We’re Turning Japanese!

Over the last couple of years we have seen a huge rise in the number of people booking cruises that visit Japan. Maybe it’s the fact that many people have done the Mediterranean & Caribbean itineraries and are now wanting to look at somewhere different or whether a certain Joanna Lumley has prompted people’s interest after her TV series? Who knows? But in answer to this demand we are celebrating all things Japanese this week. I would certainly like to take a trip there and see some of the natural beauty spots & experience a very different culture.

There are so many things you shouldn’t miss it may not be possible to see everything on one trip. Here are just some of the ‘must see’ attractions:

MOUNT FUJI

The highest mountain in Japan towers some 3776 metres above sea level & gives a breathtaking photo opportunity. It’s still classed as an active volcano, although the last eruption was way back in 1707. There is an old Japanese proverb ‘He who climbs Mt Fuji once is a wise man, he who climbs it twice is a fool’ .

THE BULLET TRAIN

These sleek trains reach speeds of 200 miles an hour and are renowned for their impeccable punctuality record. People start looking at their watches if the train isn’t in the station just seconds after it’s due – a far cry from our own rail network! Many of our Japan packages include a trip on the bullet train.

CHERRY BLOSSOMS

You only have to look at this picture to see what a beautiful spectacle this really is. There are several places where you can see the cherry blossoms, but in the Shinjuku area of Tokyo you can visit Gyoen park, one of the most popular places to enjoy the spring blooms from late March in to April.

SUMO WRESTLERS

This sport is to the Japanese what football or cricket is to us Brits. The rules are simple: the wrestler who first exits the ring or touches the ground with any part of his body besides the soles of his feet loses. There are no weight restrictions or classes, meaning that wrestlers can easily find themselves matched off against someone many times their size.  For this reason weight gain & a substantial diet is crucial.

ROBOT CABARET

This is certainly one of the stranger things you will see in Japan and one you may find difficult to explain to your friends. You will be see neon tanks come out to battle alongside Godzilla, robots, samurais and ninjas. Dancing girls in colourful outfits join dinosaurs and pandas on stage against a backdrop of video screens. Definitely an eye-opener!

These are just a few things not to miss in Japan. See more by clicking here.

To see our collection of cruise & stay holidays in Japan click here. You can see all of the above and much more!

Sayonara for now!