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Japan
Japan offers not only spectacular nature, but also diverse cultural and culinary impressions, a unique pop culture and a variety of other experiences. The picturesque landscapes, which constantly change their appearance in spring, summer, fall and winter, ensure that many travelers come back again and again. The wonderful blend of tradition and modern culture creates a unique atmosphere that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
Attractions in Japan
Experience the outdoors
Outdoor sports are also very popular in Japan. The island nation, two-thirds of which is covered by mountains and forests and stretches from north to south, offers a wide range of activities. Thanks to warm summers and snow in winter, some of Japan's most popular sports can be practiced while watching the seasons change.
In spring, the cherry and plum blossoms and fresh greenery are admired while hiking and mountain climbing, and in summer, water sports such as sailing and rafting are very popular. Autumn is the best time to take a walk under the colorful leaves of the trees, while winter is ideal for ski tours and winter sports thanks to the many mountains.
You can read about other highlights such as sunrise tours on Mount Fuji or drift ice hikes in the outdoor magazine Japan.
Video: Reise nach Japan
Indulge in culinary delights
Today, Japanese food culture is known all over the world. Sushi, ramen and okonomiyaki are among the best-known dishes. For dessert, there are sweet mochi or fine fruit - particularly perfect fruits are sold at high prices in their own luxury fruit stores. Japan is also famous for its traditional tea ceremonies.
But there is also a wealth of culinary specialties in various parts of Japan that are still comparatively undiscovered. One of the great joys of traveling is experiencing the local cuisine of each region and the seasonal produce that can only be enjoyed there.
Ryūkyū cuisine plays a central role in Okinawan culture and is favored by the mild climate. Wanko soba noodles in Iwate Prefecture have a unique history dating back over 400 years. In Kagawa, famous for its sanuki udon noodles, there are said to be more restaurants than grocery stores!
Depending on the season and region, there are many different dishes on the menu in Japan, so why not extend your visit a little and go on a culinary journey of discovery?
Photo: PR Image Factory, Adobe Stock
Discover culture
The daily life of the people of Japan, their traditions or urban pop culture stimulate the senses and make a trip even more memorable. There is a wide range of offerings throughout Japan: from small experiences that can be enjoyed in a few minutes between visits to historical places and sites, to full-day programs. Kimono making and Japanese sweets are very popular with foreign visitors to Japan and also offer the Japanese themselves the opportunity to take a new look at the treasures of their culture.
You don't have to travel to the biggest cities to experience Japanese culture. You can also discover the interesting traditions and stories of Japan outside the major cities. Japanese festivals, such as the cherry blossom festival (Hanami) in spring and Gion-Matsuri in summer, are colorful events that travelers should not miss. Here you can enjoy traditional dances, music and parades.
Photo: Sorasak, unsplash.com
Onsen: Japan's hot springs
The relationship between onsen and the Japanese is inseparable. When planning a trip to Japan, an onsen should be at the top of your list. Onsen are also the perfect place to end a day after mountain climbing or winter sports, as they offer the ultimate relaxation. Taking a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and spending your days in a place with a hot spring bath to relax in the hot springs is an absolute luxury. Onsen are popular all over Japan. Each has its own qualities, and they relieve the stress of everyday life. A Japanese proverb says that onsen can cure everything - except heartache.
Arrival and transportation
Getting to Japan is very easy: the ANA Group offers flights from Europe to the international airports of Tokyo and Osaka. A direct flight to Japan takes around 11 to 14 hours, depending on the point of departure.
ANA All Nippon Airways, Japan's largest airline, which has been awarded 5 stars by Skytrax for eleven years in a row, will be adding three new destinations in Europe to its route network next winter: Milan, Stockholm and Istanbul. The new direct flights from Tokyo/Haneda Airport, which is close to the city, will be launched on December 3, 2024 (Milan), January 31, 2025 (Stockholm Arlanda) and February 12, 2025 (Istanbul). In addition to the two daily flights from Frankfurt to Tokyo/Haneda, the connections from Paris and Munich to Tokyo/Haneda have also been offered daily again since July 1. The airline is thus significantly expanding its international network, particularly in Europe. You can find more information, flights and booking options here.
Within Japan, there are several ways to travel around the various main islands and get to know the landscapes in the different regions. In addition to flights, public transport is a good option. The Shinkansen high-speed train in particular gets travelers to their destination quickly and reliably. Thanks to the Japan Rail Pass, travel costs also remain reasonable.
