Japan is a rustic that has all of it and extra… sacred Shinto shrines, magnificent Buddhist temples, bygone commerce footpaths, spectacular landscaped gardens, eclectic themed pet cafes, numerous artwork kinds, preserved cultural icons, and gastronomical delights. (We dare you to learn that out loud with out taking a breath!)
Japan is really a rustic of limitless discovery. You can spend a lifetime exploring this nation and barely scratch its extraordinary expanse, belief me, we’ve tried!
Nevertheless, this plethora of decisions comes with a hidden price. With so many alternate options to contemplate, selecting the place to go in Japan from the sheer variety of choices of issues to see, do, and expertise isn’t any simple feat! Info in overseas languages is quite scarce which means that solely a real skilled is aware of one of the best locations to go to in Japan. With the intention to stay like an area, it’s a must to be clued in one of the best issues to do in Japan and we’re right here to function your information!
We encourage you to discover and analysis extra by yourself, even when it means getting misplaced alongside the best way. That will help you get again heading in the right direction we’ve rounded up one of the best cities in Japan to function a body work and to present you a head begin – prepared, set, GO! Listed here are our suggestions for one of the best locations to go to in Japan:
1. Shibuya
Look forward to it… GO! 📷@lavalleenyc
The well-known “Scramble Crossing” by Shibuya Station is certainly one of the crucial iconic sights of Tokyo. On a mean weekday, this bustling intersection bears foot visitors ranges as excessive as 2.8 million individuals. Sure, that’s 2.8 million individuals a day! Should you’re making an attempt to snap the right selfie within the insanity of the crossing simply make sure to get your self to the opposite facet by the point the visitors indicators flip pink!
Along with Shibuya’s mind-blowing crossing, a lot of Tokyo’s hippest clothes manufacturers could be discovered on this space. A number of cutting-edge vogue retailers are positioned on or across the Middle Gai Avenue. The well-known Shibuya 109 shopping center is a well known legendary hang-out for a lot of buyers and is anchored just some minutes from the prepare station.
Hostels in Shibuya
2. Naoshima
Benesse Home Artwork Web site 📷@larebve
Formally a part of Kagawa Prefecture, Naoshima is a small island within the Seto Inland Sea. Although it’s a good rustic getaway from Tokyo, the island is most well-known for its quite a few fashionable artwork museums, structure, and sculptures. Many of those had been designed by the well-known architect Ando Tadao. Some spots to maintain a watch out for are the Chichu Artwork Museum, the Lee Ufan Museum, and the Benesse Home.
As you may think attending to Naoshima is a royal ache within the, err, bottom! You’re going to want to first make your technique to both Uno port in Okayama Prefecture or Takamatsu port in Kagawa prefecture earlier than you may catch a ferry out to the island. The ports themselves are laborious sufficient to seek out not to mention the island so plan for an extended journey and anticipate to remain in a single day within the space.
Hostels in Naoshima
3. Asakusa
Asahi Beer Corridor 📷@julyuljul
This space of Tokyo is extensively thought of to be town’s essential cultural draw. Whereas the district is residence to quite a lot of smaller temples, the principle points of interest function the majestic Senso-ji Temple and the encircling Nakamise purchasing block. Along with these historic treasures, Asakusa can be positioned inside a brief distance of the Tokyo Sky Tree and the Asahi Beer Corridor. Should you’re going to be within the neighbourhood, you’d do properly to examine these two venues out as properly! The Asahi Beer Corridor is among the greatest locations to go to in Japan for booze lovers!
Hostels in Asakusa
4. Akihabara
Gamer’s paradise 📷 @lluid____
Calling all nerds! Akihabara has earned the well-known designation of being the world’s geek capital. From anime and manga to video video games and computer systems, you may be laborious pressed to discover a extra concentrated assortment of geek tradition on this planet. Should you’re trying to expertise a maid cafe (and even one thing a little bit extra risque) look no additional than fantastical Akihabara.
Be cautious when popping into retailers although as a small handful are thought of to rank properly past the “secure for work” class. Don’t say we didn’t offer you honest warning…
Hostels in Akihabara
5. Odaiba
Metropolis stylish 📷@travel_zoom
Odaiba is a big man-made island located inside Tokyo Bay and simply past the Rainbow Bridge. The island is residence to some impressively extravagant purchasing centres sporting a Ferris wheel and different enjoyable points of interest as a result of… Japan! Throughout the upcoming 2020 summer time Olympics, Odaiba will host a good few sporting occasions, so take pleasure in it now earlier than the crowds roll in!
Odaiba is kind of fashionable with vacationers due to the instalment of a life dimension Gundam statue stationed outdoors of the Diver Metropolis mall. Odaiba additionally options the favored Oedo Onsen Monogatari, a pure sizzling spring themed park. Should you’re not planning on visiting one other one throughout your travels, Oedo Onsen Monogatari is unquestionably definitely worth the entry charge.
6. Kabukicho
Neon magnificence! 📷@jiburicom
Shinjuku is known for its overwhelming neon indicators and there’s no place extra exemplary of this than Kabukicho. The realm takes its identify from a Kabuki theatre that was erected within the neighborhood following the devastating aftermath of World Conflict II. Since that point, Kabukicho has advanced into one in every of Japan’s greatest pink mild districts and is a haven for quite a few drinkeries, funky hostess/host golf equipment, and different novel grownup diversions.
Fortunately although, Kabukicho has extra to supply than simply glitz and sleaze. For one, the notorious Robotic Restaurant is positioned within the coronary heart of the district. As if this weren’t sufficient, Kabukicho additionally lays declare to being Tokyo’s newest attraction – the sensational VR Zone Shinjuku. You probably have fantasies of enjoying video games like Mario Card in VR, then you may’t afford to go on this scene!
7. Ueno Park
Shinobazu Pond in Ueno Park 📷@nicoleluzzitelli
In case your travels enable for less than a short keep in Japan, there would probably be no higher place to take a look at than Ueno Park. This space provides a smorgasbord of points of interest that enable guests to pattern most of the nation’s distinctive charms inside a single venue. Moreover, there may be an superior bustling purchasing bazaar to analyze referred to as Ameya Yokocho which options the remnants of an historic black market.
Lastly, in the event you like off-beat locations, we additionally advocate that you just check out close by Yanaka. The realm was one in every of only some to outlive the harmful ravages of World Conflict II and subsequently offers an genuine gateway into Tokyo’s historic and cultural previous.
8. Yokohama
Panda… Panda… Panda…📷 @misstaolin
Whereas Tokyo’s southern neighbor isn’t precisely an unknown per say, a shocking variety of guests to Japan by no means make it to Yokohama. Given the realm’s historical past and appeal, this can be a actual disgrace. Whether or not you wish to stroll the streets of one of many world’s greatest Chinatown areas or have a enjoyable day exploring the Minato Mirai waterfront, this metropolis is assured to dazzle everybody! Whereas Tokyo can appear overwhelmingly quick paced at occasions, Yokohama’s welcoming vibe is unquestionably extra relaxed. Taking a day strolling round Yokohama is unquestionably the most effective issues to do in Japan to present your self a greater overview of the totally different cities.
9. Nikko
Golden Glory 📷@c.om___
Nestled in opposition to the mountains of Tochigi Prefecture, Nikko is one in every of jap Japan’s most essential cultural spots. Town’s essential attraction is the Toshogu Shrine the place Tokugawa Ieyasu, the legendary founding father of the Tokugawa shogunate, is enshrined. Nikko additionally has another enchanting settings comparable to Futarasan Shrine and the Kanmangafuchi Abyss that aren’t to be missed.
Make sure to additionally go to the close by Edo Wonderland. This theme park was created to move guests again a whole lot of years to Japan’s medieval period. It’s a little bit pricy to enter however the charges are properly value a go to!
10. Hitsujiyama Park
Garden cherry blossoms at Hitsujiyama Park 📷@andromeda.g94
Japan is understood for its cherry blossoms so visiting throughout cherry blossom season is an absolute should. Simply take a look at these flowers! Go to Hitsujiyama Park for the picturesque shibazakura which interprets as ‘garden cherry blossoms’.
From late April to early Could, head to Shibazakura Hill in Hitsujiyama Park. With over 400,000 bushes of 9 totally different varieties, it’s an ideal patchwork of pink, pink, white and violet, set in opposition to the backdrop of the gargantuan Mount Buko. For some severe Instagram inspo, catch the Chichibu Shibazakura Pageant within the park, the place the petals are organized in an extravaganza of shapes and swirls.
11. Tohoku
Tohoku 📷@patswalkoflife
Tohoku is a collective time period used to explain the northern a part of Japan’s essential island. The entire area of Tohoku is brimming with hidden gems and guests would do properly to take a look at the likes of Yama-dera and the Ginzan Onsen.
A phrase of recommendation for these visiting in early August: make sure to try Aomori’s Nebuta Pageant. It’s an unforgettable as soon as in a lifetime expertise, however you’ll have to e book lodging properly upfront earlier than reservations are scooped up by home vacationers!
12. Kawagoe
Kita-in Temple 📷@jhtto
Positioned solely 45 minutes northwest of Tokyo, Kawagoe would possibly as properly be a modern-day time machine! This little identified spot has earned itself the nickname “Little Edo” (Edo being the outdated identify for Tokyo) attributable to its quite a few historic warehouses. At present the realm is an pleasant historic day journey from Tokyo for each travellers and locals alike.
One fascinating titbit is that Kawagoe’s Kita-in temple is actually comprised of the one surviving items of Edo Fort. After an awesome fireplace, the shogunate had parts of the citadel carried on foot all the best way from central Tokyo as much as Kawagoe to reconstruct the temple. Now you may impress your pals with Kawagoe trivia… you’re welcome!
13. Kamakura
A practising Buddhist Temple 📷@sanviar
The seaside city of Kamakura was as soon as the army capital of Japan. The realm is basically answerable for the rise in samurai tradition as it’s identified at the moment. Moreover, Kamakura can be one of many essential birthplaces of Japanese Zen Buddhism. Most of the temples that fostered such non secular tenets are nonetheless practising the essence of Buddha’s teachings at the moment.
Usually, Kamakura is simply considered a day journey, nonetheless, the realm has considerable actions to thrill one for a number of days. That includes bamboo groves and historic temples, Kamakura is definitely able to fulfilling each motive why travellers trek to Kyoto. Given Kamakura’s vigorous seashores, again road purchasing alleys, and native good eats, this locale is assured to appeal and amuse everybody.
No matter you do although, ensure to not miss close by Enoshima! It’s an distinctive and breathtaking deal with.
14. Hakone
Peddling on Lake Ashi 📷@ic.theworld
Hakone is a well-liked vacation spot with nice views of Mt. Fuji, if the climate’s in your facet that’s! It may be each an awesome day journey in addition to an in a single day vacation spot. Whereas well-known for its sizzling springs, Hakone has a lot to supply in terms of recreations.
Take into account touring Hakone’s boiling sulphur pits from a ropeway, crisscrossing Lake Ashi on a pirate ship, or taking within the mountain views whereas on board a cable automobile – we advised you it had tons to supply! The volcanically lively space surrounding Fuji-Hakone-Izu Nationwide Park is well-known for its sizzling springs and views of Mount Fuji.
15. Mt. Fuji
Mount Fuji is really breathtaking 📷@m_gonmori
Lately Japan’s largest lively volcano has been attracting challengers from throughout the globe. Each summer time, Mt. Fuji’s climbing season formally begins in early July and runs by the center of September. Throughout this transient seasonal window, there may be comparatively little snowfall on the mountain and the climate tends to be fairly gentle.
That mentioned, time for a fast disclaimer: regardless of its magnificence, Mt. Fuji is a difficult beast. Should you’re planning to try a climb please perform some research first and have an sincere dialogue with your self concerning your bodily wellness, situation, and capabilities. Nothing spoils a trip greater than having to expertise an airlifted rescue off the mountain… nobody desires to be that man!
16. Nagoya
Nagoya Fort 📷@mochi.bomb
Nagoya is the most important metropolis in Central Japan. Nevertheless, many travellers see Nagoya as nothing greater than one other milestone en path to Kyoto from Tokyo. Regardless of being one of many largest cities, Nagoya is usually overshadowed by Tokyo and Kyoto in terms of city and historic locations. These prepared to get off the prepare will discover that Nagoya has many superb and little-known hidden gems!
For starters, town is residence to a formidable citadel that’s at present present process reconstruction utilizing conventional strategies. Nagoya Fort is greatest identified for being embellished with golden dolphins, or kinshachi. As if that weren’t sufficient, Atsuta Jingu can be positioned in Nagoya. Supposedly this shrine is the resting place of the Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi, a sword that’s typically hailed because the “Excalibur of the East.”
17. Kanazawa
Kanazawa Fort 📷@eliabarone
It’s no secret that Kyoto has change into one of the crucial fashionable locations on the planet. This fame, nonetheless, has introduced with it hordes of vacationers. Fortunately, there’s another. Nestled in opposition to the Sea of Japan, Kanazawa is each bit as historic as Kyoto however with out the overwhelming crowds. The realm is also referred to as “seafood heaven,” and there’s nothing fishy in regards to the recent sushi right here. Nicely, aside from the, errr, fish?
Ensure to not miss out on the distinctive Ninja-dera temple! This construction was truly made to function a fortress in disguise. It’s rife with secret passageways and traps to discourage all could be attackers. You’ll have to make a reservation upfront for a tour however it’s properly definitely worth the added time.
18. Shirakawago
Appears to be like like a fairy-tale village 📷@saravinyeta
Shirakawago is a small village in one in every of Gifu prefecture’s many valleys. The location is greatest identified for its superb handmade “gassho-zukuri” buildings. Shirakawago receives an abundance of snow in the course of the winter months and these residences had been particularly engineered to shrug off heavy snowfall. Should you’re trying to see a glimpse of what conventional life in Japan was like, there are few higher spots than Shirakawago.
19. The Kiso Valley
The beautiful city of Magome 📷@adventure.through.my.lens
The Kiso Valley is positioned properly off the overwhelmed path however on the similar time WAS sarcastically on the overwhelmed path. Considered one of two main highways from Tokyo to Kyoto, the Nakasendo, as soon as zigzagged by these mountains transporting numerous merchants for a whole lot of years. At present, a lot of the outdated highway is preserved and offers an awesome mountain climbing journey. Moreover, the outpost cities of Magome and Tsumago have gone to nice lengths to authentically recreate an atmosphere permitting one to ascertain and expertise life throughout medieval occasions. Cool, proper?! Should you’re into outdoorsy actions, this one is a should!
20. Jap Kyoto
Sundown targets 📷@hash_krash
Kyoto continues to change into more and more crowded nowadays. However, Kyoto stays THE greatest place to go to in Japan for cultural perception. There are far too many “must-sees” within the metropolis for a first-time traveller to contemplate lacking it. Fortunately, most of the main points of interest are scattered alongside the jap valley wall. As a place to begin, think about testing Gion for uncommon Geisha sightings after which visiting Kiyomizu-dera temple.
Moreover, whereas technically thought of “Southern Kyoto,” you additionally can’t afford to overlook the legendary Fushimi Inari Taisha. This Shinto shrine has change into iconic of Kyoto in recent times and likelihood is you’ve already seen its thousand torii gates plastered throughout your Insta feed. Make sure to go early within the morning to keep away from the crowds.
21. Arashiyama
Search for! 📷@foundnouns
Whereas most of Kyoto’s essential points of interest are positioned to the east, you’ll want to go over to Arashiyama within the west for the quintessential “bamboo forest” expertise. This cool AF space has lengthy been fashionable as a pure retreat with Japanese, courting properly again to the Heian period. Along with the beautiful bamboo forest, you’ll additionally wish to make sure to try the Tenryu-ji temple and the Iwayatama Monkey Park. When accounting for journey time, you’ll wish to price range for no less than half of a day for Arashiyama.
22. Osaka
Crowds at Shinsaibashi 📷@larebve
Dotonbori and the close by Shinsaibashi purchasing arcade are two of the key purchasing areas in southern Osaka. There’s a number of phenomenal road meals and different enjoyable issues to do on this space; many think about it a should in the event you’re visiting Osaka. Make sure to hold a watch out for the Glico signal that overlooks the bridge. It’s a significant landmark and image of the Dotonbori space.
Tennoji is the opposite key space of Osaka and takes its identify from the favored Shitenno-ji temple (which means Temple of the 4 Heavenly Kings). Along with this fashionable attraction, the realm can be residence to the 300 meter tall Abeno Harukas skyscraper. Should you’re a fan of viewing metropolis landscapes at excessive altitudes, there’s no higher place in all of Japan!
23. Nara Park
Bambi ‘n co. 📷@omniyafareed
Positioned about an hour or so south of Osaka, Nara Park is most well-known for its lovely and mischievous deer. Along with these free roaming wild critters, Nara park additionally has two crucial cultural belongings, the Big Buddha at Todai-ji temple and the Kasuga Grand Shrine.
Should you plan on visiting Nara, make sure to get an early begin as most of the points of interest shut by 5pm. Make sure to get there earlier than lunch so that you’ve enough time for meandering amongst the deer and being fully awed by the park!
24. Hiroshima
📷 Banter Snaps
Tragically, town of Hiroshima is understood all through the world for the being the primary sufferer of the horrific atomic bombings. As one would anticipate, town’s most famous attraction is the monument devoted to this horrible act – none apart from Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial.
Regardless of Hiroshima’s catastrophic legacy, the realm can be residence to a different superb attraction. Positioned on the island of Miyajima, Itsukushima Shrine is among the nation’s greatest. The shrine is graced by a huge vermillion torii gate and sits out within the water. The construction seems to drift on water when the tide is operating excessive.
25. Shikoku
Spirited away vibes 📷@mayasause
Japan is comprised of 4 main islands plus the Okinawan islands. Of those, the island of Shikoku is the smallest of the bunch and can be the least visited. That mentioned, the realm shouldn’t be with out its endearing and distinctive charms. Shikoku is infamous for its 88 temple pilgrimage which entails a gruelling multi-day trek travelling temple to temple alongside the island’s circumference.
You’ll additionally discover the Iya Valley and its superb vine bridges. This space is so distant that it has typically been hailed because the “Tibet of Japan.”
26. Kyushu
Probably the most photogenic vantage factors in all of Kyushu?📷@japan_discovery
Kyushu is the southernmost of Japan’s 4 main islands. The island is split into seven prefectures, every with their very own distinctive attraction. From the colourful and energetic metropolis of Fukuoka within the north, by the normal ryokan and sizzling springs of Oita, previous historic Kumamoto, all the best way right down to pure paradise Kagoshima within the south, this volcanic island actually does have one thing for everybody.
Simply traversable by Shinkansen, Kyushu has a wealth of pure magnificence, historical past, meals and tradition that’s so distinct from the principle island of Honshu that it virtually appears like one other nation. Make sure that to not miss out in your subsequent journey to Japan. Should you’re visiting in July, the Hakata Gion Yamakasa pageant is a should see with its big floats. Additionally value testing are Kagoshima’s Sengan-en gardens.
27. Fukuoka
Meet the cats of Shofukuji Zen Temple 📷@johnamino
Fukuoka is among the greatest cities in Kyushu, Japan’s southernmost island. Town is positioned comparatively near the Asian mainland and has been an essential port metropolis for a whole lot of years. Fukuoka has quite a lot of fascinating spots to take a look at however one in every of its most original options is its riverside yatai meals stalls. Among the best issues to do in Japan, these stalls are one thing that you just normally solely discover at festivals in Japan.
Not like Tokyo, Fukuoka has a way more chilled out tempo and is a good city to leisurely discover as a backpacker. Town and the encircling space are residence to quite a lot of points of interest to checkout as properly together with a citadel and the primary ever Zen temple. Anybody visiting in July is extremely inspired to take a look at the Hakata Gion Yamakasa pageant.
28. Sapporo
Sapporo-shi 📷@chenyikuan
Outside lovers will discover that Sapporo is a good base from which to go out and discover. Moreover, attributable to its location on Japan’s northernmost island, Sapporo is a good escape from the oppressive summer time humidity. Excellent news for these feeling a little bit too sizzling, sizzling, sizzling!
That mentioned, town might be most well-known for its annual snow pageant. Yearly artists vogue giant snow sculptures with some measuring greater than 25 meters huge and 15 meters excessive! It’s undoubtedly value a go to and in the event you’re in Japan throughout February you’ve gotten snow excuse to not test it out!
29. Nagasaki
Riverside magnificence 📷@nihilarexx
Town of Nagasaki is one other main port on Japan’s southernmost essential island. As with Hiroshima, Nagasaki additionally has its personal peace memorial. Town additionally has a handful of temples and shrines which are value testing in the event you’re staying within the space for some time. Amongst these, you’ll discover one in every of only some shrines related to China’s legendary Confucius. Followers of city exploration ought to undoubtedly try Gunkanjima (Battleship Island) for some superb structural ruins.
30. Hida Takayama
Pretty fields of sunflowers 📷@taka_hidatakayama_photographer
Not like with a number of Japan, Hida Takayama retains its superbly preserved conventional buildings. Town is nestled excessive up within the mountains of Gifu prefecture away from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo and Osaka. Although undoubtedly positioned a great way off the overwhelmed path, Hida Takayama is among the prime candidates for many who wish to expertise outdated Japan. Don’t miss the open air Hida Folks Village museum that reveals over 30 conventional Japanese buildings!
31. Kobe
Twinkly Kobe lights 📷@pacpaconigiri1
Town of Kobe is sandwiched between the ocean and Mt. Rokko. These days, it has change into well-known throughout the globe for its beef, is anybody else craving a burger?
Positioned between Osaka and Hiroshima, Kobe is usually handed up by travellers en route on the bullet prepare. For these with the time to spare (and maybe a JR rail go), it’s undoubtedly value devoting a day to! Along with the aforementioned mountain and its spectacular views of the bay, Kobe can be residence to the Arima Onsen. This assortment of sizzling springs is usually hailed as one in every of Japan’s top-three. Being a port metropolis, Kobe additionally has an awesome bayside leisure facility in addition to a bustling Chinatown to take a look at.
32. Nagano
📷@sngksmt
Positioned within the coronary heart of central Japan, this space is usually handed up by the traditional hordes of vacationers that flock to Kyoto. Because of its remoteness although, you’ll be capable of expertise Japan far more authentically with out having to battle by the crowds – so no want for the powerful elbow work!
Along with the gorgeous surroundings, town of Nagano is residence to a number of hidden gems. From the 1998 winter Olympic amenities to a Ninja village for youths, there’s one thing for everybody right here. Inside the bounds of the prefecture you’ll additionally discover the Shiga Kogen ski resort and the well-known onsen-bathing snow monkeys of Jigokudani.
Make sure to additionally think about visiting Matsumoto metropolis. Matsumoto can be an awesome start line for these trying to go expertise the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route and its huge snow partitions (even in early summer time)!
33. Okinawa
Hawaii? Thailand? NOPE! Okinawa 📷 @y_p_3
The Okinawa islands are positioned about two and a half hours from Tokyo by aircraft. Whereas technically a part of Japan, the isles might as properly be one other nation! Traditionally, Okinawa was truly its personal entity referred to as the Ryukyu kingdom. Due to this legacy, Okinawa has a really totally different historical past to the remainder of Japan which is instantly obvious within the native cultural motifs.
At present Okinawa is greatest referred to as a tropical retreat by many Japanese. Along with lazily enjoyable by the seashore, there are a number of different enjoyable issues to do. Costa-del-Okinawa!
Hostels in Japan | Cheap flights
Concerning the creator:
Donny is an American born PR and social media marketing consultant dwelling and dealing in Tokyo, Japan. After spending a few of his most youth in Shiga prefecture’s Hikone Metropolis, Donny has an intimate understanding of Japan and its historical past. Capable of grasp the nuances between East and West, most of his profession has been predicated on standing within the liminal house between cultures and bridging the divide. He at present offers consultations at Kyodo PR to a big selection of multi-national companies.
Outdoors of the workplace, Donny spends a lot of his time exploring and storytelling about Japan’s below appreciated cultural belongings. After turning thirty in late 2015 Donny seen what a poor job a lot of Japan’s extra “off the overwhelmed path” locations had been doing at reaching vacationers. Unable to let Japan’s legacy go below appreciated, he has been using his advertising and marketing talent set and distinctive background to assist these hidden treasures get the eye that they want.
