If you are planning a trip to Japan, we are so happy and not at all jealous. Even though trips are fun wherever you go, there is just something so exciting about going to Japan.
If this is your first time visiting this magnificent country, let us help. We’ve gathered six spots you really shouldn’t miss.
Welcome to Tokyo — Manga and Anime capital
Yes, Japan is known as the birth country of manga and anime. But, Tokyo is the city where everything started. If you a pop culture fan, you’ll love wandering through the city in search of just one more manga and anime-related attraction.
If you are a real otaku, brace yourself for leaving some money in Tokyo. From the first TV anime series, Astro Boy, to the ones recently made, you can indulge yourself in the world of fiction and anime creation. We are sure that all old-school fans of anime production will be thrilled to see the Nerima Ward, the place where it all started.
Of course, many museums, such as Ghibli Museum, Doraemon Museum, and Tokyo Anime Center, were opened to keep together valuable collections from the manga and anime world. And if you visit Tokyo in March, you’ll be welcomed to the world’s largest anime exhibition — Anime Japan. Put on your most comfortable shoes and prepare for the most colorful tour in Tokyo!
Take a trip to Osaka — the Snack City
Osaka is considered a paradise for all foodies who love Japanese cuisine. Known as the Nation’s Kitchen, it indeed has much to offer.
You can take numerous culinary tours to explore all of Japan’s flavors. Here, street food is more than a treat; you must try delicacies such as takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and kushikatsu in the famous Dotonbori and Namba areas.
Besides street food corners and restaurants, various food festivals take place every year in Osaka. If you visit the city in December, don’t miss a unique Ramen Expo.
Pay a visit to Hokkaido to experience the nature
Welcome to the second largest and one of four main islands in Japan. The whole island is known for its mesmerizing and unspoiled nature.
There is something for every outdoor enthusiast, from hot springs and lakes to mountains perfect for snow sports. Trekking and sea kayaking are just some activities you can indulge in. If you’re a winter person, any time from mid-December to March will be perfect for you to enjoy ski slopes on the finest powder snow in the world.
The resorts are mainly in the area of Niseko, so we suggest you head out there first. However, visiting Hokkaido during spring is the best time to make a tour exploring all of the island’s national parks. Hokkaido is a rich island full of natural beauties, so make sure to plan your route and activities ahead to get the most of it.
Spend your holiday in Okinawa, the Hawaii of Japan
The significant island in the Okinawa prefecture, which also includes more than 160 magnificent small islands, is nicknamed the Hawaii of Japan.
White-sand beaches, clear water, and coral reefs are just some of the natural beauties you’ll be surrounded by. It’s a perfect destination if you’re one of those people seeking warm weather even during the winter. Even though winter temperatures are low in most parts of Japan, Okinawa stays sunny.
Swimming and snorkeling will reveal to you magnificent marine life, as you’ll be able to spend time in the company of sea turtles and jellyfish. Look at the locals if we still haven’t convinced you to visit it.
Okinawans are known to live very long lives. They say they own it to the beautiful sceneries, tasty food, and loved ones they spend time with. So why not try and see?
See the footprints of history in Hiroshima
If you are a history buff, you should not miss visiting Hiroshima. Yes, we should address the elephant in the room. It was a horrific tragedy for the citizens of Hiroshima, nature, and the whole country. Today, Hiroshima is home to more than a million people.
The best way to understand this vast event is by visiting the Peace Memorial Park. Once, this area was the commercial center of the city, but after the nuclear blast, the place was destroyed. This is now made into a memorial park commemorating all the victims.
The main landmark of the park is undoubtedly the Hiroshima Dome, one of the partially destructed buildings that still exist. It’s a fantastic feeling standing in the heart of all that history, seeing how one city and its people got back to life after a catastrophe that changed the world.
Trip to the heart of Japanese culture in Kyoto
Kyoto is known as the cultural and historical hub of Japan. And for a good reason. Kyoto is home to more than 1.600 Buddhist temples! Of course, it would be an impossible task to visit them all in just one trip to Kyoto, but there are some you should not miss.
Temples such as Kiyomizu-dera, Kinkaku-ji, and Tō-ji should be on your to-see list. Besides Buddhist temples, Kyoto is also home to more than 400 Shinto shrines, places that worship Japan’s oldest religion. The famous Tunnel of Torii Gates known worldwide is located in the most famous of them all, Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine.
It all looks majestic, and experiencing the Japanese culture through temples and shrines is priceless. But that’s not all. Meet the sumo, geisha, and sake tradition that has been curated here for a long time.
Where will you start?
Originally published at https://bookaweb.com.
