20 Reasons Why Travelling to Japan is a Complete Waste of Time

Why bother travelling all the way to Japan? The food, the culture, the sights —It’s all just too much to handle. Who wants to endure an eight-hour flight, only to land in a country so overwhelming that every moment feels like a sensory overload?

Trust me, I’ve been there. Japan is the kind of place that leaves you spellbound, and not in the good way. The natural beauty? Stunning. The food? Mouth-watering. The people? Unfailingly polite. But isn’t that just too exhausting? Who has the energy for endless amazement and unforgettable experiences?

Let me break it down for you: Here are 20 reasons why travelling to Japan is a complete waste of time.

Also read: Top 10 Most Overrated Asian Destinations, Revealed

1. Their Mountains are Bleh

Japan‘s mountains are just… there. Take Mount Fuji, for example. Sure, it’s a perfectly symmetrical volcano and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but who needs that? Hiking it? Too much effort. Gazing at its snow-capped peak? Overrated. Nature’s show-offs are so unnecessary.

2. Japanese People Dress Weird

Harajuku? Shibuya street style? It’s just too much creativity and self-expression in one place. From elaborate cosplay to avant-garde fashion statements, their outfits make the rest of us look like we’re still in the stone age of style. Dressing that well daily? They’re setting unrealistic and unfair standards, to be honest.

3. And They Take Bathing Too Seriously

Hot springs, or onsens, are everywhere in Japan. Some even come with stunning mountain or seaside views. Then there are the bathhouses, complete with traditional rituals for relaxation and purification. Spending hours soaking in healing waters while gazing at nature? No thanks, I’ve got my shower at home.

4. Cherry Blossoms are Simply Overrated

Cherry blossom season, or sakura, is hyped beyond belief. People gather in droves to picnic under the pink blooms, snapping photos and sipping sake. But why? They’re just flowers! They last only a couple of weeks, and everyone treats them like a miracle. I can buy a pink plastic tree and call it a day.

5. Roller-Coaster Rides Aren’t Even Scary

Think you’ve seen it all? Think again. Fuji-Q Highland boasts record-breaking coasters like Eejanaika, a “4th dimension” ride that spins you every which way. But let’s be honest: Why risk a heart attack for a few minutes of adrenaline-fuelled fun?

Also read: Insane Roller Coasters in Asia to Include in a Thrill Seeker’s Bucket List

6. The Festivals Are Boring

Japan has too many festivals, each more vibrant than the last. From the Jidai Matsuri in Kyoto to the Nagasaki Lantern Festival, it’s all just too colourful, too lively, and too steeped in history and tradition. Who needs fireworks and dancing in the streets when you can stay home in your pyjamas?

7. Every Temple Looks the Same

Temples in Japan? Seen one, seen them all. Never mind that places like Senso-ji in Tokyo and Kinkaku-ji in Kyoto showcase architectural masterpieces, serene gardens, and centuries-old stories. It’s just more ancient history trying to impress you.

8. Shrines Go On Forever

Fushimi Inari‘s thousands of torii gates? No thanks. Walking through them is supposed to bring blessings, but honestly, who has time for all that effort? Not to mention the countless other shrines scattered across the country. Enough already!

9. UNESCO World Heritage Sites Are Everywhere

Japan seems to collect UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Pokémon. From Shirakawa-go‘s picturesque thatched cottages to Hiroshima’s Genbaku Dome, the sheer volume of culturally and historically significant places is exhausting. How can anyone keep up?

10. What Do I Need Castles For? I’m Not Royalty

Majestic structures like Osaka Castle and Matsumoto Castle are stunningly preserved relics of a bygone era. But let’s face it: Unless you’re cosplaying as a feudal lord, walking through their grand halls and climbing their towers is just unnecessary cardio.

11. Picking a Café Is Exhausting

Cat cafés. Owl cafés. Flower-themed tea houses. Robot cafés. Themed cafés where you can dine with characters or immerse yourself in a fantasy world. The variety is endless and overwhelming. Can’t we just have plain, boring coffee shops like everyone else? It was always easier with only one option: Good ‘ol Starbucks.

12. Deer Roam Around Like They Own the Place

In Nara Park near Kyoto and Osaka, deer freely wander the streets and bow to tourists. Feeding or taking selfies with them might sound cute, but shouldn’t deer know their place? Shouldn’t wildlife stick to forests and zoos? The audacity!

13. Vending Machines Sell Everything. Where’s the Human Touch?

Japan’s vending machines aren’t just for snacks and drinks — They sell hot meals, fresh produce, clothes, and even umbrellas. While incredibly convenient, they’re just too efficient. I’ll take talking to the grumpy cashier at the local 7-Eleven near my place over convenience, thank you very much!

Also read: Bizarre Vending Machines in Japan – the Ayes and the Nays

14. The Toilets Are Too Advanced

Japanese toilets are a marvel of engineering. Heated seats, built-in bidets, automatic lids, and music options — It’s all too much for a simple bathroom break. Using one feels like piloting a spaceship. Is that what we really want from life?

15. The Trains Are Too Punctual

Japan’s trains are so punctual that they apologise for being 20 seconds late. They’re also clean, efficient, and comfortable. But who wants public transport that doesn’t involve delays, overcrowding, and general misery? I mean, isn’t that what normality looks like?

16. Japanese Food Is Just… Okay

Fresh sushi, rich ramen, sizzling yakitori — Meh. Japanese cuisine might be a UNESCO-recognised cultural treasure, but it’s just food, right? It’s not like their culinary artistry and attention to detail are worth travelling for. What’s more, it will cost you a bomb to have such heavenly food at a Michelin restaurant such as Sukibayashi Jiro. Not worth it, me thinks.

17. The Shopping Will Bankrupt You

Can I just say that you could buy anything, and I mean, anything, in this amazing store? I swear, stores like Don Quijote have everything you could possibly want, but walking out without spending your life savings is impossible.

18. Pokémon Is for Kids

Pokémon Centres are magical places brimming with exclusive merchandise and interactive games, but isn’t Pokémon just for children? But let’s be real: Who over the age of 10 would find that exciting? (Spoiler: everyone.)

19. Their Theme Parks Are Too Cute and Fun

Sanrio Puroland, DisneySea, and Universal Studios Japan are way too immersive. Between the kawaii overload and the high-quality attractions, you’ll forget the outside world exists. And that’s just not practical.

20. The Nightlife Is Too Lively

From karaoke joints that stay open until dawn to neon-lit districts like Shinjuku in Tokyo and Dotonbori in Osaka that never sleep, Japan’s nightlife is just too… vibrant. How can anyone keep up with that kind of energy? Whether you’re sipping sake in a cosy izakaya or belting out ’80s hits in a private karaoke booth, it’s all too fun and too social. A quiet night in with Netflix and pizza sounds far more manageable, don’t you think?

So Don’t Even Bother

See what I mean? Japan is an absolute disaster. From landscapes so beautiful they look like paintings to cultural experiences so enriching they make your usual holidays feel like a waste, it’s just not worth the trouble. You’ll come back with too many memories, too much inspiration, and an unshakable longing to return — Who needs that kind of emotional baggage?

Also read: 16 Things Japan Does Better Than Your Country

Save yourself the hassle. Stay home, keep life simple, and stick to your routine. Because once you’ve seen Japan, the world will never feel the same again. And who’s ready for that level of disappointment? I’d rather settle for mediocrity.