Final Up to date
There’s just one place that everybody is speaking about proper now, and it’s the land of the rising solar!
Worldwide guests to Japan reached a report excessive of 3.29 million in July, which is 10% increased than in the identical month of 2019.
What’s notably spectacular, although, is that greater than 1 / 4 of one million of these vacationers have been guests from the U.S., which is a whopping 60.1% improve in American customer quantitys in comparison with 2019.
However the place are all these guests going?
Tokyo
It ought to go with out saying that Tokyo is by far the most well-liked vacation spot in Japan proper now.
Its 2 airports, Narita and Haneda, deal with nearly 50% of all worldwide flights into the nation.
Japan is my favourite vacation spot on the planet and the one place I’ll fortunately return to repeatedly.
Buzzing streets, cultural again alleys, wealthy historical past, and trendy innovation—there’s a face of Tokyo for everybody.
A few of my highlights for common issues to do in Tokyo embrace purchasing in Harajuku, visiting the Senso-ji temple, and having fun with the spectacular views from the highest of the Tokyo Tower.
Tickets for the Tokyo Tower are cheaper if you book them in advance, costing 2,800 yen ($20) to go to the highest deck. You may get cheaper foremost deck tickets for 1,200 yen ($8.20) however the views from the highest deck are far superior!
For those who want a sensory escape from Tokyo’s relentless neon jungle, then I additionally suggest visiting the Imperial Palace gardens.
A tranquil getaway within the coronary heart of the town, the gardens provide seasonal flowers and authentic moats, partitions, entrance gates. They’re balanced, tranquil, and exquisite!
Osaka
Osaka could be very totally different from Tokyo with a really totally different vibe.
It’s the second largest metropolis after Tokyo, however way more laid again and with extra of a deal with enjoyable!
Japanese individuals journey to Osaka to let their hair down, and that is mirrored throughout the town, which is greatest recognized for its nightlife and hearty road meals.
Head straight to the Dotonbori district close to Namba Station if its road meals you’re in search of. This neon lit space will stimulate all of your senses, however particularly your style buds.
If you wish to attempt Osaka’s well-known takoyaki (octopus balls) then that is the greatest place to do it.
That is additionally the place you possibly can be a part of each different vacationer in Japan and snap your photograph with the well-known Osaka operating man.
Individuals usually dismiss Osaka as being all enjoyable and no substance, however that’s simply not true. You’ll discover fascinating historical past and tradition right here too.
Go to Osaka’s well-known citadel or certainly one of my favourite lesser-known Japanese temples.
The Tuyunoten Shrine is 1,300 years outdated and tells the story of Japan’s Romeo and Juliet, the hero Tokubei and the heroin Ohatsu who commit double suicide to show their real love.
There have been only a few vacationers right here, nevertheless it was an attractive shrine and the one place I’ve seen pink torii gates in Osaka.
Kyoto
If you wish to embrace conventional Japan, then Kyoto is the best city to visit.
Kyoto has greater than 2000 temples and shrines unfold all through the town, and whereas a few of these might be crowded to the purpose of discomfort, for those who head off the overwhelmed observe, you’ll discover dozens of smaller however equally fascinating temples which are not often visited by vacationers.
The Fushimi Inari shrine is essentially the most well-known in Kyoto and a must-visit spot, particularly for first-time guests to the town.
Right here, you can see the hundreds of vermilion torii gates, that are an iconic image of the town.
My high ideas for seeing this with out the crowds are to reach early and put on your strolling sneakers!
The gates wind their means up the mountain, and the additional you stroll, the thinner the crowds will probably be. By following each of the following tips, we obtained sections of gates all to ourselves.
Nagoya
Nagoya was bombed closely throughout WWII, which signifies that the overwhelming majority of the town needed to be rebuilt, making it a modern and trendy metropolis.
That doesn’t imply it’s utterly devoid of historical past. Vacationers can go to Nagoya Fortress which is a partly reconstructed 1612 royal residence and an extremely spectacular constructing.
You may go inside and discover Edo-era artifacts displayed.
Nonetheless, one of many very greatest issues to do in Nagoya is to go to the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Trade and Expertise.
Historical past meets know-how right here, and for those who’re concerned with Japan’s technological improvement, then there’s no higher place to be. After all, because the identify suggests, the museum is devoted to all issues Toyota and the notorious Toyota ‘Associate Robotic’ performs right here every day.
I like to recommend you e-book tickets upfront if you wish to go to the museum, which you should buy right here. Entrance costs 1,000 yen ($6.90) per person.
Fukuoka
Fukuoka sits on the northern shore of Japan’s Kyushu Island and is taken into account the ‘gateway’ to Japan as a result of it’s the closest metropolis to mainland Asia.
However that’s not the explanation individuals select to go to Fukuoka!
Fukuoka is a well-liked vacation spot as a result of it has slightly little bit of one thing for everybody. Assume historic temples, lovely seashores and trendy purchasing malls.
For historical past and tradition go to the Hakata district of the town. Right here you’ll discover the Tōchō-ji Temple which is residence to a 10m wood Buddha and thought of the cultural coronary heart of the town. Entrance is freed from cost.
In the identical district, you’ll additionally discover the Hakata Machiya People Museum. The museum is made up of of three buildings: the Exhibition Constructing, the Machiya Constructing, and the Memento Store. All are price visiting!
As an added bonus, admission prices just 200 yen ($1.38) per person.
Sapporo
Sapporo sits on the island of Hokkaido, a mountainous island to the north of the nation. It’s a great juxtaposition of city pleasure and calm, pure magnificence.
Many individuals go to Sapporo for its mountains, particularly within the winter months, when snowboarding is wildly common. The 1972 Winter Olympics have been hosted in Sapporo, and lots of the jumps and hills created for the occasion are nonetheless standing.
Visiting Sapporo within the winter remains to be on my bucketlist, to go to the well-known Sapporo Snow Competition and see its unbelievable giant snow sculptures.
However for those who’re extra of a metropolis slicker, then don’t fear: you’ll discover the entire sights that you simply’d count on from Japan’s bigger cities right here too.
Highlights of exploring Sapporo embrace the Sapporo beer museum, Odori Park, and viewing the town from the JR Tower Remark Deck.
As an added bonus, Sapporo is a splendidly walkable metropolis. You may discover its foremost vacationer sights while not having to take public transportation.
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Opinions expressed listed below are the writer’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, resort, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, accepted or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included throughout the publish.
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