There must be something about Japan.
When you ask anyone about what they love about the Land of the Rising Sun, they'd give you a thousand reasons - from food, people, culture, and sometimes even dogs.
Here we explored the fascinating things about Japan and why our favorite Kapuso celebrities love to visit (and revisit) the country that is brimming with culture and history.
Akihabara is a district in central Tokyo famous for its electronics shop as well as the center of Japan's otaku (diehard fan) culture wherein many establishments are devoted to all things anime and manga.
Aside from cat, dog, owl, and bird cafes, bunny cafes have risen popular in the last few years in Japan. Alodia Gosiengfiao and vlogger Wil Dasovich once visited a bunny cafe in Osaka as one of their first few dates as a couple.
The short-lived yet magical tree lasts only 10 days that's why a lot of keen travelers keep a close eye on the cherry blossom forecast every year. One of them would be Kapuso actor Kristoffer Martin who dubs spring as his “favorite season in Japan” due to the blossoming trees.
The Tokyo Disneysea is perfect for the kids and the kids at heart. The theme park, located at Chiba Prefecture, features rides and attractions you can't typically find in Disneyland. Frequent visitors include Kris Aquino and sons, Joshua and Bimby.
Like most countries, Japan has an extensive collection of manners and customs that are interesting to learn. As a tourist, one must be aware of the basic rules. Kapuso host Mikael Daez learned this during his trip with girlfriend Megan when she told him to wash his hands and feet before entering a temple.
Mount Fuji is a symbol of Japan. So, if you're up for a little mountain trek, then maybe follow the footsteps of Heart Evangelista. Climbing season is every July and the view on top is just as breathtaking as the mountain itself when viewed from a distance.
Ginza is a neighborhood esteemed by everyone in Japan. It has everything--from fashion, gourmet, to beauty - they have it! Must try is the Ginza Crossing that will surely get your heart pumping for its infectious energy.
Hachiko is a national hero to the Japanese. So much so, there have been several movies made about him. So if you're in the area of Shibuya, make sure to keep your eye out for the bronze statue of Japan's most beloved dog like TODA One I Love star Kylie Padilla and husband Aljur Abrenica.
The Tokyo Imperial Palace is the main residence of the Emperor of Japan. Although the residence is surrounded by moats and massive stone walls, visitors are able to enter the inner palace grounds through guided tours and see the members of the Imperial Family.
Japan's railway system is so well-developed, punctual, extensive, and diverse that you can simply assume that wherever you plan to go--there is a train that will take you there. Even Kapuso actress Glaiza de Castro is a fan!
If you're thinking of Japan as a place with sublime gardens, temples, and shrines, you're probably picturing Kyoto. It is by far, Japan in a nutshell. Just like Thea Tolentino, you can rent a kimono and go around the town looking like a traditional Japanese geisha for a day.
Living accommodations in Japan are not at all difficult. Depending on your budget, Japan offers an extensive option ranging from hostels to business hotels and they always feel like home.
Japan is full of amazing art and sometimes all you have to do is look underneath your feet similar to Inagaw na Bituin actress Sunshine Dizon. Just about anywhere in the country, you can find stylized manhole covers that become more beautiful and intricate than the next.
Nara Park's main attraction is being home to hundreds of freely roaming deer which is considered to be messengers of the gods. Like our favorite comedian Boobay, you can feed these deers with crackers and some even learned how to bow to visitors to ask to be fed.
After Tokyo, Osaka is the second largest metropolitan area in Japan. Here you can visit Dotonbori for its famous display of the Glico Running Man, the moving gigantic crab, and a huge sushi so you're sure to post a fun photo like what Megan Young did here.
Even if you aren't a fan, you must have heard about Pokemon. And Japan is obsessed with the anime franchise. In fact, you can find several Pokemon Centers in Tokyo to get Pokemon-themed goods which make excellent souvenirs for the kids.
If you want to relive your childhood fantasies, why not try experiencing real-life Mario Kart Racing in the streets of Tokyo. You can dress up as your favorite Super Mario character and get to race around the city.
Ramen is Japan's iconic noodle soup dish that isn't only enjoyed in its home country but all over the world. And eating authentic Japanese Ramen is a highlight for a lot of tourists like Heart Evangelista. Heart advises that when in Japan, “Food tripping commences as early as you step out of the airport.”
The streets of Shibuya is probably the most colorful and the busiest of them all. The most prominent one would have to be the Shibuya intersection in front of Hachiko Exit where it is heavily decorated with neon advertisements and LED Screens.
The world's most populous metropolis that mixes the ultramodern and the traditional, from neon-lit skyscrapers to historic temples. Take a photo in every corner and it will give you instantly a pretty background.
For the avid amusement park lovers out there, Osaka's Universal Studios Japan is also a must-visit. The combination of Universal Studios magic and Japanese efficiency makes it one of the most enjoyable amusement parks anywhere.
Japanese vending machines speaks a lot about Japan's unique culture. The most obvious one would be that Japanese people work a lot and therefore value convenience.
When visiting Universal Studios in Japan, make sure to stop by the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The main ride is located inside the castle and is known to be one of the best rides for any Harry Potter fan. Another plus is you get to drink the world-famous butterbeer while feeling you're in Hogwarts.
If basketball is the national sport of the Philippines, then the same can be said to sumo wrestling in Japan. The ancient sport still continues today and in line with tradition, only men practice the sport professionally in Japan.
At the heart of Japanese culture lies Zen, a practice that is transmitted from master to disciple dating back to Siddhartha Gautama. The concept of Zen also lies in many of Japan's recreational parks where people can practice meditation in order to experience self-discovery and merging with the universe.