I’d seen all the photos and heard all the stories but it wasn’t until I experienced Japan for myself that I understood why everyone was rushing to visit it.

All countries are unique and special in their own way but Japan is something different altogether. It’s home to ancient temples, towering skyscrapers, bustling megacities and centuries old traditions that all exist in perfect harmony.

Here are seven reasons why you need to go ASAP:

#1 Ramen. Need We Say More?

All your ramen dreams will come true in Japan. The delicious broth soup is everywhere and comes in all different variations.

Tokyo and Kyoto stations have their own ramen streets (yes an entire street of ramen in a station) and the options are endless. You can buy a bowl for just $12 and a lot of places are 24 hours.

Aside from ramen, the rest of the food is also amazing. Everything from sushi, to udon to tempura is made to perfection. If you’re food lover, head to Dontonbori in Osaka. It’s a famous foodie destination where you can even buy a hot meal from a vending machine.

#2 Witness Quirky Everything, Everywhere

Japanese pop culture is one a kind. Go to a record store and listen to J-pop, visit the Harajuku district to see the out there (and super cool!) street fashion or visit Akihabara or all your anime dreams.

Quirky cafes are aplenty and unique to Japan. You can choose from cat cafes, owl cafes, dungeon cafes, Hello Kitty cafes, toilet cafes, monster cafes; the list goes on!

#3 Make Your Childhood Dreams Come True

Yes Mario Kart is real! You can dress up as your favorite character and ride around the busy streets of Tokyo. You can even drive the infamous Shibuya crossing in your cart. It’s the ultimate way to sightsee!

#4 Experience Efficient Public Transport

Trains are always on time in Japan (always) and the network is extremely easy to navigate.

Everyone needs to experience a bullet train at least once. Trains don’t seem that exciting until you get to zoom around the island at speeds up to 324km per hour. It’ll be one of the smoothest rides of your life.

#5 Explore A Different Side To Japan In Kyoto

Japan is often associated with high-tech and fast cities but it also has an amazing history to be discovered in Japan’s old capital city, Kyoto.

Hire a bike and do a temple run, go Geisha spotting in the Gion district, walk through the peaceful Arashiyama bamboo grove and experience a tea ceremony.

#6 See The Super Clean Streets And Funky Toilets

The streets have no rubbish. I’m talking no paper, no cigarette butts… nothing!

There aren’t any bins on the street as people take their rubbish home to sort out correctly; everyone follows the rules. There’s a great respect for surroundings in Japan and even though Tokyo is crammed with almost 9 million people, it’s spotless.

Japanese toilets are also an experience. You can choose what music the toilet plays – I’ll leave it up to you to experience the rest.

#7 Meet The Friendliest People

One of the highlights of travelling is getting to meet lots of different people, and the people in Japan are what make it extra special.

English is limited but people will try to help you as much they can. Everyone from the station staff to restaurant workers to retail staff are insanely polite. The locals also love to share stories of their amazing country and make you feel incredibly welcome.

Hardeep is a freelance writer who is obsessed with books, travel and butter chicken. 

(Lead image: Pedro Szekely/Flickr CC)