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The Ultimate Guide: 6 Must-Visit Cities in Japan

Japan has a rich culture, beautiful landscapes, historical landmarks, and delicious cuisine. This guide will introduce you to six must-visit cities in Japan and highlight why now is the perfect time to plan your trip.


Why You Should Visit Japan Now


1. Now's the Time! Benefit from the Weak Yen

As of August 2024, Japan's yen is weak, making it an incredibly affordable destination for foreign travelers. Accommodation, food, and shopping are all more affordable than ever. This favorable exchange rate might not last long, so seize the opportunity to visit Japan now!


2. Rich History and Culture

Japan boasts over a thousand years of history, with historic cities like Kyoto and Nara. You'll find numerous temples, shrines, and castles, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Traditional arts such as tea ceremonies, flower arranging, and kabuki theatre are still alive.


3. Beautiful Natural Scenery

Japan's four distinct seasons offer stunning landscapes all year round. Enjoy cherry blossoms in spring, beaches in summer, autumn foliage, and winter snow. The country is also home to mountainous regions and hot springs, providing perfect spots for relaxation.


4. Diverse Cuisine

Japan is renowned for its rich culinary culture. From sushi and tempura to ramen and wagyu beef, each region offers its unique dishes. You'll be delighted by the variety of local specialties that make Japan a food lover's paradise.


1. Tokyo


Highlights

  • Senso-ji Temple: One of Japan's oldest temples, located in Asakusa, with the famous Kaminarimon Gate and bustling Nakamise shopping street. It’s especially lively during New Year’s and the Sanja Matsuri festival.

Senso-ji Temple Kaminarimon Gate

  • Shibuya Crossing: The world's busiest pedestrian crossing, surrounded by trendy shops and the iconic Hachiko statue.

Shibuya Crossing with bustling intersection

  • Tokyo Tower: An iconic symbol of Tokyo offering panoramic views of the city and, on clear days, even Mount Fuji. The tower is beautifully illuminated at night.

Tokyo Tower with panoramic city views

Experiences

  • Shopping: Explore the latest fashions in Harajuku's Takeshita Street, luxury brands in Ginza, and electronics and anime goods in Akihabara.

Takeshita Street in Harajuku

  • Cuisine: Savour authentic sushi at Tsukiji Market, enjoy renowned ramen in Shinjuku and Ikebukuro and indulge in Yakiniku (Japanese BBQ) in Roppongi.

Sushi assortment with fresh fish and vinegared rice

2. Kyoto


Highlights

  • Kiyomizu-dera: Perched on a hillside, this temple offers breathtaking views of Kyoto. It's especially beautiful during cherry blossom and autumn leaf seasons.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple with autumn foliage

  • Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion): A stunning gold-leaf-covered temple that reflects beautifully on the surrounding pond, especially picturesque in the snow.

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) in a snowy landscape

  • Fushimi Inari Shrine: Famous for its thousands of red torii gates that form a path up the mountain, perfect for a scenic hike and photo opportunities.

Path of Torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine

Experiences

  • Traditional Culture: Participate in a tea ceremony or rent a kimono to explore the city. Experience the elegance of maiko (apprentice geisha) performances.

Tourists wearing kimono

  • Historic Walks: Stroll through historic districts like Gion and Arashiyama, and enjoy traditional Kyoto cuisine in local restaurants.


3. Osaka


Highlights

  • Osaka Castle: Built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, this historical castle is surrounded by a beautiful park. Inside, there's a museum detailing the castle's history.

Osaka Castle and surrounding park

  • Dotonbori: Known for its vibrant neon lights, large mechanized signs like the Glico running man, and a plethora of food stalls and restaurants.

Neon lights in Dotonbori

  • Universal Studios Japan: A popular theme park featuring attractions based on famous films, including the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.


Experiences

  • Food Adventure: Try local favorites like takoyaki (octopus balls), okonomiyaki (savory pancakes), and Kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers) in Dotonbori and Shinsekai.


Takoyaki octopus balls with crispy exterior
Kushikatsu deep-fried skewers

Okonomiyaki savory pancake with various toppings
  • Nightlife: Enjoy the bustling nightlife in Umeda and Shinsaibashi, with numerous bars, clubs, and entertainment options.


4. Hiroshima


Highlights

  • Atomic Bomb Dome: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this building stands as a solemn reminder of the tragic events of 1945. Visit the adjacent Peace Memorial Park.

Atomic Bomb Dome in Hiroshima

  • Miyajima (Itsukushima Shrine): Known for its "floating" torii gate, this shrine is one of Japan's most photographed sites. During low tide, you can walk out to the gate.

Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island

  • Peace Memorial Park: A symbol of peace, the park includes the Peace Memorial Museum, which provides a poignant insight into the atomic bombing.


Experiences

  • Momiji Manju: Try Hiroshima's famous maple-leaf-shaped sweets, which are available in various flavors.

Momiji manju maple-leaf-shaped sweets

  • Okonomiyaki: Enjoy Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, a layered savory pancake with cabbage and noodles, at Okonomimura, a building filled with okonomiyaki restaurants.

Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki with cabbage and noodles


5. Hokkaido


Highlights

  • Sapporo: The capital city of Hokkaido, famous for the Sapporo Snow Festival held in winter. Key sights include Odori Park and the historic Sapporo Clock Tower.

Sapporo Clock Tower

  • Hakodate: Known for its stunning night view from Mount Hakodate, historical buildings in the Motomachi area, and fresh seafood at the morning market.

Night view from Mount Hakodate

  • Furano: Renowned for its lavender fields and colorful flower gardens, especially vibrant in the summer.

Lavender fields in Furano

Experiences

  • Skiing: Enjoy world-class skiing and snowboarding in Niseko and Furano, which are known for their powder snow.

Skiing in Niseko and Furano

  • Cuisine: Indulge in Hokkaido's fresh seafood, savory Jingisukan (grilled mutton), and dairy-based treats like ice cream and cheese.

Fresh seafood dishes

6. Okinawa


Highlights

  • Shuri Castle: A symbol of the Ryukyu Kingdom, this castle boasts vibrant red walls and a fascinating history.

Shuri Castle

  • Churaumi Aquarium: One of the world's largest aquariums, featuring an enormous tank with whale sharks and manta rays.

Enormous tank at Churaumi Aquarium

  • Ishigaki Island: A paradise with pristine beaches and lush nature, perfect for relaxation and outdoor activities.

Beach on Ishigaki Island

Experiences

  • Diving: Dive in crystal-clear waters and explore colorful coral reefs and marine life unique to Okinawa.

Colorful coral reefs in Okinawa

  • Beach Resorts: Relax on Okinawa's beautiful beaches, where you can also enjoy

    snorkeling and kayaking.


Conclusion

Japan is home to numerous must-visit cities, each offering unique attractions and experiences. Take advantage of the current favorable exchange rate and plan your trip now to make the most of what Japan has to offer.


Enhance Your Trip with Japanese Lessons

To make your trip even more enjoyable, consider taking Japanese lessons. Learning basic Japanese phrases will help you navigate and communicate more effectively, enriching your travel experience. Our lessons are tailored for travelers, focusing on practical language skills and cultural etiquette.


Stay Tuned for Detailed Guides

We will be providing more detailed articles about each of these cities, covering in-depth information on attractions, experiences, and dining options to help you plan your perfect trip to Japan. Stay tuned!


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