Published 28th Jun. 2021
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Discover the five best experiences for a truly memorable holiday in Japan.
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No, that's not a typo, fugu - or pufferfish - really is an actual poisonous fish. Only a handful of restaurateurs are allowed to prepare fugu, but it is considered a great delicacy in Japan. The whole meal is magical: a series of dishes are prepared alongside the fish, including sushi, broth and smaller cooked dishes, all served with pomp and circumstance in a flurry of kimonos, with the thrill of the fear adding to the pleasure - after all, only a few people die from the fugu poison every year (!)
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While in Tokyo, visit the Tsukiji market, which is at its liveliest before sunrise (it works quite well with the time difference, just head straight back to bed afterwards). The market is endless, with all kinds of fish, shellfish, crustaceans, seaweed and other mysterious marine species. Right at the heart of the market are the tunas, sold by auction, lined up in their hundreds.
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Take the waters at a resort in the Japanese Alps, where everyone leaves their winter jackets and furry boots behind at their charming ryokan hotels, and puts on a light Japanese gown (known as a yukata) along with a pair of traditional Japanese wooden geta sandals before heading to the onsen hot spring baths. Some are open-air, some are in wooden huts, some are in the streets, some are surrounded by nature, and some are so hot that it's hard to get in, but it's undoubtedly one of the best experiences in Japan.
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And the rituals around them. No list of the best experiences in Japan would be complete without some kind of sumo-based activity. The Ryōgoku Sumo Hall, the huge arena which hosts the sumo tournaments in Tokyo, occupies 117,125sq ft and has a capacity of 11,000 spectators. The arrival of the sumo wrestlers is greeted by the screams of their groupies, some of whom look on the verge of fainting. Watch the pre-bout ritual of the salute and salt throw; and finally the fight itself, often so brief, but so intense.
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Climbing Mount Fuji is possible during the summer months. What makes it such a memorable experience is the perfect shape of the volcano, which is easily spotted from a distance: from the top of Tokyo's town hall in clear weather; from the Shinkansen bullet train heading north; and from Kyoto's Zen rock garden among other places. There's something spiritual about climbing such a sacred mountain, and it certainly counts as one of the best experiences in Japan.
Whether you’re a family seeking Tokyo’s futuristic museums or a couple wishing to relax in Hokkaido’s onsens, we’ve got you covered. Our consultants have first-hand experience of living in Japan, so we know the secret spots off the beaten track (and how to reach them). Train travel is the best and most efficient way to explore the country, and wherever you visit, getting to grips with Japan’s diverse culture is a must. We work with guides who provide in-depth experiences on the history of Samurai or Geisha culture, and we have hand-picked traditional ryokan properties to rest your head in.
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