Travel to Japan: “The Land of the Rising Sun”

By Phin Upham

Japan is easily one of the most fascinating countries to visit in the world. What’s not to love about this Eastern gem? From a rich history in Buddhism to the withstanding traditional tea parties, to Harajuku fashion and crazy night clubs, to amazing natural hot springs, this country offers something for every type of traveler.

It is an incredibly advanced society which has kept its culture intact. Due to the fact that this country is an island, there is a richness to the culture as it hasn’t been tainted by westernization. It is a special blend of traditional and modern. The society is ahead of the game when it comes to advancing in technology and yet tradition is highly revered, arguably more than anywhere else in the world.

There is so much to do and see in Japan that it can be slightly difficult to pick out an itinerary, particularly for short trips. However, there are a few things that are absolutely not to be missed.

1) Tsukiji Central Fish Market, Tokyo: This place will absolutely blow your mind! Never before have I seen this amount of fish in any place! There are literally acres of fish sprawled out in this lively place. They have every delicious sea creature imaginable for sale: octopus, giant tuna, shrimp, lobster, and other exotic fish. There are auctions to participate in and observe. Even if you’re not a fan of seafood, the sheer chaos of the place makes for a fascinating day trip.

2) The Shores of Okinawa: Okinawa is a very interesting place in Japan. The people and culture are different on the island. Okinawa is not only where karate originated, but it also holds some of the oldest living people on earth. Japan and Okinawa in particular are known for longevity. The culture on this island and the unique cuisine are truly something to see. Not to mention that the island is absolutely gorgeous.

3) The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum: This memorial is a real tear-jerker but it’s also a remarkable place to visit. This museum honors those that lost their lives in the atomic bombing. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum leaves quite an impact on its visitors, but it’s also very educational and an interesting piece of world history.

Phin Upham is an investor from NYC and SF. You may contact Phin on his Phin Upham website or Linkedin page.