We are frequently asked which nation is our favorite to travel to. It’s a question that can’t be answered. It’s the equivalent of asking what your favorite dish or movie is. We have a number of favorite nations that we have visited, and one of them is Japan. We’ve been to Japan three times in the last nine years, and it never disappoints. Japan can accommodate all types of travelers due to its unique history and ultra-modern cities. When you combine tropical islands, snow-capped mountains, and scenic landscapes, you have the makings of a dream vacation. There are many incredible sites to visit in Japan; we’ve listed a few of our favorites here.
Japan’s Most Amazing Places To Visit In Japan
Japan Trip Planner:
Tokyo
Tokyo is exactly what you’d imagine it to be. Bustling, neon-lit, modern, and entertaining. We’ve visited Japan’s capital several times and have enjoyed every minute of it. Tokyo, like other big global cities, boasts world-class museums, cuisine, and transportation. Tokyo also has a different side to it that is distinct to this megacity. Don’t forget to go to Tokyo Bay for a more tranquil view of the city. Another part about Tokyo that is surprising is how helpful the people are. If you’ve ever been to London, Paris, or New York, you know how difficult it is to ask a busy native for directions.
People in Tokyo had not only stopped but also driven us to the metro station we were looking for! If you enjoy photography, Tokyo is an excellent location for capturing stunning images. Take a look at this fantastic article about the finest sites to shoot Tokyo. We’ll use this guide the next time we visit!
Kyoto
Kyoto is our favorite Japanese city. With so many temples and shrines, history comes alive here, but it still offers all the modern conveniences you’d expect from a Japanese city. The food is also fantastic (where else in Japan isn’t it?) with excellent tiny restaurants hiding along little alleyways. As you traverse the city, you will frequently come across Geishas and Maikos (trainee Geishas) dressed in traditional garb.
When visiting Kyoto, try to witness a Geisha show and tea ceremony; it is a genuinely unique experience. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, located on the outskirts of Kyoto, is an ideal spot to relax and reconnect with nature. Kyoto is more walkable than Tokyo and feels greener.
Keep several days free in your Japanese schedule because you’ll most likely need them here.
Hiroshima
After arriving in Japan by boat from South Korea, we went to Hiroshima for the first time. All I knew about the city, like most people, was what happened during World War 2. What we observed over our three days in the city was that what happened after the atomic bomb detonated is what characterizes it.
Hiroshima is a city that isn’t scared to confront Japan’s imperial past and has dedicated its future to ensuring a peaceful future not only for Hiroshima’s residents but for all of us throughout the world. This city, not just for its peace park, but also for its proximity to Miyajima, where you can visit the world-famous floating Tori Gate, is a must-see on any trip to Japan.
Nara
To be honest, I had never heard of Nara before arriving in Japan, but after visiting the city, it quickly became a solid favourite for both of us. In some ways, it’s like a little Kyoto, complete with a rich history and pedestrian-friendly streets. On the outskirts of the city, there is a lovely forest with temples and shrines that hosts festivals during particular months. Nara is known for its wild deer, which roam Nara Park and the surrounding neighborhoods.
The deer are extremely friendly, and there are street merchants selling deer goodies near the park. Because of its temples and architecture, this historic Japanese capital has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. I’m delighted we went, and I’m sure you will appreciate it as well.
Osaka
Osaka is known as Japan’s gourmet capital, which is a bold assertion given the high quality of food on the Japanese islands. After Tokyo, Osaka is Japan’s second-largest city, with plenty to keep you occupied for a few days, and I don’t mean just eating your way around the city! Make time to visit the museums, which are very interesting. During your visit, there are additional temples, a gorgeous park, and even a beach to keep you amused. If you’re traveling with children, Universal Studios and Legoland will keep them occupied for a few days.
Mount Fuji (Kawaguchi-Ko)
Mount Fuji is unquestionably the most recognizable image of Japan. Rather than taking a day’s journey from Tokyo to see Mount Fuji, we decided to stay in Kawaguchi-Ko for a few days. Although we were unable to climb Mount Fuji during our stay, Kawaguchi-Ko is an excellent base for exploring the Fuji Five Lakes region. Mount Fuji loomed over us from every direction as we traveled across town. Kawaguchi-Ko also has its own lake, which is wonderful to walk about and provides excellent opportunities for taking views of Mount Fuji.
The autumn colours of Japan were out in force when we visited the town. We adored Kawaguchi-ko, which was our first taste of a smaller Japanese village. It has the small-town charm and manners of a smaller town, yet with the usual Japanese efficiency and service of a larger city.
Stay In A Ryokan With An Onsen In A Traditional Japanese Ryokan
Staying in a traditional Japanese Inn or Ryokan with a hot spring or onsen on site is a must-do among all the sites we recommend you see in Japan. Trust me when I say that this truly one-of-a-kind event will keep you coming back for more. There are many different types of Ryokans in Japan, but try to stay in a traditional one where you can sleep on a futon in your room and eat traditional Japanese food.
Indoor and outdoor single-sex hot springs are common, while mixed swimming is available in few. Be aware that many Onsens do not accept people with tattoos, while some newer ones are beginning to change their minds. Staying in a Ryokan with an Onsen will lower your heart rate, provide much-needed relaxation, and reconnect you with nature, making it the ideal activity for a busy Japanese vacation, wouldn’t you say?
The Yaeyama Islands
Japan’s tropical secret is the Yaeyama Islands. They are closer to Taiwan than the Japanese mainland because they are located in the far south of the country. The temperature on these verdant islands is pleasant, and the waters are wonderfully clear. We spent a week there a few years ago and were completely swept away by their beauty. Diving and snorkeling are great, with dolphins, turtles, rays, and whale sharks occasionally observed on dives. Great hiking and kayaking opportunities can be found in the interior. We went on a kayaking and hiking adventure to reach a waterfall, where we swam to cool down. Bliss.
The Yaeyama Islands have a distinct culture and cuisine, which is unsurprising given their geographic location. The flight time from Tokyo is about 3 hours, so if you want to spend some time on a tropical island during your trip in Japan, we propose the Yaeyama Islands.
Visit The Japanese Countryside
When visiting Japan, it’s easy to miss the countryside because the country’s cities get all the attention. It’s a shame because the Japanese countryside is where you’ll find the country’s, true heart. Japan is a conventional country, despite its reputation as a location where technology and innovation are pushed forward. When you visit the countryside, you will see ancient traditions still being practiced and people living in much the same way their grandparents did, with a few contemporary conveniences thrown in for good measure.
When I hiked the Nakasendo Trail, an old walking trail that runs through parts of Japan’s central mountains, I was able to witness some of these practices. The nearest neon sign is hundreds of kilometers away in this Japan of tatami mats and kimonos.
Japan is a fantastic place to visit regardless of your travel style. I hope this list has given you some insight into what it’s like to travel around Japan. We haven’t listed many more places in Japan because we haven’t had the opportunity to visit them. Something we’ll have to fix as quickly as possible.
