Japan Backpacking

Japan is a land of great contrasts. From the glitz and gadgetry of Tokyo to the peace and cherry blossoms of Kyoto’s Mauyama Park and the sun-drenched beaches of the South, this is a fascinating land with so much natural beauty and an ancient heart where the art of the geisha and the traditional sport of sumo live on.

The Japanese archipelago stretches over 3000km from Hokkaido in the north to the subtropical Okinawa in the south. In such a vast and diverse country, it’s hard to pick only a few highlights. If it’s culture you’re after, check out cities such as Kyoto and Nara, where you can spend days exploring temples and shrines, tea ceremonies and museums and traditional theatre and dance. For diving, head to the coral reefs of Okinawa or for skiing, go to the resort of Niseko. World Heritage site Yakushima is one of Japan’s most remarkable destinations. More than 75% of the island is covered with densely vegetated mountains, and while the peaks are snow-capped in winter, the coastline remains subtropical. Yakushima is a coveted and mystical island; its indigenous plants have been used by herbalists for centuries and the island’s ancient yaku-sugi (cedar trees) make it a haven for nature lovers and hikers.

Japan’s vibrant capital is also worth a few days of exploration as beyond the skyscrapers and shopping lie plenty of historic sights and cultural entertainments. Tokyo is made up of several districts, each with its own unique attractions. Ginza is the top shopping area. Akasaka and Roppongi offer a heady mix of night-time entertainments, from geisha tea houses to techno. Harajuku and Shibuya are the places to see and be seen, with fine restaurants and cafes. For cheap eats and bargains galore, head to the raucous Ameyoko Market.

The best times to visit the country are spring (March to May), when Japan becomes carpeted in its iconic cherry blossom, and autumn (September to November), When temperatures are mild and the foliage provides an array of gorgeous colours.
Winter weather can get very cold (November to February), while the summer months (June to August) are generally very hot and often humid. Also be mindful of peak holiday seasons, particularly Golden Week (late April/early May) and Festival of the Dead in mid-August, which are extremely popular with locals and can make finding transport and accommodation very difficult.

Japan’s transport network is incredibly efficient. There are excellent ferry, train, bus and tram services. Timetables are followed to the minute and cancellations are almost unheard of. Unfortunately, this does come at a price, and you are advised to book ahead where possible, to save on cost.
Food is one of the great delights of Japan; its cuisine features only the freshest ingredients and delicate flavours. Sushi bars can be found everywhere, but a number of international eateries are also available, catering to every taste and budget. The favoured drink is sake (rice wine), which is something of an acquired taste…

Japan has a reputation for being wildly expensive; however it is actually good value in terms of what you get for your money and a little planning can make it a fairly economical destination.