#15 Things to See and Do in Japan

3. Experience Hanami

One of the most popular times to visit Japan is cherry blossom season; something so special and unique to Japanese culture that there’s a whole verb devoted to it: hanami. Typically hanami involves just taking the time to appreciate the blossom, although at its best, it involves looking at the flowers from the vantage point of a picnic rug, surrounded by friends and enjoying food and drink. There’s a poignancy inherent in the custom; since the season is so short lived, part of hanami’s appeal stems from a recognition of the transience of life. The season is predicted, like the weather, by professionals so that people can plan ahead and make the most of it.

4. Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

Bamboo is a vital (literally!) part of Japan’s rich history and this enchanting forest will transport you to a place of utter serenity – an incredible feat when you consider that you’ll actually be in the heart of one of the country’s busiest cities – Kyoto – when you visit. Towering stalks of bamboo filter out noise and, indeed, the outside world here – and the impact on the daylight provides endlessly gorgeous photo opportunities. There’s more than one way to take in the forest, whether on foot along its marked walkways, or from the saddle of a bicycle – either way, it’s a restorative experience.