INSIDE JAPAN – Varied cuisine, traditional arts and the syncretic fashion Shintoism and Buddhism

Japan? Is so much more than the land of karaoke, Hello Kitty, Manga and Harajuku style. Travel to Japan and you’ll soon see that it’s also home to outlandish game shows, bizarre vending machines, old school sake breweries, and a population of faultlessly considerate people. Travelling in Japan is guaranteed to produce more mind-blowing moments per minute than almost anywhere else in the world. Japan is brimming with exciting, inspiring hands-on activities whether you’re interested in arts and crafts, history, sport, gardens, festivals and much more besides. http://www.seejapan.co.uk/jnto_consumer/index

Surely the most subtle, intricate and varied cuisine in the world and an essential part of any Japan adventure. From the country’s freshest sashimi at Tokyo’s Tsukiji Fish Market to hearty octopus-filled dumplings at an Osaka streetside stall, to warming winter crab stew and cherry blossom-flavoured ice cream, there are always more regional and seasonal specialities to savour. Tokyo has again been crowned the city with more Michelin stars than anywhere else in the world. Maybe you need a drink? The Japanese have turned a humble cup of green tea into a cherished art form, while sake (the indigenous brew made from fermented rice), is great fun to drink from tiny porcelain cups served either hot or cold. http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/top-10-foods-try-japan

Japanese safari? Try bird-watching in Hokkaido, visit the snow monkeys of the Japanese Alps or watch turtles hatching on Yakushima Island. Yet over 70% of Japan’s land mass is uninhabited by humans, offering plenty of space for wildlife to thrive, and that’s not to mention all the marine life in the waters around the archipelago. Up in the mountains you’ll find Japan’s native monkey population (famous for escaping the winter snow to enjoy hot spring baths, just like people). The wild landscapes of Hokkaido are home to many rare birds. Do not forget, that there are also the whales and dolphins of the Pacific, and the loggerhead turtles of Yakushima Island. http://www.fujisafari.co.jp/english/

Japan’s traditional arts? Minute origami paper folds, elaborate ikebana flower displays or the contemplative movements of a tea ceremony. You can choose. The Japanese exhibit an understated yet immense pride in their unique traditional arts. Despite the rush of modern technology, hand-spun techniques and traditions are still taught in schools and practised by adults across the country. Taking part in a craft lesson (trying on a kimono or experiencing a tea ceremony), are all examples of experiences that create your special travel memories. http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e639.html

Religion & spirituality? In Japan, religion is a personal affair, separate from the state, so with freedom most Japanese believe in both Shintoism and Buddhism in syncretic fashion. Align mind, body, spirit and soul during your exploration of Japanese religion. There is a warm spirituality about Japan, that floats on the breeze through temples and shrines, lingers in the mind during tea ceremonies and cultural arts. It’s impossible not to absorb some of this spirituality while exploring Japan, so you can return home full of health and heart. http://www.zicasso.com/luxury-vacation-japan-tours/landscape-gods-spiritual-heritage-japan-comprehensive-15-day-tour