Japan was voted the very best nation on the planet in the 2023 Readers’ Option Awards. Here, resident food lover and travel lover Tokyo Halfie describes 24 reasons you need to go to Japan in 2024.
With an abundant cultural heritage that eloquently incorporates custom and development, Japan has plenty of juxtapositions. After a two-year entry constraint that was raised previously this year, global tourists are gathering back to check out the splendours the nation needs to use.
The varied landscape reveals its ever-changing tapestry of colours, from the fragile pink sakura cherry blooms in the spring to the lively intense gradation of koyo fall foliage. The seasonal shifts are perfectly mirrored in its impressive dining scene, including shun-no-shokuzai (seasonal components).
From the active celebrations in cities to tranquil onsen warm springs in the countryside, there are limitless possibilities for discovery.
Tokyo Tower Getty Images
1. The flourishing dining establishment scene
Primarily, Tokyo has a few of the finest dining establishments on the planet, from casual rustic walk-ins to worldwide well-known omakase areas. Chefs commit their lives to mastering methods with their shokunin spirit– the virtue of looking for excellence in their craft. Elaborately ready meals are served with impressive service, coming from the custom of omotenashi– a deep-rooted mind of looking after visitors.
2. The large spectrum of foods
The nation provides different foods, varying from standard categories (sushi, tempura, and kaiseki) to progressive and speculative blends. The gratitude for the modification in seasons is frequently implanted in any category, including locally sourced fresh fruit and vegetables– Japan’s varied landscape provides a variety of regional veggies, seafood and meat throughout the year. Each area will have their regional speciality, whether it be seasonal components or kyodo ryori (actually equating to ‘local food’).
Stack of sake barrels Getty Images
3. The carefully brewed sake
Sake actually equates to ‘alcohol’ in Japanese– rice red wine is technically described as nihonshu. The drink was at first brewed in Shinto shrines, and has actually held a spiritual location in the nation’s culture. Its production procedure encapsulates centuries of workmanship, thoroughly mixing premium rice, distilled water, yeast, and koji fungi. The mountainous surfaces supply mineral-rich natural waters, with each water source considerably affecting the character and flavour notes of the end product.
4. Spectacular spring blooms
With flowers emerging after a cold winter season, spring represents “clean slates” in Japan (consisting of the academic year, which begins in April). The very first sakura, or cherry bloom, appears in the southern islands, and the phenomenon moves its method northwards. There are over 600 kinds of sakura trees throughout the nation with differing tones of pink. Petals slowly unfold outwards till reaching their peak mankai (maturity) for a simple couple of days.
5. Joyful summer season activities
Summertime marks the matsuri celebration season, with each area hosting their yearly bon-odori (standard common dance) or hanabi-taikai (fireworks convention). Lots of will go to using a yukata, a lighter and more casual variation of a robe. Typically, yatai suppliers can be discovered at these events, serving a range of street food consisting of yakisoba (stir-fried noodles with soy and oyster sauces) and ringo-ame (sweet apples).
6. Remarkable fall foliage
As temperature levels slowly decrease following the scorching summer season, the prominent koyo or fall foliage starts in mid- September in Hokkaido. Leaves shift from tones of green to a spectacular gradation of red, orange and yellow. The peak season in Kyoto is usually around mid to late November when numerous go to the sensational zen gardens at Buddhist temples and their colouring momiji (Japanese maple) trees.
7. Rejuvenating winter season weather condition
Contrary to the grey British winter seasons, the Kanto area (consisting of Tokyo) is normally dry and crisp this time of year, with greater possibilities of blue skies. Snow can be enjoyed in the mountains, hosting world-renowned ski resorts such as Niseko and Hakuba. It is likewise the very best season to delight in the onsen (warm springs) at tranquil Ryokans (standard Japanese inns)– even snow monkeys can be discovered bathing in the wild at Jigokudani Monkey Park