Bordered on the west by the Sea of Japan and extending from the Sea of Okhotsk to the East China Sea is the Pacific paradise called Japan. Anyone planning a visit to Japan should be prepared to marvel at the seamless fusion of ancient traditions with modern life. The country has fantastic gardens, mountains, and good tourist destinations. Here are the top places to explore on any visit to Japan.
Tokyo
Tokyo is one of the best places to stop by on your visit to Japan. Tokyo, Japan’s capital city, is well connected by airways to the rest of the world. The city is also home to numerous attractions such as Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo Skytree, and the Tokyo DisneySea.
You could also spend an evening near the Tokyo Tower in Japan, shop in Odaiba, and witness the grandeur of the Meiji Shrine. Tokyo is well-connected by airways to the rest of the world.
Nara
Nara is popularly known as the city of culture. It is the home to many shrines, monasteries, museums, temples, adorable deers, and the famous Nara Park. This city is where you need to get familiarized with the famed Japanese culture and traditions.
Some of the best things to do at Nara include visiting the Isuien Garden, befriending the deers at the Nara-Koen Park, and exploring the Nara National Museum. Other top attractions in this city are Nara park, Kasuga-Taisha, and the Ninja Museum of Igaryu.
Hokkaido
Hokkaido is the abode of natural hot springs. Its various attractions and experiences make it an impeccable holiday destination. Great activities to help you enjoy your stay here, include relaxing in the hot spring, treating yourself to delicious seafood, and visiting the famous national parks. You should also check out the blue pond, Nishiyama zoo, and farm Tomita.
Ishigaki
A necessary stop on your visit to Japan is Ishigaki, a destination popularly known for its exotic appearance. It was once voted the most trending spot in Japan. Top attractions in the city are Kabira bay, Ishigaki limestone cave, and Taketomi island.
Once there, you may savor the delicious taste of the famed Ishigaki beef after a day spent snorkeling or relaxing at the white sand beaches. Everyone would love to visit the most trending place in Japan.
Osaka
Osaka would pamper not only the foodie or party lover in you but also the die-hard tourist who loves witnessing the wonders of every place they visit. It has the best shopping arcades, eateries that offer incredible food, and the top nightlife hotspots in the city. Some of the great attractions in Osaka are Universal Studios Japan, Osaka Castle, and Dotonbori. You could visit the Kaiyukan Aquarium and the Hozenji Temple in Osaka.
Kyoto
If you wish to have an in-depth insight into the nation’s shrines gardens and palaces on your visit to Japan, spend a few days at Kyoto. The temples, shrines, palaces, parks, and bamboo forests are a perfect view for the eyes, and you cannot afford to miss them on your first trip.
If you wish to fully enjoy your stay in Kyoto visit the Kiyomizu Dera Temple, explore the Nijo Castle and visit the famous Kinkaku-Ji. Of all the major Japanese destinations, Kyoto is one of the best places to visit during spring, irrespective of whether you are on holiday or sightseeing.
The best attractions in Kyoto are the Kyoto imperial palace, philosopher’s walk, and Fushimi-inari Taisha shrine. Take a little time off to stop at this beautiful landmark during a visit to Japan.
Sapporo
Are you a beer or ski lover? With cities like Sapporo, ‘what to see in Japan’ would never be your top concern. You could do the following things at Sapporo; visit the Sapporo beer museum, party in Susukino and indulge in local delicacies at the curb market.
Its best attractions are; Moerenuma Park, the former Hokkaido government office and Mount Moiwa observation deck. The city not only helps you escape the heat and humidity but also helps you discover your winter wonderland during its famous Sapporo Annual Snow Festival. This is one of the best places to see in Japan!
Yakushima
Yakushima is famous for its wildlife, Cedar forests, and waterfalls. If you’re someone who loves venturing into the wildlife for an experience of a lifetime, then this best place to see during a visit to Japan; it is absolutely worth your time. Having great attractions such as Senpirono Falls, Jōmon Sugi and Mt. Miyanoura. You could witness the Oko-no-Taki waterfall, watch the Loggerhead turtles lay eggs and kayak or canoe in the Anbo River. Tanegashima airport is the closest to the city. Hire a cab, taxi or local bus to reach your destination.
Hakuba
Hakuba is the ultimate winter wonderland in Japan. The village is famous for its winter sports and various mountain resorts that offer incredible skiing, snowboarding, and hiking experiences. The unique nature of this town makes it the perfect winter place to visit in Japan.
You could ski at the Cortina resort, visit Hakuba 47 Winter sports park, and hike to the hippo pond. Its best attractions are Mt. Shirouma, Hakuba Happoone, the winter resort, and lake Aoki. It is considered to be one of the most famous places in Japan.
Nagano
Nagano is a great place for families to visit in Japan. Nagano is home to many hidden gems like the Ninja Village for kids, Shiga Kogen Ski Resort, and Zenko-Ji Temple that make it a perfect place for all types of travellers.
It has several great attractions you could visit such as Karuizawa, Matsumoto castle and Kamikouchi and the Zenko-Ji temple. In Nagano you can enjoy winter sports at Shiga Kogen heights ski resort and rejuvenate at Shirahone Onsen.
Finally, there are numerous great places you could visit in Japan. Are you considering the travel fees and budget? You could check out the cost of travel to these amazing places here.