Top 10 Reasons to visit Japan in 2025

January has found us in the grips of ‘Japan fever’! Everyone we talk to either has a friend who is there, knows someone that just got back, or is thinking about going themselves. Even our co-founder, Mat, is off to the ‘Land of the Rising Sun’ next month for 4 weeks, “In the name of research.” he claims…

So, here’s our top 10 reasons why Japan is so hot right now (despite the buckets of snow falling!) and why it should be at the top of your list for 2025…

1. The people…

The Japanese are some of the most kind and courteous people you’ll ever meet. With a culture steeped in respect, ritual and gratitude, it’s fascinating seeing the different ways these qualities are shown in everyday life.

2. The food…

Japanese cuisine is so much more than sushi. It’ s an artform – even the ice-cream! From stand-at-the-counter-and-slurp noodle bars and tiny side-street family run eateries, to shopping centre food court bento boxes. You can eat out of a mini-mart fridge and still have a mind-blowing culinary experience!

3. The trains…

No country on earth competes with Japan’s efficiency when it comes to rail travel. It’s so easy to get around. Jump on a shinkansen (bullet train) and in 90mins you can escape the hustle and bustle of the big smokes to Japan’s whisper quiet natural beauty.

4. It’s a photographer’s paradise…

Free up some space on your camera roll – you’ll need it! From lantern lit alleyways to the towering beauty of a bamboo forest, everywhere you look is a postcard to bore your jealous friends with.

5. The architecture…

Neon-lit skyscrapers, traditional tea houses and temples all meet at the crossroads of Japan’s architecture, blending both the past and present so at the end of a day out exploring, you really feel like you’ve just travelled through time.

6. People watching…

The Japanese take great pride in their appearance so simply observing the passing parade of well-dressed locals and their eclectic style is an adventure for the eyes! How do they make ‘jeans and a t-shirt’ look so damn sophisticated?

7. The history…

It’ll take more than one visit to wrap your head around Japan’s 1624-year-old history, but you can get a sense of it by walking on the same stone pathways that the samurai and shogun once feuded over and see geisha-gowned tourists teetering around in the streets.

8. The craftsmanship…

Everywhere you look you see craftsmanship at work. Clothing, food, architecture, art, even everyday objects are carefully designed with beauty and simplicity in mind, to not only be used for the purpose they were intended, but to be admired as well. Beauty is everywhere and in everything!

9. Onsens…

Besides the therapeutic benefits and sense of Zen that comes with the whole steamy onsen experience, there’s just something so damn liberating about being in public in your birthday suit. Don’t be shy, give it a try!

10. Fascination factor 10/10…

There’s soooo many layers to Japan. It’s a sumo slam of tradition meets modernity and a destination that once you’ve visited, I promise – you’ll never look at life in the same way again. I can’t wait to go back!

Here’s a look at our 13-Day Japan Crafts and Culture adventure departing in October, 2025.