37 Reasons Why You Should Visit Japan

There are many reasons to visit Nagoya, one of which is to visit the famous Nagoya castle. Another amazing reason to visit however is the mesmerizing firefly displays that you can find around the city. Nayoga is a well-known place to witness this spectacle, and although you can't see it every day, those that do are rewarded with a natural light show unlike any you've ever experienced.

Todaiji means the Great Eastern Temple and it's one of Japan's most well-known and historically important temples. In fact, Todaiji's main hall, the Daibutsuden (Big Buddha Hall), is actually the world's largest wooden building! The temple is a major landmark in Nara, a city located in south-central Honshu that's famous for its abundance of wild deer that patrol the streets and parks at their leisure. You can feed them with deer crackers that you can buy all over Nara, but be warned: once the deer know you have food, expect to be followed around the park until all of it is gone!

Tokyo is almost like two cities in one. There's daytime Tokyo, and there's night-time Toyko, and if we had to choose which was best then we'd go for the second every time. Once the sun sets the capital transforms into a surreal, spellbinding and sensory-overloading wonderland of neon lights, bustling streets, crowded bars and condensated windows. The same description could be applied to many cities around the world, but experience night-time Tokyo for yourself and you'll understand that there's literally nowhere on earth like Japan's enchanting capital.

Witnessing the beauty of the annual cherry blossom and experiencing the majestic grandeur of Osaka Castle are two of the most amazing experiences for anybody visiting Japan. Why not combine these unforgettable attractions by making a trip to Osaka during the cherry blossom season? The flowers bloom around March/April every year, but be sure to double check the exact dates before you book your flight.

Tea plays an important role in traditional Japanese culture. Green tea is the most commonly consumed beverage in Japan and it's often drank in a powdered form known as matcha. It first arrived from China over 1300 years ago and the Japanese have been in love with it ever since! You can't visit the country without trying a cup for yourself, and if you're looking for a unique Japanese experience then we'd suggest sitting in on a traditional tea ceremony. Better still, why not visit one of the country's tea farms? You can find many of them in Shizuoka Prefecture, which is also the home of Mount Fuji, and there's no better way to enjoy a cup of Japan's favorite beverage than while gazing upon the country's most iconic mountain.

Shirakawa Village is located near Gokoyama village (also in this list) and is one of Japan's many UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The site make a perfect day trip from Takayama and Kanazawa, although for those looking for a more traditional experience, it's also possible to stay overnight at one of the characterful farmhouses in the village.

Kyoto needs little introduction. It was the country's capital and the site of the emperor's residence from 794 to 1868, it's the city in which the famous Kyoto agreement was signed, and it's an absolutely treasure trove of Japanese history, culture, architecture and religion. In fact, due to Kyotos massive historical significance, the city was dropped from a list of possible targets for the atom bomb that brought WWII to an end. If you only visit one city in Japan, make that city Kyoto. Try going in the autumn when the leaves turn the city into a fabulous mosaic of oranges, yellows and reds.

Daigo-ji is a Buddhist temple located in Fushimi-ku, Kyoto. Daigo literally means "ghee" and is used as a figurative way of saying "crème de la crème", which is a metaphor for the profound purity of Buddhist thought. The temple is an important site for the Shingon sect of Japanese Buddhism and is one of the country's many World Heritage Sites. You can reach Kyoto from Tokyo in approximately 3-4 hours by train.

Meigetsu-in Temple was built in 1160. It is also known as the Hydrangea Temple because Hydrangeas bloom in abundance during rainy season. The temple was originally built by a son in memory of his father who died during the power struggles between warring clans in the late Heian Period. It's situated in Kanagawa Prefecture and can be reached on a day trip from Tokyo.

After China, Japan has more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than any other country in East Asia. The country has 19 in total and the historic village of Gokayama is one of them. The site comprises both Gokayama village and Shirakawa-gō village (also in this list), and it's located in the Shogawa river valley. The villages are famous for their traditional "Gassho-zukuri" style of houses, which means "constructed like hands in prayer". Some of them are more than 250 years old.

Kifune Shrine is a Shinto shrine found in Kyoto. It's also often called Kibune Shrine. Kibune means yellow boat because according to legend, a goddess traveled in a yellow boat all the way from Osaka, and the shrine was built at the place where her journey came to an end. The shrine is dedicated to the god of water and rain, and visitors can obtain a special type of written fortune that reveals their secret messages only when dipped into water.

Saga Prefecture is located on the north-west of Kyushu Island. It's a long way from both Tokyo and Osaka and it certainly isn't a popular stop on the typical tourist trail, but those who venture this far out will be glad that they did so. The Prefecture is famed for its beautiful rice terraces that cascade down the mountains towards the ocean, and when the sun sets they shine in the moon like broken mirrors of shards of glass. You can fly to Saga in 2 hours from Tokyo, but if you have the time then take the train and stop at Osaka, Kyoto and Hiroshima in order to experience the very best of what this part of Japan has to offer.

Have we mentioned the cherry blossom yet? Probably, but still, just in case we haven't, there's no experience more Japanese than seeing the country's amazing cherry blossom for yourself. The best time to see this spellbinding spectacle is around March/April, but as the season changes ever year, be sure to check exact dates before booking your flights.

Few countries do spring like Japan does spring! While the country has plenty to offer tourists all year round, the best time to go is most definitely when the cherry blossoms are in bloom. Prices are higher around this time as people flock from all over the world to see this magnificent sight for themselves, but despite the costs, and despite the crowds, there's no denying that spring in Japan is one of the most amazing experiences you can have. Don't forget your camera!

If you're going to Tokyo then no trip is complete without a visit to Kabukichō, an entertainment and red-light district in Shinjuku and one of the largest red-light districts in Japan. The area is located on the eastern side of Shinjuku train station and is totally safe for foreigners to explore. The district is full of hostess clubs, love hotels, nightclubs, and shops, and it's often known as the "Sleepless Town" for reasons we probably don't need to explain!

Mimurotoji, also known as the "flower temple", is situated in the northern hills of Uji city. It's easily reachable by train from Kyoto station and it's definitely worth a visit should you happen to be in the region. The temple is approximately 1200 years old and its gardens offer a fantastic array of different flowers depending on the season. Visitors can find cherry blossom in early April, Azalea in May, Hydrangea in June, and Lotuses in July and August.

There are many shopping malls in Tokyo but few can complete with Tokyu Plaza. The shopping complex is based in the Shibuya area of the capital and it's probably most well known for its striking entrance. The escalator travels through a tunnel bedecked with hundreds of mirrors that are all positioned at different angles to create a multitude of mind-bending reflections. It's something that needs to be seen to be believed, and it's a great spot for some fun photography. Another awesome reason to visit Tokyu Plaza is the lush public park that you can find on the roof.