Jutting out into the Japan Sea, to the north of Kanazawa, is the rugged Noto Hanto (Noto Peninsula). Kyoto Source: flickr Kyoto, Japan Hiroshima’s people are friendly and outgoing, and in addition to the famous local specialty, okonomiyaki, Hiroshima is full of bars and restaurants offering local sake (and, in winter, the amazing local oysters). Magome is a charming post town easily reached from Nagoya, and the perfect starting (or end) point for the walk. Once the political center of Japan, Kamakura is a nostalgic town that holds onto the scenes of its height of power. Hakone is a lovely resort town with hot springs baths and traditional inns. Trust me: I’ve spent years exploring Japan, and I am not remotely near finished! Also, add Sounkyo’s Ginga and Ryusei Waterfalls to your list to see the extraordinary autumn leaves. Now, there are more than a hundred, but most are recreations. The Art House Project is a collection of abandoned houses and workshops – as well as a temple and a shrine – that have been converted into venues and art installations for artists from Japan and around the world. Luckily, it avoided devastating storms and wars over the years, and you can still see many ancient and well-preserved areas. Overnight guests can get after-hours access to the museum, and original pieces decorate every accommodation. Mount Koya is a profoundly significant religious site in Japan. Naoshima. While we couldn’t include every single one of our favorite places in Japan, we hope our guide to Japan’s best destinations helps you decide where to go on your trip! The best cities to visit in Japan aren’t always ones you read about in guide books. You can explore the gorge from below by boat or above on hiking trails. The 42 Best Boutique Hotels and Luxury Ryokans in Japan, Article | April 24th, 2021 | Lukas Leiffer. If you love sightseeing boats, head to either Geibikei Gorge or Matsushima Bay. Japan has an abundance of natural wonders. Fuji, wear a kimono and stroll the historic streets of Kyoto, visit a maid cafe down in the electronic town of Tokyo… If you’re lost for travel itinerary or bucket list ideas, rest assured that this article has something for you! The powerful Peace Park and Museum are well worth exploration, but after reliving the horrors of 1945 you’ll see that Hiroshima’s present is much brighter. so I’ll reveal the tips and tricks I used for my own 2 weeks in Japan itinerary. According to legend, Emperor Shomu commissioned the construction of Todaiji after a slew of disasters and epidemics, and millions of citizens came to help. The most impressive among them, though, is Todaiji Temple. Ancient Kyoto. Kyoto is home to seventeen UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which include several awe-inspiring Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines. While shorter than we might normally suggest, if you’re thinking of visiting for less than a week, make sure to see our article on where to go if you have 5 days in Japan. We touched on this town further up the list, but it merits an individual entry. As anyone from either city would tell you, despite their proximity the two neighbors could not be more different from one another. Near here is the Amano-Iwato Shrine, which Japanese mythology references as the place where the Sun Goddess hid and sent the world into a long period of darkness. 6) See Sumo Wrestlers in Action Naoshima is the place to go for contemporary Japanese art. One of the best places in Japan for art lovers, the art island of Naoshima is home to a large collection of contemporary art museums, galleries, exhibits and installations. No matter when you go, the natural landscape of the mountain comes alive in the seasons. But the real highlights of a visit to Takamatsu are Ritsurin Koen, a lovely landscape garden, and the serene Isamu Noguchi Garden Museum. Art lovers will want to pay homage at the Onomichi City Art Museum, designed by world-famous architect Tadao Ando. From mid-April to May, 800,000 moss phlox bloom on the vast fields near Lake Motosuko. Adachi Museum of Art. next →. In the countryside, stay at a beautiful ryokan and enjoy onsen (hot springs) and kaiseki cuisine. Kinosaki Onsen is one of Japan’s quintessential onsen destinations. Combine these backdrops with Japan’s Edo-period buildings, grand temples and shrines and the result is simply spectacular. For more scenic areas, head to Miyazaki, where you’ll find one of Japan’s hidden gems. Places to Visit in Japan, Asia: See Tripadvisor's 70,72,386 traveller reviews and photos of Japan tourist attractions. The Main Gallery includes pieces by artists such as Picasso, Monet, and Rodin. Yakushima is a subtropical island off of Kyushu’s southern coast. The evening parades feature massive floats made from paper and red lamps. If you’re looking for one of the best places to go skiing in mainland Japan, look no further than here. Tokyo is home to Japan’s royal family. Do you love skiing on powder? Osakans are obsessed with food, and as the saying goes, this is the city to kuidaore—eat ‘til you drop! Fukuoka is a cosmopolitan city at the northern end of the rugged Kyushu island. When the chilly weather gets to be a little too much for you, warm your bones in a piping hot onsen! Koya is one of the best places in Japan to experience a stay in a Buddhist temple. Walking the labyrinth-like approach to the six-storied main keep, you’ll quickly understand why no army was ever able to demolish it. Of all the major Japan destinations, the sacred city of Kyoto is one of the best places to visit in Japan in spring irrespective of whether you are holidaying with your family or your partner. At Boutique Japan, our specialty is crafting completely customized trips for travelers seeking unique, authentic experiences. Let us help you. According to tradition, Kukai threw a ceremonial tool from China, and it landed where this temple complex now stands. We enjoyed the small Ota Memorial Museum in Harajuku, Tokyo which displays rotating exhibitions—we were lucky enough to see the 36 Views of Mount Fuji by Hokusai including the famous Great Wave off Kanagawa. Only twelve “original” castles remain, and Himeji-jo is the most dazzling among them. Toyotomi Hideyoshi constructed it to commemorate his mother. A ferry also connects Takamatsu to Naoshima (see above). More and more people are traveling to the island nation every year, lured by the promise of fresh sushi, amazing train rides, safe cities, intriguing traditions, and quirky pop culture. But, they’re able to withstand the snow because of their architecture. Start in Sapporo or Hakodate (both wonderful culinary cities), then venture off into the wild. If you feel inclined (pun intended), Mount Fuji’s climbing season is from July to September. Read Reviews » Hotels Nearby». From here, it’s just a hop, skip, and a jump to Tokyo Tower. The (very) gradual change in season means the cherry blossoms in places like Matsumae Park and Goryokaku Fort don’t bloom until May! Hakone is the Tokyo area’s most famous nature retreat. Near the Victims Memorial Cenotaph, you’ll find the Peace Museum, where you can see pictures and virtual renderings of the day, as well as hear survivor stories. 8 Must-Visit Places in Japan During Spring. In addition to its culinary highlights, Fukuoka is a magnet for creatives with a vibrant arts scene, attracting young artists and designers from throughout Japan (and Asia).