Why Japan Should Be Your Next Holiday: Culture, Cuisine and Captivating Sights
Dreaming of Japan as your next holiday? Here’s what we love most about it.
2.4min read
Published 17 November 2025
Guest Blogger
Dreaming of Japan as your next holiday? Here’s what we love most about it.
Japan is a once-in-a-lifetime destination for foodies, culture buffs, or anyone who loves gorgeous architecture. Somehow, it’s a spot that feels both futuristic (especially as you board the bullet train or explore the neon alleyways of Tokyo) yet very traditional at the same time. From ramen noodles and onsens to karaoke and temples, Japan has something to fascinate every kind of traveller. And luckily for South Africans, it’s becoming easier than ever to book Japan holidays, with a Flight Centre expert able to tailor a package that covers flights, accommodation, transfers, and tours.
In this blog
What Makes Japan Special
A trip to Japan is packed with contrasting landscapes and experiences. Major cities like Tokyo and Osaka hum with energy and bustle. They’re packed with neon signs, super malls, food stalls, and skyscrapers, alongside tiny back alleys with apartments, izakayas (Japanese pub), and specialist stores. Then on the other hand, there are villages like Kyoto which slow everything down. Smaller villages and towns are where you’ll find wooden teahouses, old-school ryokans (traditional Japanese inn), and zen gardens. The countryside offers another layer of discovery: there are snow-capped mountains for skiing, steaming hot springs thought to have healing properties, and even coastal fishing villages where you can relax beachside before sitting down to a traditional meal.
Foodies will be delighted to know that the cuisine is a highlight literally everywhere you go. Often, we think of Japanese food as sushi, which can be made in front of you by a master chef. Otherwise, there’s ramen slurped shoulder-to-shoulder in tiny noodle bars, katsu chicken, and street markets serving everything from skewered yakitori to sweet taiyaki pancakes.
Top Things to See and Do
You could spend weeks in Japan and still feel like you’ve only scratched the surface. It’s an enormous country with plenty of different regions to explore. If you’re looking to experience some of the highlights, here are the bucket list destinations:
- Tokyo: From the famously busy Shibuya Crossing to futuristic skyscrapers, robot hotels, and anime megastores, to gorgeous gardens, Tokyo truly is in a class of its own. The New York of the East always delivers on a good time!
- Kyoto: Famous for golden temples, geisha districts, and Arashiyama’s bamboo groves.
- Osaka: Japan’s food capital, with endless street eats in Dotonbori and the historic Osaka Castle.
- Mount Fuji: A bucket-list climb for hikers or a perfect backdrop for a day trip.
- Nara: Known for friendly deer and the massive Buddha at Todai-ji Temple.
- Hokkaido: A dream for skiers in winter, and a wildflower wonderland in summer.
Flight Centre can arrange Japan tours, from foodie-focused journeys to cultural explorations. Options include guided walking tours through Kyoto’s old districts or small-group adventures combining Tokyo, Hakone, and Hiroshima.
Practical Tips for South Africans Travelling to Japan
- Best time to go: Spring (March–May) for cherry blossoms or autumn (September–November) for colourful leaves. Winter is perfect for skiing in Hokkaido, and summer offers lively festivals.
- Travel time: Around 18–20 hours from South Africa with one stop, usually in Dubai, Doha, Hong Kong or Singapore.
- Visa requirements: South Africans need a visa for Japan, which can be arranged ahead of time. A Flight Centre travel expert will guide you through the process.
- Getting around: The Japan Rail Pass makes train travel affordable and efficient, especially for multi-city itineraries.
Ready to Plan Your Trip?
A Flight Centre expert can put together a Japan holiday package built around your dates, budget, and interests. We can handle everything, including flights from South Africa, handpicked hotels, and tours or cruises. All you have to do is sit back and dream about what you’ll see, do, and eat on your trip.
Speak to a Flight Centre travel expert today and we’ll help design a trip that fits you, from tea ceremonies in Kyoto to neon-lit nights in Tokyo.
