Japan is famous for its cuisine, beautiful cherry blossom trees and pop culture like anime and manga. While you may not associate Japan with beaches, it also has some of the best coastal lifestyles in the world. Japan effortlessly blends urban city life with coastal and countryside life, while the capital, Tokyo, is the world’s largest city and a major metropolis. There's something exciting around every corner, as well as an international reputation for fashion, shopping, film and its culinary scene.
Japanese cuisine is one of its largest exports, with sushi and ramen being enjoyed worldwide. Sushi history in Japan begins in the 8th century, and the ancient traditions of sushi-making have weaved through Japanese modern dining culture.
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One of the natural symbols of Japan, Mount Fuji is a folkloric symbol and a sacred site to many natives. With its symbolic ties aside, the mountain is one of the best places to enjoy a moderately challenging hike if you want 360° views of Japan. At the base of the mountain, you can find the equally sacred Aokigahara forest, which features heavily in Japanese mythology and has a macabre reputation worldwide.
Cherry blossom trees, known as Sakura in Japanese, bloom across Japan and have become a national symbol. Mount Yoshino has a reputation for its dense collection of Sakura trees that have become a popular tourist viewing spot.
Matcha is known worldwide for its health benefits and unique colour and taste, and the green tea powder as we know it is thought to have originated in Uji, a city a short distance from Kyoto. Uji is a great place to sample some of the country's best matcha, as well as taking matcha workshops.
As well as ancient traditions and rich culture, Japan is known and loved for its embodiment of the future. Japan embraces futuristic innovation, and you can see this first-hand around the country, from high-speed bullet trains to real-life Mario Kart racing through the streets of Tokyo.
