Japan holds a very special place in my heart. Having visited twice now, I find myself completely blown away each time. There’s something about the country that quietly seeps into your soul, its culture, its people, its rhythm. It’s hard to put into words, but let me try. Here are five reasons why I absolutely love Japan.
1. The Serene Silence of Public Transport
Coming from India, the first thing that completely amazed me was the quietness on public transport. It’s a kind of silence that feels sacred. I never imagined a train full of people could remain so silent. No loud conversations, no blaring phone calls—just a sea of people minding their own business, often lost in their phones, books, or simply their thoughts. That shared sense of awareness and respect for everyone else’s space, it’s out of this world. For me, this peacefulness was not just surprising; it was deeply moving.
2. Almost Zero Petty Crime
The sense of safety in Japan is unparalleled. Wherever I’ve traveled, whether in parts of Europe or even back home in India—petty crime is a reality. It’s something you always have to keep in mind, especially as a tourist. But in Japan? It’s a completely different story. There’s almost no petty crime against tourists. No pickpocketing, no scam gangs lurking in touristy spots, no constant need to guard your bag or phone. I honestly don’t know what kind of social magic they’ve worked on a national level, but the peace of mind it gives is priceless. What more could you want from a destination?
3. Helpfulness Despite the Language Barrier
One of my biggest concerns before visiting Japan was the language barrier. I had heard that English isn’t widely spoken, and I was nervous that I’d struggle to communicate. But what I found instead was heartwarming: love, compassion, and an extraordinary willingness to help. While Google Translate has made things easier in recent years, it was the human effort that left the deepest impression on me. People would patiently take out their phones, use translation apps, gesture, smile, and go out of their way to assist, even if we couldn’t speak the same language. That type of kindness, that instinctive desire to help a fellow human being, is something I’ll never forget.
4. The Unbelievable Cleanliness
How can I forget the cleanliness? Japan is incredibly, mind-blowingly clean, even in places where you won’t find a single dustbin in sight. And yet, there’s no litter. Everyone takes their trash back with them. Even hotels guide you on how to sort and dispose of waste properly. It’s a national ethic, and it shows. The water bodies are pristine, the streets spotless, and the air quality in a mega city like Tokyo? Remarkably fresh. Sometimes I’d catch myself thinking, how is this even possible? It’s not just about infrastructure; it’s about collective respect and responsibility. And how can I not love that?
5. Culture, Art, and So Much More
And then, of course, there’s the sheer richness of Japanese culture. Whether it’s a captivating Maiko Dance performance, a serene walk through a historic temple like Senso-ji, or a mind-bending experience at digital art museums like TeamLab Borderless (picture above) Japan offers an endless array of experiences for tourists. But truthfully, it’s not just the sightseeing that makes me fall in love with Japan. It’s everything beyond the touristic checklist—the grace, the mindfulness, the quiet beauty of everyday life. That’s what keeps calling me back.