A destination with infinite possibilities, with a unique and fascinating culture vastly different from the West, where you can discover idyllic spots that you can only find in Japan and that will make your visit unforgettable.

Some of these amazing experiences include sleeping in a ryokan, taking a dip in an onsen, soaking up the lights of Tokyo, gazing up at Mount Fuji, touring the temples of Kyoto, skiing the slopes of Hokkaido, and venturing out to discover the silence and peace of Japan’s natural wonders. You can also try the country’s rich local cuisine in some of the world’s top Michelin-starred restaurants.

Japanese tradition is still alive and visitors can find traces of the past in the most unexpected places of the big cities, because religion is one of the most sacred aspects of life for the Japanese. Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, as well as other places steeped in tradition, such as Japanese parks and gardens, are the first places where travelers come into direct contact with Japanese culture.

Shinjuku Gyoen, one of Tokyo’s largest and most popular parks, the garden of Kenroku-en, in Kanazawa, and the garden of the Kokedera temple, in Kyoto, are other natural paradises that inspire inner reflection. If you’re more adventurous, you can experience sleeping on a tatami mat in the purest traditional style; a highly recommended option for experiencing Japanese culture even in your dreams, but to get the true experience you have to stay in a traditional ryokan.

On the more high-tech side, the popular Tokyo neighborhood of Akihabara is one of the most iconic places to wander among electronic innovation. Also, without leaving Tokyo, you can take the train to the island of Odaiba where tech lovers will feel like they’ve stepped into paradise with a visit to spots like the National Museum of Science and Innovation (Miraikan). But it will be at the Toyota Memorial Museum of Industry and Technology, located in the city of Nagoya, where you will truly be amazed by its state-of-the-art robots.

Keep in mind that the high-speed train, the Shinkansen, is yet another technological showpiece, and using this means of transportation is the most comfortable and convenient way to get to the four main cities in Japan: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Nagoya.

Spring is one of the most popular seasons for tourists in Japan, who are drawn by the beauty of the cherry blossoms that create wonderful postcard-perfect landscapes across the country. This time of year is perfect for joining locals in parks and gardens to enjoy hanami, which means “flower viewing”. Although the beauty of these trees can be seen in different parts of the world, Japan is still the top global destination for enjoying the cherry blossoms (sakura in Japanese) and the festivals celebrating the arrival of spring. If your aim is to rediscover yourself, this natural event also represents a chance to focus on spiritual, mental, and physical balance.

If you decide to visit Japan in the summer, you can enjoy nighttime festivities such as Tanabata, whose can be traced back to a beautiful legend about the stars, and Bon Odori festivals, which celebrate a unique form of dance performed in honor of ancestors and which is celebrated all over Japan.

If there is one image that most people with an interest in Japan are familiar with, it is the Shibuya Crossing, aptly named Hachiko Crossing, located in one of Tokyo’s most trend-setting neighborhoods. The Shibuya Crossing is a set of five synchronized crosswalks, which means that every time the traffic lights open, a human tide of visitors and locals floods the road, making it the busiest intersection in the world. This is one of the city’s most iconic symbols because it leads to large shopping malls and countless clothing stores. Visit the area at sunset to walk through the brightest and busiest streets in the country.

In fall, the color palette shifts to warmer tones such as reds, yellows, and oranges, the natural harbingers of the arrival of cold weather. This explosion of color is called kōyō and you can enjoy it in all its splendor from the top of the Jogakura Bridge, in the mountains of Hakkoda, in the Tsugaike natural park, or around the Jingo-Ji temple in Taka. The Japanese call this season the “season of appetite”, because it is a good time to enjoy delicious dishes with products fresh from the sea, mountains or fields, and to celebrate the new rice harvests.

Then, during the final weeks of December and through early Janaury, several celebrations are held to say goodbye to the old year and usher in the new. The “Shogatsu”, known as the New Year celebrations, is marked by the temples and shrines ringing their bells to get rid of the sin from previous year and reciting the first prayers for a good and prosperous year.

We recommend visiting this fascinating destination in spring, but there’s a different experience to amaze you any time of the year you choose to go, since Japan is home to countless cultural and technological options for discovering this country full of authenticity that makes it a perfect destination for any type of traveler.

Are you ready for new unforgettable experiences?