Summary of the Best Places to Visit in Japan
Japan is celebrated as a destination that accommodates every type of traveler. From bustling cities to tranquil temples, adventurous trails, and snow-capped slopes, Japan offers a rich and varied landscape that harmoniously fuses contemporary living with age-old traditions. A journey to this nation promises to be exciting, enlightening, and undoubtedly inspiring.
Let us delve into the premier destinations to explore in Japan:
1. Kyoto
Renowned for its sacred ambiance, Kyoto boasts iconic temples, shrines, palaces, gardens, and bamboo groves. It frequently ranks among the most preferred cities in Japan for numerous reasons. In Kyoto, the tapestry of traditional culture is vibrant and pervasive, seamlessly integrated into the daily lives of its residents.
While visiting every site in Kyoto may require months, one can find solace at notable temples such as Kinkaku-ji, Kyyomiza-dera, Ginkaku-ji, and the spectacular bamboo forest of Arashiyama.
2. Tokyo
Dynamic, energetic, and often the initial point of engagement for travelers, Tokyo serves as Japan’s vibrant capital. Visitors can easily spend several days enjoying fresh seafood, exploring diverse museums, marveling at skyscrapers, and immersing themselves in a lifestyle filled with opulence and culture. To illustrate the bustling nature of this city, the Shibuya Crossing is colloquially termed ‘The Scramble.’
Cultural customs unique to Japan are prevalent throughout the metropolis. In Harajuku, one can observe Japanese fashion enthusiasts utilizing the main street as a runway, explore clothing shops, view anime collections, and revel in an explosion of colors. For an authentic seafood experience, Tsukiji Market is the place to be, where thousands of tons of seafood are traded each day. The city also hosts numerous shrines, temples, and palaces, providing a peaceful retreat when the urban crowds become overwhelming.
3. Osaka
Far from an ordinary port city, Osaka offers a plethora of engaging activities for visitors. The city is home to Universal Studios Japan, the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, and Osaka Castle Park. In the city’s core, Dotonbori teems with eye-catching billboards, delightful dining options ranging from upscale restaurants to street food stalls, and a variety of shops. Families should consider visiting Kids Plaza, an area where children can engage in imaginative play through dress-up zones, interactive science experiences, and ample space for recreation.
4. Hakone
Hakone is a serene mountainous village famed for its hot springs, offering a stunning view of Mt. Fuji. Indulge in a traditional onsen experience at a public bathhouse or inn, exemplifying relaxation unique to this region. Travelers can also find tranquility at the Hakone Shrine, situated at the shores of Lake Ashinoko, a picturesque crater lake.
The hot springs provide soothing relief following an invigorating hike through Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, which boasts numerous well-maintained trails, making Hakone an excellent base for exploration. A popular route is the hike from Owakudani to Lake Ashinoko, celebrated for its breathtaking vistas of Mt. Fuji.
5. Kobe
Nestled by the harbor and surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery, Kobe offers a myriad of activities, adventures, shops, and dining experiences. For a comprehensive itinerary, one might enjoy relaxing at the Arima Onsen hot spring resort located within Kobe, ascend the city via the Kobe Ropeway, gain insights at the Earthquake Museum, and experience the tranquility of Sorakuen Garden. For trekkers, ascending Mount Rokko presents a panoramic perspective of Kobe and the neighboring Osaka.
Gastronomy enthusiasts, particularly those with an affinity for meat, will savor the city’s culinary offerings, with Kobe beef prominently featured on nearly every menu, complemented by warm sake available at various breweries in the Nada district.
6. Nara
Enchanting and serene, Nara is a city in Japan characterized by its dedicated Buddhist community, who find solace within its many temples daily. Nara is home to art and cultural artifacts dating back to the 8th century, making it one of the most culturally significant cities in the country. Noteworthy sites include the monumental Todai-ji Temple with its colossal Buddha, the Kasuga-taisha shrine, and Nara Park, where one can explore various temples, a museum, and observe local wildlife.
For those seeking a tranquil, captivating, less-visited city filled with temples, Nara serves as an ideal destination.
7. Sapporo
Situated in the mountainous region and celebrated for its excellent beer, Sapporo ranks among the premier destinations in Japan for thrill-seekers and adventure enthusiasts. The city hosts prominent ice sculpture festivals and ski and snowboard competitions, serving as an important hub for athletes eager to experience the slopes.
Delve deeper into the history of the city’s renowned beer by visiting the Sapporo Beer Museum, where insights into the art of beer production can be gained, coupled with the opportunity to sample brews in a beautiful beer garden.
8. Kamakura
Escape the hustle and bustle of urban life in Kamakura, a peaceful locale replete with numerous Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, and an impressive Buddha statue welcoming visitors at Kotoku-in Temple. Scenic hiking trails wind between temples, leading through lush bamboo forests and rolling hills. For a delightful diversion from walking, consider riding the Enoden, an electric train connecting the stations of Fujisawa and Kamakura. Although it may be noisy and slow, it offers a unique experience. Kamakura is also acclaimed for its beaches, where surfers can catch waves at Yuigahama Beach.
9. Yokohama
As you stroll through the streets of Yokohama, you may feel as if you have stepped into China. This city features a vibrant Chinatown, enriched with Chinese influences encompassing numerous restaurants, shops, and thematic decorations.
With a population of 3.7 million, this large metropolis considers itself a formidable competitor to Tokyo, boasting its high standard of living and magnificent skyscrapers as evidence for this assertion. Travelers can observe this rivalry by attending a BayStars game, especially if they compete against the Giants during your visit.
The Sankeien Garden is a community favorite, offering a serene environment to wander through beautifully landscaped gardens and admire historic structures.
10. Izu Hanto
Ideal for visitors, Izu Hanto offers an extensive array of both relaxing and adventurous pursuits, contrasting the typical big-city sightseeing. The region is adorned with numerous hot springs, luxury resort accommodations, tranquil beaches, and an intricate coastline ripe for exploration. Additionally, the vibrant Kawazu Cherry Tree Festival draws tourists eager to appreciate Japan’s most celebrated blossom.
11. Hiroshima
Hiroshima bears a somber history, having been devastated by a nuclear bomb during World War II, resulting in the loss of over 100,000 lives and the destruction of many city structures. Presently, visitors can pay their respects to those who perished at the Peace Memorial Park and Museum.
The city has since revitalized its tourism sector, inviting travelers to visit two UNESCO World Heritage sites: Itsukushima Shrine and the Bomb Dome within Peace Memorial Park. Visitors can also explore traditional crafts at Fudenosato-kobo, and the lush islands of the Seto Inland Sea. Furthermore, numerous shops and dining establishments abound.
12. Shikoku
As the smallest of Japan’s primary islands, Shikoku stands out as an exceptional place to visit due to its religious significance, often referred to as the ‘Spiritual Island.’ Many pilgrims embark on the Shikoku pilgrimage, a 1,200-kilometer journey visiting 88 temples and various sacred sites. Visitors can choose to complete the entire pilgrimage or visit select sites of interest.
Adventure enthusiasts may consider cycling along the Shimanami Kaido Highway bridges, traversing Omishima Island, and passing through Imabari, followed by a soothing soak in the Dogo hot springs. Those in search of souvenirs will discover treasures at the Towel Museum ICHIHIRO, renowned for its exceptionally soft towels. Alternatively, the historical sites of Matsuyama Castle and Uchiko-za Kabuki Theater are worth a visit.
13. Nikko
Nikko is a lively town positioned at the entrance of Nikko National Park, renowned for Toshogu, Japan’s most cherished and ornately decorated shrine. After marveling at one of the world’s most exquisite structures, venture further into the national park to discover the awe-inspiring Kegon Falls, Ryuzu Falls, and the majestic Mt. Nantai. Outdoor enthusiasts will also appreciate a stroll around Lake Chuzenji, a serene lake located at the foothills of the national park.
For visitors pressed for time, Nikko makes for an excellent day trip from Tokyo.
14. Takayama
Takayama is among the few Japanese cities that firmly embrace its architectural heritage. The city excels in maintaining its historical character, particularly in the Old Town district, where vibrant merchant houses line the streets. During the feudal era, skilled artisans and carpenters took pride in their craft, evident in the ornate designs of many buildings. To fully appreciate the city, plan your visit around the Takayama Festival, a biannual event celebrating the arrival of Spring and Autumn, showcasing performances, stunning floats, and attracting visitors from across the country.
Visitors can easily spend several days wandering through temples along the Higashiyama Walk, exploring the Matsuri no Mori museum, and admiring the Yatai Kaikan, an exhibition hall dedicated to festival displays and floats.
15. Chichijima
Possibly one of the most secluded destinations in Southeast Asia, the remote island of Chichijima presents a hidden paradise with a vibrant tropical ambiance. Water enthusiasts will relish opportunities for surfing, scuba diving, snorkeling, whale watching, and beyond. Notably, the journey to this island entails an extensive twenty-hour boat ride, a factor that contributes to its obscurity from conventional tourist routes, thus preserving its enchanting allure.
