be prepared to cover up any visible tattoos you may have in certain areas of Japan.
Sake
The most famous alcoholic beverage in Japan is of course, sake. We Brits have our lager, the Irish have Guinness, and the Americans have…weak beer is it? Any who, sake is a rice wine. Much like a wine tasting tour, there are sake tasting tours in most regions in Japan but this beverage is served in pretty much every restaurant in the country.
Robot Hotels
Yes, they are real. We have not dreamt them. How do I know? Well, for better or worse, my girlfriend and I are stopping in one. There are dinosaur hotels too but we just couldn’t quite fit the one we wanted into our trip. So, it’s pretty much as it sounds. Robots welcome you, check you in, show you to your room, serve the meals. I’m giggling as I write this but when in Rome ay? Or, well, Tokyo? As an afterthought, how long until its us serving the robots?
Sumo Wrestling
I’ve never seen anything like this live myself but I know people who have and they say it’s a brilliant experience to see in the flesh – quite literally. This is quintessentially Japanese, and is taken incredibly seriously. Events happen all over Japan, so wherever you are in your trip and if you’re at a loose end one afternoon then this could be a great way to spend a couple of hours.
Anime and Manga
This one is something I’ve only recently been thinking about. As a Star Wars fan, I can appreciate all aspects of fandom and will happily listen to anyone talk about something their passionate about. I have zero interest in anything like this but I have a few friends who love manga and are envious about my trip. Perhaps it’s time to dive into this other area of pop-culture? Star Wars has, quite successfully, taken the leap into the anime world with Visions and a third season is on the way sometime this year. Cosplay is very popular In Tokyo and there are dedicated cinemas to anime films in the city.
“Oooooohhh, we’re halfway there…whoaaa”
And so on. Of course, Bon Jovi did not form in Japan but this is my go to karaoke song (on the rare occasions I’m dragged to the damn things). How can we go to Japan and not go to karaoke? It’s a phenomenon in Japan and happening every night of the week into the small hours of the morning. It’s also where a lot of business deals are done. So, get those vocal cords warmed up over the next few weeks.
Bullet Trains
If you’re staying close to where Celebration is happening and have no need to go on a bullet train, then from all accounts, you need to try and get on one even if its only for an hour. The train system prides itself on running on time, all the time, every time. It’s a culture in itself to be on a train with the etiquette and observing the life outside whizzing by.
Tea Ceremony
The art of making tea in Japan is so vastly different and respected in their culture that I just had to book myself in. It’s important to note, though, that I am a tea fanatic. Green, mint, ginger, matcha, herbal, chai. You name it, I love it. I’m attending a tea ceremony on my last morning in Tokyo. The session is over two hours. It’s a high privilege to attend and I can’t wait. It’s not boiling the kettle for 2 minutes and off we go. It’s a deeply meaningful and transformative experience I’m told. Bring it on.
Geishas
A Geisha is formally known as a woman who is trained, to a high degree of professionalism, in the arts of dancing, signing, playing instruments and lots more. These artists can be found performing during meals and large-scale events and date back hundreds and hundreds of years.
The Cherry Blossoms
The current Cherry Blossom forecast is predicting that by early April, the bloom will be in full spring. We all know of it and it’s meant to be life changing to witness. A thing of absolute beauty that’s as near to perfection as Heaven doth allow. If your travelling dates line up with the forecasts, then May The Blossoms Be With You.
Just us next week as we look at ten of most wild and once in a lifetime things to do in Japan.
