Konnichiwa! Hello and good afternoon in Japan!

RIEDEL Magazine, Issue 01 Spring 2025 | Text: Stephanie Geiger | Reading time: 6 minutes

Set amongst mystical mountains and sprawling megacities, Japan offers a travel experience that no one should miss. Anyone who hasn’t yet made it to Japan should definitely put the country right at the top of their bucket list. Text: Stephanie Geiger

Note on the edition

This article is taken from the Spring 2025 issue of RIEDEL Magazine. The information regarding the Osaka Expo refers to the World Expo held from 13 April to 13 October 2025, which has since ended. Entry requirements and opening hours should be checked separately before travelling.

A land of contrasts

Red-painted temple hall with a curved roof and a five-storey pagoda, cherry trees in blossom in front. — Japan is famous for its countless temples and shrines. Here is a famous example: the Buddhist Asakusa Shrine (Senso-ji Temple) in Tokyo.

The appeal of a trip to Japan lies in the country’s contrasts. The Japanese continue to uphold traditions – some of which are several thousand years old – with great meticulousness and passion to this day. At the same time, however, Japan is also synonymous with lightning-fast innovation, which is particularly evident in pop culture, fashion, architecture and art. No wonder, then, that as a traveller you might occasionally feel a little lost – much like the character Bob Harris in the film ‘Lost in Translation’ – amidst the overwhelming abundance of unfamiliar impressions.

Shibuya Crossing, with its gigantic electronic billboards, not to mention the many neon signs and lights, is an instantly recognisable landmark – much like Times Square in New York. Ginza, too, with its luxury boutiques and upmarket cocktail and sushi bars, is well worth a visit. If you fancy it, you can also visit a kabuki theatre there – a venue where traditional Japanese dances and plays are performed.

Shibuya Crossing, with its gigantic electronic billboards, not to mention the many neon signs and lights, is a instantly recognisable landmark.

Discover Shintoism at the Meiji Shrine

Wide panorama with the snow-capped volcanic cone above a lakeside town in the morning light. — Mount Fuji is a volcano and, at 3,776.24 metres, is Japan’s highest mountain. It is not only a popular subject for photographs, but also a sight that is not to be missed.

A stroll along Omote-Sando Avenue – a tree-lined boulevard featuring luxury shops and quiet designer boutiques – is an absolute must. The Meiji Shrine, with its extensive park, is also not far from here. The shrine is one of Japan’s most visited Shinto sites. Numerous signs in English explain the traditional Shinto rituals – making offerings and saying prayers at the main shrine, writing wishes on wooden ema tablets, or buying a lucky charm or amulet.

The journey from the Japanese capital, Tokyo, to Kyoto takes just two and a half hours on the Shinkansen high-speed train. Don’t be surprised if, as you board and alight from the carriage, a friendly train attendant bows politely with their hands clasped. This is part of Japanese etiquette.

Closely lined red gateways form a passage leading up a wooded slope. — A highlight in Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Taisha, with 10,000 of its famous red torii gates.

Kyoto is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating cities in which to discover the country’s rich tradition, with its numerous temples, shrines and cultural monuments. Foremost among these is the magnificent Golden Pavilion. This stunning building is covered from top to bottom in gold leaf and is surrounded by an idyllic little lake.

Another popular destination is the Fushimi Inari Shrine, which is also an important Shinto site. A corridor of thousands of red torii gates leads up through the woods to Mount Inari, from where a magnificent view of the city unfolds.

Japan’s cultural diversity

Two women in kimonos with red paper umbrellas walk along a narrow lane between wooden houses. — Geishas in the Gion district

Kyoto is also famous for its geishas. In the Gion district, you can still see women in elaborate traditional Japanese dress flitting through the alleyways. A geisha is a highly trained entertainer who delights her guests with song, dance and sophisticated conversation. A visit to the Gion district is also well worth it for the charming, wood-panelled restaurants, which serve delicious, authentic Japanese dishes at reasonable prices.

Experience Japan up close in onsen and ryokan

A bather sits in a steaming stone pool, behind which the view opens onto trees with red foliage. — ‘Onsen’ – the hot springs – in Japan are regarded not only as places of relaxation, but also as having great healing properties.

Three macaques sit chest-deep in the steaming water, resting on the snow-covered edge of the pool. — A popular photo opportunity and a funny sight: snow monkeys bathing in hot springs (‘onsen’).

No matter where you travel in Japan, a visit to an onsen should definitely be on your to-do list. Japan is of volcanic origin, which is why hot springs with mineral-rich water can be found throughout the country. The macaque monkeys bathing in the hot springs are a popular subject for photographs. But people also use the hot water to enjoy a relaxing soak. Japan has one of the most traditional bathing cultures in the world. It’s very important to remember: have a shower first, then step into the hot pools and relax.

Overhead shot of a bowl of noodle soup with egg, slices of meat and spring onions on light wood. — The Japanese place the utmost importance on quality and freshness in their cuisine. Alongside ramen, the absolute culinary highlights include tuna in all its forms and the first-class Kobe beef.

Culinary delights at every turn

Japan never ceases to surprise when it comes to food, and has far more to offer than just sushi, sashimi and ramen noodle soup. So-called ryotei offer fine Japanese cuisine. These restaurants are often so unassuming that you could almost walk right past them without noticing. But don’t let that put you off.

And a special tip for travellers is to stay in traditional accommodation. In so-called ryokans, meals are often included in the price of the stay. The delicious food, often of Michelin-star standard, makes the higher prices seem reasonable.

Of course, you should try raw fish in Japan, whether as sushi or sashimi. After all, where else can you be served fresher tuna that melts in the mouth than in Japan? But the broth-based fondue shabu-shabu, the pancake-like okonomiyaki and tonkatsu – pork cutlets breaded in panko – are also absolute must-tries.

The restaurants are often so unassuming that you could almost walk right past them without noticing them.

The Year of Osaka

Large letters spelling the city’s name stand in a park, with high-rises towering behind them. — Osaka

Tokyo may be more significant and Kyoto more cultured. But 2025 is undoubtedly Osaka’s year. From 13 April to 13 October, the Expo will take place on an artificial island in the harbour of this metropolis, home to 2.7 million people. The ambitious theme of the World Expo is: ‘Shaping the society of the future for our lives.’ The idea behind it could hardly be more visionary: to provide a space where the latest technologies and innovations can help achieve global sustainability goals.

But Osaka is worth a visit not just for the Expo; there is much more to discover there. Namba is the district for night owls. Foodies and gourmets will find what they’re looking for in Dotonbori. Not to be forgotten, of course, is Osaka Castle, the city’s landmark and one of Japan’s most important sights.

Anyone wishing to immerse themselves in Japanese Buddhism should visit the sacred Mount Koyasan. This ancient Buddhist temple complex lies south of Osaka amidst unspoilt nature. The best way to experience its unique atmosphere is to take a stroll and soak up the otherworldly tranquillity of the impressive Okunoin Cemetery, followed by an overnight stay in one of the temple lodgings.

However, Japan has so much more to offer in every season and for every interest: skiing on Hokkaido, the northernmost of the main islands, for example. Or, in summer, a hike up Mount Fuji or around Mount Aso, one of the ever-active volcanoes on the island of Kyushu.

Property in the international portfolio

However, for those who wish to discover and experience the Land of the Rising Sun more than once in their lifetime, there are also a few property gems to be found in the international RIEDEL portfolio – thanks to a unique partnership with Christie’s.

RIEDEL’s perspective

The article concludes with a point that goes beyond travel: thanks to the partnership with Christie’s, the portfolio also includes Japanese properties. Chalets in the ski resorts of Hokkaido, which the text mentions in passing, are particularly in demand there. Anyone considering buying property abroad should clarify the law on property acquisition, tax implications and local administration at an early stage. These matters vary considerably from country to country.

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