Amazing Things About Japanese Culture That The World Can Learn From

The Japanese are known for their expertise in various fields, and their example sets a high bar for the rest of us. From the health benefits of shinrin-yoku to the stress-relieving practice of visiting an onsen, these are seven things about Japan from which the world can learn.

Relax at the onsen

Not that long ago, visiting the public baths or sento used to be a daily part of life for people living in Japan, and today, you never have to go far to find one. Baths and hot springs alike are viewed as a relaxation tool rather than a way to get clean. Going for a nice long soak at the onsen or sento has numerous health benefits as well, from relieving stress to alleviating medical conditions, depending on the type of water used.

Temples and shrines bring communities together

Torii mark the entrance to Shinto shrines

Kaiseki takes cuisine to a new level

The world can learn a lot from the world of Japanese cuisine. It’s a place where quality is prized above quantity, and variety is the spice of life. Kaiseki is Japan’s fine, elevated cuisine and the specialty of the country’s cultural capital, Kyoto. There are no rules when it comes to kaiseki, but it’s meant to be a feast for all five senses. It’s typically made with fresh seasonal ingredients, and color, taste, presentation, and health are all carefully considered.

Kaiseki is meant to appeal to all five senses

Celebrate the seasons with hanami

Hanami or flower gazing is a national pastime in Japan, and it has been going on since the Heian Period. The most popular time for hanami is spring when the sakura blossoms. Hanami basically describes appreciating the beauty of nature and the seasons, and many people like to host a picnic in the park under the sakura.

Tea ceremony has lessons to teach

The Japanese tea ceremony is the art of preparing, serving and appreciating tea. It teaches us to be fully present in the moment, to be humble and to always strive to improve. While tea ceremonies are organized according to traditional conventions and aesthetics, it’s a process that can never be perfected, so practitioners are always trying to improve their technique.

Traditional gardens are not just pretty to look at

Traditional Japanese gardens come in all shapes and sizes, and they are often designed according to time-honored aesthetic principles. The Japanese are experts at appreciating nature, and beautiful public parks and gardens can be found throughout the country. It’s here that the idea of forest bathing or shinrin-yoku came about. Spending time in nature is known to have numerous health benefits.

Japanese gardens are a way to appreciate nature

Unrivaled service inspires companies everywhere

Japan’s service industry is arguably the best in the world. The staff aren’t being polite and attentive in hopes that you’ll give them a good tip (there’s no tipping culture in Japan), and there’s no need to thank them at the end of a transaction. They’re simply doing their job.

Japan’s service industry is the best in the world

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.