11 Reasons You Have To Visit Japan Before You Die | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

11 Reasons You Have To Visit Japan Before You Die

Seriously, put it on your bucket list now.

89
11 Reasons You Have To Visit Japan Before You Die
Find Hotel

No, this is not a lesson in Japanese cultural values and how much better of an image they create than that of America. Yes, this is a shameless plug of how amazing Japan is as a tourist. And this list only scratches the surface of its greatness.

1. It’s. So. Dang. Clean.

As you will soon learn, Japanese people value tidiness and presentation a heck of a lot more than Americans do. As a result, room corners are never covered in dust, a piece of trash on the curb is a hard find, and those black spots on the sidewalk are minimal.

2. Public transportation goals.

Everything arrives right on the dot. No trash anywhere. The stations may be jam-packed, but the train attendants will find a way to get you on board. As for bullet trains, the fastest mode of transportation in Japan…just picture the weightlessness and lack of friction of a modern Back to the Future hoverboard.

3. The food.

For someone as obsessed with Japanese cuisine as me, the food here will make you cry (speaking from experience). But really, everyone who enjoys freshly prepared, aesthetically presented anything edible will appreciate the sidewalk kiosks, restaurants, supermarkets, and department store food courts.

4. Hole in the wall stores.

I’m talking about the stores you accidentally stumble into because Google Maps let you down for once. Now this is where the best finds happen: high-quality mechanical pencils, cute stationery, good luck charms, wooden block carvings, the list goes on.

5. Religious culture.

Even if you only get to see the more touristy side of religion, the architecture of the temples and shrines is fascinating, and you're encouraged to partake in traditional religious practices. For crying out loud, Kinkaku-jiis a temple coated with gold leaf. Not to mention you can find the largest bronze statue of Buddha in Nara.

6. People-watching.

From the clean-cut businessmen who have mastered the art of power walking to the cosplay characters who roam the city streets of Tokyo, it’s a truly entertaining experience to witness the personality diversity of Japan.

7. Vending machines.

This picture says everything. Vending machines for anything you can think of: cigarettes, only alcoholic beverages, ramen, even clothes.

8. Cherry blossom viewing.

The fact that there is a huge festival in the spring held in its honor says it all. There are many parks dedicated mainly to their cherry blossom trees, which can also be found planted around palaces and temples. It’s impossible to go wrong with beautiful nature in Japan.

9. Japanese onsen.

These are Japanese hot springs made into a bath house and inn, and either a traditional or modern one will promise you a grand experience. You’re dressed in traditional Japanese clothes. You can explore a number of different therapies, from full body massages to tiny fish eating the dead skin off your feet. And did I mention the food-court-on-steroids level meal options within the onsen?

10. Talking, technology-infused toilets.

This isn’t some VIP-only phenomenon, these can be found even in the most ghetto of hotels. Some give you the option to play music and drown out those awkward sounds of #1 and #2, most are seat warmers, and all of them have the ability to efficiently control tiny jets or sprays of water to ensure a clean butt.

11. And finally, the deal-sealer: price is rarely an issue.


Even taking into account the fluctuating conversion rate from dollar to yen, unless you’re eating at a Michelin star restaurant or road-tripping on the fastest level of bullet train, practically everything in Japan is cheaper than to its American equivalent.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
friends

Here you will find a list of many of the people you will come across in your life, and if you're lucky, you'll be able to give a name to all these characters that you hopefully see day to day. Don't take these friends for granted because they all add a little something to your life, and if you can't name all of them to your personal friends, chances are it might be you...

Keep Reading...Show less
gossip girl

On the Upper East Side, Blair Waldorf is an icon. She's what every girl aspires to be. She's beautiful, confident, and can handle any obstacle that life throws at her. Sure, she may just be a television character. But for me, she's a role model and theres a lot that can be learned from Queen B.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Perks of Being a Girl

“I just want you to know that you’re very special… and the only reason I’m telling you is that I don’t know if anyone else ever has.”

2591
girl

As frustrating and annoying as it can be, being a girl is really awesome. We are beautiful inside and out. Not a lot of people may see that, but girls have a ton of amazing qualities.

We have unique flirting skills.

Us girls have a significant way to flirt with other people. Even when we say the most random or awkward things, we have a way of making everything sound cute and planned. It’s just a gift; we’re good like that.

Keep Reading...Show less
gossip girl

Us college students know all about the struggle of spending the day in the library. Whether you are writing a ten-page paper, studying for a biology exam, or struggling through math homework, you somehow find the strength to get to the library to get it all done. Let's just say you have a lot of different thoughts that run through your head during the many hours you spend in the lovely library.

Keep Reading...Show less
female tv characters
We Heart It

Over the past decade, television has undergone a very crucial transition: the incorporation of female lead characters. Since it's a known fact that girls actually do run the world (Beyonce said so herself), it's time for the leading ladies of the small screen to get some credit. Without these characters, women would still be sitting in the background of our favorite shows. These women are not only trailblazers for female empowerment, but role models for women worldwide. With that, here are 15 of the smartest, sassiest ladies gracing our screens that remind us that women do, indeed, rule:

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments