Japan bucket list: Konbinis, karaoke and kawaii culture!

The time has finally come. You're standing at the airport, and your night flight to adventure begins! You close your eyes and can already see the rising sun pointing the way to Japan. Is it glowing red on the horizon? Then you're flying towards your destination country's flag come true. It's both fitting and beautiful – the perfect way to ring in a trip to Japan!

Time to wake up – the Land of the Rising Sun awaits! Tokyo's endless concrete jungle spreads like a sparkling sea in every direction. When you arrive at the airport, everything around you is foreign, new and exciting. You quickly exchange your voucher for your Japan Rail Pass, then board the train and head off on your own to your hotel.
Your first impression? Overwhelming and difficult to put into words. You're surrounded by rows of towering buildings that light up in a sea of glowing neon signs and polished skyscrapers stacked alongside wooden houses and hidden temples. Swarms of black-suited businessmen rush through the streets past people whose wild outfits starkly contrast their own. Jingles resonate from the entrances of convenience stores as an advertising truck decked with the faces of a J-pop group drives by blasting colourful beats into the street. Tokyo is a metropolis in overdrive – and you want to explore every corner of it!

Today, you're exploring Tokyo's hippest districts. First stop: Shibuya! Right in front of the train station, you'll find Japan's most beloved four-legged friend, Hachiko. The bronze statue of the legendary Akita has been waiting for his master for 75 years and is always up for a selfie. But actually, you came here for something else: the world's most famous pedestrian crossing. This popular attraction has set a world record for being the busiest pedestrian crossing on the planet, with up to 3,000 people crossing the street every time the traffic light changes! Watch the vibrant hustle and bustle with a bird's-eye view from the observation deck of Shibuya Scramble Square (optional, payable on site). From up here, you'll also be able to see your next destination: Harajuku, the heart and birthplace of Kawaii fashion. Explore the district's lively and iconic Takeshita Street, and when you're done, head to the neon lights of Shinjuku. Go shopping, hop from one bar to another in the narrow alleys of Golden Gai, belt out your favourite song at karaoke or dance, drum and fight your way to a personal high score in one of the district's game centres.

Ohayou! Good morning! Today, you're strolling right into the heart of the Japanese entertainment industry: Akihabara Electric Town. You thought Shinjuku was colourful? Just wait till you see the neon jungle of Akihabara, where the high-rises shine in the colours of thousands of illuminated advertisements. From cosplay cafes, manga shops and video game arcades to electronics retailers, here, lovers of Japanese pop culture will find everything that makes their otaku hearts beat faster. After so much excitement, it's time for some refreshment. And Japan is famous for its culinary diversity. Whether it's tempura, udon, yakitori, ramen or sushi, you just can't go wrong! So find the nearest restaurant and be greeted with an excited 'Irasshaimase!' (Welcome!) as soon as you enter – a taste of Japan's wholehearted hospitality, a concept called 'omotenashi', for which the country is known the world over. Prefer a little snack instead? No problem! Just step into one of Tokyo's over 7,000 'konbinis' (corner shops), and you'll be surrounded by takeaway sushi, sandwiches, Japanese sweets and a flood of refreshing drinks. Itadakimasu! Enjoy your meal!