The land of the rising sun is a kaleidoscope of charisma and colour. From the blush of the cherry blossom trees to the glaze of neon lighting up Tokyo, nowhere else on Earth blends ancient wisdom with ultra-modern technology quite like Japan. Splurge on silk kimonos, sip Sake, and unravel all your senses; here are 10 reasons why Japan makes a divine holiday destination for a getaway with the girls…

It’s Amazingly Safe

Japan is considered one of the safest countries in the world for female travelers and hosts a staggering 10 million tourists every year. People are used to travelers and welcome them with ease, the infrastructure is mind blowing in its modernity, female only accommodation comes as standard, and the crime rate is pleasantly low. On the global peace index, Japan rates as number 8 out of 162!

You Can Find your Zen in an Onsen

Plunge into simmering waters and experience the relaxation of Japan’s Onsens. An Onsen translates to hot springs, but set against the Haiku like landscapes of Japan, this will be like no spa day you have experienced before. The Japanese have been bathing in Onsen’s since the 8^th century and there is a whole culture surrounding them; taut rules and rituals to make bathing with your sisters a sacred moment. If you dream of sinking down into warm waters against a flurry of snow then the Asahidake Onsen is a perfect choice, or opt for a traditional gold and silver silky water Onsen in the charming town of Kobe.

It’s Easy to Travel Around

Whether riding the subway in the sprawl of Tokyo or criss crossing the country on the bullet train, Japan may be big but it is super easy to navigate. The Japan Rail Pass offers fully flexible travel, buy it for a one, two or three weeks and enjoy pretty much unlimited rail journeys across the country on the JR Network. The Suica and Pasmo prepaid IC cards are another fabulous feature for those who don’t want to go through the hassle of buying tickets each time they want to take a train on metro lines.

There is Stunning Scenery All Year

Japan is a generously sized country, from the dazzling bright lights of Tokyo to the delicate countryside, remote sandy islands, and snow-capped mountains – there is an endless array of choice. Japan knows how to put on her best dress whatever the season. From strolling the cherry blossom spring streets of Kyoto to watching snow monkeys bathe in hot tubs, wandering the five lakes of Fuji while the trees shimmer in their Koyo colors of red and gold – Japan has a gift for every mood.

You Can Embrace Geisha Culture and Dress up as a Maiko

The streets of Kyoto are famed for their fascinating ancient Geisha culture. From tea ceremonies to the rare pleasure of catching sight of geisha beauties ducking into a doorway, geishas are an integral part of old Japanese culture. Take the girls and book a Maiko dress up session. Let an expert apply your makeup, dress in a kimono of the softest silk, and explore the streets of Kyoto for a magical photography session.

There Are Female Only Accommodations

Some travelers feel calmer in gender specific accommodation and Japan is a country that understands this. In Tokyo, you can stay in a female only capsule hotel and there are also women only train carriages for getting around. Traveling can be daunting and to ease the feel of intimidation, particularly for solo females, these hotels can be a dream. In Japan’s spas and Onsen’s genders are also separated, so you can indulge in a touch of spa bliss without feeling self-conscious.

Japan Boasts Some of the Best Food in the World

Wandering through the neon glazed streets of Tokyo, the air is thick with the scent of Japanese cuisine. Japanese food is some of the best in the world, whether it’s ramen noodles in a rich broth, sushi so fresh it melts on the tongue or fluffy and filling gyoza. Dining in Japan can be highly cost effective, but be sure to always save room for sweets. Japanese deserts are bright and beautiful and you will adore popping a jellied bean paste youkan into your mouth, spooning fresh parfait, and cooling down in the summer months with a coffee jelly.

Friendly Locals Are Always Willing to Help

The people in Japan are always excited to meet travelers and are often keen to help, there is a reason Japan is renowned for being one of the friendliest tourist destinations in the world. If you look lost you can sure that someone will swing by to pore over the map with you, and even if they don’t speak your language, they will still pull out their phones to help you on your way.

Plenty of Opportunity to Shop Until You Drop

From affluent boutiques selling artisanal wooden combs and falling silk kimonos, to wild markets brimming with weird and wonderful treasures and slick city streets lined with souvenirs. Japan is a shopper’s paradise. Those visiting Tokyo should be sure to swing by the upmarket district of Ginza to find gorgeous authentic toys at Hakuhinkan and in Roppongi you can find piercing silver samurai swords.

Enjoy the Bright Lights

At night, Tokyo turns into a blaze of neon lights beneath the soaring skyscrapers. Whether you want to sing along with the girls at a legendary karaoke club or if you prefer to cram into one of the hole in the wall rock and roll bars, either way in the capital you can dance until the dawn. Shibuya in Tokyo is one of the best spots for young and raucous fun, with the local clubs pulling in many famous international faces to spin the decks. The red-light district of Kabukicho and the Golden Gai area is another spot teeming with hidden gem bars down the tight knit alleyways.