Japan is a close-knit island nation known for its beautiful cities, unique food, amusement parks, temples, shrines, hot springs, and much more.
Whether you want to see cherry blossoms, climb Mt Fuji, or explore the country's storied history, there's something for everyone in Japan.
Tokyo is a feast for the senses, from the flashing lights of Ginza to the bustle of Akihabara. The Meiji Shrine gives you a peek into the city's storied past, while Ueno Park showcases over one thousand cherry trees blooming during sakura season.
Kyoto
Kyoto is a great choice for those looking for a more traditional Japanese experience. While this quaint city is home to hundreds of shrines and temples, it also has a lively food scene, shopping centers and modern conveniences.
The best time to visit Kyoto is during the spring and summer when the weather is warm and crowds are low. But even in winter, the city is a delight with its serene parks and picturesque riverside areas.
You can see a variety of Japanese traditions on display in this ancient capital, such as samurai sword fighting, kokino (traditional paper-cutting), traditional tea ceremonies, and a wealth of cultural festivals.
There are thousands of temples and shrines to explore, all offering a unique experience. You can spend an entire day exploring them, or mix up your trip with a cooking class, quiet canal stroll, forest hike, or a tasty vegetarian meal.
Hiroshima
Hiroshima, Japan is a charming city that treats its tragic past with honor and respect. But it also has plenty of lighthearted fun to enjoy as well.
The best places to visit in Hiroshima, Japan include its many shrines and temples, its world-class art museum, and a beautiful national park outside of the city. These are all things to do in Hiroshima that will give you an experience that’s sure to leave you with sweet travel memories!
You’ll want to spend some time at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, a place where people pray for peace. It is the location of the famous Atomic Bomb Dome and the Flame of Peace monument, both of which are reminders of the devastation caused by the atomic bombing in 1945.
Tohoku
With stunning natural landscapes, dramatic castles, historic sites and world-class sake, Tohoku is an incredible destination to visit in Japan. Despite being hit hard by the devastating earthquake and tsunami in 2011, local pride and passion are helping Tohoku thrive again, thanks to a variety of tourist attractions and exciting outdoor activities.
It’s also a great place to see autumn leaves and snowfall – Tohoku boasts plenty of mountains that are perfect for skiing, snowboarding and other winter sports. To see these amazing scenes, visit Dakigaeri Valley in Akita Prefecture or Yamagata’s Zao Juhyo for a memorable autumn leaf-viewing trip.
Besides nature, Tohoku offers a range of cultural experiences, from samurai history to quaint festivals that celebrate the region’s unique traditions. There’s something for everyone in Tohoku – and there’s no better time to visit than now!
Tohoku is easy to reach from Tokyo by shinkansen and is an excellent choice for travelers who want to combine city exploration with scenic countryside. It’s also a good base for exploring the northern part of Japan, with the scenic Azuma Highlands and the beautiful Ginzan Onsen hot spring town on offer.
Fukuoka
Fukuoka is one of Japan's lesser-known destinations but is a must-visit if you're looking for a more laid back and relaxed city than Tokyo, Kyoto or Osaka. With a beautiful coastline facing the Genkai Sea, you'll find warm water and fewer crowds than you would farther north.
- One of the best things to do in Fukuoka is visit the famous Kushida Shrine, an ancient Shinto shrine dating back to 757. It's one of the most important shrines in Japan and is also home to the Yamakasa Gion Matsuri, which takes place every July.
- Another popular attraction is Uminonakamichi which is a large sandbar that makes up the borders of Hakata Bay. It is a riot of color with pretty flower gardens and is home to a swimming pool called the Sunshine Pool which is one of the biggest in the west of Japan.
- You can also visit ROBOSQUARE which is a museum that is dedicated to displaying robots in their original form and has many different galleries where you can learn about the history of Japanese robotics. It's a great place for kids to spend the day and there are plenty of things to do here including a fun robot ride!
