JAPAN

Japan – A Journey Through a Thousand Worlds

Japan is a country of extraordinary contrasts – where ancient temples meet bullet trains, wild landscapes meet neon cities, and quiet rituals unfold alongside quirky pop culture. From the snowy peaks of Hokkaidō to the sun-soaked beaches of Okinawa, every region offers its own flavour, traditions, and surprises.

In the far north, Hokkaidō draws in skiers, hikers, and foodies with its powdery snow, flower-filled fields, and world-class seafood. Sapporo, famous for its beer and miso ramen, blends city buzz with laid-back charm. Heading south into Tōhoku, you’ll find rugged coastline, fiery festivals, and temples nestled in the mountains – a region still under the radar, perfect for those craving authenticity.

Kantō is home to Tokyo, with it's whirlwind of fashion, food, and futuristic energy. But it’s not all bright lights: just outside the capital are day-trip gems like Kamakura, Hakone, and the shrines of Nikkō. To the west, Chūbu unfolds with alpine peaks, peaceful villages like Shirakawa-go, and of course, the iconic silhouette of Mount Fuji. Here, you’ll feast on wagyu beef, soak in mountain onsens, and wander samurai-era streets.

Kansai is where Japan’s soul shines brightest. Kyoto’s golden temples, geisha districts and gardens evoke old Japan at its finest, while Osaka keeps things loud, lively, and delicious with its street food and humour. Nara’s roaming deer and ancient Buddha statues are a peaceful counterpoint, just a short hop away.

Venture further to Chūgoku, where Hiroshima’s powerful history is balanced by the spiritual calm of Miyajima’s floating shrine. Inland, sand dunes roll across Tottori, while canal towns like Kurashiki preserve a slower way of life. Across the straits lies Shikoku – a quiet island of pilgrim trails, dramatic gorges, and steaming hot springs, known for its simplicity and spiritual depth.

Down in Kyūshū, volcanoes rise above samurai castles and bubbling onsen towns. Fukuoka serves up rich tonkotsu ramen and a friendly welcome, while Nagasaki tells tales of trade, faith, and resilience. Finally, Okinawa offers a tropical exhale – beaches, coral reefs, and a culture all its own, shaped by island life and a slower rhythm.

Whether you’re skiing in the north, temple-hopping in Kyoto, soaking in a volcanic hot spring, or savouring sushi by the sea, Japan is a place that rewards curiosity. Every region offers something different – a new taste, a new tradition, a new story – waiting to be explored.

And, as if offering a counter balance to all that Japan has to offer, consider the haiku by Kobayashi Issa:

O snail

climb Mt. Fuji,

but slowly, slowly

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