Japan is not like anyplace else on the planet that you simply’ve ever been. From robotic eating places with rainbow spaghetti to the peaceable peaks of Mount Fiji, that is one nation that appears to include a number of worlds inside its personal borders.
Whereas I completely adore Tokyo and would say that it’s a vital addition to everybody’s bucket listing, it is just certainly one of many choices. Why not spend one week exploring Tokyo (right here’s how to take advantage of it), then select a variety of day journeys and secondary cities?
Prepared to plan your dream journey to Japan? Listed here are ten locations to go to in Japan (that aren’t Tokyo).
FUSHIMI INARI SHRINE
Kyoto
A world away from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, you’ll discover the tranquility of Kyoto. Surrounded by pure magnificence, issues transfer slower right here.
The extra relaxed tempo of life, together with a deal with arts and the plethora of temples dotting the panorama make this the proper place to uncover genuine Japanese tradition.
Begin planning with my information to three days in Kyoto for an unforgettable journey.
Osaka
Whereas it’s the second-largest metropolis in Japan, Osaka is usually ignored in favor of extra touristy spots like Tokyo and Kyoto. In case you’re a foodie, nonetheless, you’ll be significantly lacking out by skipping over this culinary capital.
World-class dishes like okonomiyaki and takoyaki originated in Osaka and also you’ll discover a few of the finest cooks on the planet roaming these streets. Discover a few of the finest native foodies (that you simply may not have heard of) and eat your approach round city.
In between meals, discover Common Studios Japan and go for day journeys round Kyoto and Nara. For a deeper look into the tradition, get an area’s perspective on life right here.
Sapporo
The northern island of Hokkaido is a world away from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo. Well-known for its snowy ski slopes and native beer, Hokkaido offers you a glimpse into a really completely different aspect of Japan.
The finest time to go to Sapporo is in the course of the Sapporo Snow Competition. Over seven days in February, you’ll discover a buzzing ambiance and a few of the most spectacular ice sculptures you’ll ever see in your life.
Planning Tip: It’s important to take into consideration the very best season on your journey plans earlier than you go. Take a look at The Finest Time to Journey to Japan to discover the proper climate, value, and choices on your journey.
Nara
What’s Japan’s most lovely metropolis: Kyoto or Nara? It’s a troublesome selection! The lush gardens and gorgeous shrines and temples of Nara maintain their very own amongst essentially the most beautiful cities on the planet.
Nara is a simple day journey from Kyoto and Osaka. With such a formidable array of picture-perfect districts, nonetheless, it’s price planning a protracted weekend right here should you can.
Hiroshima
For worldwide vacationers, the previous usually overshadows the fact of recent life in Hiroshima. Whereas the Peace Memorial Park and Museum are completely important visits, this metropolis is about a lot greater than the second world warfare.
Miyajima Island is a dream vacation spot for climbing positioned lower than an hour from the middle of the town, and it’s certainly one of numerous spots for treks. Deliver your digicam and climbing sneakers!
When you’ve labored up an urge for food, pattern the recent oysters and different meals delights that Hiroshima is most for.
Need to whet your urge for food earlier than you hit the street? You’ve bought to strive my secret recipe for miso ramen.
Himeji
You may acknowledge this city from films like The Final Samurai.
The finest preserved and most gorgeous of the feudal castles that stay standing, Himeji Fort alone makes the journey right here worthwhile. This UNESCO world heritage web site is considered as a nationwide treasure and it’s visited by locals and vacationers alike.
Himeji is an ideal day journey from Osaka and Kyoto and you’ll see the core group of points of interest, like Himeji Fort, Shoshazan Engyo-ji Temple, and Kokoen Backyard, in in the future.
Nagasaki
From the sixteenth to the nineteenth centuries, Nagasaki was the one port in Japan that was open to overseas commerce. This has left an indelible mark on the panorama, each culturally and architecturally, on the town.
Nagasaki is a melting pot of Japanese, Portuguese, Chinese language, Dutch, and British affect.
From the colourful temples of Chinatown to the Catholic church buildings of the European districts, you possibly can see and really feel the layered previous of this dynamic metropolis. And, oh, that fusion meals!
Toyama
Alongside the well-known Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, you’ll discover Toyama. Sitting beside the Sea of Japan, this metropolis has been acknowledged by UNESCO for having one of many Most Lovely Bays in the World.
From superb seafood to sweeping views of the Japanese Alps, it’s nicely price exploring the historic outdated city and past as you begin on the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route.
Takayama
As you’re touring between Tokyo and Kyoto (two of my fave cities in the nation!) make a cease at Takayama. Keep in a conventional inn, a ryokan, and sleep on a conventional mat.
Like a mattress and breakfast, that is the sort of place the place visitors come down in a kimono, pull up a seat on the desk, and chat with the proprietor.
Get to know the pleasant locals then discover the normal downtown space and wonderful temples of the area.
Hakone
This can be a primo day journey from Tokyo or you possibly can cease by Hakone in your approach to Kyoto or Osaka. With Instagram-worthy photographs round each nook, this place is a nature lover’s dream. Take in the views of Mt. Fuji, trek the luxurious hillside, then make your approach round to the pure sizzling springs.
In case you can swing it, go to in the course of the fall and take in the beautiful leaves that line the countryside.
Feeling impressed? Seize my full Japanese journey information for all the things that you simply’ve bought to know earlier than you go.