Land of the rising tourism

I’ve been talking about Japan an awful lot lately. It’s intriguing how one country can conjure up so many different emotions and perceptions for different generations. My grandparents would most likely have had nothing positive to say. ‘Boomers’ would most likely remember the rise of their car industry. For me, Japan was the home of video games, ‘Sony’ (a brand that I still admire to this day) and a stock market that crashed in spectacular fashion in the 90’s. It’s a real mixed bag.

Today though, the view is more nuanced. I have a family cruising around Japan because one of their daughters is in love with ’anime’ (think Pokémon art), another customer who wants to experience the speed and efficiency of bullet trains and another who, as a joiner, wants a busman’s holiday to experience Japanese woodwork, a respected process that omits the use of screws or nails to connect joints. Impressive. Couple this type of tourism with a healthy exchange rate for our Pound Stirling in recent years and a nation known for utter politeness, it’s almost an afterthought these days to mention the cultural significance and breathtaking scenery that this country has to offer.

Tourism is booming. It’s a great time to visit but there are considerations. If you want to see Japan at its most beautiful then Cherry Blossom season (late March/early April) is for you. It also brings big crowds, higher hotel prices and no guarantee as to when the blossom will fall. Autumn leaves is another popular season, yet the crowds are less so and the weather milder. Many of the itineraries I create take in a wonderful mixture of culture, scenery and celebrated modernism….

• Tokyo – modern Japan and often the where the adventure begins • Mount Fuji – the most frequented national park in the world • Kyoto – the ancient capital with a spiritual heart • Hiroshima – Memorial park and the flame of peace • Yudanaka – Hot springs and snow monkeys

…and many more

With so much to see I would certainly recommend a tour that lasts between 2 to 3 weeks. What is most interesting is that the age demographic of those looking to visit is mixed. Young, old and all those in between (including me!) are desperate to explore this unique land. So, whatever your generation or early memories are, maybe it’s time to create a new impression…first hand. Naturally, I’d be delighted to help you with your plans.