Travel to Japan and Experience the Best of Both Worlds

Cherry blossoms, or sakura, are in bloom from March until May. (Photo courtesy of Japan National Tourism Organization)

When travelers think of a place where state-of-the-art skyscrapers stand side by side with ancient shrines, or where modern shopping centers and age-old fish markets are a stone’s throw away from one another, Japan immediately comes to mind.

The Land of the Rising Sun is a place where modernity and centuries-old tradition blend in harmony. Tourists and citizens alike can visit a shrine where time seems to have peacefully stood still for centuries, after which they can proceed to experience the futuristic, urban setting of big cities with its bright, high-definition digital billboards and the latest gadgets available on every block.

Seasoned and first-time travelers would agree that only Japan could offer the best of both worlds with its seamless blend of traditional and new.

Hanami

One of the most-widely anticipated annual events in Japan is the centuries-old Hanami, or viewing of the iconic cherry blossom flower which comes to bloom throughout the country with the arrival of spring.

According to predictions from the Japan Weather Association, the cherry blossom — also known as sakura — will first greet the world in Fukuoko on March 22, followed by Osaka and Nagoya on March 27, Tokyo on March 29, before flourishing across the rest of Japan up until May.

The Hanami is a time for leisure and for relaxing with family and friends while enjoying a picnic under the sakura tree. The much-awaited custom allows people enjoy the fresh spring weather as their eyes feast upon the stunning scenery of buildings, temples and shrines blanketed with the soft pink and white hues of the cherry blossom.

Some of the best spots to enjoy Hanami in Tokyo is at Ueno Park, Shinjuku Gyoen or Chidorigafuchi. Sumida Park also offers the contrasting yet striking view of sakura trees lined along another Japanese icon: the Tokyo Skytree tower.

Parks for the young and young at heart

If your travel dates do not coincide with the Hanami season, fear not as the island nation has a plethora of destinations and festivities to offer throughout the year.

On the top of that long list is, without a doubt, the famous, seaside Tokyo Disney Resort. Located on the outskirts of Tokyo, the resort houses two theme parks: Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea.

The first offers visitors six themed area to explore, namely World Bazaar, Adventureland, Westernland, Critter Country, Fantasyland, Toontown and Tomorrowland.

And in accordance with its name, Tokyo DisneySea was designed with a nautical theme and consists of seven area, including American Waterfront, Mediterranean Harbor, Mysterious Island, Mermaid Lagoon, Arabian Coast, Lost River Delta and Port Discovery.

The park is surrounded by a blue lagoon that accentuates the Toky DisneySea experience.

Additional parks that are worth visiting are the Universal Studios Japan and Sanrio Puroland.

The Hollywood-themed studios can be found in Osaka and occupies 39 hectares of land which houses eight distinctive areas named after US cities and movies, such as Hollywood, New York, San Francisco, Jurassic Park, Lagoon, Waterworld, Amity Village and Universal Wonderland.

The park plans to unveil its ninth major attraction this year, which is sure to be a hit among muggles: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, for the grand opening of which Universal Studios Japan and Warner Bros plan to invite the iconic characters of Hogwarts, including Harry, Hermione, Ron, Dumbledore and Professor Snape.

Meanwhile, Sanrio Puroland, located in Tokyo, offers attractions and shows suitable for children. Still, whether you are young or old, if you are a fan of the iconic Hello Kitty, this park is not one to miss. Sanrio Puroland opens daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., but be sure top check their website for any assigned closing dates.

Shop till you drop

Last but not least, a trip to Japan would not be complete without indulging in some retail therapy, especially as the country’s jaw-dropping array of products can appease to even the choosiest of tourists.

As one of the world’s most distinctively elaborate fashion capitals, Tokyo offers fashionistas a dream shopping destination with its endless choice clothes, accessories and make up.

The famed Shibya district is the capital city’s center of youth fashion. Leading, brands and retailers have made their mark on the district, particularly a 10-story building called Shibuya 109, which houses hundreds of boutiques.

For travelers looking for more affordable items, Tokyo also offers a wide choice of secondhand and vintage stores located in the Shinjuku, Ginza and Harajuku districts. If you are lucky, you might walk away with a vintage designer bag, wallet or even a dress for a steal.

On the northern shores of Kyushu island, Fukuoka also has major shopping districts that offers no less exciting retail experience. The city’s Kamikawabata district gives shoppers the chance to stroll along the Fukuoka Hakata ward, which is lined with unique shops.

Meanwhile, Osaka has its own shopping district where travelers can spend the day browsing through endless shops on Shinsaibashi.

The district houses major fashion retailers whose shelves are decorated daily with the latest accessories. Shinsaibashi is the perfect place for tourists on the prowl for fashionably casual, yet affordable clothes.

If those choices still don’t quench your shopping thirst, head to Nagoya’s downtown area of Sakae, where the hip and edgy youth of Japan find their perfect ensemble in shops that line the streets, from Sakae Station to Yabacho Station.

Feeding the inner geek

Manga lovers can head straight to Akihabara, which has quickly gained a reputation for being Japan’s center of all things anime. However, the district is also well known for it’s extensive array of electronic goods, making it the perfect destination to satisfy the geek in all of us.

With hundreds various-sized electronic stores offering both the latest and second-hand goods, Akihabara is definitely a mecca for gadget aficionados.

Be prepared to lose yourself for hours browsing through a sea of high-tech and unique electronic products.

What are you waiting for?

If you want to embark on these exciting adventures and immerse yourself in the unforgettable experience that is Japan, Singapore Airlines (SQ) offers promotional fares to the Land of the Rising Sun. Its flights will take you to various entry points that can then lead you to your chosen destination.

The promo return fares, with terms and conditions apply, start from US $650 for flights bound to Tokyo-Narita, Tokyo -Haneda, Osaka, Nagoya and Fukuoka, all of which apply to travel dates from Feb. 28 to Sept. 30, 2014.

However, exceptions will be made for the following: June 13 to July 4, and July 18 to July 31, 2014.

These fares will be available at the World on Sale, International Travel & Holiday Fair (ITHF), in which SQ is participating and offering promotional fares. The event will take place from Feb. 28 to March 2, and is open for public from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the Jakarta Convention Center Hall B, Senayan, South Jakarta.

A multitude of travel agents will be available to help you book SQ’s promo fares to Japan and make any further arrangements.

After purchasing your promotional ticket, you will stand the chance to win exciting gifts from SQ and the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) by exchanging your purchase receipt at the SQ booth. But be sure to check the terms and conditions that apply before making the exchange.