Discover Japan’s breathtaking natural wonders and rich culture

Japan offers an enchanting blend of ancient tradition and modern marvels, captivating travelers with its serene temples, neon-lit cities, and stunning natural landscapes.

Even those who haven't visited often find themselves entranced — and with good reason. A key element of Japan’s enduring appeal is its ability to consistently deliver on high expectations. Its vast latitudinal range creates a remarkable variety of natural landscapes, contributing to its timeless allure, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

Stretching along the eastern edge of Asia, Japan's northernmost point, Hokkaido, nearly touches Russia, with a climate that mirrors Siberia’s cold. The island is home to Niseko, renowned for some of the world’s best powder skiing, while the east coast showcases a dramatic display of sea ice each winter. As skiers tackle Hokkaido’s snowy terrain, Japan’s southern islands bask in sunshine, with cherry blossoms blooming and warm blue seas. The ocean current that enriches the Philippines' scuba diving experience also nourishes Okinawa's coral reefs, which teem with tropical fish, sea turtles, whales, sharks, and manta rays.

Japan’s dynamic scenery owes much to its location on the Ring of Fire, a highly active tectonic zone that has shaped and continues to reshape the country with earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. This ever-changing landscape invites adventure travelers to raft glacial rivers, hike ancient pilgrim trails, or cycle through rice paddies. Cultural diversity flourishes alongside geographic variety. The Ainu people of the north and the Ryukyu of Okinawa maintain their distinct identities, though they are seldom what comes to mind when thinking of Japanese culture. 

Japan’s centuries of isolation, enforced by the sakoku policy in the 1630s, preserved the country’s traditions, allowing ancient rituals, architecture, arts, and cuisine to remain largely untouched by outside influence. Nowhere is this preservation more evident than in the historic capital of Kyoto, where Japan’s rich cultural heritage has withstood the test of time. When Japan reopened to the world in 1853, it swiftly embraced Western technology and ideas while cultivating its own innovations. This marked the beginning of an era defined by rapid modernization, from skyscrapers and bullet trains to cosplay and karaoke, best embodied in bustling cities like Tokyo and Osaka. Today, visitors to Japan find a blend of serenity and sensory overload—temples and tranquil gardens coexist with noisy pachinko parlors, while subtropical islands contrast with towering mountain peaks. 

Monks share the streets with people dressed as steampunk characters. Here, we explore two routes that highlight Japan's stunning natural landscapes and rich cultural experiences. International events like the Olympics have made Japan more accessible to travelers, with English signs becoming more common in big cities. However, in rural areas, English remains scarce. Planning ahead can turn the language barrier into part of the charm. Translation apps help with restaurant menus, and learning a few key phrases is beneficial. Japanese locals don’t expect visitors to speak the language fluently, so don’t hesitate to give it a try. Although Japan has a reputation for being an expensive destination, most of that comes down to airfare. Once there, plenty of budget-friendly options exist. 

Consider short-term apartment rentals, hostels, or small B&Bs with shared bathrooms. Some of the best local food, like donburi and ramen, is inexpensive and quick. Transport costs are also reasonable, often no more than in the UK, and sometimes cheaper. While last year's 70 per cent price hike for the Japan Rail Pass made it less affordable for many, the pass remains useful for those keen on riding the shinkansen (bullet train). Regional rail passes tailored to your itinerary offer a more economical alternative. Japan also has many low-cost domestic airlines and affordable car rentals, making travel easy, especially for families or groups. Visiting during cherry blossom season (March–April) is beautiful but comes with drawbacks. Crowds are large, accommodations fill up quickly, and prices soar. If seeing sakura is a must, book a year in advance to avoid stress. 

Alternatively, consider viewing the blossoms in Okinawa in February or in Hokkaido in late April, when crowds are smaller until Golden Week in May. Lastly, it’s important to familiarize yourself with Japanese customs. While there are many, most etiquette mistakes won’t get you in trouble. For instance, sticking chopsticks upright in rice is considered bad luck, but you won’t be reprimanded for it. Be mindful of queuing, keeping quiet, and cleaning up after yourself. Remember to remove shoes in traditional settings, and be aware that many onsen (hot springs) don’t allow tattoos—though there are occasional exceptions.