Places to Visit in Japan
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Japan is an incredible country with a unique culture, delicious cuisine, and a plethora of activities and sights to explore. From modern cities to serene natural scenery, there is a lot to explore for everyone.
Whether it's the ancient temples and shrines, the vibrant streets of Tokyo, or the snow-capped peaks of the Japanese Alps, the country is a place of unparalleled beauty and culture. On top of that the people are welcoming and friendly and the food is certainly delicious, all of which make Japan an amazing country to visit.
Let’s go through the article below to know more about some of the top places to visit in Japan.
Top Places to Visit in Japan
Check out the table next for an overview of the top places to visit in Japan -
| Places to Visit in Summer | Places to Visit in Winter | Places to Visit with Family |
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Most Popular Places to Visit in Japan During Summer
The climate of Japan during summer is moderate and enjoyable, making it the perfect destination to escape from the heat and humidity of other parts of the world. Here is a list of the most popular places to visit in Japan during this season:
1. Kyoto
Kyoto is the perfect place for those who are attracted to the culture and traditions of Japan, with around 17 UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites situated here. Shrines and temples are the main sites that draw the attention of travellers.
The city is also popular for having one of the best views of cherry blossoms. You can even stroll through the bamboo forest to experience the breeze of bamboo groves.
To enrich your trip, you can even drape yourself with Japan’s traditional attire, kimono and geta. When it comes to food, who does not like to explore the local delicacies? Slurp down the ramen bowls and enjoy the authentic essence of the food.
2. Osaka
Exploring Osaka in Japan promises to be an unforgettable experience, with this city being full of culture, history, and energy! From the lively streets of Dotonbori to the peaceful gardens of Osaka Castle, you will find plenty of sites that will make you fall in love with the city.
Start your exploration in the heart of the city: Dotonbori. Here, you’ll find a variety of restaurants, shops, and street food vendors. Make sure to try some traditional Japanese dishes like takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (Japanese pancakes).
For a more tranquil experience, visit Osaka Castle. The grounds are home to sprawling gardens, spectacular artwork, and stunning views of the city.
3. Hiroshima
Exploring Hiroshima is like taking a step back in time. This city is a living history book, as it was almost entirely destroyed by the atomic bomb attack of World War II. Hiroshima has since been rebuilt and offers a rich cultural experience.
Start your exploration at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, which is home to the iconic A-Bomb Dome and the Children's Peace Monument. The park also features a museum and memorials dedicated to the victims of the atomic bomb.
Continue your exploration by visiting the Hiroshima Castle, a beautiful example of traditional Japanese architecture. The castle and its grounds are full of interesting artefacts from the Edo period.
Hiroshima is also home to several beautiful Shinto shrines, one of which is the Itsukushima Shrine. This shrine is situated on a small island in Hiroshima Bay and presents one of the Three Views of Japan.
4. Fukuoka
Fukuoka is a great place to explore and experience the unique culture and history of the country. Located in the southwestern part of the country, it is the largest city in Kyushu and the 6th largest city in Japan. The city is known for its ancient temples and shrines, along with its modern urban atmosphere.
One of the popular attractions in Fukuoka is the Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, which is dedicated to a 9th-century scholar. This shrine is popular with visitors and locals alike, and it’s a great place to learn more about the city’s history and culture.
You can also find numerous museums and art galleries in the city such as the Fukuoka Asian Art Museum and the Fukuoka City Art Museum. Fukuoka is also known for its food and nightlife — as a visitor, you can enjoy delicious local cuisine such as ramen, yakitori, and more.
Best Places to Visit in Japan During Winter
Discussed below are some of the most popular places to visit in Japan with family -
1. Hokkaido
From the breathtaking views of Mount Yotei to the pristine lakes of Shikotsu-Toya National Park, it's easy to see why the northernmost island of the country is among the country’s most captivating! In the winter, tourists flock to Hokkaido to experience the region's snow-covered landscapes.
Skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports are popular activities here, with many resorts offering ski packages and lessons as well. However, if you are looking for a more low-key experience, you can take a snowshoeing tour or explore the snow-covered streets of Sapporo by sleigh.
2. Sapporo
Sapporo is a great destination to explore and experience the traditions and culture of Japan. Located on the island of Hokkaido, Sapporo is the fifth-largest city in Japan. Sapporo is well known for its winter snow festivals, ski resorts, and beer breweries.
The city is home to the famous Sapporo Snow Festival, which is held annually in February and features ice sculptures, music, and traditional dancing. For those looking to ski or snowboard, Sapporo has some of the best ski resorts in Japan.
The city is also home to the Sapporo Beer Museum, which showcases the history of Sapporo beer and offers beer tasting to visitors.
3. Akita
Akita is a place in the Tohoku region of Japan primarily known for its exquisite landscapes and rich cultural heritage. From the stunning Akita-Komagatake mountain range to the spectacular Lake Tazawa, there is a lot to leave you awestruck here.
The region is home to a number of traditional attractions, such as Oga-no-Sato, where visitors can witness the unique art of kabuki theatre, and the spectacular Akita Kanto Festival, where massive bamboo poles are lit up with paper lanterns. You can also visit shrines, temples, and museums.
Foodies will find plenty to enjoy in Akita. The place is well-known for its delicious rice dishes as well as its local specialties such as Kiritanpo, a type of rice cake, and Kiritanpo-nabe, a stew made with local ingredients.
4. Kawasaki
Kawasaki is a magnificent city located on Tokyo Bay in the Kanagawa region. Known for its vast industrial landscape and vibrant culture, Kawasaki is widely recommended as a must-visit place for those visiting the country.
The best way to experience the beauty of Kawasaki is to start with the city’s renowned shopping districts. You can find everything from trendy boutiques and luxury stores to traditional food markets and souvenir shops.
After a day of shopping, take a break and explore the parks, gardens, and temples around the city. The city’s riverside parks are perfect for a relaxing stroll, while the temples offer a glimpse into the city’s religious history. Additionally, you can find plenty of bars, clubs, and live music venues to explore here.
Amazing Places to Visit in Japan with Family
Japan is one of the ideal destinations to visit with family. Whether you are travelling alone or with babies, kids, teenagers, or senior citizens, you can have an enjoyable stay in the country with its wide range of attractions for everyone.
Discussed below are some of the most popular places to visit in Japan with family -
1. Tokyo
Tokyo represents a conglomeration of the traditional and modern culture of Japan. Being the country’s capital, Tokyo has multiple attractions — from historic spots to pop culture.
When making a travel itinerary to travel with family, make sure to add historic places, nature parks, and temples. Besides these places, visiting science museums is also a great option for children. One of the unique attractions here is the Kite Museum, which has traditional kites filled from ceiling to floor.
A trip to Tokyo is incomplete without seeing a sumo wrestling match, the national sport of Japan. The city hosts 3 of the 6 major sumo sports events in the country. So make sure to book your tickets in advance!
2. Miyajima
Miyajima is an island located off the coast of Hiroshima. It is most famous for its iconic, red-orange O-Torii Gate that stands in the sea at the entrance to the famous Itsukushima Shrine. The entire island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to various sacred sites, temples, and shrines that make it a popular tourist destination.
One of the best ways to explore Miyajima is to take a cable car ride to the top of Mt. Misen, where you can take in the breathtaking views of the Seto Inland Sea and the city of Hiroshima. There are also several hiking trails that provide more opportunities to explore the island's natural beauty.
3. Takaoka
Located in the Toyama region of Japan, the city of Takaoka is home to various historical sites, traditional crafts, and delicious cuisine. One of the main attractions here is the Takaoka Great Buddha, a large bronze statue standing at 15.85 metres tall which also serves as a symbol of the city's proud history.
Takaoka is also known for its traditional crafts. Visitors can watch craftsmen making traditional pottery and metalwork and can even try their hand at it! The city also has several museums dedicated to traditional crafts where visitors can learn more about the history and techniques behind the art.
Travel Insurance for Japan
If you are planning to visit Japan, don’t forget to secure your trip with a travel insurance policy. Despite your preparations, incidents such as accidents, theft or loss of personal belongings, delays in flights or trip cancellation, and others may happen and lead to significant financial losses.
Possessing travel insurance helps you financially here, as it provides you with the necessary financial assistance in case you come across such circumstances. This way, even in the face of hurdles, you can continue enjoying your trip or make a safe return without the burden of financial losses.
In order to obtain a travel insurance policy for Japan from the UAE, you can continue on our website — policybazaar.ae — and apply for a product that suits your requirements. Applying for travel insurance for Japan from our website gives you the convenience of choosing a plan from a wide range of options and a seamless application process. On top of that, our customer support representatives team is always active to assist you throughout the application process.
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