Visiting Japan for the first time may seem overwhelming. There are so many places to see and experience. From Tokyo to Kyoto, it can be overwhelming trying to figure out which destinations are the best. If you are unsure about where to begin your Japan trip, check out our articles on Kyoto, Tokyo, Hakone, Hiroshima, and more. Each destination has something unique to offer, and we’ll help you plan a trip that fits your interests.
Kyoto
If you love animals, Kyoto is the place to be. It is home to numerous monkeys and is a popular attraction among tourists. You can even interact with them! Arashiyama Monkey Park is a popular attraction in Kyoto, a place that has attracted Japanese tourists for decades. It is located on a mountaintop and offers breathtaking views of the city. It is an excellent place to experience Japanese culture and get a glimpse of the local culture.
The city’s best attraction is the Nishiki market, a small indoor mall with more than 3,000 shops selling souvenirs. You can sample many different types of meat and fish. While many shops accept credit cards, others don’t. Kyoto is also home to a variety of hot springs and public baths. Onsen is a popular spot in Japan because it contains multiple minerals, including mud. However, be aware that public baths in Kyoto do not accept visible tattoos. To make it easier to communicate with people, you can also use a pen and paper to write down your question. Kyoto has several train stations that offer lockers for your valuables.
Tokyo
While you are in Tokyo, you will want to check out the National Museum of Emerging Science and Technology. The Museum is an amazing place to take the kids. It is filled with exhibits that demonstrate the evolution of the world. In addition to the museum, you should visit a go-kart track and a ferris wheel. This museum will also let you explore the city’s history. While you are in Tokyo, be sure to check out the other museums. madisonsdish.com
The Imperial Palace is a historical site and still the residence of the imperial family. Visitors need to apply several weeks ahead of time to see this beautiful museum. Those who do get into the Imperial Palace are rewarded with a spectacular view of the city. You will see kimonos, swords, and armour from ancient Japan. The grounds are also beautiful. You can also enjoy the East Garden, which is a green space designed in the traditional Japanese style.
Hakone
Hakone is a popular day-trip from Tokyo and is famed for its hot springs and a stunning view of Mount Fuji. This beautiful place also has a number of art museums and pirate ships to explore. If you’re looking for an authentic Japanese experience, you should stay in one of the traditional inns. Mobal is the best way to make your stay as pleasant as possible, and offers flexible payment options. Most of its profits go to charity.
For a truly authentic Japanese experience, stay at a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn, which dates back to the Edo period. Although a ryokan will probably cost you a little more than a regular hotel, you’ll feel like you’re staying with a local family. The owners will go out of their way to make your stay comfortable, providing Japanese robes, a tatami mat, and a tea table. Many ryokans also boast a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains. https://artmight.com/user/profile/365212
Hiroshima
Located at the heart of the 1945 atomic bombing, Peace Memorial Park is the most poignant and emotional place to visit in Hiroshima. The Atomic Bomb Dome and the former Chamber of Industry and Commerce are just a few blocks away. To truly understand the devastating impact of the nuclear explosion, take an authentic Japanese tea ceremony in a museum or go on a hike through the preserved city.
While most visitors come to Hiroshima to experience the Peace Memorial Museum, there’s much more to this city than that. The city is awash in culture and history. You’ll find a variety of places to eat and drink here. There are plenty of food options, and you’ll want to make sure you have time to taste some local specialties. If you’re visiting from Kyoto, you can spend a day or two touring the Peace Memorial Museum, visiting the nearby Miyajima Island, and enjoying okonomiyaki.
The city’s modern culture is also evident in the Peace Memorial Museum. Here, you’ll learn about the events that led up to the bombing and the subsequent aftermath. However, it’s worth cautioning that this isn’t a place for the faint-hearted. The museum also contains personal items from the victims and other evidence from the time the bomb dropped. The exhibits can be upsetting for some, so make sure you’re ready to deal with any lingering emotions.
Nara
If you are interested in Buddhist art, Nara is a must-visit city. Its temples, shrines, and historical sites are all worth a visit. One of the most popular Buddhist festivals is Nara Shuni-e, held between 1 March and 15 March. Monks from Todai-ji parade huge flaming torches around the balcony of Nigatsu-do for 10 nights straight, raining embers on spectators for purification.
There are plenty of opportunities to see the city’s cherry blossoms during cherry blossom season. Located about 4km southwest of JR Nara Station, Yakushi-ji is easily accessible by bus or train. Taking a train from downtown Nara is convenient, but you’ll need to backtrack to Saidaiji Station and change to a local train southbound. It’s a popular destination for Buddhist visitors and pairs well with the nearby Toshodai-ji Temple.
If you are interested in ancient art, Buddhism, and Japanese culture, you can visit the Nara Prefectural Museum of Art, located in Nara Park. A short walk from the temple, you can also visit the Kofukuji National Treasure Museum and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. There’s even a bus route from Nara to Hiroshima, where you can visit the island shrine of Itsukushima and the Peace Memorial Park.
Fukuoka
A city with a unique blend of traditional and modern Japanese elements, Fukuoka is known for its beautiful gardens and ponds. The city is also known for its local delicacy, umegae mochi, a dessert made with grilled adzuki beans. There are many parks and open spaces throughout the city, including the Fukuoka Tower, the tallest seaside tower in Japan. Located near the center of town, this observation deck offers stunning 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape. It is especially beautiful at sunset.
Visitors to Fukuoka are likely to find plenty of things to do. The city is home to Japan’s largest shopping mall, Canal City Hakata. The shopping center has more than 250 stores, cinemas, a theatre, and a games center. Locals and tourists alike flock to the area to shop at the Fukuoka City Museum. The Tochoji Temples are also famous in Fukuoka, where you can see one of the largest sitting Buddhas in the world. The town is surrounded by mountains, making it a great location for hiking and mountain biking.
Mount Fuji
The pagoda on Mount Fuji is one of the most famous images of Japan. The surrounding area is covered in cherry blossoms and is particularly stunning in November, when the maple trees begin to turn red. You can reach the pagoda by taking a train to Shimo-Yoshida Station on the Fujikyu Railway Line. It is also possible to take the Mount Fuji World Heritage Loop bus from Shimo-Yoshida Station.
The summit of Mount Fuji is 3,776 meters high and forms the largest volcano in the world. Its peak is snow-capped almost half the year and rises from the flat plains. From several vantage points, you can take in the view of this majestic mountain. When early Tokyo became the capital, the mountain acquired national significance. It was immortalized in paintings and poetry, and was one of the first images of Japan that was introduced to other countries.
There are five major lakes in the area surrounding Mount Fuji. Lake Kawaguchi is the most accessible and is home to the most hotels and other facilities. You can also rent bicycles or rent one. The bus goes to Kawaguchiko every twenty minutes. The lake’s shoreline offers excellent views of Mount Fuji. There is also a dedicated cycling path around the lake. This is an ideal way to experience Mount Fuji.
Izu Peninsula
The Izu Peninsula is situated in southern Japan and boasts green cliff faces and rocky islands. The peninsula is also home to the world famous Wasabi (Japanese horseradish) and the Irozaki Kumano Shrine, which is a small shrine set into the rock. If you’re visiting the peninsula, you’ll want to take the time to explore both.
The Izu Peninsula is a popular holiday destination for the spring, early summer, and autumn. You’ll find cherry blossom trees in bloom in late March or early April. The region also boasts a pristine white sand beach called Shirahama. You’ll love the scenery during this time of year! Although temperatures can drop to the low teens during winter, it’s generally pleasant.
While the Izu Peninsula is home to some of the country’s best beaches, you can’t visit the southern beaches without visiting the northern ones. The southern beaches are less accessible by car and require a 3.5-hour train ride. If you want to visit southern beaches, you’ll have to take the train from Izu-Kogen, which is located on the peninsula’s eastern coast. Then, take the shuttle to Atami from the Izu-Kogen station and visit the Izu-Kogen National Park.