The 2020 Tokyo Olympics Games have been postponed! And traveling to Japan seems like a distant dream now – only it’s not. You can now sightsee Japan through the comfort of your home. Of course, virtually, with the help of live streams that have popped up all over, assuring us that we’re not missing out on much. So get into your comfiest best, we’re about to zoom into the culture and tradition-rich land of the rising sun.
Experience Japan Like Never Before
Here are 8 live streams (all linked below) to immerse yourself into the rich culture of Japan. Konnichiwa!
1. Fusing the concepts of tradition, innovation, and nature, the Japan National Tourism Organization has created a visually exciting video, which takes you on a 360-degree virtual tour of the country, showcasing 16 of its most unique attractions, such as the Tokyo Tower, Kyoto’s Sagano Bamboo Forest, Nara Park, and the torii gates of Fushimi Inari Taisha, among others. Titled ‘Japan: Where Tradition Meets the Future’, it can be viewed on YouTube or one can use VR goggles like Google Cardboard for an immersive experience.
2. For all the animal lovers in the house, watch polar bears Rossy and Vanilla as they engage playfully at Nihondaira Zoo in Shizuoka City or watch purr babies Goma, Rai and Mikan in a cat cafe near Fushimi Inari in Kyoto! Another option is to watch an Oriental white stork pair at the Shounji area they are expected to hatch some eggs soon.
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3. Did you know that the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world is the Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo? Wonder what it’d be like if you stood right there and watched everything unfold in front of your eyes? You can watch the live stream here we’re sure you’ll be bowled over.
4. Springtime in Japan calls for ‘hanami’ – the Japanese traditional custom of enjoying the transient beauty of flowers. Also known as the ‘cherry blossom festival,’ people gather under blooming cherry blossoms for food, drink, songs and companionship. There are several 360-degree virtual reality videos featuring the flowers in full bloom in spots like Ueno Park in Tokyo, Miharu Falls in Fukushima, and Hirosaki Park.
5. Located in Shizuoka prefecture, Mochimune is a small Japanese town with a beautiful fishing port. It is also the perfect spot to get the best view of Mount Fuji! So go on, take a self-guided virtual tour of this place here.
6. Situated in Niimi, Western Okayama Prefecture, Makido is a limestone cave full of unique spaces. With an underground lake and brightly colored stalactites, traverse through the otherworldly charm of this cave here. Visitors are also known to throw coins in the ‘Sensui’ (garden pond) in hope of their wishes coming true.
7. Shukkeien’s Garden, which can be translated into English as “shrunken-scenery garden”, is filled with miniature valleys, mountains, and forests. Sit inside the Seifukan Tea House and marvel at the beauty around. Take a tour here.
8. Lastly, don’t forget to visit the snow paradise of Japan – Niseko Village. It has evolved into an internationally recognized haven for outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and adrenaline junkies. Take the plunge here.
While there is so much more to Japan, we hope you enjoyed this virtual tour. We can’t wait for the day to relive this tour for real!
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