Time
If you like cherry blossoms, you should come in the spring. From March to April, cherry blossoms bloom in all the parks, temples, etc. You also have the opportunity to see camellias, irises, lotus flowers and mustard plants. During this season, many festivals are held everywhere. In the summer, everywhere in Japan turns green, from the green of cherry trees, maple leaves, oak trees to green pine rows. Japan becomes bustling and lively with festivals and "Bon odori" dances.
Cherry blossoms bloom in spring. Photo: sakura
In autumn, the leaves turn yellow and red everywhere, creating a beautiful natural scene. You will see the carpets of trees dyed bright yellow on the mountain slopes. If you love skiing, come here in winter. You can admire the giant snow and ice sculptures and participate in events and customs in the countryside.
Means of transport
Japan is one of the countries with the most developed transportation system in the world. With about 90 airports serving domestic and international flights, this is a very easy and convenient country to travel by plane. However, visitors to the Land of the Rising Sun should choose to travel by high-speed train because almost all places have a rail transportation system. It is very convenient when traveling around Japan with a JR Pass, especially the "7-day JR train ticket". You can freely travel unlimitedly by JR train throughout Japan within 7 days for a price of more than 28,000 yen (about 5 - 6 million VND).
Subway lines are available in all major cities and provide fast transportation during the day. In Tokyo, JR tickets start at 130 yen (26,000 VND). Most stations have automatic ticket machines. In the cities, buses and taxis operate continuously throughout the day. However, it can be difficult for those who do not speak Japanese.
Places to visit
Temples are a must-see when visiting this country. Magnificent temples showcase the uniqueness of their elegant architecture all over the country. Even the big, bustling residential areas of Tokyo and Osaka have serene Shinto shrines surrounded by lush greenery.
Colorful Yosakoi Festival in Japan. Photo: wordpress
Japanese gardens are world-famous for their delicate recreation of natural beauty. Sitting on the temple porch and letting your mind wander while admiring the garden is the best way to dispel your thoughts and enjoy relaxing moments.
Visiting rural areas is a great experience. Just a few hours by car or train from a major urban center like Tokyo will take you to peaceful countryside areas.
Matsushima is one of the three most famous scenic spots in Japan, a picturesque place with 260 small islands scattered across the bay.
Mount Fuji: This majestic peak is perhaps the most coveted "must-see" attraction for any visitor to Japan.
Eat and drink
Japan is home to some of the world’s finest cuisine, with a flair for sophistication and intricacy. Visit the area around any subway or train station to learn about the diversity of Japanese food culture. A great place to find reasonably priced food is in large department stores, where they often have entire floors devoted to a variety of restaurants.
You can enjoy famous dishes in Japan such as Sukiyaki, a dish prepared right at the table by cooking thinly sliced beef with a variety of vegetables, tofu and glass noodles. Especially, never miss Kaiseki Ryori, considered the most quintessential cuisine in the land of the rising sun. This dish uses seasonal ingredients mainly including vegetables, fish with seaweed, mushrooms, and has a very unique flavor.
Japanese dish Sukiyaki. Photo: Photo: sanbiki-restaurant
Place of residence
All major Japanese cities have many Western-style hotels where staff speak English, but during peak season it is advisable to book in advance.
For a truly feudal-era stay, don’t miss a night at a Ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn. Rooms are typically large, open-plan rooms with tatami floors and a low table as the only furniture. Sliding doors made of leaves and paper help to soften the light. Guests sleep on a futon, which is rolled out at the end of the day.
If you want to save more, you should go to Minshuku. This is a private inn and the rooms for rent are part of the owner's private home. Therefore, the facilities at Minshuku are very simple, the price is about 1.5 million.
Shopping
100 yen shops (about 20,000 VND) are increasing in number. A wide range of items from food to daily necessities are sold for 100 yen. You can choose and buy yourself small souvenirs at the shops near train stations and shopping areas.
For electronics, head to Tokyo's Akihabara district. There are tons of new and unique home electronics.
Japanese retailers, especially department stores, hold large-scale sales twice a year. Seasonal items such as clothing and appliances are discounted by 30-50%. January and July are typically the months with sales.
