The Japanese culture reaches back millennia. The Land of the Rising Sun is one of the most remarkable, picturesque, and gracious countries. Theirs is a culture that mixes an inherent cultural kindness with that of a high-tech society.

The many faces of Japan stretch from the ‘hustle and bustle’ of modern city life in Tokyo, to the mellow city of Okinawa, to a Zen-like experience when visiting Kyoto. Japan offers their visitors unique and tasty foods, grandiose shrines, and Zen gardens that allow one to locate their own piece of mind. Its historical culture is rich in history.  Japan has a reputation for being a costly vacation destination, however, there are enough tricks of the trade that will make this travel destination affordable.

Visit the Free Attractions in Japan–Many of the Japan’s parks and museums are free, which makes it affordable to immerse oneself in their culture.

Get a Japan Rail Pass – Japan’s bullet trains are quite costly. If you plan to travel around the country, check out the unlimited pass for 7, 14, or 21 days to save oodles of money. Remember, the unlimited pass is only available outside the country, so plan ahead!

Use the Bus System – Japan’s buses are significantly less costly than the train, but take a lot longer. If you have the available time, consider the bus.

Shop at the 100 Yen ($1 USD) stores – These dollar stores in Japan are stocked with groceries, water, toiletries, and household items.

Barter for your Room – Some Hostels in Japan allow their guests to work to pay for their room.

Be smart. Buy Food After 8 p.m.  Supermarkets discount their fresh food, as they are required by law to not use the food for the next day.  Buying after 8 p.m. typically offers savings of up to 50%.

The Take-Away

Don’t let the language barrier or pricey reputation dissuade you from visiting Japan. Those vacationers lucky enough to experience the Japanese culture won’t regret their visit.

If interested in additional information, contact Pacific Holidays - an established provider of vacations and tours throughout the continents of Asia, South America and the South Pacific.  Pacific Holidays vacation package typically includes air travel, transfers, accommodations for each vacation package. Customizable tours are available as well. Contact our travel specialists to help you plan your next Japan vacation.

Vacationers visit cities or areas for their cultural beauty, their natural beauty, or because that’s where celebrities vacation. The Bahamas, the Greek Isles, the South Pacific and a mountainside Italian villa have become the go-to places for vacations. Japan doesn’t enter the picture. It should, though, for its natural beauty, cultural interest and don’t forget the food. Here are seven reasons you should visit Japan.

1. Cherry Blossoms

There’s something about a cherry tree-lined path, with snow-capped mountains in one vista and the city-scape on the other that takes the breath away. Every shade of pink is on vibrant display, complete with petals like pink snow beneath visitors’ feet. You absolutely must not miss this stunningly beautiful spring event.

2. Bath Houses

Bathing is a social occasion for the Japanese, most of whom don’t have bathrooms in their homes. No home can offer volcanic rocks on which to lie and enjoy a sauna. Hot mineral springs don’t occur in private homes, nor bubbling springs like a spa bathtub in the United States. Foot baths here are a thing of beauty, using Nature’s bounty to heal and soothe.

3. The Stones

People enjoy contemplation in a lovely garden. When the garden comprises rocks, though, it feels strange. However, contemplating the shapes of the stones and their settings is just as calming as prettily blossomed plants.

4. Tea with Rabbits?

Taking a break from sightseeing with a cup of tea or coffee is relaxing to visitors. Stroking a furry head or rubbing a soft belly helps to relax everyone. Choose from tea rooms themed with rabbits, dogs, cats, goats or owls.

5. Ski in Winter

Hokkaido is a ski resort in winter, with the best powder in the world. It is just as stunning in summer. Swimming in Lake Toya will be a treat for you. You won’t need goggles, and you can actually drink the water. The scenery is amazing.

6.  Don’t Forget the Food

Japan is sectioned off in distinct districts, each of which has its own specialized cuisine. Lots of rice, seafood, vegetables in broth and various meats are cooked in different ways. Try as many as you can!

7.  Experience a Temple

Live like a Buddhist monk in a special temple. You will eat their food, contemplate their beliefs, rise at dawn for a meditation service and feel the sacred hush of the forested mountain upon which all this takes place.