Why You Need To Visit Japan This Year

World class sushi, UNESCO World Heritage sites, Mt.Fuji, and enough sake to last you a lifetime...what more could you ask for?!

Tsukiji Fish Market

Shannon Robak

The Tsukiji Fish Market is the biggest wholesale fish and seafood market in the WORLD.! It handles over 2,000 tons of marine products everyday....which for you sushi lovers, means the world's freshest sushi is found right here! Both the inner and outer markets here are buzzin in the early morning with auctions taking place selling tuna so large it looks fake. Just be sure to watch out for the guys on the scooters and trucks bustling about....if you're in their way, they WILL run you over. :)

Sumo Wrestling

Shannon Robak

A sumo match is NOT to be missed. There are 3 big tournaments held each year in Tokyo at the Ryogoku Kokugikan. If you’re an early bird, get in line before 7am to get the cheaper tickets that are first come, first serve. You can bring in your own sushi and beer....how awesome is that?! It’s pretty much like an all day picnic…only you’re in a stadium in Japan watching Sumo!

Capsule Hotels

Shannon Robak

There aren’t many places in the world where you can sleep in a capsule hotel…and if you’re going to try it, why not try it in the country where it was first developed? Upon arrival, you’ll be offered some super fashionable slippers that you’ll of course want to take a picture of and send to all of your friends. The capsules itself are pretty futuristic. Each one has its own tv, radio, lights, mirror….AND for all you claustrophobics out there, there’s even enough space to sleep comfortably with your backpack. Just remember to bring earplugs in case that capsule next to you is occupied by someone who apparently hasn’t learned how to stop snoring yet.

Kashima Jingu

Shannon Robak

The Kashima shrine is one of the oldest shrines in Japan. It is hidden away in a beautiful forest of towering Sigu, or often referred to as Japanese cedar. Most of the trees are over 1300 years old and over 40m tall. The shrine holds many festivals throughout the year, which is a great time to watch the Japanese get a little crazy! If you find yourself with the opportunity, spend some time walking alone in this magical place....it's the perfect atmosphere to ponder life's greatest questions.

Sushi Conveyor Belts

Allison Schnese

You might think that because Japan can be quite an expensive country, the sushi would be too. However, you'll be happy to hear that for a country famous for it's sushi, it is surprisingly cheap! The conveyor belt restaurants that can be found all over the country are full of character, freshly made to order sushi, beer, miso soup and many other items....AND many of their plates are only 100 yen…which is equivalent to $1! From shrimp, to tuna, to some seafood that still looks like it's alive, these restaurants Are THE place to be. And just watch how fast the Japanese can eat sushi…by the time you've finished two plates, they've finished 12 along with a bowl of miso soup, a beer and are already out the door! Don't worry about ordering in Japanese, just point at the picture or take a stab at practicing your Japanese writing skills. You'll be sure to get some smiles.

Japanese Izakayas

Corey Klein

There’s no better place to hang out in Japan than a small, local izakaya. These pubs are quite small, usually the size of just one or two rooms, but are full of life, food, and sake! There are many small plates to choose from, a variety of Japanese beers and that local sitting next to you, although lacking in his English speaking ability, will make up for it by the amount of sake he'll buy you!

Okinawa Islands

Shannon Robak

Who would have thought that Japan had such beautiful, tropical islands? An easy plane ride from Tokyo and you’re in a world away from mainland Japan. The islands have much more of a laid back atmosphere mixed with a bit of Taiwanese and Hawaiian influence. Be sure to get off the Okinawa mainland as well and check out some outer lying islands…both Zamami and Aka have picture postcard beaches. During the low season, there's a good chance that you'll have some of these beautiful beaches all to yourself.

Yosakoi Matsuri (Festival)

Shannon Robak

Every September dance groups from all over the country head to a small town named Kamisu, located on the East Coast of Japan in Ibaraki prefecture. The type of dance is called Yosakoi Odori and it is a very traditional, popular dance of Japan. The festival has plenty of Japanese food stalls selling anything from yakisoba, to sushi, to fried octopus that looks like it’s still moving. Otherwise, bring along your own sushi and beer from the local grocery store directly across the street. The fireworks on the first night bring in thousands of people from around the city…. It’s a Japanese matsuri you won't want to miss!

Sunrise on Mt.Fuji

Shannon Robak

An old Japanese proverb says “He who does not climb Mt.Fuji is a fool, but he who climbs Mt.Fuji twice is also a fool.” Although breathing the thin air, spooning the Japanese stranger next to you in the tiny mountain hut cramped with 150 trekkers, and waking up at 1am to climb the volcano in the middle of the night might not be what you had in mind.... that’s all forgotten once you're watching the sunrise from above the clouds on the iconic Mt.Fuji. Oh and don’t forget to bring that letter to your special someone…there’s a post office at the summit.

Nikko

Shannon Robak

The beautiful town of Nikko, situated in Tochigi prefecture, is a small mountain town that has more than enough UNESCO World Heritage sites to keep you busy for a few days. The small town is easily accessible by foot and your camera will get more than enough action for a few days. Among many things, be sure to try yuba, which is Nikko's local dish. If you're lucky enough to catch this place during a snowfall, you're in for a pretty magical experience.