The best things to do in Japan
Japan is a land of contrasts, its drastically different cities each with a reputation that precedes it and a list of things to do that would take years to tick-off. Take Hiroshima, whose tragic past to this day remains a dark cloud that often overshadows its true character: a thriving cosmopolitan community of trendy coffee shops, crowded stores, and friendly locals. Kyoto’s wood-built streets, traditional dining, and lantern-lit geishas, on the other hand, are perfectly preserved pictures of old Japan – but its late-night karaoke bars and 100-yen sushi restaurants are equally exhilarating. Then there’s Tokyo and Osaka, both ultra-modern metropolises of neon-lit skyscrapers and high-octane entertainment. Even here, countless opportunities to connect with Japan’s traditional culture abound, from ancient shrines and temples to sumo stadiums. The common thread that runs through the country is the magical marriage of traditional and high-tech, centuries-old and contemporary, old and new.