Japan
5 amazing places to visit in Japan
A Unique Experience
Japan is one of my favorite places on earth. There seems to be an underlying thread that runs deep through this country secretly connecting everything. Each time I travel to Japan there is a sense of peace, calm, happiness.
The one word to describe Japan is unique. I’ve traveled all over the world and there is no country quite like it. Everything in Japan has a purpose, a reason for being. Even the trees and grass grow with a purpose as if they were manicured.
Here are a few of my favorite places to visit in Japan. Enjoy.
Nikko
Less than 2 hours away from Tokyo lies the small historical town of Nikko. The Japanese say Nikko is kekko (beautiful or magnificent) and it certainly is. If you travel all the way to Japan and only experience Nikko, it will be a trip well spent.
Nikko is lush with nature and brimming with historical Japanese shrines and sacred sites. There is a feeling of mystery and serenity that fills the air, a special kind of magic that you can only understand when you experience it first hand.
On your way to this historical site you’ll pass by the magnificent Shinkyo Bridge. You cannot help but stare and appreciate the beauty of this place. There is a something special here, inspiring, and enchanted.
Profoundly Deep
The culture here is very deep. If you travel a lesser known trail in Nikko you might discover the beautiful Hyaku Jizō (100 Budhas, although there are only 70–80 left). During a flood many of these statue were swept away by the river.
The statues here feel old, alive, and mysterious. Their weathered stone is covered with a thick green moss and creates a sharp contrast with the crisp red cloths that hangs gently around their necks. A sacred energy permeates through this area. You could get lost deep in thought, pondering the mystery and meaning of life on this trail.
Kyoto
As the former imperial capital of Japan, this ancient city is a fantastic blend of old and new. Kyoto has a large number of ancient temples, Japanese gardens, and historical sites that offers a unique insight into the culture. The central province of the city is rich with shopping, modern buildings, hip bars, karaoke rooms, and incredible food.
The food
The food in Japan is so incredible that I could easily write an article dedicated to that. Each meal is delicate and bursting with flavor. Contrary to what you may have heard, you don’t have to spend a fortune to eat well. A good meal can cost you 500 yen, or about $6. During my entire stay I rarely spent more than $10 for a meal.
Unlike Japanese food in America, Japan does not revolve around sushi. Sushi in Japan is fancy and exquisitely prepared, it’s not everyday food. You’re more likely to dine on delicious curry or masterfully prepared noodles (ramen, soba, udon) then you are to sit down for an expensive sushi dinner.
Noodles in come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and styles. This amazing dish (above) is served with the soup on the side. You enjoy these noodles by dipping them into the very rich and flavorful broth just before slurping them down.
Nara
The Todaji Temple in Nara is breathtaking. This temple is the largest wooden structure on earth. Many of the other ancient temples have been destroyed by fire. Todaji remains strong and beautiful, towering over everyone and everything.
Inside this massive ancient structure you’ll find a giant buddha and other important religious artifacts.
You cant help but notice wild deer roaming everywhere in Nara. The deer are considered sacred and are revered by children and adults. You can purchase crackers and feed these furry little animals. The deer are very tame and are usually mobbed by their many young admirers.
Takayama
Takayama is another small town that’s extremely charming and peaceful. This little hideaway is filled with spectacular historical areas to explore. The Old Town in Takayama is like a time machine into the past and offers visitors a beautiful experience of what it’s like to stroll through a traditional Japanese village.
Takayama also has a magnificent snack culture. The town has an abundance of small food stands scattered throughout the streets, making it easy to grab a few bites of food while you’re exploring.
When you’re done snacking and exploring the town, relax at one of Takyama’s spas. The spas are the perfect way to unwind after a long day.
Tokyo
Bright Lights, Big City.
Last but not least is one of the most magnificent cities on the planet. Tokyo is everything from technology to fashion to food. You can find just about anything you need in this city from the future, including many things you never dreamed of.
Tokyo is technically a huge collection of provinces such as Shinjuku, Ginza, Akihabra, Odaiba, and many, many others. From the top of Tokyo tower you can see the never ending sprawl of high rises and technological marvels that will blow your mind.
Tokyo is much more than a big city, it is a diverse, rich, and deeply Japanese. It’s tempting to think of Tokyo as a city similar to Manhattan, its not at all. Tokyo is much larger and feels much much smaller.
There is a calmness and zen that surrounds this city. It’s clean, orderly, comfortable, and welcoming. Each province in Tokyo is like it’s own flavor of ice-cream. From the wild and funky streets of Harajuku to the holiness of the Meji Shrine, Tokyo is absolutely magnificent.
Planning Your Trip
The only real way to understand what Japan is like is to experience it for yourself. If you plan a trip to Japan I recommend going in spring or fall, avoid the summer heat it’s brutal. The minimum amount of time you want spend in Japan is two weeks but I’d easily go for a week if I was offered.
Bring a small translation guide and learn a little Japanese (cds, online, etc.). Most Japanese people do not speak English very often (although they read and write it quite well). Finally, learn the subway it goes everywhere and anywhere. The Japanese subway is legendary and truly a marvel of technology.
Enjoy your Travels!
I hope you get a chance to make it out to Japan. Thanks for reading!
Peace signs are very popular!
