Getting in the Right Mindset for Your Future Fun-Filled Trip to Japan

May 26, 2025

People travel to Japan for many reasons. Exploring the intricate history and sampling the delightful bites might be two of the top reasons. However, one common objective for many visiting the Land of the Rising Sun? Immerse yourself in the local entertainment.

If your trip date is getting closer, then you are probably preparing your itinerary already. However, it's not only important to plan. You also need to get into the right headspace for a fun trip! For those wondering how to do just that - well, we've got a few great ideas for you.

Engage in the Gaming Culture

Whether you're a gamer or not, it's undeniable that Japan has a major gaming culture that is easily one of the best ones in the world. From best-selling consoles to major video game franchises, the country seems to have it all.

For instance, think back to some of the best retro games of the 90s. Super Mario 64 or The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. These are just two of the most iconic series in gaming history, and they both originate in Japan.

So, if you're looking forward to enjoying the gaming options you have in Japan, why not start it off by first delving into one of the aforementioned titles? And if you're looking for something more modern - check out recent titles like Final Fantasy 7 Remake or Pokémon Sword and Shield.

Of course, not everyone is an avid video gamer, and perhaps what entices you most are more casual options. Luckily for you, Japan isn't just about hardcore gaming. It also enjoys a flourishing casino gaming community.

This is ideal for those who want to enjoy more traditional games, like blackjack and poker, where the right strategy may help you win. Or you could delve into slots, and let luck be your guide, rather than skill.

However, it's important to remember that many casinos in Japan, even in more touristy areas like Tokyo, might not have any English-speaking dealers. As such, if you're not very well-versed in the ins and outs of certain casino games, we'd suggest you do your homework or look at alternative options. For instance, you could opt to play through an online casino platform to make your life easier. These online casino sites are home to a wide library of games, usually containing more options than brick-and-mortar locales, thanks to their lack of physical limitations.

This would allow you to try out any option that catches your eye, all from the comfort of home, or even on the go through your phone or tablet - without needing to worry about the language. And if you're already familiar with the games, entering a physical casino in Japan will be a whole lot less daunting; you won't be depending on the staff to explain the rules to you, and you'll be experienced enough to join at any table or machine you want with confidence.

Diving Into Popular Anime

If you're looking to see a glimpse of Japan before you arrive, then what better way than through one of their famous animated series? Anime has become a global sensation in recent years, easily spreading beyond smaller niche communities.

And there are plenty of modern anime on TV that you are certain to enjoy, regardless of your typical preferences. Plus, they can be found on major streaming platforms like Netflix, although specialized apps like Crunchyroll would be your best bet for a larger selection of options.

Whether you go with a cute and funny shoujo like Ouran High School Host Club or an action-packed show such as Black Clover, there's no wrong option. There's a bit of everything for everyone, with plenty of genres you can explore as easily as conventional TV shows.

Plus, each one will offer a unique point of view of Japan, even when showcasing fantastical lands. You'll get the chance to see how regular people in Japan go about life, or you can dive into its mythological folklore. All of this will allow you to gain a deeper understanding of the country and prepare you for your future trip in an unconventional way.

Exploring Beyond the Mainstream

While sticking to what's popular is great, sometimes the best way to find out more about a nation is through their more niche entertainment. For instance, you may have seen clips of funny Japanese reality shows but there's more to it than pure clickbait, so this may be an interesting option to explore.

Or, you could stick to watching something more cultural, but just as entertaining. A great place to start is perusing YouTube for some traditional Japanese tea ceremony videos. If you're more of a sports person, then Japan also has plenty to offer. For example, you could catch up on the current season of baseball or go for some amateur wrestling videos.

Ultimately, delving into unorthodox paths can be exactly what you need to open up your mind prior to your trip. Make sure to give various options a chance!

Conclusion

This may be a wrap on how we'd go about setting ourselves in the right mindset for a trip to Japan, but it's only the beginning as there's so much more left to explore… But we'll leave that part for you to enjoy during your upcoming adventure.

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