Traveling to Japan is a dream of many people around the globe. In fact, the country attracted a whopping 36.87 million foreign tourists in 2024. Being able to witness the stunning nature in real life, devour the best sushi in the world and visit huge cities that function extremely well sounds magical. But if you haven’t been able to make it to Japan yet, you can live vicariously through the people who shared the photos on this list.

We also wanted to learn more about what living Japan is really like, so we got in touch with Tanja Warwick, aka Ryokou Girl, who has been living and working in Japan since 2015. She was kind enough to have a chat with Bored Panda and explain what makes this island country so special. 

“Japan has a unique history, having been closed off from the rest of the world for more than 200 years during the Edo period,” Tanja noted. “It has led to a unique culture that you won't find anywhere else.”

“Some things that make it special are the attention to detail and care that goes into everything, the close relationship with nature and appreciation for the changing seasons, and diverse landscapes,” she continued. 

“Some things that surprised me when living and working in Japan are that, despite the reputation of ultra modern cities like Tokyo, it's still very much a traditional place. And technology from the 80s and 90s is still commonly used,” Tanja revealed. “For example, fax machines are still used in offices, and you can still go to music stores like Tower Records and Tsutaya to buy CDs.”

We also asked Tanja what some of her personal favorite things about Japan are. “I love that no matter what time of year you visit Japan, there are always festivals and events tied closely to the seasons to enjoy, from cherry blossoms to summer fireworks, autumn leaves and winter illuminations,” she told Bored Panda. “Also the food is always a highlight. It's rare to have a bad meal, and eating out is so affordable.”

What should travelers know before visiting Japan? “To plan ahead and prebook where possible before visiting popular areas and attractions, especially during peak travel times such as cherry blossom season,” Tanja noted. “Public transport is amazing, and you can get around to most places easily by train/buses.”

Finally, she recommends that travelers don’t just stick to Japan’s “Golden Route," aka the places that the vast majority of tourists visit, such as Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto and Osaka. “Think about what you want to experience instead of where you want to go, and you are likely to find much less crowded and more affordable options in other cities."

And, of course, you can find many more helpful travel tips from Tanja on Ryokou Girl!

We were also lucky enough to get in touch with Alyse, aka The Invisible Tourist, to hear her thoughts on this topic. She has spent plenty of time in Japan and even has detailed travel guides for visiting the beautiful country on her site.

"Japan is unique in the sense that it manages to blend the past and present so seamlessly," Alyse shared. "Whether that's different architectural styles through the centuries to old customs and traditions, Japan has embraced its cultural heritage without diluting it. I also call it the Land of Convenience, because if you can't find what you need there, it probably doesn't exist!"

So what are some of Alyse's personal favorite things about Japan?

"I adore that locals are considerate of those around them. This is why trains are clean and quiet, people keep left and move to the side to stop in a busy walkway," she noted. "Another big one is omotenashi - exceptional Japanese hospitality. It's how Japanese people will go out of their way to provide good service as an expectation, not doing it for tips or material incentives."

"Coming from Australia, where it's either exceedingly hot or freezing cold with no in between, I love the four distinct seasons in Japan," Alyse added. "Each is uniquely celebrated for its stunning natural scenery. And with 47 prefectures over 4 seasons, the possibilities for different experiences are endless."

We also asked the travel expert what everyone should know before making the trek to Japan. "Definitely learn some local etiquette, as some things in Japan are quite different to what we are used to at home," Alyse shared. "This includes carrying our rubbish with us, not eating whilst walking, no pushing or cutting in line, taking shoes off indoors, refraining from speaking loudly on public transport... But slurping noodles loudly is a way to compliment the chef!"

"Also make sure to learn how to navigate around before arriving. Know the differences between local train lines and shinkansen (bullet trains), transport cards, passes and when to use each," Alyse continued. "The Tokyo public transport network especially can seem daunting at first, for sure. But once you understand how it all works, it really is the world's best."

Finally, Alyse recommends that travelers focus on attractions and places that interest them personally, rather than what is a popular craze or the latest viral social media spot. "I promise queuing up for photos your entire trip is only going to result in disappointment," she noted. "Seek out the lesser-known. Take time to flâneur. Allow time for serendipitous experiences. And by doing your best to 'blend in' culturally, you're sure to have an enriching trip!"

And if you're looking for more travel tips from The Invisible Tourist, be sure to check out her book How to Not Look Like a Tourist!