So many friends have been to Japan this past year and loved it – the food, art and culture and experiences. After having spent 16 days there I totally agree, but loved it for a deeper reason, the same reason India, Mexico and China are among my destinations of choice: the opportunity to experience a totally different culture and civilization. Unlike the other three destinations, it doesn’t reveal itself at first glance; one has to delve deep to appreciate its fascinating complexity, getting top guides to explain its political and economic history, culinary traditions, its fraught experience with nature, customs in family and social life. How to do this?What are some of the experiences to put on your list if you go, and travel tips for visiting Japan? I’ll be exploring this in several blogposts in coming weeks.