Looking to travel to Japan? Plan your visit these historic and scenic cities
As vaccinations are rolling out and borders are reopening, Japan is becoming everyone’s first travel destination. During quarantine, everyone either just barely started an anime obsession or rekindled their love for the genre. Now, it’s even difficult to find someone who hasn’t seen an episode of Hunter x Hunter or Haikyuu!!.
With Japan’s increasing popularity, many people are planning their Tokyo travel itinerary. Although Tokyo is everyone’s go-to city when traveling to Japan, we’re going to list some beautiful cities which deserve the same amount of love. Here are some jaw-dropping Japanese cities that are filled with invigorating history and serene culture:
Kyoto
Famous for its Buddhist temples and breathtaking imperial palaces, Kyoto is a must-visit city. There are plenty of things to do here in Japan’s original capital city.
Hike through the Torii Gates at the Fushimi Inari Shrine with trails going up a scenic mountain. Bright orange gates create the path through the peaceful & deep forest.
Stroll the Gion district and witness perfectly preserved historic architecture and scenic narrow stone paths. This charming area is lined with paper lanterns and traditional kimonos. Gion is also known for its beautiful geishas who can be spotted throughout the area; however, many tourists will crowd them so please be respectful.
Visit the historic Kiyomizu-dera temple which was founded in 778 AD. This hillside location offers a beautiful scenic view of the entire city.
Make sure to travel to Kyoto if you’re looking for rich culture and peaceful landscapes.
Nara
Nara is famous for its friendly deer which calmly roam throughout Nara Park. The public park also has numerous shrines and museums to visit.
Tōdai-ji is one of Nara’s most precious sites. This iconic temple has a statue of Buddha which measures at fifteen meters high. The architecture was designed by Emperor Shōmu in 728 AD.
The Shinto shrine, Kasuga Grand Shrine, dates back over 1,300 years. The shrine is famous for its gorgeous bronze lanterns and beautiful architectural design.
Osaka
Osaka is a vibrant city with just as much bustle as Tokyo. However, the city is also known for its Osaka Castle. The expansive castle is a sight to behold, and during Spring, the surrounding cherry blossoms bloom. Pink petals only increase the ancient beauty of Osaka Castle.
Dotonbori is an Osaka district with modern neon-lit streets filled with restaurants, shops, and bars. This is the most famous area of Osaka where you will never get bored.
If you’re getting hungry, head over to Kuromon Market and try the famous Osaka cuisine. Here you can find an overwhelming amount of local delicacies. This covered market is for all those foodies looking for the best food this city has to offer.
Naha
Naha is the capital of Okinawa prefecture which is a tropical island located in southern Japan. Naha offers plenty of scenic ocean views for those looking to sunbathe on Japanese sands.
Okinawa cuisine is also famous for its distinctive flavors and fresh seafood. There will be no lack of wonderful restaurants and eateries in this seaside city.
Also, make sure to visit Shurijo Castle which was built in the fourteenth century. The castle was almost completely destroyed during the Battle of Okinawa but was restored during the 1950s.
Rest on the shores of Naminoue Beach which is famous for its crystal clear waters. You can also find a shrine which sits on a cliff above the shore. This is the only public beach in Naha; however, the beauty and refreshing breeze make it seem as if it was never touched by mankind.
Kanazawa
This city is the capital of Ishikawa prefecture and is cherished for its Edo-era architecture. Perfectly preserved, Kanazawa features many art museums and tranquil gardens.
This historic city is also known for its geishas & samurais which keep the ancient culture thriving in modern life.
Take a stroll in Kenroku-en Garden which is famous for its beautiful ponds and streams. The garden even contains Japan’s oldest fountain which is operated by natural water pressure.
Kanazawa, although smaller than Kyoto, offers just as rich a cultural experience.
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Japan has countless captivating cities worth visiting, so it’s difficult to only pick a handful! Hopefully we can all visit the historic Japanese landscapes soon. Let us know in the comments where you want to travel in Japan!
