Feel as if you’ve touched down another planet upon landing Japan – a country blessed with a rich culture, fine traditions, futuristic fashion, technology and amazing cuisine. It is a must-see country before you die! But planning for your trip may not be easy if you don’t know what to expect in the places to explore here. Check out the following guide for information.
Best Places to Visit in Japan
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Kamakura
This residential town, which is only an hour of train ride from the capital, is a must-see place in the country. People come here for its many famous sights, and a few include the Great Buddha as well as the Shinto shrine and temples. A great way to explore Kamakura is through day tours in which you will be able to visit religious monuments and enjoy a sumptuous Japanese lunch.
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Kyoto
This is a Zen city in Japan where to find low profile and reserved people. Sometimes, you may be able to encounter a people dressed in kimono in worship places. The city has many shrines and temples that might take you months to explore all of them. Some tourist attractions include the Golden Pavilion and Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine.
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Nikko
If you want to visit more shrines and temples, then don’t miss Nikko, Japan. Here, you can also see different architecture styles and buildings and explore connecting spots to the temples that are framed by a forest. One of the best ways to explore this place is through joining some Nikko National Park day tours from Tokyo.
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Nara
Nara, which was the capital city of Japan, remains as one of the most visited destinations in Japan. There are many temples and shrines to visit and some of these are even included in the list of UNESCO Heritage Sites. And because many of the attractions are grouped together, going from one to another won’t be a hassle.
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Tokyo
This bustling city will blow your mind in many surprising ways and it can be one of your favorite cities in the world after exploring it. Feel as if you’re in a different world where more than 13 million people walk over the busy streets on a daily basis.
A key place to visit here is the Meiji Shrine in Shibuya for its lush forests and amazing shrine – the Emperor Meiji and the Empress Shoken, which is one of the most popular temples in the country. It is a relaxing place in this hub for modern Japanese lifestyle. Another spot is the Yoyogi Park where to catch up with the latest styles and trends and hike.
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Ise Shima
Located in the Mie Prefecture, Ise Shima of the Kansai region is a place for people who want to learn more about the Japanese culture and history as well as discover its rich nature. There are many beaches and resorts to enjoy a weekend and fresh seafood. Here, you can also explore the Shima Peninsula, a national park where to sight see natural and beautiful landscape and learn culture and it is also where to find the most important Shinto shrine – the Ise Grand Shrine.
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Hokkaido
Go to Hakodate, a port city in the southernmost tip of Hokkaido that offers spectacular views and distinct architecture as well as Japanese cuisine and fresh seafood. Some key places to visit include the Fort Goryokaku and Mount Hakodate.
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Kanazawa
This place is where to find the Higashi Chaya, an old geisha district in the country. One of the reasons people flock to this place is for its Kenrokuen Garden, which is one of the Three Great Gardens of the country. Kanazawa is also where to find the samurai district of Nagamachi Bukeyashiki and the D.T. Suzuki Museum of Buddhist philosophy.
And later if you want to go shopping especially if you’re cooking your meals and you’re in this city, you can hit the Omi-cho Market where to find more than 170 stores selling fresh seafood, fruits and vegetables.
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Osaka
Do you want to see the Universal Studios? Visit Osaka and enjoy a day in this theme park that opened in March 2001. The 39-hectare park is one of the most visited theme parks in Japan, especially with its latest attractions, including the Monster Hunter and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
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Mount Fuji
Located in the Shizuoka (Yamanashi) Prefecture, Mount Fuji is one of the most famous attractions and it is also an active volcano in the country. It is about 100 kilometers southwest of Tokyo and it has been a pilgrimage site for many years. It is also a place for inspiration for poets and artists alike.
This list isn’t exhaustive but it’s a great way to start planning your Japan travel. For more inspiration, you can check out this great resource today! There are many adventures waiting for you in this country with so much to offer every traveler who wants a firsthand experience of the wonderful sights, culture, cuisine and traditions in each of our featured destinations above.
