The top 10 places to visit in Japan will vary, of course,
depending upon whom you ask. Anytime you try to narrow down the places and
attractions in an entire country down to just 10 options you are definitely
going to leave some out.
When thinking about the top ten places to visit in Japan, we
at Learn About Japan strived to find a smattering of types of places. The most
interesting places to visit in Japan will are found all across the country,
from Kyūshū to Hokkaidō and from Osaka to Tokyo.
The best places to visit are not limited to Japan tourist
spots, either: many Japanese nationals enjoy visiting these places as much as
any tourist would.
Many of these places are the ideal destination whether you
plan to make your Japan trip in summer or in winter; others are definitely
better to visit during a certain season.
01. Nara
Located just 45 minutes by train from the slightly more
famous Kyotō, Nara is an underestimated travel destination in Japan. For
anybody who loves learning more about traditional Japan, Nara cannot be beat.
This moderately-sized city was actually the capital of Japan for a short time
(710 to 784 A.D.). Today, the modern and traditional live side by side in Nara.
The city boasts eight temples, shrines and ruins - all of which are worth
visiting.
02. Mt. Fuji
Mt. Fuji is considered to be a sacred site by many Japanese
and foreigners alike. It is the highest point in Japan at 3,776 meters (12,388
ft.). It is fairly close to Tokyo and can be seen from Japan capital city on a
clear day. During the summer months of July and August, you may take ground
transportation and then start climbing the mountain at the 5th station. There
are gift shops and restaurants open during the summer season. To get to Mt.
Fuji, you can take the Keio express bus from Tokyo's Shinjuku station. The trip
takes about 2 hours.
03. Kamakura
For anyone visiting the Tokyo or Yokohama areas, Kamakura is
a real treat. It is close the big city, but when you arrive the world around
you instantly transforms to a much older time. Situated just southwest of Tokyo
and very close to Yokohama, the most convenient way to approach is by train.
Temples, shrines and traditional Japanese restaurants await as you walk through
this quaint city. While today Kamakura has a population of about 175,000
people, in the year 1250 AD it is said to have been the 4th largest city in the
world with a population of 200,000.
04. Yokohama Chinatown
Yokohama Chinatown is located in the city of Yokohama (near
Tokyo), the second-largest city in Japan with 3.6 million residents. Called the
chukagai in Japanese, Yokohama Chinatown is the largest Chinatown in Asia and
one of the largest in the world. It offers visitors many sights and sounds that
cannot be witnessed elsewhere in Japan, including over 200 Chinese restaurants.
Access it via the Minatomirai line's Motomachi-Chūkagai station.
05. Ride the shinkansen
Anytime you want to travel between major cities in Japan -
or if you just want a spectacular view of the countryside at high speeds -
check out the shinkansen (new trunk line, or bullet train). Several different
train models and routes crisscross the main island of Honshū. Note that you if
you purchase the Japan Rail Pass you can ride most shinkansen, but some trains
- such as the Nozomi - require special tickets.
06. Visit an overnight
hot spring (onsen)
Anybody traveling within Japan owes it to themselves to
visit an onsen, or hot springs. There are literally thousands around Japan, so
we are not listing any particular one here. If possible, try to stay overnight,
whereby you can try wearing your specially-provided yukata (robe) while
sampling delicious delicacy foods and taking luxurious dips in the hot mineral
baths. This will be a treat for all 5 senses.
07. Nikko
This grand town, located about 2 hours (by train) north of
Tokyo, is the home of Toshugu, a uncharacteristically lavishly-decorated shrine
and mausoleum for the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate, Tokugawa Ieyasu. Nikko
is located at the mouth of the Nikko National Park, and the area is also famous
for its beautiful fall foliage during late October and November.
08. Hiroshima
Many Westerners think of Hiroshima the place where the first
atomic bomb was ever dropped during wartime. This is indeed an important part
of the history of this city situated in the western (and southern)-most area of
Honshū, but it is by no means the entire picture. In addition to its modern
historical significance, the area is the center of industrial power for this
part of Japan. The Mazda Motor Corporation is the city's most influential
company. While in Hiroshima, be sure to check out the Hiroshima Peace Memorial
Museum.
09. Daisetsuzan National
Park
If you ever have the opportunity to make it up to Japan's
northernmost of the four main islands, Hokkaidō, consider traveling to
Daisetzuzan National Park. Located in the mountain region at the center of the
island, it is the nation's largest national park. You can explore thousands of
square kilometers of wildlife, fauna, and beautiful scenery while you are
there. Also, check out the hot spring resorts of Fukiage Onsen, Sounkyou Onsen,
and Asahidake Onsen.
10. Ginza District in
Tokyo
In the mood for something a bit more flashy and
high-fashion? Check out the famous, glitzy Ginza district in Tokyo. Named for a
silver coin mint established there in 1612, this ultra-modern shopping district
is the place to see and be seen. High-end boutiques, department stores, and
restaurants are there for you to explore.
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