Why 2025 Is the Perfect Year to Explore Japan’s Past, Present, and Future
From the thunderous excitement of sumo tournaments to the quiet reflection of Hiroshima and Nagasaki’s 80-year memorials, Japan in 2025 offers a striking blend of tradition, remembrance, and forward-thinking innovation. Whether you’re immersing yourself in rural life with the SATOYAMA EXPERIENCE or exploring cutting-edge technology at the Osaka Expo, this is the perfect year to see Japan’s many faces — from spiritual to futuristic. Here’s what not to miss.
Experience Japan’s national sport
With the Grand Sumo Tournament coming to London in October this year, why not experience the sport in its home country too. Two-week sumo tournaments are held six times a year in four different locations – Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and Fukuoka – offering travellers many opportunities to catch a live match. While a single bout of highly technical pushing and shoving can be over in mere seconds, the ritualistic aspect of the sport makes for an engrossing spectacle and is a must do when visiting Japan. Due to its popularity it is advised to book tickets to matches in advance. Seat prices vary depending on how close you sit, however even if you find yourself a little set back from the action, the sheer force of two man-mountains colliding at ferocious speed sends shockwaves around the entire arena.
80 years since the Atomic Bombing in Hiroshima & Nagasaki
In August 2025, the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki will commemorate 80 years since the atomic bombings of the two cities (Hiroshima – 6th August, Nagasaki – 9th August). In October 2024, the astonishing work of the survivors’ group, Nihon Hidankyo, was awarded with the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of its efforts in calling for the abolishment of nuclear weapons and promoting world peace. The next generations of the survivors continue their elders’ efforts in nuclear abolition. In 2025, a series of ceremonies, projects and memorials will take place across both cities to remember the lives that were lost. Learn about the tragic events of the bombings in 1945, the lasting impact on the cities and the ongoing legacy of the survivors at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and Nagasaki National Peace Memorial Hall.
Explore the Osaka Expo 2025
The Osaka Expo 2025, running till 13th October on Yumeshima Island, will spotlight global innovation and sustainability under the theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.” Featuring over 150 countries and 25 international organisations, the event will offer cutting-edge exhibits, cultural exchanges and interactive experiences through advanced technologies like augmented and virtual reality. Highlights include “National Day” celebrations, futuristic mobility solutions and artistic collaborations, all designed with a focus on environmental harmony. The Expo aims to unite millions of visitors globally, both in-person and through a special virtual platform. Tickets are available for sale in the UK via the Japan Experience website from £39.
Immerse in local culture with SATOYAMA EXPERIENCE
Offering immersive countryside experiences through guided tours and cultural activities, SATOYAMA EXPERIENCE, a local tour company, was founded in 2010 by a couple passionate about sharing rural Japanese life. In 2020, the brand expanded to include SATOYAMA STAY, addressing local accommodation shortages and encouraging sustainable tourism by promoting overnight stays in the region. The accommodation does not provide dining options, instead it encourages guests to dine locally at nearby restaurants. Through their cycling tours, participants are able to connect with the community through interactions with local farmers who often engage travellers in conversations about rural life and sustainable agriculture. Travellers who book an overnight stay with SATOYAMA EXPERIENCE are also granted access to a range of guest-only activities which include cooking classes, farm visits, Izakaya tours and more.
Explore Japanese tradition in the Echizen-Takefu region
With the recent opening of the Echizen-Takefu shinkansen station making this historical region more accessible, why not pay a visit this year and explore Japanese tradition. Make a stop at the Takefu Knife Village and watch ancient knife-making techniques in action or pay a visit to the Echizen Soba Village to learn about soba noodles and experience making your own bowl of soba noodles. The area is also home to the Udatsu Paper and Craft Museum located in the Echizen Washi Village which is one of the last of its kind to make paper using traditional tools. The techniques used here date back roughly 1,500 years.
