Canadian World Traveller Spring 2024 Issue

Why You’ll Want to Add Japan to Your Travel Bucket List!
5. Temples, Shrines & Castles
Japan is one of those unique destinations in
which ancient sites remain as living and functional
spaces whose maintenance is a sacred
cultural pursuit. Temples, shrines and castles
with quintessentially unique architecture date
back centuries and even millennia. They carry
the history and spirit of a nation, and are the
intrigue of the world.
6. Sumo and Sports
Sumo wrestling is Japan’s national sport, but
it is more than a sport; it is full of Shinto rituals
that fascinate visitors enamoured by the spectacle.
Judo, kyūdō (Japanese archery), karate,
aikido, and kendo (the way of the sword) are
all Japanese martial arts that attract visitors to
watch or even find a dojo in which to learn.
Baseball is Japan's most popular sport for
both spectating and participating. You haven’t
been to a baseball game until you’ve been to
one in Japan!
JJapan has recently been recognized as
the best destination in the world to visit.
Here are eight reasons why it should be
on everyone’s travel bucket list.
1. Clean and Safe
Japan is renowned as one of the safest countries
in the world -as well as one of the cleanest.
It is difficult to even find garbage bins in
public because of the way the Japanese
respect their surroundings, cleaning up their
own trash and taking it home. The Japanese
principle of mottainai means to not be wasteful,
and this is entrenched and deeply felt in
their culture.
2. Nature
Opportunities to get out of the city and experience
nature are extraordinary. Since
Japanese beliefs are rooted in respect for
nature, there are vast and diverse trail networks
for hiking through forests and ancient
villages and along coastlines, climbing mountains,
cycling between islands, and diving in
pristine waters. Within cities, immaculate zen
gardens and hillsides draped in floral profusions
delight and inspire all who visit them.
3. Accommodations
There are always new hotels opening in
Tokyo, from high-end brands to high-tech
robotic. For those who want to experience traditional
comforts, Japan’s unique ryokans
enable visitors to experience Japan’s legendary
past. Overnight stays in zen temples
or farm stays in rural villages enable immersion
into different sides of Japanese culture
and provide insight into a bygone era.
4. Cuisine
Japanese cuisine is diverse, seasonal, regional
and ubiquitous, from the greatest constellation
of Michelin stars to izakayas, local markets,
and convenience stores, culinary treasures
abound. Beyond sushi, each prefecture
boasts its own wagyu beef, each region has its
own ramen, and Japanese fruits are
renowned for their fairytale perfection.
7. Arts
Art is an intrinsic part of Japanese culture,
and there are ample opportunities for visitors
to not only visit the innumerable art galleries
(from traditional to avant garde) but also to
participate in crafts such as ikebana (flower
arranging), pottery, woodblock printing,
origami, folding fan making, green tea workshops,
and even kogatana (small blade)
swordsmithing. These cultural activities are
highly enriching and make great souvenirs to
bring home.
8. Transportation
Public transportation across Japan is the envy
of the world. Trains depart on time. They are
clean, comfortable and efficient. The
shinkansen (bullet train) can whisk you from
one end of the country to the other in the blink
of an eye, and the number of trains departing
each day between major cities accommodates
every schedule. Rail passes make it easy, and
signage is in English, so commuting by train is
an effortless part of any travel itinerary.
www.japan.travel
World Traveler Spring 2024
Kawachi Fujien Wisteria Garden Breakfast in Yamagata Matsumoto Castle