Five Spots to Add to Your Itinerary in Japan

If you’re planning a holiday in Japan, then you’ll want to make sure that you get the most out of every available moment. That means picking out the best locations in advance, and planning your itinerary accordingly. There are a number of different experiences available, which will appeal to different kinds of travellers. Let’s take a look at a few of the best of them.

The Electric Buzz of Tokyo

The capital city of Japan is among the world’s most iconic urban locations, thanks to a striking juxtaposition of worlds. It’s easy to find cutting-edge skyscrapers and neon-drenched shopping precincts sitting just beside tranquil temples and gardens. You can move from one world to the other with ease, which makes this a location unlike any other.

Of particular interest might be the Shibuya Crossing, which is the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing. If you’re looking for Japanese pop culture, then Harajuku might be a great place to find it. If, on the other hand, you’d prefer to delve into the country’s traditions, then it’s the Senso-ji Temple that’s worth your time.

Kyoto’s Timeless Traditions

Kyoto is the country’s ancient imperial capital. The appeal here lies more firmly with the historical buildings, Zen gardens, and famous geisha districts.

There’s an impressive railway museum here, along with Nijo Castle, which once housed the Shogun. The row of torii gates at the Fushimi Inari Shrine are worth strolling through, while the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, on the outskirts of the city, is a great place to catch a reflective moment or two.

The Poignant Beauty of Hiroshima and Miyajima

The city of Hiroshima is most famous for having an atomic bomb dropped on it. But there’s enough about the city to make it appealing for reasons that have nothing to do with history or warfare. The Peace Memorial Park is a great place to start – but you might also visit the nearby island of Miyajima, where deer roam, and hiking opportunities are abundant. These experiences are often incorporated into Japan cruises, which often make a stop in this part of the country.

The Majestic Presence of Mount Fuji and Hakone

The tallest peak in the country, Mount Fuji, is an enduring symbol of the country as a whole. However, in order to see it, you’ll need to be persistent, or lucky: the area is often shrouded in thick clouds, which can obscure the peak.

This needn’t detract from the appeal of the Hakone region, which provides clear views of the mountain, provided that the weather is right. During your stay, you might drift along Lake Ashi, and enjoy the local hot springs, too.

Osaka: Japan’s Culinary Capital

Osaka is frequently lauded as Japan’s food capital. There are literally hundreds of different dishes to sample, many of which are barely known in the West. Make time for Takoyaki, which is a kind of street food based on balls of batter, and for Okonomiyaki, which is a kind of savoury pancake.

Osaka, like Tokyo, offers an impressive variety of experiences. You might visit the castle, which is among the most famous landmarks in the country; or, for a more modern experience, you might visit the entertainment-focused Dotonbori district.

Can’t make it to Japan just yet? Bring a little of the experience home with a Sushi Making Gift Set from Morueats — a lovely treat for yourself or a foodie friend.