Some of the Japanese culture that we have come into contact with for granted is something that is surprising overseas. Knowing the differences from other countries and the reaction when foreigners witness Japanese culture is an indispensable culture for cross-cultural exchange, and it is also useful knowledge when traveling abroad. Therefore, in this article, I will introduce in detail Japanese culture that surprises overseas, comparing it with other countries.
Japan has something to offer year round: flowers in spring, fresh verdure in summer, vivid red foliage in autumn, and powder snow in winter. But the main sight that draws thousands from all over the world is, without a doubt, its cherry blossoms.
Around late March to April every year, thousands of cherry blossom trees burst into full bloom, feasting your eyes with vivid hues of red and pink and imbuing Japan with a vibrant mood. People all over Japan make merry, holding picnics at parks to admire the cherry blossoms and enjoy one another's company.
If that sounds like a good time to you, check out our cherry blossom forecast (updated every year) as the blossoms bloom at different times in different parts of Japan. Be sure to pack your bento boxes and beverages and enjoy your picnic under the comforting canopy of cherry blossom trees!
What are you into? Anime? Trains? "Kawaii" or cute things? Regardless of what it is, you're bound to find your place in Japan. Anime and manga fans are bound to go wild when stepping into Akihabara or Ikebukuro in Tokyo for the first time.
It's not just about the multitude of stores catering to their interests, but seeing so many other people like them gathered in one place. Similar can be said for old-time record fans, who will no doubt find their home (and new treasures!) in nooks and crannies of Tokyo like Shimokitazawa. Let's not forget about one of the most mainstream subcultures: the "kawaii" subculture.
In Japan, it is not just a word used to describe cute things, but a way of life. Be prepared to be bowled over by the sheer number of adorable things during your trip. From Harajuku fashion to even the designs of public buses, there are many ways for you to enjoy this popular subculture in Japan.
One of the biggest reasons to visit any foreign country is the food, and that is doubly so for Japan. Take traditional Japanese food, or in Japan, "washoku." It has such historical and cultural value that in 2013, UNESCO registered it as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Whether you opt to try the traditional Japanese breakfast "ichiju sansai" or sit down at a "ryokan" inn to indulge in a fancy "kaiseki" course dinner, it is an experience that ought to be lived at least once. Then there's the more "modern" foods that people all around the world know today - sushi, donburi, even ramen.
While you can certainly indulge in them overseas, the reason why you should come to Japan to try them is because of their regional variations. You'll unearth the dietary practices of the locals as well as the signature homegrown ingredients of each prefecture.
For instance, Hokkaido people love miso ramen that is delectably topped with sweet corn, onsen eggs, and char siu, whereas Kyushu people swear by their frothy tonkotsu ramen that comes with fragrant black garlic oil, char siu, leek, and bamboo shoots. Doesn't that seem like a great way to learn more about the individual regions of Japan?
No matter when you decide to make that trip to Japan, it will have some type of festivity for you to indulge in. Spring is the season of flowers and new beginnings, so tourists will be greeted by flower festivals and garden light-ups at night.
Summer may be hot and humid, but it is also when some of the loudest festivals take place, such as the Gion Matsuri in Kyoto and the Aomori Nebuta Festival in Aomori, and let's not forget about the numerous fireworks festivals in July and August!
As the days start getting colder and Japan enters fall, the trees turn into vibrant shades of red and gold - an occasion which the Japanese celebrate with yet another festival or nighttime illumination. And finally, once the winter truly begins to set in, Japan revels in this change with even more light displays and all sorts of festive cheer. Do yourself a favor and plan your itinerary before coming so that you can join in the revelry with the locals!
Since ancient times, the Japanese people have practiced Shintoism and Buddhism, and many of the shrines and temples that people prayed at are still wonderfully preserved today. They come in all shapes and sizes:
some of them like Kiyomizu-dera Temple (Kyoto) are world-renowned UNESCO World Heritage Sites, while others are tiny and tucked away in a nondescript part of a local neighborhood. Some temples like Yamadera Temple (Yamagata) are situated high up in the mountains, and others like Itsukushima Shrine (Hiroshima) are located out at sea. Regardless, all of them emanate a regal and serene atmosphere that will recharge your soul. Visiting Japanese temples and shrines is thus a wonderful way to receive some calming energy and create lasting memories.
OK, sure, Japanese people still use fax machines. But there's many other ways where Japan showcases its technological prowess. Case in point: Japanese toilets. With so many features and functionalities, often marked with pictograms so that you can easily figure out how to use the different buttons, it is not hard to understand their appeal.
Japanese toilets are especially a godsend in winter because the seats are warmed, providing a welcomed respite from the cold outdoors. You must try the washlet spray function - there's nothing quite like having your bottom cleaned by warm water! Here's another one: ordering at restaurants.
