If you’re planning a trip to Asia in the future, then make sure you consider some of the amazing places to visit in Japan. Westerners will love Japan for its unique culture and affordable costs, and friendly people. Plus, thanks to the bullet train, it’s incredibly quick and easy to get around the country if you want to diversify your trip.
Most people think of huge, futuristic cities like Tokyo when they think of Japan, but the country is much more diverse than that. From cities full of historical temples and beautiful Japanese architecture to quaint towns and villages full of nature to some of the best ski slopes in the world, it’s worth checking out the unique experiences Japan offers. Here are 8 of the most incredible places to visit in Japan.
1. Tokyo
It’s no surprise that Tokyo makes this list. Tokyo is one of the most famous tourist destinations in the world and visiting it is on many people’s travel bucket lists. But despite all the hype that Tokyo gets, it’s a city that genuinely lives up to its hype and has endless hours of entertainment to offer.
Shibuya and Shinjuku are two of Tokyo’s most popular areas. We know these spots for their enormous billboards, quirky shops, and great nightlife. If you want a different vibe, you can check out astonishing sights, such as the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden and Sensoji temple. You can also take a day trip to Mt. Fuji, which should be on everyone’s itinerary.
2. Kyoto
While we know Tokyo for its metropolitan vibes, Kyoto offers a completely different holiday. We know Kyoto as Japan’s cultural capital because of its Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, and incredible gardens, palaces, and trails. You’ll feel like they have transported you to another time in history when you walk through this city.
Make sure you take a walk through the famous fiery walkway to Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine. You should also visit Kiyomizudera Temple, a breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site surrounded by peaceful nature. You can also find delicious Japanese food, outstanding markets, and even a monkey park in Kyoto.
3. Osaka
If you want a lively city like Tokyo but with arguably cooler and trendier vibes, Osaka is perfect for you. The city is a haven for foodies with popular dishes such as okonomiyaki, negiyaki, and kitsune udon. It’s also an excellent place to go drinking with friends.
The famous Dotonbori area is perfect for all your retail, food, and nightlife needs, but you can also check out spots like Osaka Castle and Universal Studios Japan. Accommodations in Osaka are more affordable compared to Japan, and it’s also a perfect hub for day trips, thanks to its proximity to Kyoto, Kobe, and Nara.
4. Nara
Nara is a beautiful city in Japan that offers a much more peaceful atmosphere compared to some of the bigger cities. You’ll get an authentic Japanese experience here with its plethora of ancient Japanese buildings and temples surrounded by some of the best nature that Japan offers.
The city is most well-known for Nara Park, a vast public park where you can feed crowds of tame deer. You can also visit some of the best temples that Nara offers, take a hike through the waterfalls and Buddhist statues of Kasugayama Primeval Forest, or get some breathtaking views from the summit of Mt. Wakakusa.
5. Okinawa
Many people might not realize that, besides its futuristic cities and historical temples, Japan also has some amazing beach locations. If you want to enjoy brilliant weather, surfing, and unique island cuisine, make sure you take a visit to the Okinawa Islands.
You can get to Okinawa Island by plane or ferry and also use ferries to get around the different islands in the area. We know the city for its tropical climate and incredible beaches, making it ideal for those who want to try some water sports or whale watching. You can also check out historical attractions such as Shuri Castle or wander around its quaint, traditional villages.
6. Hiroshima
Naturally, Hiroshima is a great place to visit for history buffs. Known for the tragic bombing that occurred during World War II, the city is now known as the peace capital of Japan and hosts sights such as the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park.
However, Hiroshima also has a lot more to offer. From the Island Shrine of Itsukushima to the beautiful nature of Shukkeien Garden to fun attractions such as Asa Zoological Park and the Mazda Museum, the city is full of great things to see and do. We also known the city for its delicious delicacies such as okonomiyaki and fresh Hiroshima oysters.
7. Nikko
It may only be a small city, but Nikko is one of the most incredible places to visit in Japan for nature lovers. Here, you’ll be surrounded by stunning hiking trails bound by beautiful nature and waterfalls. It’s also home to some of the most lavish temples in Japan and its legendary hot springs.
Nikko offers a much more peaceful and relaxing trip compared to some other popular destinations in Japan. It’s only a couple of hours north of Tokyo so you might want to come here on a day trip. However, even if you decide to spend a few nights or weeks here, you’ll enjoy every second.
8. Hakuba
A little-known fact that many people don’t know is that Japan is the snowiest country on earth. While you won’t experience this in popular tourist hotspots like Tokyo, you’ll find some of the best ski slopes in the world when you head further north to Hakuba.
Hakuba is a perfect destination for skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, and other fun winter activities thanks to its vast mountains that collect tons of snow in the winter. You can also visit Hakuba in the summer for a completely different holiday full of rafting, hot springs, and hiking through warm, green trails.
Conclusion
Japan is one of the most amazing countries in the world and whether you’re looking for fun nightlife, historical sites, or wondrous ski slopes and hiking trails, you can find all of it here. Not to mention you’ll also be treated to some of the best food in the world and all kinds of fun activities and tourist attractions.
Make sure you include some of these must-visit spots in your Japan travel itinerary. Many of them are close enough to one another to use as day trip spots, and Japan has plenty of quick and efficient public transport options. No matter where you go, you will have the trip of a lifetime in Japan.
