A brief read is not enough to explain how much of a wonderful destination Japan is, but we’re going to try. In a nutshell, the country is a duality of ancient traditions preserver and state-of-the-art modern technology pioneer. In between? So much more.
Popular cities in Japan – especially for first-time visitors – include Tokyo and Kyoto. The first is the capital city and also the busiest, home to the most cutting-edge fashion brands and coveted electronics and technology. Take a trip a little way out of Tokyo to find The Happiest Place on Earth, Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea – an attraction that’s appealing for all ages.
If you’re into old, majestic temples and the charming scenery of quaint old houses, you wouldn’t want to miss Kyoto on your visit to Japan. On the top of the popular list is the Kiyomizu-dera Temple, which is also listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage list. The temple is popular because of its location, which provides an elevated vantage point to enjoy the city’s view from 13 metres high. A visit to Kyoto wouldn’t be complete without a stroll by Fushimi Inari Temple (known for its rows of Instagramable red gates) and Arashiyama bamboo path.
As suggested earlier, Japan offers so much to see, eat and do. Ski enthusiasts will love Sapporo, also home to Japan’s best craft beer breweries and ramen. Osaka has Universal Studios Japan, the lively Dotonbori – the centre of food, shops and eye-catching neon signs. Kobe is, of course, known for its signature, sought-after marbled beef – always a must for true foodies.
While the aforementioned big cities are practically mandatory for any Japan trip, don’t overlook the lesser-known areas, such as the Kunisaki Peninsula on Kyushu island. Check out operators like Walk Japan, who can help with organising tours to hidden gems like Kunisaki.
Asia Dreams November 2019 – January 2020
