Coming to Japan also means coming to the world of Shinto. There are about 80,000 shrines dedicated to 8 million Shinto gods throughout the country of cherry blossoms.

For those who value the journey as much as the destination, the luxury sleeper train ‘Seven Stars in Kyushu’ (or the nanatsuboshi no Kyushu) is the best of both.

January is a quiet time of reflection in Japan, and once February arrives the country jumps back into gear beginning with Setsubun. Read on to see what follows.

When talking about traditional Japanese alcohol, many people think of Japanese sake (rice wine). However, another popular drink that many people fall in love with is the popular Japanese plum wine.

Onsen (Japanese hot springs) towns are little resort areas whose main features are their hot springs and hospitality. Many tourists flock to these areas when they want to get a break from the city, look for a health retreat, or just want to soak in each area’s famous waters!

The arrival of spring in Japan is celebrated in February, earlier than most countries, with a festival called Setsubun.

Sakura, or cherry blossoms, are well known outside Japan. Lesser known is its yearly predecessor the ume, or plum blossom.

Perhaps one of the most polarizing styles of ramen to ever emerge from Japan, Yokohama ramen, known as Yokohama iekei (family-style) ramen, has one of two reputations.

In Yokohama, to the south of Tokyo, lies the largest Chinatown in Japan, established nearly 150 years ago; full of shops, restaurants, and businesses bustling with activity. Visiting Yokohama Chinatown as a tourist can be a very fun experience.

Kamakura in Kanagawa was the capital and most populous city of Japan at one time. Explore this area for a taste of traditional Japan.

In Japan, New Year is way more important than Christmas and is seen as one of, if not the most important times of the year. The tradition of celebrating the New Year on January 1st started in 1873, but Japanese New Year food has been around for way longer.

Less than 100 kilometers away from Tokyo and nestled in the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, the town of Hakone is renowned throughout Japan for its natural beauty, views of Mount Fuji and Ashinoko, and the numerous Hakone onsen baths. Each year, thousands upon thousands of domestic and international visitors flock towards the small onsen town looking for a break from the bustling cities.