Take a voyage to Japan and discover the best top 5 unique cultural experiences that the Land of the Rising Sun has to offer.
Top 5 cultural experiences in Japan
Best time to see cherry blossoms in Japan
Springtime in Japan is somewhat magical. Between March and April, the cherry trees explode with pink and white blossoms.
Stroll or cruise along the tree-lined rivers and waterways for an uninhibited view of these blush pink blossoms.
Take your experience one step further. Lay out a tarp and some sakura flavoured snacks to join the locals with a hanami (cherry blossom viewing) party under the stars.
Best places to see the famous cherry blossoms in Japan. Photo Credit: Melanie Lomond©
Race through the Streets Video Game Style
While in Tokyo, take the opportunity to let your inner child shine. You’ll attract a lot of attention as you Go-Kart in and out of traffic, discovering the major sites that the city has to offer.
The hardest choice will be trying to decide which character to dress up as.
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Take a Go-Kart sightseeing tour in Tokyo. It is one of Japan’s top 5 unique cultural experiences. Photo Credit: Melanie Lomond©
Travel to/from Tokyo in a Flash
The Tokaido Shinkansen (Bullet train) travels at 320 km/hr, transporting you from Osaka to Tokyo in just over two hours.
Make sure to reserve your seat on the correct side of the train for breathtaking views as Mount Fuji swells over the horizon. It really is an unforgettable experience.
“Mount Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan. It is also an active volcano. Photo Credit: Melanie Lomond©
Where to see the famous Gion Geisha in Japan
Unleash Your Inner Geisha. Stroll through Gion, Kyoto’s most famous geisha district, to experience a traditional tea ceremony or maiko (geisha apprentice) performance while dressed to the nines.
Don a beautiful kimono, colourful obi (sash), and zori (sandals) as you walk in the footsteps of geishas past.
There will be endless photo opportunities against the ornate wooden merchant storefronts making your trip beyond instagram-worthy.
Where to see the famous colourful Gion Geisha in Japan. Photo Credit: Melanie Lomond©
Where to see the famous colourful Gion Geisha in Japan. Photo Credit: Melanie Lomond, LifesIncredibleJourney.com
Bow to a Deer (And have them bow back)
In Nara Park, the deer run wild and rampant through a serene forested area. The sika deer are considered a national treasure.
Local shops sell crackers to feed the deer and if you hold the cracker above your head, the deer will bow to you for a treat. As these are wild animals, it is best to be sensible and treat them as such by giving them space. Find out more about Nara Park.
Go to Nara Park to see the famous bowing deer. It is one of Japan’s top 5 unique cultural experiences. Photo Credit: Melanie Lomond©
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Melanie Lomond is an experienced travel writer from Vancouver with an excitement for budget, local, and women’s travel. Since starting a family, Melanie hopes to inspire the travel bug in her children and write more about family travel. She has a particular interest in the natural world, food, people and cultures. Melanie has been published in the Vancouver Sun and on numerous blogs. She has travelled extensively in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Caribbean, United States, and Canada. When not travelling, Melanie is the founder/writer of West Coast Fresh, a blog dedicated to family activities and cooking.
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