A country with a rich sense of order and thousands of years of tradition

At Tokyo station, you can watch as everyone buys boxed lunches (obento in Japanese). The map on the covers suggest each of the foods inside had been harvested in a different part of Japan—white radishes from the far west, salmon roe from the far northeast, eel from the south coast. It could be considered the “Japan Sampler.”

Japan itself has the same sense of order—each food in its own little compartment, carefully thought out and arranged.

It is also standardized, like the “salarymen” in their dark suits—yet, like their splashy ties, it had a container of sauce to spice things up. It is wrapped—everything in Japan gets wrapped. It even has a moist towelette—almost every restaurant gives you one. It is fairly expensive, too, which Japan can be if you don’t plan well.

And although its packaging reflects modern design, it says nothing about the bold, exciting architecture that is slowly changing the face of Japan.

It is fascinating to watch as Japan struggles to merge its thousands of years of tradition with its present and future. So far, it has been able to do so with some mystery intact. The language barrier has helped, although that’s slowly dissolving with bilingual signs and Japanese students learning English. For a while at least, the language, like Japan itself, will remain an intriguing challenge for visitors.

Advisor tips for Japan

Narita City, Tokyo Japan
A great place for a stopover and small city which gives you a taste of Japan. Beautiful temples with lovely gardens. – Erika

Must do experiences

Harajuku – Tokyo
This area is fascinating as this is where all of the alternative teenagers get together in their creative outfits – the shops are out there with very crazy things that will amaze you. Not far away from Harajuku is Meiji Jingu Shrine – I was amazed at how you can enter this garden and shrine and not hear the traffic or the city at all – it is a place of escape – the gardens are lovely. – Trina

Hotels

Peninsula Hotel Tokyo - Japan
Located near the Imperial Palace – it is a brand new hotel and most rooms have a view of the palace. - John

Seiyo Ginza Tokyo
Hotel location is in the heart of Ginzaand part of the US Rosewood hotel chain. Service at this hotel is 6 star plus, being in Ginza it is walking distance to shops, restaurants and the mainTokyorailway station. - John

Grand Hyatt Hakone –Japan
One of the nicest hotels in a spa resort with fantastic huge rooms and spa facilities not far from Lake Hakone. – John

UNSECO World Heritage sites in Japan

Buddhist Monuments in the Horyu-ji Area
Himeji-jo
Shirakami-Sanchi
Yakushima
Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities)
Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama
Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome)
Itsukushima Shinto Shrine
Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara
Shrines and Temples of Nikko
Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu
Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range
Shiretoko
Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine and its Cultural Landscape
Hiraizumi – Temples, Gardens and Archaeological Sites Representing the Buddhist Pure Land
Ogasawara Islands