Japan, also known as Nihon is the island country lying in the east of Asia is enclosed by Pacific Ocean. The closest neighbouring countries to Japan is Russia, Korean Peninsula and China. The total population of Japan is around 126 Million, with highest literacy rate after Russia. The Japanese currency Yen is the third largest trading currency, making it one of the top 20 developed countries in the world. The Japan Capital Tokyo administrates 47 prefectures or districts, including their top five metropolitan cities Yokohama, Sapporo, Osaka and Nagoya.
Japan is filled with ancient temples, traditional architectures, cultural Geisha folk dance and beautiful landscapes. To venture around the right places, we have made guide of best places to visit in Japan.
Tokyo
Formerly known as Edo, Tokyo is the capital of Japan and home to modern skyscrapers to ancient architectures. One such immemorial spot is the Tokyo Imperial Palace that used to be primary residence of Emperor Tokugawa Ieyasu. The palace can be easily accessed from nearest Nijubashimae or Otemachi train station. Another famous place in Japan is the Meiji Shrine constructed by country's most admired Emperor Meiji, who placed the foundation of Modern Tokyo. In few metres distance, you will find popular shibuya crossing where 3000 people is reckonedd crossing the road on light change. Furthermore, you can also visit the well known colourful Sensoji Temple located in Asakusa district.
If you are in to nightlife adventure, then head to Shinjuku and treat yourself with local foods, modish bars, multiple entertainment spots. While Tokyo is famous for all above, in contrast it also features modern man made unique structures such as Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line, which is combination of road partially under water and above surface connecting Kisarazu and Kawasaki city.
Best Time to visit : During Spring March to April and September to November
Budget Accommodation : Tokyu Stay Suidōbashi, FOCUS KURAMAE, Sakura Hotel Jimbocho, APA Hotel Asakusa-Eki-mae.
Yokohama
Marked as second largest populous city in Japan, Yokohama is prime destination for all the beautiful sightseeing it offers in abundance to the visitors namely Yamashita Park, Minato Mirai water front. One can reach Yokohama from the nearest Tokyo Haneda airport. The Yokohama Marine Tower in the Yamashita Park is 348 feet (106 metres) tall observation deck best to evident the entire cityscapes, including the significant Yokohama Port. As the matter of Fact, Japan is technologically advanced country, you can literally look in the past and future in Mitsubishi Industrial Museum. Yokohama is also home to largest Chinatown established since past 160 years, mainly famous for their foods and typical Chinese theme restaurants
Further to serve your adrenaline rush, visit the striking Yokohama Cosmo World which is theme park, extensively known for its ferry wheel with Cosmo Clock face on the front. Although it depends on visitors, but visit to Yokohama in winter is always recommended, which is when you will actually adhere and admire the true sense of snow sking in enclosed resort.
Best Time to visit : During Winter from December to February.
Budget Accommodation : Richmond Hotel Yokohama Ekimae, GuestHouse FUTARENO, HOTEL MYSTAYS Yokohama Kannai, Yokohama Motomachi Ekimae.
Osaka
Osaka situated in the Honshu Island, is significant commercial and port city. The city is renowned for its famous Osaka Castle, served as capital during the Azuchi-Momoyama epoch and played remarkable role in the unification of Japan. On the other side, admitting the fact that Osaka is filled with tall skyscrapers. However, the Umeda Sky Building comfortably manages to make its mark, specially for the unique architecture it boasts similar to Petronas Towers in Malaysia. Finally, visit the popular Universal Studios Japan, owned by NBC Universal. The Universal Studios amusement park is categorized in to eight sections such as Hollywood, New York, San Francisco, Jurassic Park, Amity Village, Water world, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Universal Wonderland, including the petrify roller coasters, monster rock shows, classic parades and dance performances.
Best Time to visit : During Spring March to June and Autumn November to December
Budget Accommodation : Residential Hotel HARE KUROMON, Earthmans Amemura, Osaka Guesthouse Nest, Hotel Hillarys.
Nara
Nara is place enveloped with ample cultural temples, landscape and tame deers. The highlight of Nara definitely have to be deer throng Nara Park, which was also declared as National Treasure of Japan. The Nara Park can be best visited during March and April for beautiful cherry blossom scenery or else in the month of November to capture the colourful tress naturally decorated during autumn. Todaiji temple located in the northern part of Nara Park is one of kind largest wooden temple in Japan housing the biggest Bronze Buddha Statue, also the Todaiji temple is recognized World Heritage by UNESCO So, it is definitely the place you should have in your Bucket list of Best Places to visit in Japan.
Other popular recognized World Heritage cultural temples include Kasuga Taisha, Kofukuji Temple. Not to Mention, the relaxing Isuien Garden, with museum inside showcasing the ancient Korean and Japanese artifacts and structures.
Best Time to visit : During Spring March to June and Autumn November to December
Budget Accommodation : Centurion Hotel Classic Nara, HARUYA Naramachi, The Deer Park Hotel Nara, Nara Backpackers Guesthouse
Kyoto
Kyoto, also once known as Saikyo is no less than Heritage City in itself, considering the city include remarkably more than 15 World Heritage spots. The Sagano and Arashiyama districts in the western region of Kyoto is one of the prime sightseeing destinations in Japan, which includes multiple holy Temples from Tenryuji Temple, Gioji Temple, Daikakuji Temple, Saihoji Temple. Other than that, Arashiyama also features few captivating spots such as prominent tall Japan Bamboo Grove, Arashiyama Monkey Park and adjacent little Togetsukyo Bridge showcasing the scenic autumn landscape.
To explore more of this area in unique wayy, hop on to the steam train from Sagano Scenic Railway which will pass through Hozugawa River and beautiful Saga Arashiyama area.
Best Time to visit : During Spring March to June and September to November
Budget Accommodation : Hotel Monterey Kyoto, Santiago Guesthouse Kyoto, Shiori Ann, Kyomachiya Hotel.
Nagoya
Nagoya is the third populated city in Japan, located in Central Honshu Region. The city's popular cultural architecture is the Nagoya Castle built in the 16th Century by Tokugawa Ieyasu (Yes, right the one who constructed Tokyo Imperial Palace), specially renowned for its Golden Tigerfish clutched on the top of the Castle. The Nagoya Castle can be easily reached from nearest Nagoya Station which is in just 2 Kms distance. Another well known spot is Nagashima Resort, which is vast adventure resort where you will be able to find thrilling Nagashima amusement park, spectacular Yuami no Shima open hotspring and unique colorful led illuminated flower park in Nabana no Sato.
If you are car enthusiasts then, we would highly recommend you to visit the Toyota Automobile Museum, constructed in 1989, on commendation of 50th anniversary of the Toyota. Not to Mention, How you can miss out on the history of backbone of Japan, SCMAGLEV and Railway Park. The Park is basically museum displaying the evolution of Japanese trains from old Steam Engines to modern High Speed Bullet and Maglev trains.
Best Time to visit : During Spring March to June and Autumn November to December
Budget Accommodation : Hotel androoms Nagoya Sakae, Dormy Nagoya Sakae hotel, Mystays Nagoya Nishiki Hotel, Hotel Trusty Nagoya Sakae.
Hokkaido
Hokkaido in other words is Winter Wonderland mostly covered from snow and cold breeze. Probably because of which, Hokkaido is famous for its high quality fresh seafoods. The city is best recommended to visit during the month of September and October. One of the significant event organised every year on the month of February for one whole week is Sapporo Snow Festival. The event features plethora of snow made architectures and snow performances. Just near to Susukino Station, is the Hokkaido Historical Village, that exactly depicts the lifestyle of Tondenhei Colonists settled to develop and defend the northern frontier of Japan. Additionally, you can also visit the Hokkaido Museum featuring initial remnants of first human civilization to recent Modern Wonders and artifacts.
Noneless than Mount Fuji, the Mount Moiwa in the northwest of Hokkaido is situated among other forested mountains, providing the panoramic sighting of entire Sapporo City specially during the night which resembles so rightly to Dunedin Hill in New Zealand.
Best Time to visit : During Winter from December to February.
Budget Accommodation : Hotel Nikko Northland Obihiro, Karaksa Hotel Sapporo, Guesthouse Nibutani Yanto, Dormy Otaru Hotel.
Hiroshima
Hiroshima is located in the southern region of Japan. As the matter of fact, Hiroshima was largely impacted by the Little Boy atomic bomb dropped by the US. However, the Hiroshima of today is modern cosmopolitan city with natural beauty of the Inland Sea and the surrounded Chugoku Mountains. Speakingg about the Hiroshima atomic history, the Peace Memorial Park is made to remember the nuclear attack in the city. The park showcases notable spots such as the Atomic Bomb Dome, Children's Peace Monument and Memorial Cenotaph. Further, for more insights about the event, one can head to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum.
Aside to all hustle bustle of modern Hiroshima, there is Miyajima Island which is sacred island believed to be the island where God resides. The island can be reached either by ferry or train. The main tourist spot is famous Itsukushima Shrine that is literally old as 1400 years. The prime symbol of the Miyajima Island is its giant Torii Gate, marking the gateway for entrance to the sacred precincts of Shintō shrine.
Best Time to visit : During Spring March to June and October to December
Budget Accommodation : Kokuminshukusha Miyajima Morinoyado, Kikunoya Hotel, Omotenashi hostel miyajima, Diphylleia Grayi.
Mount Fuji
At 3,776 meters height, Mount Fuji is the tallest mountain in Japan and internationally recognized World Heritage spot. Mount Fuji is located on the Honshū island, primarily famous for history of volcanic eruptions and also sacred site for devotees of Shinto religion since at least the 7th century. Although it is believed the tourists who travel to Mount Fuji, only have the option to climb to top of the mountain. However, interestingly there is much more the area around Mount Fuji hass to offer.
One can either opt to climb from least visited Fujiyoshida Sengen Shrine or clutered Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station. Fuji-Q Highland in the vicinity is probably one of the world's best theme amusement park with background scenery of beautiful snow cladded Mount Fuji. Itchiku Kubota Art Museum is another popular tourist spot showcasing many different traditional clothes and artifacts such as Tsujigahana style kimono, Symphony of Light art made out of 80 Kimono portraying the Mount Fuji and remarkable kubota designed natural garden comprising of miniature waterfall and little green passage.
Best Time to visit : Throughout Winter October to February
Budget Accommodation : Yamanouchi Hotel, Haras Guesthouse, hatago tsubakiya Hotel, Daikokuya Mount Fuji Hotel.
Nikko
Nikko is peaceful town located in the mountains to the north of Tokyo. The place is filled with numerous Shrines, one of which is world famous Toshogu Shrine built as a shrine and mausoleum to deify the Emperor Tokugawa Ieyasu. To evident the true beauty of Nikko, hop on to cable car from Akechidaira Ropeway. Once reached on the top, you will be greeted with spectacular panoramic sight of the mountain with waterfall and lake in the middle. Other famous tourist spots are Shinkyo Bridge, Senjogahara marshland, Okunikko.
Best Time to visit : During Spring March to June and Autumn November to December
Budget Accommodation : Hotel Famitec Nikko, Hotel Murakami, Gasthof Ami hotel, Nikko Kanaya Hotel.
Kanazawa
As opposed to major metropolitan cities of Japan, Kanazawa is known for its old rituals and ancient Japanese culture preserved exceptionally since 400 years. The city is leading tourist city where many tourists visit every year. During the Edo period, Kanazawa served as the seat of the Maeda dynasty which was the second most high power clan after the Popular Tokugawa dynasty in terms of owned land and rice production. Accordingly, the Kanazawa city eventually established to become a great of cultural achievements with modern essence of beauty. Kanazawa also owe to popular Kenrokuen, which is one the three main attraction in Japan for its best Landscape Gardens owned and maintained privately.
The people of Kanazawa admire the nature and believe to safeguard the same that can be observed in Yukitsuri, where the trees are given support with multiple ropes grappled around the branches. Another renowned tourist spot is Oyama Shrine that is exclusive representation of blend between Japanese and European architecture. The area of Oyama Shrine co exist with near by Gyokusen'inmaru Garden and Kanazawa Castle. The Kanazawa is seemingly well known for its fresh fish and seafoods which can found every where in the city massively in Omicho Market.
Best Time to visit : During Spring March to June and Autumn November to December
Budget Accommodation : Hotel Mystays Premier Kanazawa, Hotel Trusty Kanazawa Korinbo, Hotel Pacific Kanazawa, HOTEL LiVEMAX KANAZAWA-EKIMAE.
Kamakura
Kamakura is the coastal town located in the south of Tokyo, popular for multiple ancient temples, Buddha statues and beaches. Kamakura is a historical town, once recognized as political capital of Japan during the first shogun of Kamakura shogunate from 1185 to 1333. Kamakura also known as "the Kyoto of Kanto region", which is actually true considering the fact that the city resembles totally to Kyoto from fashionable boutiques, heritage spots, neon lighted restaurants and hiking trails. Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gū in the center of Kamakura is prime tourist spot portraying the architectures and rituals of Shinto religion. Another small discrete Shrine is the Hokokuji temple, mostly known for its lush and dense bamboo grove with narrow passage in the middle, which is similar to Sagano bamboo grove in Kyoto.
Not to Mention, you can hike up to the wooden trees mountain that connect another several small temples situated in different hills, such as Jochiji Temple, Kenchoji Temple, Yagumo Shrine. Additionally, the mountain also houses the Iconic Great Buddha Statue and offer the tourist the treat of scenic beauty and beautiful landscape from the side of the top.
Best Time to visit : February and March
Budget Accommodation : Hotel Mets Kamakura Ofuna, FUJISAWA SUITES, Almont Shonan Fujisawa, GEN HOTEL KAMAKURA.
Akihabara
When we say Japan is advanced Country, it definitely concise to technology and certainly Akihabara is recognized as hotspot for the same. Yodobashi Akiba electronics mall on the east side of Akihabara Station is the largest electronics store in the World, where you can find almost anything related to tech. There is also street featuring all the computer parts, drones, cameras, accessories and what not at fairly reasonable prices which is not recommended but definitely worth to visit once and probably buy if quality available at no expensive prices. If in case you find yourself astray, stroll to the nearest navigation screens installed in the streets with Maps and Wifi.
Furthermore, we a know how well known Japan is for their anime characters and you are fond of them, then Radiokaikan is the place for you where they sale R-Rated Collectibles, manga, models, toys, trading cards, figurines and collectibles. Finally, visit the Wakuwaku Taro for Souvenirs featuring the adorable Doremon Tshirts, Striking Goku Tshirts, Pokemon Tshirts, etc.
Best Time to visit : Throughout the year
Budget Accommodation : Hotel Mystays Asakusabashi, Okachimachi Urban Hotel, Hotel Cotoha, Akihabara Washington Hotel.
Takayama
Takayama is located in Gifu near the pleasant northern Japan Alps with striking sightseeing of atmospheric townscapes, hillside shrines and riverside platforms. The city of Takayama well preserved the historical Sanmachi Suji district which is home to wooden craftsmen since the Edo epoch. As mentioned, Takayama was commercial spot for timber and wooden crafts and to govern the trade Takayama Jinya played important as government structure in the late 15th Century. Hida Folk Village is an open air museum which preserves more than thirty ancient old 'gassho-style' houses which is enough to evoke a sense of nostalgia of the past Edo epoch lifestyle. Additionally, to experience more of era, one can also visit to World Heritage Shirakawago Village.
Alongside the Chichibu night festival and Kyoto Gion Matsuri festival, the Takayama Festivals is awarded among the top three public festivals occurring twice in year showcasing yetai parades, traditional folk dance and wooden crafts. Lastly, Okuhida Onsen in the beautiful outdoor surroundings beneath the Northern Japan Alps is must visit place, especially for its picturesque open air hotspring and fishing villages.
Best Time to visit : March to July
Budget Accommodation : Okuhida Garden Hotel Yakedake, Sakura Guest House, Best Western Hotel Takayama, Ichinomatsu Japanese modern hotel
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