Japan values its cultivated traditions and practices as much as it values keeping in touch with the future. Whether grounded in history or in religion, Japanese customs are still widely practiced to this day. There are many ways travelers can experience authentic Japanese heritage without having to spend too much money. A visit to a shrine, temple, or castle would provide fantastic insight into Japan’s diverse history and how Japanese society has developed.

Additionally, Japan holds festivals year round that symbolize various aspects of culture and tradition, which are held in very high esteem by Japanese people. For anyone looking to delve further into Asian history and heritage, look no further than Japan.

Gourmet: Satisfy the most discerning of palettes, as well as the strictest of budgets.

One of the major attractions of traveling throughout Japan is trying different local cuisines in every town you visit. While sushi is in fact a large part of Japanese heritage, myriad flavors from all around the world have contributed to Japan’s robust foodie culture, attracting more and more culinary figures worldwide to try the new eastern hot spot. It should therefore come as no surprise that Tokyo is ranked the number one food city by Food and Wine magazine, not to mention the fact that Tokyo has more stars in the prestigious Michelin Guidebook than any other city in the world. From noodles to sashimi to gourmet French cuisine, Japan has the food to satisfy the most discerning of palettes, as well as the strictest of budgets.

Gourmet Navigator is a website that allows you to search for restaurants in Japan. You can narrow down information by area, sort by cuisine and price bracket, and obtain ample information on menus and coupons.

Pop Culture: Explore everything Japanese pop culture has to offer.

Modern Art: Visualize Japan’s treasured heritage and its cutting-edge future. From its brightly tiered pagodas to its sleek glass buildings, its colorful prints to its budding social commentary, it is clear that modern art and architecture of Japan have a distinctly robust style. The assimilation to nature has been a fundamental design element for Japanese artists dating back centuries, an aesthetic which is still implemented to this day, (see the ACROS building in Fukuoka as a clear example). Travelers can visualize Japan’s treasured heritage and its cutting-edge future through modern design and architecture, where some of the world’s pre-eminent artists display their talent throughout the country.

Ski: A diamond in the rough for ski enthusiasts and families worldwide.

Niseiko Intl. snow resorts, situated roughly sixty miles southeast of Sapporo, Mount Niseko-Annupuri towers over the surrounding landscape at 4,291 feet in height. Clustered around the mountain are Niseko Annupuri International Ski Area’s four world-class resorts: Niseko Annupuri International Ski Area, Niseko Village Ski Resort, Niseko Mountain Resort Grand Hirafu and Niseko Hanazono Resort.

If you ever thought that visiting Japan was just something for your bucket list, think again. Jump aboard Japan’s famous, and always improving, bullet trains and travel the Golden Route. Start in modern Tokyo, pass through Hakone with its majestic views of Mt. Fuji, and then end in the ancient capital of Kyoto a land of temples and traditions. But don’t stop there. Hop the train to nearby Osaka, and old merchant’s town that is now a bustling city famous for food and its nightlife. Or go further with a trip to Hiroshima, the city of peace and the jewel of Hiroshima Bay World Heritage Site Miyajima Island.