Japan: Culture and Heritage

Japan’s Culture

Japan is a magical land where ancient traditions and architecture exist harmoniously alongside gigantic skyscrapers, and lightning-fast bullet trains connect futuristic cities to classical temples and conventional tea houses. With liberally drawn in influences from Asia and the rest of the world, this is your chance to delve into a unique culture unlike any other, with delightful new surprises around every corner!

At first glance, Japan may seem like a uniform society to you, with the ubiquitous cherry blossom serving as a symbol of national identity. However, set out on a walking tour of old Tokyo and you will discover significant cultural differences between communities that call it home, expressed mainly through their food. Japanese is the official language of Japan, while English is commonly spoken in most urban centers and some rural areas. Apart from Shintoism, Buddhism is Japan’s main religion.

As you travel past quaint villages and settlements during your Japan vacation, you will find that nearly every village boasts something unique – be it an art form, craftwork, or cuisine! You may just stumble upon beautiful artwork sold amid the lesser-known alleyways of Tokyo, or learn the art of calligraphy from a Master in Kyoto. You can also choose to see Noh and Kabuki style Japanese theater in Tokyo -both incredible in their own way. Witness woodblock printing and the art of washi papermaking, or learn Ikebana – the ever-popular Japanese flower arrangement art.

Musically, Japan ranks as the second-largest market in the world for music after the USA! The nation’s fervor for world music is perhaps best experienced at a bustling karaoke bar in Tokyo. From the old to the young, the throng of humming crowds and the sheer energy in a city bar will inspire you to sway the night away!

To the Western world, the geisha and maiko (a geisha-in-training) are synonymous with Japanese culture. The striking face and elaborate coiffure of a geisha, ever immortalized in the book and movie, Memoirs of a Geisha, tell tales of mysterious and charming entertainers who grew in number especially in the 1900s. Today, trained in hospitality and art, you will see geishas in Kyoto when you visit conventional tea houses.