MODERN CULTURE & DINING

Traveling inspires curiosity and often begs for careful itinerary planning. With so many incredible sights across Japan, it can be difficult to narrow down the list of dream destinations. To take you along on their journey, ANA has invited five digital creatives to plan their own dream trips to Japan. 

International travel is an opportunity for exceptional adventure and once-in-a-lifetime experiences — but so much can be missed by lack of preparation. While the romantic notion of simply grabbing a bag and heading to the airport draws us in, a little preparation goes a long way. Follow these top tips to prepare for your trip to Japan.

To the citizens of Japan, the graceful folds of this wrapped silk garment hold significantly more meaning than just any wardrobe item. Although the literal translation is “thing to wear,” the kimono remains a beloved part of Japanese heritage and an icon within clothing design. 

When it comes to etiquette at the dinner table, Japan has its own unique traditions.The best thing you can do to prepare yourself is to come ready to learn with an open mind and humble attitude. 

Shoppers adore retail epicenters like London, New York and Paris and will quickly fall in love with Tokyo. As the second largest market in Asia, travelers will discover a wide variety of options from cool indie boutiques to vast department stores tempting with a bounty of souvenirs such as budget-friendly keepsakes, handcrafted traditional treasures and contemporary creations.

In search of an elusive modern work of art situated in a remote part of Japan, I traveled for over 22 hours by air, landing in Tokyo and continuing on to Fukuoka airport. There I took a subway ride to Hakata Station where I jumped on the sonic express train to Usa in Ōita Prefecture. Finally, we took a short drive to a lakeside park and began our hike.

It’s not unusual for a  Japanese cab to pull up at your guesthouse on Shikoku island to take you on a tour. The only difference? There’s a giant bowl of noodles on the roof. Meet the Udon Taxi. The otherwise unassuming car service provides visitors the opportunity to visit the best noodle restaurants in the area with a certified udon expert.

Few things translate as well as gathering with friends and loved ones with a drink and a toast. This holds true when you visit Japan, where beer is a popular drink and kampai offers a cheer of celebration. Discover what makes Japanese-style beer unique and make travel plans to taste the finest Japanese beer as well as local favorites. 

There are some foods we immediately associate with Japan, chief among them being sushi. These vibrant cuts of fish and seaweed rolls are iconic. Perhaps it's the excitement of eating something raw, or maybe the mystery of such perfectly sticky rice — either way, sushi is a must-eat item on any trip to Japan. 

In the heart of Tokyo, on the topmost floor of a luxurious resort, sits a spa. The space is serene, contemporary and dark — an immediate contrast to the bright lights and bustling excitement of the city below.

“Good water makes all the difference,” my guide explains as we tour a sake brewery that uses spring water from a source tapped 656 feet below the ground. At Nakano Sake Brewery in the castle town of Kitsuki, they take that water and combine it with mold and rice, waiting 40 days for it to ferment and brew.

JAPANESE FASHIONFashion is a major component of Japanese culture. From the refined elegance of a silk kimono to the avant-garde displays of street style, Japan is a fashion destination. Delve into the history of these seemingly opposing moments in style — and...