More and more people

are starting to realize how beautiful Japan is. After all, it’s the land of the most stunning sunrises, of untouched nature, long tradition, and ever-growing fascinating culture. Simply put, this is one place on the map that you would not want to miss. You can opt for the traditional approach and go with an agency which will just show you the typical Japan tourism attractions, or you can experience Japan on a more personal level. Here are some ways you can make the latter happen easily.

Image: Hardik Pandya

Don’t Shy Away From Public Transport

Though it may sound silly, one of the best and most efficient ways to see Japan is public transport. This is because Japan is known for its bullet-fast trains which are also one of the cleanest and safest trains you’ll ever encounter.

Taking public transport is also a great way to get to know the rhythm of the city you’re in and its people.

There’s no better place to really see what the people and culture are like than in the natural and relaxed environment such as a daily commute.

Image: Thomas Marban

Make Your Taste Buds Dance

Japan is the home to one of the most delicious cuisines in the world, so it would be a shame to stick to the food you’ve got at home. Of course, most people have already tried the specialties of the Asian kitchen, but nothing compares to the authentic experience you’ll get in traditional Japanese restaurants.

Tokyo is the ideal place for any foodie, as it has the widest variety of choices and restaurants. You might be surprised to find some new and unconventional choices, but try to keep an open mind. Who knows, you might even discover a new favourite meal you’ll be eager to replicate at home.

Image: Rena

Immerse Yourself in Art

Any artistic soul knows Japan is famous for its delicate taste in art. If you want to experience the best it has to offer in this aspect, head to Naoshima. This island is home to three major art galleries and various smaller venues, thus also making it the home of Japan’s contemporary art.

To really get the most of your experience, you can stay in the famous hotel of Tadao Ando which doubles as an art gallery and hosts the works of many world-famous artists.

The outdoor spaces of Naoshima are also filled with art installations, dotting the island.

In fact, even some parts of villages have been converted to permanent outdoor installations.

image: Kumiko SHIMIZU

Experience the Winter

Not many people are familiar with the fact that Japan is one of the best places to ski in the world. The Japanese winter looks like something straight out of a fairytale, and the skiing experience is often unforgettable. If you want to get to know this other side of Japan, you should definitely visit it in winter.

Hokkaido is where you should be headed, as it offers the best slopes. You’ll also notice how different the quality of snow is from other places, making it perfect for any activity. To enhance your experience, opt for Japan’s best skiing resorts like Niseko, Tokachi, or Furano. This way you won’t have to worry about much but enjoying the winter mood.

image: Ismael Abelleira

 Awaken Your Spirituality 

Going to Japan is the perfect opportunity to get to know the religious aspect of the country. Mount Koya is open to visitors and allows you to experience Buddhism on a more intimate level. Aside from walking around and absorbing the spiritual nature of the place, you also have the opportunity to spend some time with the monks.

What better way to get to know a religion than by learning from those who know it best? The temple is kind and welcoming to guests, so you won’t have to worry about imposing. If you’ve always been curious about the spiritual nature of Japan, this is the perfect way to experience it first-hand.

As you can see, Japan is a magnificent place to visit with a lot of things to do. Immersing yourself in the culture and tradition will bring nothing but a peace of mind and a heart full of love. After all, discovering new ways of life and meeting different people is how you form a stronger connection to the world. It’s also the quickest and best way to grow as a person. Japan is bound to show you new depths of nature and completely rejuvenate your body and soul.

Stella Ryne is an art historian, traveler, conscious consumer and a proud mother. When she is not trying to improve the things around her (and herself, for that matter), she likes to lose herself in a good book. She’s also deeply into green practices, cherishing the notion that sustainable living and sustainable travel will not only make us far less dependent on others regarding the dwellings we inhabit and what we eat, but also contribute to our planet being a better place to live on. Stay in touch with all things social with Stella on Facebook and Twitter