Japan

“Drink your tea slowly and reverently, as if it is the axis on which the world revolves- slowly, evenly, without rushing toward the future”
Thich Nhat Hanh

Describing Japan, in a nutshell, is as difficult as describing the entirety of the United States. But despite the regional diversity, some things remain a constant throughout. The spectacular natural landscapes and green spaces will be well-manicured and tightly contained within their allotted boundaries. The cities, no matter how large and frenetic, will be impossibly quiet. The people obey thousands of unwritten and written rules without a second thought and exude an air of politeness not often witnessed around the globe. But the food just might be the most baffling and intriguing layer of Japanese culture.

The efficient minimalist lifestyle of Japan bleeds onto their dinner plates. An array of saltwater specialties plucked straight from the ocean, ready for consumption without even touching a flame. Warm and cold noodle dishes seasoned with pungent nori and fish sauce. Organ meat, skewered, seared, and served alongside cheap alcohol. The foodie culture in Japan is world-renowned and while I dove in headfirst, I can’t say I loved all of it. Wonderful and weird, Japanese cuisine is sure to leave you with some strong opinions one way or another.

Japan Travel Guide

Recommended Cities: Fukuaka, Hiroshima, Osaka, Kyoto, Magome, Hakone, Nara, and Tokyo.

Minimum Recommended Trip Length: 2 weeks

One Bucketlist Item You Cannot Miss: Embrace the ancient traditions of Japan in some way on your trip. If your budget allows it, stay in a Ryokan with private onsens, or for a more budget-friendly experience participate in a traditional matcha tea ceremony in Kyoto.

Things to Consider Before You Go: Transportation is the most costly expense in Japan. You can cut costs immensely by skipping the bullet trains and opting instead for long-haul buses or cutting down the number of destinations you plan to visit in the first place. For all our budget-saving tips read the full blog post.

Estimated Backpacker Budget

On a Shoestring: $55/day

Flashpacker: $100/day

Backpacker Luxury: $200/day

Keep in mind these are backpacker budgets. On a shoestring expect to be cooking your own meals, sleeping in a cheap hostel, & skipping the more expensive tourist attractions. Backpacker Luxury opts for hotel rooms, eats in restaurants, and splurges on activities. Flashpackers are the middle ground & often do a mixture of both.