Japan is a holiday destination that is on nearly everyone’s bucket list. If not for the snow or the great food, just for the incredible culture, friendly people and great vibes.
Once you’ve booked your flights, what’s next to find how to make the most out of your trip?
There’s so much information on Japan, that it’s sometimes hard to know where to really start. Here’s 8 simple, but really handy things to know about Japan to help you plan the trip of your dreams.
Each city has its own specialty food
One of the highlights in Japan is the food, and for good reason. Japanese food, in my opinion, is one of the top Asian cuisines. While Japan is known for food like ramen and sushi generally, what isn’t as widely known is that each city has a dish that it is famous for. If you’re heading to Sapporo for a ski trip try the shio (salt) ramen, if you’re stopping off through Nagoya try miso katsu (miso pork) or unagi (eel), or the well-known local okonomiyaki if you’re staying in Hiroshima. To make your trip the tastiest it can be, do a quick search for food in the areas on your itinerary.
The Shinkansen will get you there faster, but buses are much cheaper
Getting around Japan can be quite expensive, especially if you’re travelling by Shinkansen in between cities. If you haven’t purchased the zoned J Rail pass, are on a budget and have time, check out the different bus services to take you from one city to the next. If you plan your trip in advance you could strategically take the overnight buses and save a night on accommodation also! My preferred bus company is Willer Express – it is English friendly and has women only seating for some of the overnight buses for peace of mind when travelling solo overnight.
You can find sushi cheaper than water
If you look hard enough, or travel a little further out of the main areas of the city, you can find sushi for a little as 108 yen per plate. That’s just over one Aussie dollar for delicious, good quality sushi. Keep your eyes peeled for a Sushi Ro, Genki Sushi or Kappa Sushi (in order of my preferred!).
7/11 is a good back up for fresh tasty food
If you’re on budget and can’t find a sushi train, or looking for some late night snacks, don’t just look for the golden arches. Japan has some of the best ready-to-eat food….and it’s sold at 7/11. You can choose a three course meal with and onigiri (rice ball) or gyoza (dumplings) to start, gyudon (rice with beef) and a salad for your main, and fresh fruit or cake for dessert. Food is delivered daily and usually costs between 1000 to 6000 yen. Last but not least, there’s a microwave to heat up your food so you can eat it on the spot!
Izakayas trump bars any day
Other than Golden Gai in Shinjuku, Japan isn’t really known for it’s bars. That’s because there’s a way better option which is forms part of Japanese tradition; izakayas. Often small, intimate venues that serve finger food while you sip on your beers, sake or umeshu (plum wine), these informal Japanese pubs offer a great atmosphere for a night out. If you’re lucky you might stumble across some of the more local intimate izakayas in the suburbs, but if you’re looking for an easy option look for one of the chains where you can get most things on the menu for 280 or 300 yen. To get you started, keep an eye out for a Torikizoku which sells all food (mainly chicken skewers) and drinks for 280 yen.
Make time for some hikes alongside your urban adventures
The lights of Akihabara and the bustling streets of Osaka are must-dos during any Japan trip, but there’s so much more to Japan than the city highlights. Japan has some stunning scenery, not just the ski slopes or Mount Fuji, yet these areas seldom make the itinerary. One of my favourites was Magome to Tsumago, part of the famous road which was built more than 400 years ago to connect Kyoto and Tokyo, or Kakizore Gorge, an area full of waterfalls and trails that is mainly frequented by the local farmers. These are a bit out of the way if you are in the main cities, but just the start of some of the beautiful outdoor adventures you can find in Japan – don’t be shy and make sure you include some less touristy, but beautiful spots on your itinerary.
Japan is known for sumo wrestling, but going to a baseball match is way more exciting
If you have the chance, get to a sumo match. It’s something to tick off the bucket list, but I warn you, it isn’t the most exciting tick you’ll get. If you want to get into Japan’s sports culture and looking for something a little bit more fun, head to a baseball match. Tickets can be purchased fairly cheap, and it is a great afternoon out with the unified chanting, the entertaining team mascot and the instant friends you’ll make in the stand. Grab a drink, sit back and take it all in… you might even make some friends to continue the celebrations with at the local izakaya after the match!
Find a Japanese festival near you
If you only choose one of these tips for your trip, make it this one. There thousands of Japanese festivals each year, and some are definitely worth going out of your way for. These are cultural festivals to celebrate any and every part of Japanese culture. Each festival is specific to one cause, and often differs depending on the region. From fertility festivals to sakura festivals, you’ll be surprised and delighted with the unique displays, interesting things you can buy, delicious food and great outfits! Find out more about festivals on now here.