japan must see cities

We have reviews of the best places to see in Japan. Now that we’ve covered our recommended “must-visits”, we can get into our longer list of other amazing places throughout Japan. While we couldn’t include every single one of our favorite places in Japan, we hope our guide to Japan’s best destinations helps you decide where to go on your trip! a:hover { The remote mountains that span Gifu and Toyama Prefectures get heavy snowfalls that would be unliveable, if not for generations of engineering prowess. Magome is a charming post town easily reached from Nagoya, and the perfect starting (or end) point for the walk. You can explore the gorge from below by boat or above on hiking trails. In winter, her base and peak reach equilibrium, and you’ll be much more likely to see her come out! A ferry also connects Takamatsu to Naoshima (see above). Inside, you’ll find pieces by Claude Monet, James Turrell, and temporary exhibits. Of all the major Japan destinations, the sacred city of Kyoto is one of the best places to visit in Japan in spring irrespective of whether you are holidaying with your family or your partner. Go to Gotemba Peace Park, which explodes in pink during the cherry blossom season. Fukuoka’s food is the draw for many travelers. Then the cherry blossoms in Tohoku, Japan, are a must see....... Want to explore Japan beyond the mainstream tourist spots? #20 Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan. If you already know which tour you would like to join or what you want to do, please fill out our inquiry form to give you more detailed information. Or take in the sights of the autumn leaves near Lake Ashi. There are also countless great day trips near Tokyo, including Kamakura and Nikko (among others). But to help you navigate the possibilities and decide where to visit, we’ve put together our very own guide to Japan’s best destinations. A trip including these three elements – modern Tokyo, historic Kyoto, and stay at a traditional ryokan in the countryside – is the perfect recipe for a rich and rewarding Japan travel experience. Renting a car is not always the best way to get around on Japan’s main islands, but on Hokkaido it’s often a great option. Spring offers its own merits as the weather slowly reaches higher temperatures. The most well-preserved stretch of the Nakasendo Highway lies between the villages of Tsumago and Magome. In the countryside, stay at a beautiful ryokan and enjoy onsen (hot springs) and kaiseki cuisine. Kyoto could not be more different than Tokyo, but is equally enthralling. Although we don’t like to play favorites, we’re kicking off this list with the capital of Japan. Matsue, located in western Japan’s beautiful but little-visited Shimane Prefecture, is one of Japan’s hidden gems. It’s also a country that’s relatively easy to travel about since its famous bullet trains link major population areas. You might know that Kyoto was once the capital of Japan, but did you know that Nara was the first? They employ elements such as reflective ponds, waterfalls, and tea houses where you can enjoy a cup of matcha. Andres founded Boutique Japan to share his passion and enthusiasm for Japan, and over the years he has had the opportunity to help hundreds of wonderful travelers from around the world experience Japan in a truly personal and immersive way. Like many Japan cities, you will be struck by the modern core of the city, but, when you begin exploring, you will soon find that Kyoto’s reputation as Japan’s most beautiful city is well-deserved. You can see ukiyo-e in many cities in Japan. Thus, despite its apparent size, we strongly recommend you “admit defeat” from the beginning, and accept that you won’t be able to “do” Japan in just one trip (whether you have 2 weeks or 2 months). With 10-14 days in Japan, you can add on additional destinations, or simply spend more time immersing yourself in each place you visit. You can also explore the Benten Kutsu or Iwaya Caves or take in the view from the Sea Candle Observation Tower in the Samuel Cocking Garden. To the west of Himeji Castle is Kokoen, a Japanese-style landscape garden added in 1992. Kyoto is home to seventeen UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which include several awe-inspiring Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines. Hakone is the Tokyo area’s most famous nature retreat. Of course, when it comes to something as subjective as travel, there is no such thing as a true “must-visit.” It comes down to personal preference, above all. But based on our and our travelers’ collective experience, we consider the modern capital Tokyo, and the ancient capital Kyoto, to be essential destinations, especially if it’s your first trip to Japan. The remote island offers miles of untouched coastline and some of Japan’s most stunning hiking, with trails winding through lush forests full of mossy rocks and ancient cedar trees (some as old as 7,000 years!). When most people think “beach holidays” and “Asia,” Japan is not the first place that comes to mind. Japan is a country of contrasts, where the old and the new coexist side by side in perfect harmony. Or, enjoy a captivating meal with a real-life geisha, and sample the local food and drink at Nishiki Market and the Fushimi Sake District. When Is The Best Time of Year To Visit Japan? Tadao Ando also designed the Chichu Art Museum, and the architecture is just as stunning as the artwork. There’s more than one pink flower to see in Japan! Nara’s most well-known monument is the impressive 8th century Todaiji Temple, the world’s largest wooden building, which houses Japan’s largest Buddha, the Daibutsu. But in terms of remarkable places and experiences, Japan is as dense as Europe, where you can travel one or two hours in basically any direction and come to a wonderful city or town and unbelievably good food. People often ask us, “How many days should I spend in Japan?” There is no simple answer to this, but our usual answer is that you should spend as long as possible! Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. At one point in time, Japan had over 5,000 castles! It’s easy to see why Kyoto is one of the best cities in the world as it offers the quintessential Japanese experience, combining history (historic shrines, temples and gardens), food (world-class restaurants with some of the world’s best cuisine), and culture … Today, Hiroshima is one of the best cities to visit in Japan; despite its dark history, the city was rebuilt and is now thriving. Too vast to describe in a short article, Japan’s northernmost island is renowned for its pristine nature and expansive landscapes, incredible seafood and produce, and – by many accounts – the best skiing and snowboarding on Earth. Visitors these days love the Hakone Open-Air Museum, where statues and sculptures complement the surrounding mountains and trees. Read Reviews » Hotels Nearby». Matsushima Bay is one of Japan’s top three most scenic areas. The most impressive of the canal area’s museums is the Ohara Museum of Art. Every region has memorable sightseeing spots, food specialties, and plenty of opportunities to make for a fantastic adventure. The life-size and scaled models give you an immersive lesson on Tokyo's development from the 1600s to now. If you’re planning a trip, here are some of the most beautiful villages and towns in Japan you must visit. Nara is the jewel on Japan’s World Heritage Site crown and boasts sightseeing locations that date back to the 6th century. Things to Do in Japan, Asia: See Tripadvisor's 7,073,179 traveler reviews and photos of Japan tourist attractions. With this much time the possible itinerary permutations are almost limitless, so we hope our list of destinations below helps you narrow things down to your own personal wish list! If traditional art is more your pace, see the Nezu Museum’s collection of ceramics, calligraphy, and more. From big cities to quaint temples to adventure trails and snow slopes, Japan is a diverse landscape that does an incredible job at blending a modern lifestyle with ancient traditions. Hands down, the city’s most well-known sightseeing destination is the prominent castle in the center of town. Several more monuments memorialize victims, including the Children’s Memorial dedicated to Sadako Sasaki and all young people who suffered from illnesses due to radiation poisoning. Cities of Japan, with a rich history and unique culture and wonderful places ranging from amazing skyscrapers or bustle streets to ancient shrines and temples or tranquil bamboo forests, are the destinations that appear in millions of people’s dreams.But it is hard to choose a place among dozens of wonderful cities for your holiday. Thankfully, we’ve got the inside scoop on which ones are worth the trip! Kyoto is home to more temples and shrines than any other city in the country. Japan is made up of four main islands (and hundreds of smaller ones) all containing several prefectures that have multiple cities, all of which are worth a visit. Japanese people joke that she’s a shy mountain, but in reality, it’s all a matter of temperature and pressure. Osakans are obsessed with food, and as the saying goes, this is the city to kuidaore—eat ‘til you drop! However, you can’t enter the grounds except for on January 2nd and February 23rd when the emperor gives a public address. You can explore Nijo Castle and the former Imperial Palace. Fortunately, this type of experience is available in countless areas throughout Japan, including the Izu Peninsula and Hakone (both featured below), along with many more (see our article on the best ryokans for a short visit). As one of Japan’s southernmost islands, Kyushu has plenty of onsen towns to explore. The brave ones will nip your backside if they’re hungry. Kinosaki Onsen is one of Japan’s quintessential onsen destinations. Known for its hot springs, natural scenery, and views of Mount Fuji, Hakone deserves a visit plus an overnight stay! 2. Japan’s Best Destinations: Beyond Tokyo & Kyoto Kanazawa. Even if you have not heard of Miyajima, chances are you have seen photos of the iconic shrine: it’s one of the most photographed sights in Japan, thanks to its magnificent red torii gate, which appears to be floating in the waters of the Inland Sea. In mid-July, lavender fields bloom in Furano and Biei cities. The sandy island has a rural and almost Mediterranean atmosphere with its beaches and sunny weather. Near here is the Amano-Iwato Shrine, which Japanese mythology references as the place where the Sun Goddess hid and sent the world into a long period of darkness. Walking through the Sakashitamon Gate, you can climb up to Tokugawa’s mausoleum. Mention Japan and Kyoto will come to mind to many people, dreamy yet modern, this previous capital of Japan for... Osaka. It’s a little off the beaten path for most Western travelers, but more and more people are waking up to its charms every year! The Main Gallery includes pieces by artists such as Picasso, Monet, and Rodin. It’s the perfect place to experience spending the night in a ryokan—a traditional Japanese inn. If you’re visiting in July, the Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival is a must see with its giant floats. Jutting out into the Japan Sea, to the north of Kanazawa, is the rugged Noto Hanto (Noto Peninsula). The whole of Hokkaido is full of stunning natural beauty. Soya Cape (宗谷岬 – souya-misaki) – The northernmost point in Japan. If you want an immersive experience into the lives of the people who lived here, some farmhouses are available for booking overnight stays. Also, watch your six around these critters! Miyajima Island is a stunning UNESCO World Heritage site located just outside of Hiroshima. Unlike most of the businesses in the area, it isn’t a converted warehouse, but it was the first Western art museum in Japan. For a small town, Onomichi also has an unusually high concentration of temples, 25 of which form the well-known Temple Walk. From Japan’s neon-painted cities to its mountain-dappled countryside, it’s a unique place. Among its most alluring attractions is Kotokuin Temple’s Great Buddha, which is the second-largest of its kind in Japan. Among its UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the one that any traveler should put at the top of their list is Kongobuji Temple. text-decoration: none; During the Edo Period, picturesque Kurashiki was at the center of Japan’s rice distribution. Typically, the minimum we recommend is about 7-10 days in Japan, which will give you a great starting point, and plenty of time for an introduction to the country. Founded 1400 years ago, you can find traditional sites, but most people go to Osaka to enjoy its modern atmosphere. Between its spirited summer festivals, ancient holy sites, and marvelous nature, spending time here will make for an unforgettable trip. Apart from the fact that there is so much to see and do, it’s also worth devoting extra time (if you can) as it’s a relatively long journey for travelers from far-off parts of the world like the US, Europe, and Australia. These days, Tokyo beats out every city in Japan for being on the cutting edge of current trends. According to legend, Emperor Shomu commissioned the construction of Todaiji after a slew of disasters and epidemics, and millions of citizens came to help. Around the same time, French missionaries built Oura Tenshudo, Japan's oldest Catholic church. In addition to its culinary highlights, Fukuoka is a magnet for creatives with a vibrant arts scene, attracting young artists and designers from throughout Japan (and Asia). There’s no such thing as a "bad" time to see this ancient city! There are also museums with artifacts related to these aristocrats’ daily lives. Overnight guests can get after-hours access to the museum, and original pieces decorate every accommodation. Originally written in 2016, this post was updated and republished on December 3, 2019. Just a half-hour from Kyoto, Osaka is a lively city famous for its food, and home to Japan’s most fun-loving citizens. As anyone from either city would tell you, despite their proximity the two neighbors could not be more different from one another. The Japanese say, “Never say ‘kekko’ (I’m satisfied) until you’ve seen Nikko!” The little town makes for a convenient day trip from Tokyo that will satisfy your craving for Japanese traditions, breathtaking nature, and historic sites. In addition to its onsen, it’s most well-known for its views of Mount Fuji on clear days (which can, admittedly, be frustratingly rare). How can you narrow it down? The Mori Art Museum features contemporary installations and prides itself on choosing pieces that the most casual observer will love. In the heart of the Kiso Valley you can experience a walk along the old Nakasendo Way, which once connected Kyoto and Tokyo. Figuring out your next vacation destination is one of the most thrilling moments when you plan a trip. A trip including Tokyo and Kyoto would be great, but to complement the two cities we often recommend at least an overnight trip to rural Japan. The magnificent ivory walls seem to become even brighter when cherry blossoms or maples color the grounds. Located within easy reach of Kyoto, Nara preceded Kyoto as the ancient capital of Japan, and today is home to a treasure trove of Japanese history (including the UNESCO World Heritage historic monuments of ancient Nara). No matter when you go, the natural landscape of the mountain comes alive in the seasons. Not far from Takayama, deep in the Japanese Alps are the UNESCO World Heritage historic villages of Shirakawago and Gokayama, and the off-the-beaten-path Hida-Furukawa. The powerful Peace Park and Museum are well worth exploration, but after reliving the horrors of 1945 you’ll see that Hiroshima’s present is much brighter. Kanazawa is a historical gem of a city, thanks in great part to having been spared during World War II. Osaka is the dream destination for you! It’s the largest city in Kagawa, a prefecture famous for its delicious udon noodles. Only twelve “original” castles remain, and Himeji-jo is the most dazzling among them. But there's more to Japan than cat and Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto are three major cities that highlight Japan and are places to consider visiting with sites varying from history, culture, nature, to shopping. The circuit takes you around the region via a charming variety of modes of transport including the Hakone Tozan Railway, Cable Car, Hakone Ropeway, and cruise across beautiful Lake Ashi. During both events, the locals pull wooden floats through the streets during the day and again at night. When the chilly weather gets to be a little too much for you, warm your bones in a piping hot onsen! In terms of area, Japan is slightly smaller than the state of California. Onomichi is a quaint port town on the southern coast of Hiroshima Prefecture. Trust me: I’ve spent years exploring Japan, and I am not remotely near finished! Kumano Kodo is also part of a Dual Pilgrim program with its sister walk, Spain’s better-known Camino de Santiago (Way of St. James). The Shinsaibashi arcade is home to luxury boutiques. The most impressive among them, though, is Todaiji Temple. Soaking in an onsen to relieve stress is one of Japan’s national pastimes, but there’s one thing that can make it even more entertaining—monkeys! In addition to the Teshima Yokoo House and Christian Boltanski’s “Les Archives du Cœur,” the island’s highlight is the stunning Teshima Art Museum. We’ve chosen the best 50 spots and activities that you must experience when you come to Japan! Combine these backdrops with Japan’s Edo-period buildings, grand temples and shrines and the result is simply spectacular. During winter, wild Japanese Macaques in Yudanaka seek out warmth by jumping into hot springs. }. First, take a trip to Dejima Island, where Portuguese traders were designated to live during the Edo Period. Aside from the chance to stay in a shukubo (temple lodging), Koya-san’s most famous landmark is the otherworldly Okunoin Cemetery, one of Japan’s most sacred sites, and the location of Kobo Daishi’s mausoleum.

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