Muscat to Japan

Muscat, the capital of the Sultanate of Oman, has a character quite different from the other flashy emirate capitals. There are very few high rise buildings, and even the utilitarian edifices in the city reflect tradition using domes or Arab architecture style windows. The result is a stunningly beautiful and uniform city showcasing a fair blend of culture and modernization.

The Omani capital is famous for its sparkling souks and mouth-watering seafood, but something about Muscat that sets it apart from its neighbours is the cliff-top landmarks and thrilling terrains. Muscat means “safe anchorage,” and the sea plays an imperative role in the lives of the city residents, by helping sustain the fishing industry and providing opportunities for visitors to swim alongside the turtles in the lagoons. The economy of the country is dominated by trade, petroleum, and porting.

How to reach Muscat

By Air – The Muscat International Airport is the only international airport. Air India Express offers flights to Muscat from Amritsar, Delhi, Kochi, Kozhikode, and Thiruvananthapuram. For travelling from outside of India, one can choose from operators like Oman Air, British Airways, Gulf Air, Lufthansa, and Emirates, depending upon where they are travelling from.

By Bus – One can hop on any of the buses by the Omar National Transport Company to travel to Muscat from Dubai or Abu Dhabi. There are a few other bus services that run to and from Muscat on a daily basis.

By Car – One can drive to Muscat from the United Arab Emirates, which takes about 6 hours. There is another route from Al Ghaydah, Yemen, which takes about 6 hours via the border-crossing at Sarfeit to Saraha, and another 10 hours to reach Muscat. There are many car rental services available in the city. One can use the driving license from their home country to drive around Muscat for up to 90 days.

What to do in Muscat

Muscat, the beautiful capital of the Sultanate of Oman, is a vibrant place to visit. It is embedded between the Arabian Sea and the rugged Hajar Mountains. The city is actually a collection of smaller towns that have grown together over time. The area of Muttrah, where most tourists gather, is surrounded by rocky outcrops surrounding a cosy port. The development of the Royal Opera House is another feather in the cap of the city’s contribution to the global cultural map. There are incredible places to visit and amazing things to do in Muscat. Some of them are as follows:

The Royal Opera House

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

The National Museum

Al Alam Palace

Marina Bandar Al Rowdha

Mutrah Souq

Bait Al Zubair

Sultan’s Palace

Mutrah Corniche

Ghalya Museum of Modern Art

Oman Grand Canyons

The Batinah Coast

Museum of Illusions

Muscat Gate Museum

Al Jalali Fort

Omani French Museum

Omani Children’s Museum

The Sultan’s Armed Forces Museum

Enjoy water sports

Eat at Al Angham Restaurant

Relax at some of Muscat’s secret beaches

Eat out at the streets of Ruwi

Go on a Muscat Hop-on Hop-off bus tour

Go on a Wahiba sands tour

Go on a dolphin cruise

Visit the Chedi

The many sightseeing options in the city will unravel its mysteries, and enthusiasts can opt from a wide range of tours provided by various operators. These tours to help the tourists to understand more about Muscat’s roots, and unveil the true beauty of the Omani capital.

Major Airports in and Around Muscat

The Muscat International Airport is the sole international airport that connects Muscat to the rest of the world. Oman Air is the primary carrier of Muscat. The other airlines that operate in Muscat include Air Arabia, Air India Express, British Airways, Egypt Air, Etihad, Emirates, Fly Dubai, Gulf Air, KLM, Quwait Airways, and Qatar Airways.

Make My Trip offers a wide range of flights to Muscat. One can easily log into the Make My Trip website or mobile app to browse through to book flights to and from Muscat. Make My Trip flights to Muscat are offered at huge discounts to first time users as well as the regular travellers. Season tickets can also be availed at a great discount while booking from Make My Trip.

Japan’s well-preserved culture, with traditions in innate welcoming nature of the people, gift-giving, temple-going and bathing is still strong today, set against backdrops of snow-covered mountains, futuristic cities, ancient temples, islands and forests scattered along a 3,000km archipelago. Highlight of any visit includes the ancient art of the Japanese tea ceremony to sushi etiquette, and from Gion, Kyoto's geisha district, to enlightening walks along the Golden Route, following in the footsteps of samurai warriors. A timeless place where the speed of new technological developments is matched by the longevity of its ancient customs. Get around town in the shinkansen (bullet train). Meditate with monks or learn how to whisk bitter matcha (powdered green tea) into a froth. Tokyo, a huge metropolis offers quirky experiences and amazing food. Kyoto is packed with history, important temples, gorgeous architecture and a charming atmosphere. The stunning Temple of Golden Pavilion in Kyoto with garden setting and the Osaka Castle are must see. Hakone, a peaceful retreat at the footsteps of Mt. Fuji provides a chance to relax in an onsen (hot spring bath) and sleep in a ryokan (a traditional Japanese inn). The country is swathed in natural beauty; ski the powdery slopes of Hokkaido, revel in the springtime beauty of the ‘Sakura’ cherry blossoms or frolic at the sun kissed beaches. Wherever you go, great food is guaranteed. From fresh sushi and sashimi to charcoal fired meats and sizzling sauces, Japan is a joy for gastronomes. It’s easy to get hooked to Japan; you can book your flights with MakeMyTrip India.