Why is Japan Overrated?

The Land of the Rising Sun has long been seen as the ultimate clichéd fantasy destination of anime lovers and introverted dreamers alike. The praises for the land of samurai, sakura, and sushi are sung ad nauseam across social media and through the perspective of doe-eyed visitors alike. However, does the Japanese experience deserve such high praise?

A surprising number of travellers find themselves feeling rather disappointed, while some might go as far as to say Japan as a whole is overrated!

How could that be? What isn’t being talked about? It’s time to explore why some visitors might need to manage their expectations before touching down in Japan.

The article may contain affiliate links through which I may be compensated at no extra cost to you, dear readers!

Let me Explain…

Before my blasphemous claims that Japan is anything less than spectacular cause a great deal of emotional distress among cosplayers and manga maniacs worldwide, let me make one thing perfectly clear.

A select proportion of visitors can feel somewhat disappointed when they discover that their dream destination isn’t quite like they imagined it would be. Some travellers feel a little short-changed by the towering expectation given to them by those who claimed it to be the Shangri-la they were looking for, only to feel bitterly underwhelmed.

These are not people who went into it with a predetermined hatred; these are people who have always dreamed of visiting Japan someday. Daydreams and fantasies were enough to get them through the day. It’s these same people who ultimately feel somewhat let down with what the experience ends up being, as much as they would hate to admit it to themselves.

Living in a Simulation

If I had to describe Japan in a single word, it would have to be “pristine“. From the futuristic technology on street corners to its immaculate streets, temples and overall behaviour, everything is run as smoothly as its transport systems – completely faultless.

Couple that with a society that prioritises respect above all else, and you end up with some of the politest people on Earth. Here, dignity and etiquette are simply a way of life.

As wonderful as that seems, it often feels like a dystopian reality – a place free of those characteristic flaws and quirky traits that give somewhere that unique spark of life. Like walking through the lively bazaars of Istanbul or the glowing streets of Bangkok, there’s something incredibly charming about the chaos and disorder of it all. It’s the difference between the gleaming white interior of a Starbucks and the warm, rustic charm of a mahogany-filled cafe; both completely different atmospheres.

This society of following the rules even when nobody is watching feels quite “buttoned-up“, some might even say “stuck-up“. You feel as if locals never truly let their hair down. It’s a place where tomfoolery and shenanigans are only permitted at predetermined times and locations. Organised fun, an oxymoronic society.

The Japanese People

While the Japanese people are certainly standing on a podium for one of the most polite societies on Earth, interacting with them on a personal level can be more difficult than you would think.

Locals here tend to be quite closed books, valuing their privacy more than most. Not that it’s necessarily a bad thing, as far too many Westerners relentlessly share far too much. However, it does make getting to know Japanese people beyond a surface level quite difficult.

The most disconcerting aspect, however, is the oppressive politeness that you often experience. There’s something awfully eerie about the beaming I can’t afford to lose my job smiles permanently etched on the faces of service workers and 7/11 cashiers throughout the country. It feels that happiness is often mandatory. Worse yet, it feels insincere and forced, which makes a lot of people feel uneasy.

Too Many Tourists

It’s pretty nonsensical to complain about crowds when travelling. As aggravating as the ravenous tourist horde invariably is, do you really expect to have a private experience when trying to catch a glimpse of the Mona Lisa or Buckingham Palace?

Nevertheless, having to elbow your way through seas of bodies can still be a nightmare at the best of times. Now consider that Japanese cities are some of the most densely populated on Earth, and home to some of the world’s most beloved tourist destinations. It creates the perfect storm where waves of tourists crash headfirst into centuries of tradition.

Tourist hotspots become a gauntlet of aspiring influencers holding up the line in their rented kimono and perilously waving camera stabilisers. Good luck trying to spot a Geisha along the streets of Kyoto, as they’ll be far too busy trying to avoid the inconsiderate tourists who insist on sticking cameras in their faces.

The result is that these once cultural, historical and highly spiritual sites suddenly feel commercialised and touristy, far from the experience you were hoping for. Rather than retracing the footsteps of Japan’s ancient rulers and elite, it feels more like wandering through the manicured streets of Disneyland (the princesses in their kimono certainly help with that!) It completely defeats the purpose of visiting the site in the first place.

On that note, tourists shouldn’t wear a kimono anyway! Here’s why…
Why Foreigners Should NOT Wear Kimonos!

Walking on Eggshells

Since the dawn of time, Japanese society has revolved around its strict etiquette and deep-rooted traditions, which continue to shape everyday interactions and social hierarchies. From the ever-so-graceful bow to meticulous tea ceremonies, these customs reflect a cultural emphasis on respect, harmony, and discipline.

While everywhere has its own customs and social faux pas, in Japan, it’s like constantly walking through a cultural minefield. Placing your chopsticks upright in rice or speaking too loudly on public transport might go unnoticed elsewhere, but here you’re unintentionally breaching centuries of tradition.

There’s an unspoken expectation to observe the rules, which isn’t immediately obvious to outsiders. You’ll find yourself in a constant state of worry, “am I doing something wrong? Is this allowed? Am I offending everyone?”

The pressure to behave ‘correctly‘ can be exhausting, especially when the line between respectful curiosity and accidental offence is so thin. Needless to say, it doesn’t create the most relaxing atmosphere.

The Food

Have you ever wondered why you’ll hear “I’m going for some sushi” far more often than “some Japanese“? Well, that’s because the pool of Japanese cuisine simply isn’t that deep.

Don’t get me wrong, who doesn’t love a hearty bowl of ramen or the satisfying crunch of freshly made tempura? That being said, the variety of cuisine in this country is pretty limited and highly repetitive.

You’re not going to get the culinary feast you might get in the likes of Italy, China or even Thailand. You’ll be able to enjoy a couple of classics, and that’s it.

Seen One Temple…

Even after years in Asia, I never bought into the belief that “once you’ve seen one temple, you’ve seen them all.” The golden facades of Bangkok’s chedis or the snow-covered pagodas of northern China certainly argue against that. Even so, Japan is the only place where that statement has some validity.

The very nature of the Shinto religion is one of humility, and their temples reflect that beautifully with their simplistic monochrome appearance. Beautiful in their own right, no doubt; however, one wooden temple and an immaculately designed Zen garden don’t look all that different to any other.

Of course, there are exceptions to every rule – Tokyo’s Sensoji, Kyoto’s Kiyomizu-dera and Hiroshima’s Miyajima, to name a few. Yet despite having thousands to choose from, it’s surprising how few stand out compared to what the rest of Asia has to offer.

It’s a Vibe, Not the Attractions

Cities like Tokyo are highlights in their own right, acting as incomparable sensory-hyperactivity that makes hallucinogenics seem unnecessary. That may be so, but what exactly are you planning to see in Tokyo?

Put it this way: London, New York, Rome – chances are you’ve already thought of five spots that you’d love to check out. But what about Tokyo? Surely the images of the Shibuya Crossing definitely come to mind, though you probably never knew its name. But what else sticks out to you? What are the iconic sites on that sacred bucket list?

That isn’t to say that there aren’t incredible places to see across Japan. On the contrary, some of the most iconic sites on Earth can only be found right here. Yet in some cases, it’s more about experiencing the city or the vibe rather than anything specific in it.

Value for Money

The bad news is that Japan is one of the most expensive countries on Earth, ensuring that you’ll burn a hole through your wallet faster than any bullet train. Trips to the land of the yen cost thousands. Everyday costs like transport, accommodation, and even simple meals tend to be noticeably higher than in most other countries. As such, these costs quickly add up.

So for that kind of price, you’d expect to get bang for your buck, right?

As wonderful as Japan can be, it can be hard justifying such an extraordinarily high price, especially one that’s simply too unaffordable for most. Now consider that just across the ocean sits Southeast Asia – a vibrant region of the world also renowned for its culture, natural beauty and spirituality, while just a fraction of the cost. Why would I spend four times more for a slightly duller experience? What would a couple of thousand afford you there?

Impossible Expectations

There’s one simple reason why many people feel disappointed with their Japanese experience – the pedestal is far too high.

This incredible land and its independently evolving society remained secluded for much of its existence, covering it with an air of mystery that still lingers to this day. From the secrets of sumo, samurai, and geisha to the torii-loving religions, it’s very easy to romanticise what unimaginable wonder Japan must have to offer. While you can experience that in doses, expectations typically far outweigh the reality you arrive in.

Some picture each and every corner of the country to be a single long anime episode, gleaming with two-dimensional perfection. Fair-skinned ladies tip-toeing between wooden teahouses and old men sweeping temple courtyards at dawn is only a tiny sliver of what life is really like here. They’re a dying breed, living artefacts of Japanese heritage, though sadly no longer the norm. Things are far less dramatic than you hoped they’d be.

If you’ve been fortunate enough to travel in the eastern half of Asia before, arriving in Japan can feel like a bit of a damp squib. It’s a bitter anticlimax – something that didn’t quite touch your soul the way you hoped it would. Despite certainly being able to say I liked Japan, and would more than happily return to that sacred land, I couldn’t claim to have loved it as much as I hoped I would. A place that should be on a top 5 list, sadly, doesn’t make the cut.

“Why Are You Saying This?”

“Why do you have to be so negative? Can’t you write something positive about Japan instead?” As a matter of fact, I have! I’ve written several articles on this very website that sing its praises to no end…

There’s a nice little shameless plug for you right there…
A Guide to Tokyo’s Yokocho and Tiny Bars!

Regardless, it isn’t exactly a struggle finding a multitude of social media posts, blogs and 10k Instagram superstars endlessly singing the praises of this great land – it’s been covered enough.

Yet, I’m still surprised how frequently “what did you think of Japan?” is answered with a hesitant “it’s great…”, as if that’s what they were expected to say, like a regretful bride in a new hopeless marriage.

I really wanted to love Japan; it was a place I truly thought would have been an all-time great on the old travel list, but I’d be lying if I said it was. While my time there was still incredible and unforgettable in many ways, I’m saddened by the fact that it didn’t quite strike a chord the way I thought it would.

That’s the reason I wanted to write this article; not to discourage people from travelling to Japan, far from it. Simply manage your expectations.

Thank You for Reading Why is Japan Overrated? Check Out These Other Helpful Links!

Thank you so much for reading Why is Japan Overrated? Check out these other helpful articles!

• Travel Plan: How to See Rockabilly Dancers in Tokyo

• Why Foreigners Should NOT Wear Kimonos!

• A Guide to Tokyo’s Yokocho and Tiny Bars

• The 20 Best Highlights to See in Kyoto