Anne Frank famously called herself a "little bundle of contradictions", a phrase that would apply to Japan as well! Japan may be a small nation, but it is forever pulsating with intense dynamism – a state that can only happen in a land where the past coexists seamlessly with the present. Everyone has their own reasons for wanting to visit Japan: to tuck into her yummy food, to enjoy unspoiled natural scenery, to engage in activities that range from outdoor sports to anime and arts performances. Regardless of their motivations for visiting Japan, everyone is bound together by a common desire to experience this synergy between the past and present – and a need to plan for their trip. Personally, I have visited 34 out of 47 prefectures in Japan and have gained considerable experience when it comes to planning a trip to Japan. Would you like to listen to some of my recommendations?

Enhance your knowledge Japan is a nation steeped in history and heritage, so reading as widely as possible will go a long way in understanding why Japanese people hold on fervently to their customs and traditions. Many a time, these traditions are even incorporated into modern technology, so an intimate appreciation of her sociocultural background will help you see how the past is inextricably connected to contemporary times. Sites like My Top 10 Japan are a great resource for getting up to speed with Japan; they offer you interesting articles that are often written from the author’s personal experiences! You can also obtain your daily dose of current affairs news from newspapers and magazines like The Japan Times and Nikkei Asian Review.

Determine your travelling period Although it is common knowledge that Japan boasts four spellbinding seasons, travellers are often surprised to find out that the climate can vary drastically in different parts of Japan during the same season. For instance, I found myself woefully unprepared in Tottori prefecture, a land replete with snow during winter. I was quite grateful when I left Tottori for Okayama prefecture which embraced me with open arms via her mild climate. So don't make the same mistake as me; check out the weather conditions specific to the region you are visiting so that you are not caught off-guard!

The same applies to national holidays. Try to avoid travelling during the long stretches of holidays: the New Year period spanning from the last few days of December to the first few days of January and the first week of May (also known as Golden Week). Also take note of Obon (a Buddhist event to commemorate one’s ancestors) that takes place from August 13 to 15. Although this is not an official holiday, business operations come to a standstill as millions of Japanese flock back to their hometowns. If your schedule compels you to visit Japan during these peak periods though, consider spending time in rural prefectures so that you do not have to jostle for space with hordes of domestic tourists. I once visited Shikoku – the smallest of the four main islands – during Golden Week and had a lovely time exploring the Buddhist temples and pristine beaches!

Prepare your itinerary Apart from preparing a list of the tourist attractions you will like to visit, you might want to check out whether there are any festivals or special events during the duration of your visit. Immensely proud Japanese people band together to organize raucous festivals that will highlight their local rituals and beliefs - and generously welcome foreigners who are interested to watch or even participate alongside them! Crowd-favorite festivals like Sapporo Snow Festival in Hokkaido or Gion Masturi in Kyoto are renowned the world over, but do mark your calendar with other festivals that showcase a distinctive local flair. The Drunken Horse Festival in Kumamoto and Ose Matsuri in Shizuoka are examples of charismatic festivals that come readily to mind! When in doubt, simply make your way to the Tourist Information Centre that is located strategically near all major JR train stations. The counter staff will be more than happy to enlighten you about the festivals and special events that are available!

Plan your transportation and accommodation Savvy, seasoned travellers will know of the Japan Rail (JR) Pass, a value-for-money way introduced by Japan Railways to enable foreigners to traipse across the country on all JR trains, including some bullet trains. But do you know that taking domestic airlines can sometimes be cheaper than using the JR pass, depending on your travel route? Low cost carriers like Skymark and Peach provide easy-to-navigate websites in English; just be sure to scrutinize the prices and book your tickets two months before your trip to secure the best prices. Not forgetting overnight buses offered by the Willer Express that enable you to catch a night of sound sleep and wake up the next morning in another prefecture.

Accommodation-wise, travellers are spoilt for choice as they can choose from a plethora of enticing options ranging from capsule hotels to manga cafes and even love hotels! I would recommend staying at a capsule hotel so that you can see for yourself how salarymen spend the night when they miss their last train home. Coupled with the thrill of snoozing in a capsule that surprisingly does not feel as claustrophobic as one might think, capsule hotels are the bomb as they provide a holistic experience that includes spacious lounges, massage chairs and communal baths. The same can be said of manga cafes. Not only can you help yourself to free flow of beverages, you can pass time blissfully by browsing through manga books and even using the 24/7 Internet service!

Are you excited about planning a trip to Japan after reading this article? Indeed, you get what you put in, so if you invest some time to put together an itinerary that fully caters to your budget and travelling style, you will be able to soak in the multi-faceted charm of Japan!