Preeti

Dear Japan, what do I say about you and where do I even start! You will always remain one of the most special countries that I have traveled to. Growing up, I was fascinated by your language and culture so much so that I decided to study about you formally. While studying, my fascination only grew, and I decided to make the Japanese language my profession! You were my first-ever international trip through a student exchange program and now I keep visiting you once in a while for work trips. You never fail to mesmerise me every single time; in fact, I fall in love a little more each time I visit you. This Land of the Rising Sun seamlessly blends modern technology with culture and traditions as well as natural beauty. For me, traveling through Japan is like traveling through time. As you walk through its rustic streets and alleys with charming wooden houses and temples on sides, you step back 500 years ago to its Edo period. A few centuries ahead and few blocks away are the alleyways of the 70s and 80s with quirky bars and izakayas full of character and tiny restaurants serving just one specialty dish like sushi or ramen adorned with unique flavors. And then there are skyscrapers, neon lights filled city areas, futuristic transportation that will make you feel like you have arrived into the future. Japan has countless experiences and things to offer to every traveler. Whether you are a foodie, anime lover, nature lover, history buff, or tech enthusiast, Japan has something for everyone! Visiting cutting-edge cities like Tokyo and Osaka, bustling with neon-lit skyscrapers, lively streets, and robot restaurants, while also being home to some ancient temples, shrines and castles, is the best way to start exploring Japan. Experiencing the unique nightlife districts of these cities, where locals unwind after work over yakitori and sake, is a must. Zip through cities on high-speed bullet trains and be awestruck by the public transport network. Just a little away from these big cities, you will find yourself soaking in hot springs nestled in the mountains, enjoying the natural landscapes, beaches, waterfalls and lakes or gazing at the beauty of the perfect Mount Fuji! If you truly want to understand the meaning of Zen, immerse  yourself in the tranquility of temples and shrines of Kyoto. Hike through bamboo forests, relax and rejuvenate in the beautiful gardens and visit traditional tea houses. Sip on a perfect cup of matcha tea here together with a seasonal sweet not to be found anywhere else. Japan is gorgeous in every season, be it the postcard-perfect spring with cherry blossoms or the romantic autumn or the winter wonderland. Sing your heart out at a karaoke bar, shop along streets filled with anime merchandise, Hello kitty products, and other fascinating thigs that you never wanted and never knew even existed. Stay at a traditional ryokan and sleep away in the cozy futons in the tatami mat rooms. Every experience you have is going to be such a unique one. Food and drinks in Japan are to die for. Fill your heart with sushi and onigiri, slurp on the oh- so- delicious ramen, make your own okonomiyaki and yakisoba, kanpai on sake and shochu. Binge on the exotic desserts while admiring the ambience of traditional restaurants. Meet the friendly locals and get a taste of the Omotenashi spirit of Japanese hospitality. You’ll return home feeling spiritually rejuvenated by a culture that prides itself on attention to detail, cleanliness, punctuality and politeness, values community, and reveres nature. I promise, Japan will offer you an unforgettable travel experience. Having traveled to over eight prefectures and multiple cities in Japan, I have such amazing stories and experiences to share. Stay tuned for the upcoming blogs from Japan.