Japan is a country where ancient tradition fuses with modern life, a fascinating place of contrasts and colour. On the surface, Japan seems very modern. On travelling around the country, it offers many opportunities to discover Japan’s traditional culture. From spending a night in a ryokan (a traditional Japanese inn) to meditating with monks or learning how to make bitter matcha (powdered green tea). From the beauty of a Zen rock garden to the splendour of a Kyoto geisha dance.
Japan boasts marvellous culinary experiences. Many restaurants specialise in just one dish perfected over generations using the freshest, local ingredients. Japanese cuisine has a great many regional variations, from hearty mountain food to the dramatically different coastal restaurants where delicate sushi is served. Over two-thirds of Japan is mountainous, in summer offering excellent hiking, from cedar groves and wildflower fields to soaring peaks and ancient shrines. In winter, these same mountains offer world-class skiing. Whereas in southern Japan, there are tropical beaches for sunbathing, swimming, snorkelling and diving.
Japan is also incredibly easy to travel around which using bullet trains can be an experience in itself.
