Old Meets New in the Land of the Rising Sun
Depending on who you talk to, Japan will conjure up very different images. Art lovers and historians will picture wood block prints of graceful geisha and stories of fearsome samurai; techies will think robot concierges at skyscraping hotels and digital billboards that seem to leap off the sides of buildings; nature lovers will envision soaring mountains, hot springs, stunning gardens and cherry blossoms.
Japan is a study in contrasts, not just between its past and its present, its urban centres or rural villages, but between its traditional values and modern day experimentation. Here you can still find craftsmanship and rituals that date back centuries living alongside the latest in digital arts and technological innovations, but the same commitment to perfection and the same attention to detail is present in both. Values that have been instilled for generations are still present, but evolving to adapt to today’s society. Here too, you will find a degree of politeness and respect that permeates society, yet seems out of sync with the darker, more subversive undersides of this culture.
So which Japan is the authentic Japan? The answer of course, is all of them. Like any other culture, Japan is a complex blend of the past that helped shape it, and the future that it is embracing. One thing is certain, though: whatever preconceived vision you have of Japan in your mind, one visit to this enigmatic country will undoubtedly reveal something entirely unexpected.
In a very good way.
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Top Tips for Planning a Trip to Japan from a First-Timer
Planning a trip to Japan as a first-timer can be daunting. From navigating train schedules and routes to booking the best prices on hotel rooms, it’s A LOT. Here are some really useful tips that I learned when I planned a 17-day trip to this incredible country.
