The Asian island nation offers attractions throughout the year that you definitely won't find anywhere else.
Japan is the country where a foreigner can only be left in awe, and at best, they might understand half of what's happening around them. While it's simply impossible to dress in an extreme outfit that would shock anyone, a large portion of the food feels like it's from another planet, and you can stumble upon cultural curiosities or oddities on almost every corner.
We’ve compiled the reasons why we believe Japan is one of the most interesting places in the world and what unique experiences it offers during the winter season.
Bathing snow monkeys
Japan has many hot springs, and bathing is a big part of the culture, not only for people but also for animals. At the Jigokudani Monkey Park, more than a hundred red-faced macaques go about their daily lives. The "Hell Valley" forests are inhabited by Japanese macaques, also known as snow monkeys, whose favorite pastime is sitting in the hot springs. The macaques also particularly enjoy the winter weather, spending most of their day playing, bathing, or even making snowballs.
In the reserve, founded in 1964, anyone can observe them in their natural habitat. The onsens, or volcanic hot springs, are mineral-rich waters at about 45°C, which relieve tension, alleviate rheumatic complaints, improve blood circulation, and help maintain skin elasticity.
Lantern Festival in Nagano
Nagano is located 250 kilometers from Tokyo, in the heart of Japan, surrounded by 3,000-meter-high mountains, which is why it's also called the "Top of Japan." The city, now covering an area of about 835 km², developed around the Zenkō-ji Buddhist temple over the centuries. Buddhism arrived in the island nation in 552, accompanied by a statue of Buddha. This first Buddha statue in Japan is said to be kept at the Zenkō-ji.
No one is allowed to visit the statue, and visitors can only view a replica, which is also only displayed once every six years. Every year in February, the Lantern Festival is held next to the temple. During this time, the illuminated temple and the lanterns placed around it create an unforgettable sight.
New Year's Eve in Japan
Celebrating New Year's (oshōgatsu) in Tokyo gives a whole new meaning to the term "party." During this time, you can encounter robots, Pokémon, countdown parties, concerts, and street parades on every corner, not to mention the festive fireworks display.
The tradition of nomihōdai, or "drink as much as you can," is observed in almost every bar on New Year's Eve. In various clubs and bars, you can enjoy unlimited drinks for a set price and within a specific time frame. In Tokyo, almost all clubs have a countdown with the celebratory crowd on New Year's Eve, which is one of the most important holidays of the year. Even the 31st is considered a public holiday. Among other things, this day is one of the rare occasions when the general public can enter the inner grounds of the Imperial Palace and see the Imperial family.
The world's coolest science museum
Sci-fi movies pale in comparison to the exhibits at the Miraikan Museum in Tokyo, which recently welcomed its ten millionth visitor. Human-like, interactive robots? Check. The creation of insects through genetic manipulation? Check. And what kind of environment will we be living in by 2050? You can find that out here too. As if that weren't enough, it's good to know that robot soccer is also a mandatory part of the museum experience at this place.
Shopping
The lives of young people in Japan revolve around fashion, and it's no coincidence, as the Land of the Rising Sun is the birthplace of many extreme style trends. Bright colors and unique, bold makeup define the appearance of people on the street. Shopping is also one of the most popular leisure activities here, almost to the level of an art form. In addition to typing in the price of a chosen garment, salespeople enhance the experience with bows, smiles, laughter, and compliments. The Fukubukuro craze kicks off in the first few days of the New Year. What's the catch? At the moment of purchase, the buyer has no idea what they're getting. Fukubukuro is essentially a grab bag, but with a bit of luck, the shopper might find expensive clothes from top designers in the bag for a fraction of the original price.
Spiritual pilgrimage
Matsumoto Castle is Japan's oldest castle, over 400 years old, and is also called the "Crow Castle" due to its black walls. Not far from the Suwa Lake, visitors can experience a unique natural phenomenon that offers a truly spiritual experience. Due to the movement of hot springs beneath the surface, the thick ice layer on the lake periodically cracks. This is called omiwatari, or "the crossing of the gods," in which the locals believed they were seeing the traces of gods traveling between the buildings of the Suwa Shrine.
