Jan 12, 20225 min read

Hidden Gems and Hot Spots of Japan

Updated: Feb 5

Location: Japan

Great for: Singles, Couples, Families, Groups, and Honeymoons

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Get an amazing view from this temple in Kyoto japan — Buddhist temple on Mount Otowa in Kyoto

Japan brings images of Geisha, sushi, and big city lights, but it is so much more. This bucket-list destination offers mountains, volcanos, farmland, stunning parks, beaches, culture, history, thousands of temples, and hundreds of shrines there is so much to do here for adults and for children. Let's take a quick look at some of the popular places and a few hidden gems. Watch for future articles on each area.

Tokyo

Tokyo is one of the most fascinating cities in Asia and is not to be missed. Kudos to the Japanese for preserving their ancient sights while building dazzlingly avant-garde structures right alongside them. Wandering the neighborhoods of Tokyo yields an endless discovery of things modern, traditional and delicious – even hole-in-the-wall restaurants proudly serve fresh, high-quality food. In the morning visit Tsukiji fish markets. They are the world’s largest and busiest plus you can watch the time-warped 50s dancers in Harajuku on weekends, and browse the upmarket stores in Ginza. Anime and Manga fans will have much to see here from studios and tours.

Day trips from Tokyo to such destinations as Mt Fuji, Nikko, Kamakura, and Hakone are easily doable by regular train or bullet train.

Hakone

Hakone is in Japan’s Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park about an hour’s train ride west of Tokyo. Hakone is famous for its hot springs resorts and stunning views of Mount Fuji. It also encompasses Hakone Shrine, a Shinto shrine with a red “torii” gate overlooking scenic Lake Ashi and the boiling sulfur springs of the Owakudani Valley. Short hikes along the old Edo Road are also recommended. Art lovers will love the town’s galleries and open-air museums. Hakone is a family-friendly destination, and also popular with honeymooners who can book a room at a traditional Japanese Inn (ryokan) with a private soaking tub on the balcony, and opt for delicious multi-course kaiseki meals to be served in their room. This authentic experience is a memorable one and a must-do.

Kyoto

Kyoto is, to many people, old Japan. A UNESCO World Heritage site, its ancient temples, and shrines, kimono-clad women, narrow streets, and small shops create an atmosphere of times gone by. Wonder the streets, have tea with a practicing Geisha known as Maiko and savor what was once the capital of Japan. Accessible by air or bullet train, a couple of nights in Kyoto – staying at a Japanese Inn if possible - is highly recommended.

Osaka

This stylish city is a shopping hub, with fabulous restaurants and nightlife. It is also known for its amazing casual food and outgoing locals. It's arguably Japan's street food capital, and among foodies, it is famous for snacks including takoyaki and okonomiyaki.

It’s also an ideal base for exploring the whole region; Kyoto’s World Heritage Sites, Nara’s temple, and Koya-san’s eerie graves are within 90 minutes by train. Top city attractions include the aquarium, Osaka Castle, Universal Studios Japan, and the futuristic Floating Garden Observatory.

Hiroshima

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is the largest attraction in this historical city. It evokes a mix of emotions for many visitors. The citizens have rebuilt and moved on, while never forgetting the past. The Peace Park contains a museum, the remnants of buildings destroyed by the 1945 atomic bomb, and monuments to those who lost their lives. If you are a history buff, this is a must-see sight.

Nara

Thirteen hundred years ago, Nara was the imperial capital of Japan. “Old Japan” is still easy to spot here, from Great Buddha Hall to traditional inns and the serene Isuien garden. The city is most noted for the ancient Buddhist buildings and artifacts in and around the city, including the seven great temples and many lesser temples of Nara. Travelers enjoy walking tours of Nara, particularly in the historic Naramachi merchant area.

Nagano

Nagano is considered one of Japan's most liveable cities and was the site of the 1998 winter Olympics. Visitors will be rewarded with sightseeing opportunities such as the 1400-year-old Zenkoji Temple, a registered National Treasure, and one of the most important Buddhist complexes in Japan. It is also home to the legendary Togakure Ninja School!

Kanazawa

Kanazawa served as the seat of the Maeda Clan, the second most powerful feudal clan after the Tokugawa in terms of rice production and fief size. Accordingly, Kanazawa grew to become a town of great cultural achievements, rivaling Kyoto and Tokyo. During World War II, Kanazawa was Japan’s second-largest city to escape destruction by air raids. Consequently, parts of the old castle town, such as the Nagamachi samurai district and chaya entertainment districts, have survived in good condition. Today, Kanazawa remains an important city in its region and serves as the capital of Ishikawa Prefecture. The city boasts many historical attractions such as restored residences and districts, as well as modern museums. But Kanazawa’s unchallenged main attraction is Kenrokuen, one of Japan’s “three best landscape gardens” and considered the most beautiful of them all.

Takayama

Due to its previously inaccessible location nestled high in the mountainous Hida alpine region, this beautifully preserved old town was cut off from the rest of Japan, allowing it to develop its own unique culture. Takayama is an intimate, leisurely place with a town center that has a quiet, rustic charm. The region is an agricultural one, and every day the freshest of vegetables and fruit are brought by local farmers to Takayama’s lively morning market. The surrounding forests provide fine timber for building traditional houses and for the simple utensils and lacquerware that have been made in Takayama for hundreds of years. The skillful carpenters of this region called Hida, are said to have built the Imperial Palace in Kyoto and many temples in that city, as well as in Nara.

The district called San-machi Suji, the traditional home of Takayama merchants and sake brewers has been preserved in almost exactly the same state as 200 or 300 years ago. Here are inns, shops, and taverns that trace their history back many generations. The Takayama Festival, which takes place in spring and autumn, is considered to be one of the three most impressive festivals in Japan.

So if you are interested in Japan its big and bustling cities to the remote towns steeped in history will offer much to enjoy. You just have to choose where you want to go.

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