Fuji-Q Highland (Kawaguchiko)

With Mt Fuji prominently in the background, Fuji-Q Highland is one of the most photogenic amusement parks in the world, but that is not all that makes this theme park in Kawaguchiko around 1.5 hours from Tokyo a very popular park. Some of Japan’s most thrilling rides are available in Fuji-Q, and trust us when we say that they are only for the real thrill-seekers amongst us!

Rides that you should definitely not skip if you like your attractions fast and furious are the Dododonpa which accelerates from zero to 180 km/h in less than 2 seconds, the Eejanaika rotates in all directions while riding, the Takabisha which features a super-steep drop of 121 degrees, and the tall Fujiyama that goes on for minutes and gives you a great view of its namesake Mt Fuji. Going to Fuji-Q Highland can easily be combined with a visit to Kawaguchiko in an overnight trip.

Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea

Of course, the most famous amusement park resort in Japan can’t be missing from this list. Only 20 minutes away by train from central Tokyo, Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea are easy to visit while you are staying in Tokyo. For the full experience, we recommend staying in a hotel that belongs to the resort and doing both parks with an overnight stay.

Tokyo Disneyland boasts many of the classic attractions such as the Big Thunder Mountain, Alice’s Tea Party, it’s a small world, and Space Mountain, making it the perfect day out for families with smaller kids and those who are looking for that quinessential Disney experience. Tokyo DisneySea is geared more towards older kids and has slightly more thrilling rides such as the Indiana Jones Adventure, Tower of Terror, and Raging Spirits. The latter park also has some Tokyo-specific attractions that can’t be found anywhere else like Journey to the Center of the Earth. After you’ve had your fill of rides, you can check out the Ikspiari shopping mall nearby.

Yomiuri Land (Kawasaki)

Also only located a short train ride away from Tokyo is the very Japanese-flavored Yomiuri Land amusement park. One of this park’s biggest draws are the wonderful illuminations that are displayed after sunset between late October and early April each year. The event is called Jewellumination and it bathes the whole park in colorful lights.

The theme park has some regular attractions like a tall roller coaster, a suspended roller coaster, go-karts, and a looping starship. There are also some quirkier rides such as the ball-coaster, a spinning indoor coaster, and a laser game. With plenty of family-friendly attractions as well as more thrilling rides, Yomiuri Land is fun for people of all ages!

Yokohama Cosmo World

While Cosmo World in Yokohama is not that large, there is an amazing number of attractions squeezed into a small but gorgeous urban area next to the harbor. The Cup Noodle Museum and the Nippon Maru Museum Ship are also nearby, so you can make it a nice day out in Yokohama which is only 30 minutes by train south of Tokyo. The attractions that stand out the most are the giant ferris wheel and the fast roller coaster that seems to disappear into the water, but there is more excitement waiting for you!

There are several spinning rides, 3D, 4D, and VR experiences, a wild water slide, a mirror maze, and a haunted house. Smaller kids will love the giant walking ‘animals’, the little shinkansen train, and the Anpanman ride. The backdrop of downtown Yokohama gives this convenient amusement park some extra flair and it is easy to take cool pictures.

Nijigen No Mori (Awaji, Hyogo)

Have you always wanted to zipline into the wide-open mouth of Japan’s favorite monster, Godzilla? Now your wish can come true in a slightly offbeat amusement park called Nijigen No Mori. Located on island Awaji, a visit to this fun outdoor amusement park is a nice one-day trip from Osaka. Besides the Godzilla zipline, you can also enjoy a Godzilla-themed shooting game and museum in this part of the park. Other attractions can be found in the Naruto and Boruto area, Crayon Shinchan area, and Dragon Quest area including a challenging climbing course, a field role-playing game, and mazes.

Universal Studios Japan (Osaka)

Beautifully designed and boasting attractions that revolve around some of Hollywood’s most popular movies, Universal Studios Japan is a must-visit for anyone who loves amusement parks and is staying in Osaka. The most famous attractions in this park include the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride and the newly opened Super Nintendo World.

But that is not all, and there is more to see and experience than you can fit in one day! There are the whole village built around the Harry Potter ride, the dizzying Minion attraction, a backwards roller coaster, Jurrassic Park the Ride, various 3D and 4D experiences, impressive shows, and all kinds of performances and character meets. The restaurants throughout the park are part of the experience as well with fun themed menus and interiors.

Your Japan Tour

As seasoned Japan experts, we create perfect Japan package tours including Japan’s best amusement parks. Check out our group tours and private tours, or contact us to start planning your unforgettable holiday to this fascinating country. Japan is full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, culture, history, nature, and delicious food!

An Exciting ATV Quad Ride

If you like driving for fun and aren’t afraid to get a bit dirty, riding an ATV bike is for you! Kids can sit next to the driver, so it is a family-friendly activity. The course is off-road so there’s no danger of other traffic, and ATV biking tends to be done in nice, natural areas. I’ve tried it once, and it was definitely an experience I won’t forget.

Riding was very exhausting, especially for my arms, but it was so exhilarating at the same time. We took a course of 1.5 hours, with a short part through knee-deep water at the end of it. As we were with a group of around 20 people we didn’t move at a very high speed, but it was challenging enough at around 25km/h! The maximum speed of these vehicles is around 50km/h, but you will usually not exceed 30km/h. This website has many ATV experiences throughout Japan.

White Water Riverboarding

Riverboarding (Hydrospeed) must have been one of the scariest but also the most fun water activities I have ever done. I love water activities a lot, but I do have to say that I was a bit scared at some points! So I only recommend this activity to people with a good physical condition who love the water and want something more challenging than rafting. It will be one of the most exciting things you have ever done.

You will wear a protective wetsuit, shoes, helmet, and lifevest which are very necessary. The riverboard is a floating foamy board with a hole on the inside where you can hold it. The guide will explain what you have to be careful of, and then off you go! Be ready for a whole lot of water, good speeds, and sometimes holding on for dear life. We did the half-day course, which was definitely enough for us. Afterward, we stayed for a bit of walking around the beautiful Tama river area. You can book a riverboarding tour on this website.

Wake Surfing on a Never-Ending Wave

While I have only done wakeboarding in a cable wake park, wake surfing on a wave behind a boat is still on my to-do list. A few months ago I saw an item on Japanese TV about wake surfing on Lake Yamanashi (Yamanashiko). Nice detail: you will see Mt Fuji in the background while you’re soaring across the water! I can’t think of many nicer ways to spend a weekend day.

Wakeboarding is something you need to practice to get better, but most people will be able to stand in their first session. It’s not different in wake surfing. In the TV item, even the very out-of-shape-looking comedian was able to stand up by the end of the session. And once you stand, it’s easy to keep going on the never-ending wave that’s created by the boat. From then on, it’s smooth sailing! You can book a wake surfing experience in Yamanashiko on this website.

Horse Riding with a Sea View

What’s more relaxing than horse riding with a view of the cobalt blue sea in front of you. Horseriding can be done in places outside of the larger urban areas throughout Japan, and we went riding in Yomitan, Okinawa. The cool thing is that the Okinawa Riding Club offers not only beachside rides, but you can also enter the sea with the horse.

Free Flying with Indoor Skydiving

Ok, this one is not outdoor but it is so much fun that I’m mentioning it anyway. If you don’t (yet) want to commit yourself to an outdoor skydive, you can still feel what it’s like to freefall and fly. In Koshigaya, Saitama (north of Tokyo) you can go indoor skydiving at FlyStation.

After you put on a special suit that will make it easier to float in the wind, staff will explain exactly what is going to happen. You will also first ‘practice on dry land’ before you will enter the tube to fly. Strong winds will make you float, and depending on your skills you can do tricks. This is not a cheap experience at 4500 yen per minute (5000 yen on weekends), but it is worth it for the very special experience. Kids can fly from 4 years old, and you can do this activity if you weigh less than 125kg.

Your Japan Tour

As seasoned Japan experts, we create perfect Japan package tours including fun outdoor activities. Check out our group tours and private tours, or contact us to start planning your unforgettable holiday to this fascinating country. Japan is full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, culture, history, nature, and delicious food!

Japan as a Beach Destination

Thailand, Bali, and the Maldives might be some of Asia’s most famous beach destinations, they also tend to get crowded. And if you are in Japan anyway for discovering the culture and history, if you like the beach, it is a great idea to extend your trip a little bit. Beaches in Japan are generally less crowded, clean, and safe if you swim in guarded areas.

There aren’t many ‘drunk antics’ either as you see in some European and American resort areas, so you can peacefully enjoy your time on the beach. Are you looking for exciting nightlife? Then Japanese beach destinations might not be for you. There are usually a few local restaurants nearby, but there are nearly no dedicated nightlife spots for beach tourists. For great nightlife in Japan, it is best to stick to large cities like Tokyo and Osaka.

Beach High Season

The high season for beaches in Japan is in July and August. This means that during these months, popular beaches will be moderately crowded. Still, it won’t be too crowded, as most Japanese people aren’t avid beachgoers. Many people don’t like to tan, they don’t like the heat, and quite a few can’t swim. During the high season, popular beach destinations like Kamakura near Tokyo and Onjuku in Chiba will erect temporary restaurants and bars on the beach. Outside of the high season, there are usually no such facilities. There are usually (free) year-round showers on the most popular beaches. Parking might get difficult, so arrive early during the high season.

As for swimwear, the Japanese usually prefer to wear all-covering rash guards when they swim. This is to protect themselves from the sun, but also to protect their skin from corals or stones. Marine shoes are also always a good idea to wear. Some ladies will wear a bikini only, but this is quite rare. It is, however, not a problem to wear a bikini in Japan as religion doesn’t forbid this. If there’s a lifeguard on duty, you have to follow their instructions. In some areas, you are only allowed to swim in cordoned-off areas.

Best Beaches in the Tokyo Region

Now let’s have a look at the best beach destinations on Japan’s main island, Honshu. Some of these can be done as day trips from Tokyo or Kyoto, but most of them warrant a stay of at least a night or 2. The numbers behind the name of the beach correspond with the numbers on the area map below.

Ichinomiya Beach (1): ok, this Chiba beach got ‘only’ 4 stars on Google, but it’s a great destination for surfers. While many Japanese families like to come here for clam digging and enjoying the beach, for swimmers we recommend the beaches in Izu.

Chigasaki Park Headland Beach (2): not far from Kamakura, but less crowded than Kamakura’s Yuigahama beach. While Yuigahama is great for experienced surfers, Headland Beach is better for beginners and swimmers. The nice thing is that a visit to this beach can be combined with a trip to the historic capital Kamakura.

Shirahama Beach (3): this is the foreign expat community’s favorite beach for sunbathing and swimming. It is located on the eastern side of the Izu Peninsula. With its white sands, green environment, and clear blue water, it ticks all the boxes for a great beach getaway. Nearby Sotoura Beach is also a great chill spot.

Futo Coast (4): on the other side of the Izu Peninsula is the Futo Coast, with amazing natural scenery. It is a lot more off the beaten path than Shirahama. Little caves and rocks in the water provide fun for those who like to snorkel. Marine shoes are a must on this beach, as the floor is rough here.

Tomari Beach (5): situated on Shikinejima, one of the Izu islands, this crescent-shaped beach is nicely sheltered from the wind. It is beautiful for snorkeling and doesn’t get too crowded.

Best Beaches in Central Japan and Kyushu

Kotohiki Beach (6): the environment here is scenic, and if the sand is dry enough you might get lucky and hear the singing sand.

Shirarahama Beach (7): by far the best beach in its environment. This white sand beach is very large and there are many facilities such as showers and small shops.

Shimoaso Beach (8): this Kyushu beach is a bit remote, but if you are staying in Oita it is very much worth a day trip. But the best way to enjoy this beach is by staying overnight in a cabin so you can truly relax.

Aoshima Beach (9): there’s a palmtree-lined boulevard, but this beach’ main attraction is the ‘devil’s washboard‘. This rare natural formation is very interesting to see from up close. It’s a good beach for surfing, and there are many small cafes around to enjoy the natural surroundings.

Sakibaru Beach (10): this beautiful beach is located on Amami Oshima, one of the islands located south of Kyushu. In spite of its remote location, there are facilities and the water is extremely clear.

Best Beaches in Okinawa

Okinawa gets its own section because it has the most incredible beaches being a subtropical island group far down south. The archipelago wasn’t always part of Japan, as it used to be its own kingdom called the Ryukyu kingdom until 1879. This is also why the culture is quite different from Japan’s main island, although you can still expect Japanese cleanliness and service.

Nirai Beach (11): this beach’ atmosphere reminds us a bit of Southern Europe. There are organized water activities and various rentals. Its best-kept secret is the back-area where there are many intact soft corals. Proceed with caution; don’t touch the corals and use rash guards, no sunscreen.

Diamond Beach (12): a large beach with a small peninsula jutting out at sea that has great views of the environment. It is a great place for snorkeling, if you go around 200m in, you will see many corals and fish. The sea is a bit deeper here than in most snorkeling-friendly areas, so it is a good idea to wear a lifevest.

Zanehama Beach (13): you can park on the nearby official parking lot for 100 yen per hour, and walk 300m to this secluded beach. There are spots with natural shade, and the beach has direct access to the popular snorkeling area Maeda Flats.

Kondoi Beach (14): Taketomi Island is one of Japan’s southernmost islands and is surrounded by bright blue water. This is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Bring sunglasses, the light here is bright! If you come at the right time, you can walk/swim to little ‘island’ sandbanks.

Hoshizuna Beach (15): this beach on Iriomote is named after the shape of much of its sand, which looks like stars. The best part about this beach is that there’s plenty of space and snorkeling is amazing in these clear waters. You can let yourself be taken by the current for a leisurely swim.

Your Japan Tour

As seasoned Japan experts, we create perfect Japan package tours including great beach destinations. Check out our group tours and private tours, or contact us to start planning your unforgettable holiday to this fascinating country full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, culture, history, nature, and delicious food!

Best Beaches in Japan Area Map

How to Pay at the Restaurant Cashier

Most commonly, you are supposed to pay the bill at the cashier. Firstly, you need to ask for the bill while still at your table and the waiter will bring you the bill. Even though you would expect to pay at your table as well, this is usually not how it works in Japan. You need to bring your bill to the cashier and pay it there. Japanese people normally make payments just before leaving the restaurant so that they don’t need to go back to the table after their payment, and the waiters can start clearing the table as soon as they get to the cashier.

One of the biggest mysteries that can happen is that the bill may not indicate the total amount. It may just indicate what you ordered in Japanese, so you may not think it is the bill. If you are skeptical, when you pay at the cashier, you can ask for the receipt and you can check the itemized prices of all the items that you ordered. It may not be easy, however, because the receipt is normally written only in Japanese.

Otoshi (Appetizer)

At some restaurants, especially at Izakaya (居酒屋), a Japanese style pub or bar, an appetizer called otoshi (お通し), or table charge, may be served automatically without you having ordered it. This appetizer is not free of charge, and it will appear on your bill at the end. You can regard this as a kind of cover charge.

It sometimes causes trouble between the restaurant and foreign visitors, because they don’t expect this. The waiter normally doesn’t explain this when you enter a restaurant, and it is usually not written on the menu. This is just a traditional custom of Japanese bars that you should know about before visiting any bar or restaurant in Japan. The price of otoshi is about 500 yen per person. Otoshi is a chance for the restaurant to serve something original to entertain their customers. From the customers’ point of view, they can relieve their hunger without waiting a long time for the food that they ordered.

You may be able to refuse otoshi at some restaurants. But in that case, you should ask the staff at the beginning before you even sit down. We recommend you to try it though. As it may be something you would have otherwise not tried even though these appetizers are often tasty. Plus, some restaurants may indeed not serve you the otoshi appetizer, but still charge you the table charge.

Tax, Charges, and Tipping in a Restuarant

There are other things that may make the final total on your bill higher than you expected besides otoshi. As the price listed on the menu may not include the sales tax. As of 2020, the percentage of the consumption tax is 10%. You need to ask the restaurant staff if the tax is included or not, and if it is not, you have to add 10% to the prices so that you will not be surprised at the cashier.

Another mystery charge that can get added to your bill is the service charge. It is especially the expensive restaurants or hotel restaurants that charge this extra fee. It is similar to a tip, even though Japan doesn’t have a tipping culture. The percentage is usually between 10 to 15 percent, and it should be mentioned (in small letters) on the menu that this charge will be added to your bill.

The good news for more budget-conscious customers, though, is the non-tipping custom that generally prevails in Japan. You only pay the exact amount that appears on the bill, and you don’t need to add a tip. If you try to give a tip, the staff may actually get embarrassed. In Japanese restaurants, there is not one person in charge of a specific table, as all the waiters take care of all the tables. This means they will not expect a tip from certain customers.

How to Pay with a Ticket Vending Machine

At some restaurants, you need to pay right when you come in and before you sit down. In this case, you need to buy a ticket at the vending machine that will be placed at the entrance. Most restaurant chains and newer restaurants have pictures to go with the dishes’ names, but in some smaller places, all you will see is a bunch of buttons with Japanese characters on them. In this case, you can try to use Google Translate, or ask a staff member for help. You will mostly find this system in Japanese-style fast-food restaurants such as ramen joints and beef bowl restaurants (牛丼).

The advantages of this system are that you don’t need to worry about otoshi, consumption tax, and service charges. The prices that are mentioned on the button or on the screen are all-inclusive. You can also just get up and leave once you are done without having to ask for the bill first.

Methods of Payment in a Restaurant

Japan used to be a cash society; customers preferred to pay by cash rather than by credit card, and restaurants preferred to receive payment by cash. Many shops and restaurants were not willing to introduce the machines that were necessary to accept card payments. Adding to that, the shops need to pay a fee if the customers pay by card.

The switch from cash to electronic payments was already happening before the COVID-19 crisis hit, but the crisis has sped things up considerably, and now many shops and restaurants are accepting cards and other ways of electronic payment. Before that, when the Japanese government raised the percentage of consumption tax from 8% to 10%, they promoted the introduction of electronic payments to shops and restaurants that didn’t have the option yet. If the customers used the cards, they got a return of 5% to their account. To cooperate with this promotion, many shops and restaurants introduced electronic payment methods.

It is, however, good to keep in mind that if you go to a small restaurant in Japan they may still only accept cash. So it is always smart to have a bit of cash in your wallet just in case.

Your Japan Tour

As seasoned Japan experts, we can help you create your perfect Japan tour including guides who can explain everything about Japanese customs. Contact us to start planning your unforgettable holiday to this fascinating country full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, culture, history, nature, and delicious food!

Joanna Lumley’s Japan (tour through Japan)

This lovely 3-part series shows a curious Joanna Lumley who travels all the way from Hokkaido to Okinawa in an amazing journey past many of Japan’s most beautiful sights and cultural curiosities. Japan’s unspoiled nature features heavily in the series, and you are going to want to get off the beaten path to immerse yourself in the natural bounty the country has to offer to find your inner peace.

We organize tours that include pristine nature as seen in the series in Hokkaido and Kyushu.

You can watch Joanna Lumley’s Japan here.

Netflix Shows : Midnight Diner

In this cute, somewhat nostalgic series you will be told somebody’s private story in each episode while they are eating at a place called Meshiya which simply means ‘meal shop’ in Japanese. It is the humanity in the stories that make the series interesting, and the typical Japanese vistas and cultural elements you will see will make you want to dive deeper.

The very Japanese dishes that are cooked during the story will definitely induce your appetite, each episode focuses on the dish that is requested by the person whose story you will hear. Most of the dishes are typical home-cooked meals that you won’t find in an average Japanese restaurant abroad, so be prepared to learn a lot more about Japanese cooking while watching this heart-warming series.

We organize tours that include Shinjuku, the area where the story takes place.

You can watch Midnight Diner on Netflix.

Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown

In season 2, episode 7 the late Anthony Bourdain takes you to the underbelly of Tokyo in his famous series where gourmet food plays a central role. Tokyo’s most interesting and extreme subcultures also play a prominent part in the episode, and Mr. Bourdain makes his viewers wonder whether what antics you see displayed in the underworld of Tokyo are really that different from what goes on behind closed doors and in the back of our minds in other parts of the world. The connection with the perfectionism of high-end Japanese sushi chefs is also made, as nowhere in the world are chefs so serious about the tiniest detail and the honing of a skill until it is nothing but perfect.

We organize tours that include off-beat locations in Tokyo like in the Parts Unknown Tokyo episode.

You can watch Parts Unknown, Tokyo here.

Your Japan Tour

As seasoned Japan experts, we can help you create your perfect Japan tour including destinations you have seen in TV series or movies. Contact us to start planning your unforgettable holiday to this fascinating country full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, culture, history, nature, and delicious food!

The Tokyo Olympics of 1964

2020 was not going to be the first time that Tokyo will host the Olympics, as they already had the honor once before in 1964. It was nearly 20 years after the end of WW2 during which Japan was defeated and large parts of Japan were left in tatters. The Japanese had a lot of work to do rebuilding the country in the second half of the 1940s and 1950s, and so they did. Alongside the Americans, they have worked very hard to make Japan rise from the ashes, better than before.

Winning the bid for the 1964 Olympics gave the Japanese an extra reason to buckle down and rebuild and revitalize urban infrastructures. They got the chance to show off their hard work to the world and showcase a new, shiny, modern, and pacifist Japan. The legacy of the 1964 Olympics was an efficient urban infrastructure, the new bullet train, some architectural prestige projects, and very importantly many new opportunities for the citizens of Japan to participate in sports in new sports accommodations and a renewed interest in sports as a way to live happy and healthy

COVID-19

Many people have worked very hard to get everything done on time; venues needed to be built and renovated, the Olympic Village had to be constructed, infrastructures needed updating, people had to be trained, and many businesses large and small had to get ready for an enormous influx of (foreign) tourists.

Late 2019, things were looking good and everything was going according to schedule. And then, 2020 finally arrived when in January ominous news from China started to trickle through about a new and very contagious coronavirus. This unfolded in one of the largest pandemics of all times very quickly, and in March 2020 it became clear quite quickly that the Olympics couldn’t be held as scheduled.

Tokyo Olympics 2021

The Olympics are currently scheduled to be held in 2021 from Friday, July 23 until Sunday, August 8 (Olympics) and Tuesday, August 24 until Sunday, September 5 (Paralympics) while still retaining the name ‘Tokyo Olympics 2020’. In September 2020, it was announced that the Olympics will be held in 2021, no matter what the situation around the Coronavirus will be like at that moment.

The way they will mitigate the infection risk at that time is still not announced, but rest assured that the people in charge of the organization of the 2020 Olympics are working very hard to come up with all kinds of creative solutions. Because some things that Japan excels at are managing health risks, having high hygiene standards, and managing larger groups of people. Plus, you can definitely count on a spectacular opening and closing ceremony, no matter what shape the Olympics will take.

Once there are any important updates about the 2020 Olympics in 2021, we will update this article. For updates on the reopening of the borders of Japan for tourists in general, please check this article for updates.

Looking Forward

While we are not entirely sure yet what shape the Olympics will take in 2021 like whether there will be any audience, we do know what beautiful buildings we will be able to see and what cool new technology they will use to make the Games one smooth operation no matter what.

One of the biggest feats will be the National Stadium, which location was used for the 1964 Olympics as well and was rebuilt completely in 2019. The venue holds nearly 70,000 people and is designed by Kengo Kuma, a famous Japanese architect whose style is minimalist and often includes natural elements like greens and wood.

The volleyball and wheelchair basketball stadium in Ariake called the Ariake Arena is also noteworthy; it has a modern design and will be a permanent new fixture in this southern part of Tokyo. Shiokaze Park will be the venue for beach volleyball, and it will definitely boast one of the best city views on the Rainbow Bridge.

New Technology

Then there are the heat mitigating solutions. July and August are the hottest months of the year in Tokyo, and daytime temperatures average around 32 degrees Celsius (90 degrees Fahrenheit) while humidity is high. To maintain a healthy environment for athletes and spectators you can expect to see measures like a special coating on asphalt roads to lower the temperatures of the surface, more greenery for more shade, mist sprays at strategic locations, and real-time monitoring of street surface temperatures with sensors so early warnings can be given if it would become dangerously hot.

And of course, there will be ample new technology to be used during events and behind the scenes; superb video and audio broadcasting, robots that help the humans do their jobs, state of the art communication technology, and buses transporting people between Olympic venues that run on fuel cells and are thus environmentally friendly.

Situation Tokyo Olympics 2020/2021

October 2020: general security measures and COVID-19 prevention measures for the Olympics were tested at a larger scale. Tests for general security were completed, while testing for COVID-19 prevention measures will continue. Some of the measures that will likely be employed are wearable temperature-checking strips and encouragement to bring as little luggage as possible so there won’t be any holdups at security checkpoints and social distancing becomes easier.

April 2021: in March it was decided that the Games will be held without spectators from abroad.

Your Japan Tour

As seasoned Japan experts, we can help you create your perfect Japan tour including destinations related to the Olympics. Contact us to start planning your unforgettable holiday to this fascinating country full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, culture, history, nature, and delicious food!

Why Come to Japan in 2023 and Beyond?

And then… it all stopped. Not only for Japan but for the whole world tourism came to a grinding halt. The government in Japan declared a state of emergency, and the borders closed for all foreigners on April 3rd, 2020.

As of January 2023, it is not known yet when the borders of Japan will reopen for tourists yet. But it is never too early to start looking into your next long trip and enjoy the anticipation and planning. And why not make your next destination Japan?

If you are looking for a safe post-COVID trip, Japan is one of the world’s best tourist destinations. Because of its high standards of hygiene, world-class medical system, and willingness of the public to cooperate with the government for anti-disease measures, Japan is relatively safe. Not only when it comes to COVID, but also when it comes to other diseases, Japan is a safer country than many. But of course, safety alone is not enough reason to take a long trip to what might be the other side of the world for you. What does Japan have to offer to a curious, active, and inquisitive tourist?

Japan’s Interesting Culture

The number one reason for many people to travel to Japan is its intriguing culture. Parts of Japanese culture trickle through to for example TV shows, newspaper or magazine articles, or electronics that are made in Japan and available throughout the world. Most people are familiar with excerpts from funny Japanese TV shows, read about ‘funny news’ from Japan, and use products from Sony, Panasonic, or Toyota. But what is Japan really like?

Be prepared to be overwhelmed by what you will experience once you get here! What we hear most often is that people are blown away by how polite people are. But also how they change once they have a drink in them, the many little rules, the way people dress, the love for nature, the smoothness with which people move through crowded places like the subway system.

And of course, there’s the extreme punctuality of public transportation. In short, Japanese culture is something you need to immerse yourself in as a part of your Japan experience. It really is part of a Japan trip to feel the culture, as if it is a sight to see.

Subculture Heaven

Then there are the subcultures, some of which you may also already be familiar with like Lolita-style dresses of Harajuku girls, Pokemon, Dragonball Z, and Nintendo games. Many subcultures are more obscure, like the fandom of AKB48 and similar girl groups, lovers of Boys Love manga, Visual Kei music fans, and even groups of people who are crazy about something like moss.

Subcultures are a way to escape your sometimes difficult daily life and a society that can be homogeneous and oppressive at times. On your trip to Japan, you will especially have a chance to get to know more about Japan’s subcultures in larger cities like Tokyo or Osaka. We offer special tours that concentrate on subcultures with specialist guides that can help you understand what you see.

A Rich Historical Heritage

People who like history will already know that the history of Japan is full of interesting and intriguing stories. Japan’s culture has been influenced greatly by earlier developed Chinese culture from around the 6th century, and also by Indian culture through Buddhism that was brought to Japan around the 6th century as well. But because Japan is an island nation, the culture that has been brought here has been developed in a unique way. When it comes to product development, there is even a special term for it, the Galapagos effect.

Japan’s history is in some other ways not dissimilar to how Western societies developed around the medieval time; Japanese historical lords have employed a feudal system for hundreds of years that makes you feel like you are reading the Game of Thrones books if you learn about their history.

Even those who are not particularly interested in history will like hearing some of the compelling stories about power, loyalty, and treason. And those who do love history will have a field day exploring temples, shrines, and historical houses all with their own stories attached.

All our guides are well-versed in Japanese history and will be able to tell you exciting stories about the places you visit on your Japan tour. Especially our Kyushu Grand Tour and our Japan Summer Complete Tour will be of interest to those who love history and artisanal crafts.

Japanese Cuisine

The delights of Japanese cuisine have been spread around the world in the last 30 years, but the very best of Japanese cuisine is still only available in Japan. Many of our customers have said how the food and drinks were definitely one of the highlights of their trip to Japan, some of them have even said that they have never eaten as well as they have during their Japan tour.

Japanese cuisine is so much more than just sushi (although the sushi here is truly to die for), there are incredible meat dishes and vegetable-based dishes as well, and the main feature of Japanese food is the very high quality of the products.

Even something as mundane as a cucumber packs a punch in flavor, which is because Japanese vegetables and fruits are grown to have as much flavor as possible. Agricultural land is scarce in Japan, this is why farmers usually don’t have large patches of land and mainly concentrate on growing crops that are flavorful and beautiful so they can sell them for a higher price.

A Healthy Holiday

Portion sizes are a bit smaller in Japan than what many foreign tourists are used to, which is partly to do with it being healthier to eat until you feel around 80% full. This is also one of the reasons why obesity rates in Japan are relatively low.

The smaller portion sizes are compensated by the fuller flavors and beautiful presentation of the food though, so you will definitely leave any restaurant satisfied. Plus, for those who want it, restaurants often offer free refills for rice, so you will never leave hungry.

Japan is definitely one of the healthiest tourist destinations in the world with its high-quality, healthy cuisine and many options for great outdoor activities.

Nature in Japan

Still not convinced? Or are you simply more interested in a vacation destination with natural treasures rather than cultural riches? In that case, Japan also has plenty to offer both in sights to see as in activities you can do in nature.  70% of Japan is mountainous, which makes for wonderful vistas of which the view of Mt. Fuji is probably the most famous one but by far not the only one.

Kyushu has many still active volcanoes, the northern part of Honshu (Japan’s main island) has beautiful lakes, Hokkaido has flora and fauna that can’t be seen in many places in the world, Shikoku has plenty of remote and still wild places, and there is Okinawa with beaches that rival those in Hawaii.

Let’s also not forget about the many onsen areas, natural hot springs that originate in volcanically active areas. Going to a remote village to bathe is a favorite pastime for many Japanese, it is the perfect way to destress while surrounded by nature. The very best time to do this is when it is cold, as nothing beats the feeling of the cold air in your face while the rest of your body is comfortably warmed by the spring water. You will be completely refreshed after a stay in an onsen hotel or in a ryokan with an onsen.

Outdoor Activities in Japan

Hikers will love Japan as well with too many options to go to in one lifetime, and courses ranging from well-outlined, easy routes for beginners to very challenging, steep but rewarding routes for expert hikers. Near Tokyo, there is Mt Takao for those who want to take it relatively easy, and Mt Fuji (July-August only) for those who are in good physical condition. Don’t be fooled by the many 70something Japanese hikers who scale Mt. Fuji and think it must be easy, hiking is actually one of the most popular hobbies among retired Japanese people.

Those who are looking for action will also love Japan. There are some white water rafting courses in Minakami (around 3 hours from Tokyo), slower rafting courses in Okutama, plenty of kayaking options all around the country, great waves for surfing on the Chiba coast, and in Niijima below Tokyo, and riverboarding if you really love the water.

If you prefer to stay dry while getting active, cycling with a sports bike or electric bicycle is becoming more popular, and because the roads are relatively safe, motorbike riding is also a great option. Camping is increasingly popular, there are many camping sites with plenty of amenities and there are sites that offer rental tents.

Japan Tour Packages 2023

If you want to avoid the tourist crowds it is very easy in Japan, you only need to get off the Golden Route (From Tokyo through Matsumoto, Takayama, Kanazawa to Kyoto/Osaka/Hiroshima) and you will often be one of the few foreign tourists there. But even on the Golden Route, it is possible to include sights that don’t see much tourist traffic while still being very interesting. If that is what you are looking for, a private guide would come in handy.

The lack of tourists over the last few years gave us the unique opportunity to take our time to optimize our Japan tour packages. We didn’t only improve and update our well-loved city tours that were already popular with tourists before the crisis hit, we also set out to create beautiful Japan package tours for less-traveled regions. We also lowered the maximum number of participants per group tour to mitigate any kind of infection risk, and to enhance our participants’ tour experience.

Your Japan Tour

As seasoned Japan experts, we can help you create your perfect Japan tour. Contact us to start planning your unforgettable holiday to this fascinating country. Japan is full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, culture, history, nature, and delicious food!

It is indeed true that if you came to Japan around 10 years ago and didn’t know where to look, it was very difficult to eat varied foods on your Japan trip. The good news is that that is changing, and especially in the larger cities, there is a plethora of delicious vegetarian and vegan Japanese and non-Japanese food to try!

History of Vegetarianism and Veganism in Japan

From what we can tell about historical texts that were written in China about Japan, over 2000 years ago there were no cows, horses, goats, or other often-eaten animals on the Japanese islands at all. So the indigenous population ate mainly vegetables, rice, and fish. Meat and dairy were just not a part of the inhabitants’ staple foods. What also helped people eating a largely vegetarian diet was the ban on animal-based offerings to Shinto gods that were widely worshiped. Then Buddhism came to Japan from China and Korea around the 6th century, and hunting and even fishing became a no-go.

So between the 6th century and the mid-19th century, the people in Japan ate a mainly vegan diet. Fish was eaten occasionally, but only when there was something to celebrate. It was also during this time that Shojin Ryori has developed, a uniquely Japanese version of vegetarian (Buddhist) cuisine. Shojin Ryori is completely vegan and consists mainly of soybean-based food, seasonal vegetables, and plants from the mountains.

Vegetarian Temple Food

Strong spices and flavoring are also not used. While you might think this would make for very bland food, you should think again; the food is prepared in such a way that the 5 flavors (sweet, sour, salty, bitter, umami) that are naturally in the food are extracted for maximum natural flavor.

One of the best parts of Shojin Ryori is that nothing is wasted; even the peel of the vegetables and things like carrot tops are used to for example make broth. Ingredients that are often used in Shojin Ryori are tofu, natto (fermented soy beans), konjak, and fu (wheat gluten).

Seasonings that are often used are sesame oil, kelp, miso, and sake. Two of the best restaurants in Tokyo to try Shojin Ryori are Bon near Ueno Park or Itosho in Azabujuban. If you want to try the best Shojin Ryori in the country you have to head to Kyoto and eat at a temple such as Shigetsu or Daitokuji Ikkyu.

Vegetarianism and Veganism in Japan Nowadays

When Japan opened its gates to the West in the mid-19th century, the Western diet also found its way to Japan. Meat and dairy were inserted on Japanese menus, and many Japanese liked these new additions to their diets. There have, however, always been vegetarian movements in Japan most of which are based on (Buddhist) religion or on health. Many vegetarians and vegans in Japan follow their diets because they believe meat is not necessary to be strong and healthy, more to the contrary, they say that following a vegetarian or vegan diet helps them avoiding many diseases that are due to the overconsumption of meat or other animal products.

Still, until not so long ago, there were not many restaurants catering to vegetarian and vegan needs in Japan. Most vegetarians and vegans were cooking at home, and of course, the local people know where to go for a good restaurant meal that adheres to their standards if they do want to eat out. For tourists, it was a lot more difficult. Luckily, there are a lot more options these days.

While still, only 1% of Japanese people say they follow a vegan diet, new restaurants have popped up to cater to the foreign locals’ and tourists’ need for vegan and vegetarian cuisine. New vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants have started popping up especially since it became known that Tokyo would host the 2020 Olympics. Also, Halal meals and restaurants that cater to other dietary restrictions have been easier to find lately.

If you are in a larger city like Tokyo it is not so difficult to find vegetarian-friendly or vegan-friendly restaurants thanks to websites like Happy Cow and the Japan Vegan blog.

Our Favorite Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurants

Here is a list of our 5 personally-tried vegan and vegetarian-friendly restaurants in Tokyo.

• Nezu no Ya, Nezu station; Japanese macrobiotic food of high quality and decent price
• Veggie House, Kinshicho station; Taiwanese mostly vegan food, very flavorful and satisfying
• Ainh Soph Ginza, Ginza station; Japanese vegan food, beautifully presented and delicious
• T’s Tantan, Tokyo station; Chinese noodles in Japanese style, crave-worthy and one of the few vegan-friendly places to eat noodles
• Meu Nota, Koenji station; various cuisines, awesome lunch deals

Your Japan Tour

As seasoned Japan experts, we can help you create your perfect vegetarian-friendly or vegan-friendly Japan tour. We can also arrange tours for people with other types of dietary restrictions. Contact us to start planning your unforgettable holiday to this fascinating country full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, culture, history, nature, and delicious food!

The official currency of Japan is the Yen (currency symbol: ¥). Japanese money consists of 6 coins of ¥1, ¥5, ¥10, ¥50, ¥100, and ¥500. There are also 4 banknotes of ¥1000, ¥2000, ¥5000, and ¥10000 respectively. As in many countries, Japan’s money is illustrated with historically significant people and cultural symbols. Learn more about the people and places that are depicted on the money in Japan!

Japanese Coins

1 Yen aluminum coin

The design of the 1 yen coin was made in 1955, making it the oldest among Japanese coins. For the first time, the design of a coin had been decided by a public contest. The Wakagi tree that is drawn on the coin’s face is an imaginary tree and symbolizes the growth of Japan.

5 Yen brass coin

The current shape of the 5 yen coin has a hole in the center. It was designed in 1949 and the writing was renewed in 1959. The design of this coin represents the main Japanese industries of the time: the ear of rice = agriculture, water = fishery, the wheel = industry. In addition, the strand on the side of the coin symbolizes Japan’s parliamentary democracy following the defeat in WW2.

10 Yen bronze coin

The 10 yen coin was issued in 1959. The temple drawn on the coin is the Byodo-in Houou-do in Kyoto, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was built by the clan of Fujiwara no Yorimichi, regent of the Heian period, in 1052. He had this temple built to create a paradise in this world. It has never been 100% destroyed despite the civil wars and two world wars. Therefore, it represents longevity and cultural richness.

50 Yen white copper coin

The first 50 yen coin was designed in 1955 and was made of silver. Its design had been decided with a public contest as for the 1 yen coin. The first version of the coin was undrilled and looked very similar to the 100 yen coin. Its design was modified in 1977 to be pierced when the 100 yen coin was renewed. On the front side, we can see chrysanthemums, a symbol of imperial power in Japan.

100 yen white copper coin

The first silver 100 yen coin came into circulation in 1957 with a phoenix in its design, and it was replaced in 1959 by the design of an ear of rice. As silver became more and more expensive, it was replaced by white copper in 1977 and at the same time, the design of the cherry blossom.

500 Yen brass and nickel coin

The 500 yen coin was introduced as the most recent and the most valuable coin. It was introduced in 1982 to be used in vending machines for drinks or subway tickets because they were developing very quickly and the prices were starting to rise. On the front side, there is a drawing of a paulownia, a sacred tree because the phoenix comes to rest on it. On the backside, there is a bamboo at the top and bottom and a tachibana, a Japanese citrus fruit, on the left and right. In 2000, its material was replaced by nickel and brass in order to fight against counterfeiting while keeping the same design.

Japanese Banknotes

If you look at Japanese paper money, you will see that historical figures are depicted on the bills. These faces should be familiar to Japanese people of any age because of their cultural value and not political value.

Bill of 1000 Yen

The current model was introduced in 2004. On the front is a portrait of Hideyo Noguchi (1876-1928), a bacteriologist who devoted himself to the study of yellow fever. On the back, Mount Fuji and the cherry blossom, both symbols of Japan, are drawn.

Bill of 2000 Yen

This quite rare bill was issued in 2000 to celebrate the G8 summit held on Okinawa Main Island in July of the same year. It is the only bill where no character portrait appears: on the front is drawn the Shurei-mon portal of Shuri Castle in Naha (Okinawa) and on the back, Murasaki Shikibu and his famous novel “The Tale of Genji”, written in the 11th century and considered as the first psychological novel in the world.

Bill of 5000 Yen

The current model was put into circulation in 2004 and this is the second time a woman appears on a banknote (the first being Empress Jingu in 1881). This woman is Ichiyo Higuchi (1872-1896), a poet of the Meiji era. On the reverse side, there is a painting of Iris by Korin Ogata (1658-1716).

Bill of 10000 Yen

The current model was put into circulation in 2004 along with the 1000 and 5000 yen banknotes. On the front, it shows the portrait of Yukichi Fukuzawa (1835-1901), a thinker, writer, teacher, translator who founded Keio University, and on the back, the phoenix of Byodo-in Hououdou Temple (sometimes referred to as the phoenix of the Golden Pavilion in Kyoto).

Your Japan Tour

As seasoned Japan experts, we can help you create your perfect Japan tour including guides that can tell you all about Japanese money, symbolism, and history. Contact us to start planning your unforgettable holiday to this fascinating country full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, culture, history, nature, and delicious food!

A Worry-free Japan Tour

Every customer who books a private Japan tour through us will get free concierge service from us for the full duration of their stay. We will connect with you through WhatsApp (or another app that you use) before you get on your plane to go to Japan. From that moment, we can help you with any questions you might have and you can use our handy translation service.

Japan is not free from natural disasters. Imagine this; you travel to Kyushu during typhoon season and a storm hits the town you were supposed to travel to that day directly. Obviously, your hotel stay, train reservations, and any activities you would have scheduled there will need to be canceled. You only have to send us a message, and we will let you know exactly what you need to do, help you with the language where necessary.

We make sure you get all refunds you are entitled to. Because we understand your vacation time is valuable, we will also help you with making a new plan for the day by giving you recommendations on safe highlights and local areas to visit on that day and help you with new reservations if necessary.

Also if you have a personal accident or incident during your trip, we are there for you. Especially in the countryside, it might be hard to find an English speaking police station and hospital, and for health reasons as well as for insurance reasons it is important that all business is taken care of properly. One message to us, and we will help you with all translation that is necessary and walk you through the steps you need to take. That is at least one worry less!

Japan Reservation Concierge Service

Our concierge service is not only for when things go wrong during your Japan tour; we are also there to make your trip even better by helping you with getting reservations in restaurants that normally can’t take reservations from non-Japanese speaking customers. Of course, we won’t leave you to it after making the reservation, but we will also help you with your order if you can’t read the menu or communicate with the staff once you are there. This way, you can experience a meal at a restaurant that you would have not entered by yourself.

It doesn’t stop at restaurants; we can help you with live translation by phone at any location. Whether you are trying to ask a question at your non-English speaking hotel, in a shop, at an amusement park, or on the street, we have got you covered.

And last but not least, we can help you with recommendations for entertainment and nightlife. Especially in large cities like Tokyo or Kyoto, it is not always easy to figure out where to go at night when you want to discover the local nightlife. Truth be told, depending on the area you are it is sometimes downright difficult to find a local bar or club that has a great atmosphere, is affordable, not a tourist trap, AND accepts non-Japanese speakers.

The good news is that places that do tick all of those boxes are very much there, you just need to know where they are. That is where we come in; our local network has many nice recommendations for all kinds of travelers. Whether you are looking for a hip and happening DJ bar, a stylish after-hours bar, a lively dance club, or just a place with live music and good vibes, we know where you can go.

Your Japan Tour

As seasoned Japan experts, we can help you create your perfect Japan tour including our great free concierge service. Contact us to start planning your unforgettable holiday to this fascinating country full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, culture, history, nature, and delicious food!