Japan
Although the culture of every country is essentially unique, most nations closely resemble their neighbours in many respects. This means that the more you travel, the more you begin to see the similarities rather than the differences. However, some countries, for one reason or another have developed in isolation, and are consequently extraordinary in every aspect of their culture. Japan is one of those countries – a land of technological modernity and devout traditionalism, of playful child-like enthusiasm and rigid conservatism, a land of many extremes. Although comparable in some respects with other East-Asian cultures, Japan is a country that has forged a solitary path for much of its history, and is consequently unlike anywhere else on earth. A trip to the ‘Land of the Rising Sun’ will leave you spellbound, captivated by its vivaciousness, beauty and rich history, and will draw you back time and time again.
Heritage, tradition and history are extremely important to Japanese people, both as individuals and as a society. Ancestors are remembered and revered, ancient practices and rituals maintained, and relics of the past preserved with respect and devotion. Anyone who delves into this cultural goldmine will be fascinated by what they find. The cities of Nara and Kyoto in particular are laden with shrines and temples, theatres enacting the stylised dance-drama of kabuki, and museums packed with artefacts from the days of the emperors, shoguns, and the bushido.
Despite this reverence for the past, Japan has not lagged behind the rest of the world in terms of modern development – in fact it’s now one of the frontrunners, particularly with regard to technology. As such, if you’re interested in futuristic gadgets, you’ll find an Aladdin’s cave of technological goodies in Japan. A trip to the capital of Tokyo in particular will not disappoint, as it’s home to numerous fantastic shopping districts. If all this sounds like something of a boys-toys paradise, fear not – Tokyo caters just as well for the female of the species, as a trip to the Venus Fort retail theme park (designed exclusively for women) will prove.
Whatever aspect of the culture excites you, the one thing every visitor should embrace with gusto is the highly original cuisine. That is, as long as you like fish! While the Japanese do eat meat – poultry in particular – their diet is heavily based around fish, rice and noodles. The one dish most people will be familiar with is sushi, which is essentially a Japanese appetiser made from, raw fish rolled with rice. Although this may not sound tempting at first, sushi is a Japanese delicacy and can be quite addictive once you get a taste for it. As with everything in this remarkable country, you’ll find that your food is always served with the gracious respect that is the hallmark of Japanese hospitality. Try it for yourself – you won’t be disappointed.