1. Tokyo
Tokyo Japan is a bustling metropolis filled with all types of people from all walks of life. For a person who has never visited Japan, it can be overwhelming at first to the size and scale of the cities landmarks but once you are there and get settled, you will understand that Tokyo is nothing like what you’ve seen in the movies or on television. When planning your trip to Tokyo, the first thing that you should do is to look into a guide that can assist you to plan the city’s sightseeing tours, tourist spots, and restaurants.
There are thousands of hotels, inns, and restaurants in Tokyo that cater to tourists and foreigners. If you’re a sight-seeing kind of person, the Imperial Palace and Imperial Camp on Kyudo-Izu are a must-see spot. The Imperial Palace is Japan’s official residence and regarded as one of the seven natural wonders of the world. The Ogasawara Tea House is another famous tourist spot in Tokyo. Located on the western section of Tokyo, the Ogasawara Tea House offers a glimpse into Japanese culture, boasting artworks by some of Japan’s top artists, Japanese samurai swords, as well as traditional Japanese dishes such as rice cake.
Some of the most popular tourist spots in Tokyo include Meiji Shrine, Shinjuku, Golden Gai Statue, Tokyo Disney Land, and parks such as Jingui Park. These parks are a good mix of entertainment, education, and relaxation for visitors of all ages. With so much to do and see in Tokyo, you are sure to be refreshed and emotionally, mentally, and physically after visiting these destinations. All in all, Tokyo offers a diverse, interesting, and exciting travel experience to anyone who visits the capital of Japan.
2. Kyoto
Kyoto, formerly the capital of Japan, is now a modern city on the beautiful island of Honshu. It is known for its many ancient Buddhist temples, gardens, royal palaces, Shinto shrines, and exquisite traditional wooden houses decorated with beautiful carvings. It is also known for elegant formal dances, geisha, and exquisite cuisine. It is also widely regarded as the birthplace of sushi, the Japanese dish of raw fish cooked together with rice.
3. Osaka
Osaka is a port town and commercial center in the Japanese metropolis of Honshu. It is well known for its bright nightlife, upscale shopping and rugged authentic style of cuisine. The Kyoto castle, which has undergone many restorations, is the main historic landmark. It is surrounded by a moat and lake with cherry, plum and peach-flavored trees.
Osaka has many hotels and inns for tourists to choose from. There are cheap lodging options as well as luxury establishments. In the past, the city was known for being isolated in the Pacific Ocean. However, because of World War II, all the small islands were ceded to Japan and since then, Osaka has built itself a strong defense mechanism against foreign influences. Today, the city is an international business hub and home to the Profibus Air freight company.
Osaka is a great city to visit for those who love nature and historic landscapes. It offers many outdoor activities that will delight every individual, young or old. In order to explore more about this exciting city, there are many informative travel guides available in the local bookstores, or you can access online portals that feature Osaka travel guides. Some include pictures, articles, and detailed information about various lodging accommodations available in the city. You will surely enjoy your stay in this delightful city!
4. Hiroshima
If you’re looking for a picture-perfect place to commemorate the horrific World War II events, look no further than Hiroshima. A picturesque island off Japan’s Honshu Island, Hiroshima is commemorated today with a massive monument known as the Peace Memorial. The memorial, which serves as a national monument, is composed of more than a hundred different memorial stones. Besides the stones, there are also many other displays and memorial plaques that honor those who lost their lives in World War II.
The Peace Memorial has become a place where people from around the world can come together to remember the victims and the memories of the horrific events. Even today, many people visit the memorial to pay their tributes. There are many beautiful gardens and exhibits at the memorial. In addition to the numerous memorial plaques, the place is filled with wonderful botanical gardens and beautiful statues depicting ordinary citizens of Japan. The entire site is dotted with beautiful gardens and historic buildings, making it an ideal place to take in the sights.
Among the many local attractions within the area, there are Niijima Castle, the Asagi Shrine, Meiji Shrine, and other gorgeous monuments. For a truly tranquil experience, there is Chuo Koen, a nature preserve that is Japan’s oldest. For those looking for a great getaway, there are Harumecafe Coffee, Komachitsu Restaurant, and the Toyo Hotel. All in all, there is something for everyone in this wonderful place.
5. Nara
The city of Nara Japan is situated in the south-western Honshu region of Japan. The city is known for its beautiful lake, temple and garden. Nara has significant architecture and temples dating from the 8th century. Deer often roam freely in Nara Park, a favorite site of Tōdai-jji temple.
The Shinto temple is located on the opposite side of the park from the park’s exit. The temple is believed to have been founded by the god of peace, Ashiya Hitoru. Daibutsu, Tōdai jji’s large bronze statue, is also situated in the large hall at the center of the park. On the park’s opposite side, you will find Kasuga Taisha, a temple dedicated to the Buddhist god of war. A statue of seated Buddha at the entrance to the temple adds to the peaceful atmosphere of the park.
Nara serves as the cultural center of the imperial Japanese government. It was here that the Japanese declared their first imperial rule in the 1820s. Many paintings of Japanese royals and classic art pieces were also created in Nara. The temple is also believed to be where Hidehiko Furumoto, the wife of the Japanese shogun gene, began writing the anthology of Japan’ in the year two hundred. It is also believed that Hidehiko was buried with her husband following the end of the Edo period.
6. Sapporo
Sapporo is the capital city of Hokkaido island in Japan. The city is renowned for its warm climate, snow-capped mountains, and year-round Sapporo Snow Festival which celebrates the town’s annual winter snowfall. The Sapporo Beer Museum traces back the history of the city and has a free beer garden and tastings. Snow-capped mountains and lush green scenery surround the city and create an atmosphere of calm and tranquility.
The city of Sapporo Japan was originally built as a village and grew into a city over the years. Today it is one of the most beautiful and modern cities in Japan. A unique aspect to the city is that it does not have a centralized location but rather the roads are like a grid system. This allows for many small villages to interconnect with each other and connect to the rest of the city by way of bus or train. This allows for both commerce and recreation. Restaurants and cafes abound in the city and a number of theme parks also exist.
The Sapporo Snow Festival is the most celebrated event of the Sapporo year. The festival celebrates the arrival of winter and the start of the season of joy and happiness with the opening of the “Niseko Christmas Festival”. On Sapporo day, all houses are decorated, and the outdoors are set ablaze with numerous huge paper snowflakes which are lit by hand. The roads are covered with a thin layer of white powder and the people wear various traditional costumes depicting various scenes and events from ancient times. It is perhaps the best place in Japan where one can experience a true sense of Japanese culture and meets a wide range of people.
7. Fukuoka
The city of Fukuoka Japan sits on the beautiful north coast of Japan, literally meaning “fuku-crown.” It is known for its ancient temples, sandy beaches, and busy shopping malls, like Canal City in the central Hakata district. The central Hakata District contains Tōchō-Jima Church, home to a ten-meter wooden statue of Buddha, and the Hakata Municipal Museum with extensive displays on everyday life from the Meiji and Taishō periods.
A must-see is the National Art Gallery, an extension of the National Diet. It houses almost one million paintings and is one of the most visited museums in Japan. The Contemporary Fine Arts Museum is also a must-see, housing some of the country’s greatest modern art movements. The Shogakawa Electric Power Company is a great place to take a walk around, as they are always installing new wind generators. The weather in Japan is usually sunny, but summer can bring about high winds, so be careful walking around in the evenings or during really hot weather.
The Imperial Household Art Museum is a significant addition to any visit to the city, containing some two hundred examples of the Great Japanese Art Collections. Other important places include the Shogakawa Pharmaceutical Museum and the Tokyo Metropolitan Museum. The Imperial Household Art Museum is one of the most important art museums in the country. Opened in 1948, it is one of the few in the world to be accredited by UNESCO.
8. Kanazawa
The city of Kanazawa Japan is the second-largest city in the province of Honshu, on Japan’s central Honshu Island, which means “the place where rivers flow.” It is recognized for richly preserved historic districts, excellent art museums, and local handicrafts. The city of Kanazawa can be divided into seven prefectural wards: Futomaki, Niijima, Mikurajima, Ikebukuro, Chichijima, Shichiwa, and Nagashima.
This ancient city has been a center for commerce ever since it was established in 710. Today it attracts tourists from all over the world who come to witness the beautiful scenery and beautiful people. The city is quite safe both for citizens and tourists alike because it is located right in the heart of Japan. In addition, because it is right in the heart of Japan, many cultural festivals and events occur, such as the annual Kanazawa City Festival. During this festival, from October to February, people all over Japan gather to have various fun-filled activities like kimonos shows, koi fish carving competitions, fireworks displays, and folk music and dances. There are also many theaters and museums in Kanazawa, where one can see some very informative films on Japanese history and culture.
Travelers to Kanazawa are usually captivated by the beautiful scenery and the artistic buildings, but they also must make the trip a truly memorable one! Before embarking on your trip, you must first prepare yourself for an unforgettable experience. The best and probably the only effective way to do so would be to book a Kanazawa tour package. Kanazawa tour packages usually include airfare, accommodations, sightseeing, and attractions. The packages also usually include all meals and drinks during the journey.
9. Kobe
Kobe Japan is well known as the Pearl of the East Sea, a cosmopolitan city on the outskirts of central Japan. It’s internationally recognized for its traditional samurai culture and exquisite palaces. You can enjoy the best of Japanese cuisine in one of its many restaurants or at one of the glamorous hotels. While in Kobe you can also indulge in many water activities such as river rafting, skiing, and even wakeboarding. There’s something for everyone in this picturesque city located on the shores of Japan’s the Pacific Ocean.
Kobe is a great place for a vacation because it is affordable and has all the comforts and modern conveniences you would expect from a first-world city. Hotels in Kobe include five-star luxury establishments. You can opt for a simple luxury hotel or one with many amenities including fitness centers, meeting rooms, spas, restaurants, bars, and clubs. For sight-seeing, you should consider visiting theji-in-garden, a small nature park located on the grounds of a historic castle. The castle overlooks the bay and the sea beyond. Here you’ll also find a beautiful cherry blossom tree.
If you want to go shopping then head to Aoyagi Department Store, located on the ground floor of Olympic Park. This store features modern fixtures and some of the country’s most high-quality boutiques. The temple city of Kobe is also home to many parks and gardens. A good way to see these parks is by taking a cable car ride.
10. Nagasaki
Nagasaki Japan is one of the most devastated cities during World War II. After suffering an Allied aerial attack on August 15, 1945, it is synonymous to a crucial moment during World War II. The place is now home to an experimental Peace Park, which commemorates the dead bodies of thousands of soldiers who were killed in the bombardment.
A short drive from the city, there is the famous Nagasaki Electric Power Station, or the Electric Power Station Museum. It is here that you can learn more about the devastation brought by this act of war. You will also get to experience the town’s modern attractions such as bullet trains, electric scooters, and mopeds. The Nagasaki bomb museum contains a different collection of relics from the attack. Among these are the fuermanal bomb jacket, the first hydrogen bomb, firecracker, cigar-shaped warhead, and many others. Visitors also get to know more about the history of the Nagasaki attacks through the exhibits such as the “A Century of War” and “The Making of Nagasaki.”
While in Nagasaki, you can also go on a guided tour around town. You can opt for the “Horie Saka” or the “Great Railway Ride” if you are looking for an all-encompassing tourist trip. If you want to get out of the crowded areas and discover a more peaceful place, try the “Shinkansen” or the “Kembor Islands” tour. Or better yet, book yourself a trip on a bullet train that will take you through the perfected routes to key districts of Nagasaki. Nagasaki has undergone rapid economic development over the years, but it is still possible to find the quintessential Nagasaki Tourist spots. To learn more about Nagasaki’s lesser-known charms, you can check out the Nagasaki Tourist Site.
11. Takayama
Takayama is located in the northern region of Gifu Prefecture in Japan. Takayama was formerly a small castle town until the 1700s when the Japanese samurai began settling there. During the years, the town gradually developed into a bustling town with a good population. Today, Takayama Japan is renowned for its wonderful scenery that is often used as the background for photography and landscaping. The Takayama Forest is one of the most popular places for hiking and trekking around Japan and a visit to this forest is an experience one should not miss.
Takayama Japan has four different districts: Sanmachi, Gyokurajima, Mikura, and To’omori. All of these areas boast local attractions and are a great place to stay with plenty of interesting history and architecture. The narrow lanes of its Sanchi Suji town are lined with small wooden houses dating back to the Edo Period, and many small museums featuring art, regional traditions, and other items of interest. The town is famous for its yearly Takayama Festival, which goes back to at least the middle 1600s, celebrating the fall and spring with decorated parades, lanterns, and workshops featuring local dishes and crafts. Travelers staying at hotels near these areas have easy access to this festive event.
If tourists are looking for greener pastures, Takayama Japan offers some of the most extensive tea gardens in Japan. Tea gardens in many parts of Japan date back to the feudal period and were originally created to keep Japanese farmers away from fields where they could be attacked by neighboring warlords. Takayama Japan has many scenic tea gardens, which are perfect for visitors taking a vacation to one of these areas.
12. Naha
Naha is a cosmopolitan city located on Japan’s Pacific Coast. Naha is the second-largest city in Okinawa Prefecture, formerly known as Kochi. It is known for its restored royal palace, Shuri Castle, which thrived from the 14th century through the mid-Qing Dynasty. Tsubasa district is now subdivided with various traditional ceramic varieties such as shiiza (bulldog figures) found mainly in the Shuriya-Komoro area of Naha. Lined by modern shops, restaurants, and bars, Kokusai Dori is Naha’s busiest street.
Naha continues to develop into a modern city, where different cultural trends converge. Changing consumer preferences in taste for food and cuisine and the influx of Western culture have influenced Naha cuisine, but the basic ingredients for Naha recipes remain the same: beef, seafood, vegetables, and fish. However, due to intense competition from various neighboring cities, many Naha dishes have been modified to conform to the demands of a “Westernized” market. Today, when you walk down any Naha street, you will find yourself in a “regular” Japanese street, with many brightly colored “Shiraz” and “Santoku” shophouses. The atmosphere of these traditional Naha restaurants is quite different from that of a “regular” Japanese restaurant, as you’ll notice that the doors are generally open all the time, and the waiters are friendly and well dressed.
As a matter of fact, some “regular” Naha restaurants (notably the famed O-ishi Palace) have adopted the Japanese “day-time” meal. This consists of a simple bowl of rice, soup, grilled fish, pickles, and other Japanese delights. These meals can be had at any time of the day – breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even on weekends. Many tourists and visitors to Naha also insist that it is impossible to find decent Japanese music, and for this reason, many hotels now offer English-language versions of Japanese movies and TV shows.
13. Yokohama
Known as the “City of Sails” and “The Pearl City,” the City of Yokohama in Japan is a destination spot for tourists who are looking to explore all that this place has to offer. It is known for its pristine beaches, rich culture and seafood restaurants, which make it a very popular destination for tourists from around the world. The beautiful seaside environment offers a lot for visitors to behold, which is why millions flock to the City of Yokohama in Japan on a yearly basis.
In addition to all the exciting activities that tourists can enjoy in the City of Yokohama in Japan, it is also a very safe place for tourists to visit. This is because the crime rate is very low when compared to other cities in Japan and the surrounding areas. In fact, there are even some areas within the City of Yokohama, which are considered to be a low risk zone. Therefore, you can always visit these places without having to worry about experiencing any sort of hassle. The same cannot be said about the attractions that you can find in the City of Yokohama, Japan.
The city has numerous fascinating attractions which can appeal to all sorts of interests. These include cherry blossom trees, marine aquariums, whale watching tours, hiking trails, swimming pools and a whole lot more. Because of the different activities that you can enjoy in this city, it is no surprise that thousands of people from all over the world throng to this part of the country every year. Taking in the sights, sounds and tastes of the City of Yokohama in Japan is an unforgettable experience that you will never forget. If you are planning a trip to Japan soon, the best time to do so would be during the spring, as this is when the cherry trees bloom and the number of tourists visiting the city increases.
14. Nagoya
Nagoya is the second largest port in Aichi Prefectivion, Japan. Nagoya itself is situated in the Naka Ward of central Honshu. The city is home to several museums and pachinko parlors. To the north are the Sakae amusement complex, with indoor shows, and to the south lies Nagoya Castle, a partially reconstructed 1612 royal castle featuring Edo-era accessories.
The unique thing about Nagoya Japanese style is that there is less of the “Shinto.” Though most houses in the area employ some degree of Shinto motifs, it is virtually unheard of for a home in this region to be without some degree of this philosophy ingrained in them. Nagoya is famous for its exquisite gardens, many of which border seaside resorts and beautiful beaches. This landscape makes it an ideal location for garden enthusiasts, particularly those who love to spend time gazing at nature and taking in the colors of the rainbow.
One of the great things about Nagoya Japanese style is the many places you can visit while you are there. Nagoya has great shopping to do, but before you go shopping, why not try a stroll through one of the many parks that adorn the area? Or, you might want to stop by a temple, see a folk show or visit one of the great museums. Whatever you choose to do, you will be sure to be astounded by the beauty of Nagoya Japan.
