Japan, do you dream? He fascinates both the traveller who is believed to know him, without even going there. Yet, this country is not only summed up in its temples and megapolises. Discover the 20 most beautiful places to visit in Japan!
Located in East Asia and separated from the continent by the seas of Japan and China, Japan attracts, because it is both reassuring and disinteresting. Combining Western codes and Japanese art of living, urban effervescence and quiet interior, state-of-the-art and tradition, apparent rigor and openness, Japan is accessible for the less seasoned and distracting travellers for others.
We know the cultural richness of Japan, we imagine it less like a nature destination. And yet, if we get out of the beaten paths, the country has something to surprise. Whatever the season, visit Japan, the country with a thousand atmospheres!
1. Osaka
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Third city of Japan and great metropolis of Kansai, Osaka is a vibrant and enduring city. It is a good entry in matter for those who visit Japan for the first time.
Culture lovers can admire the magnificent Osaka castle or visit the shinto shrine Shumiyoshi Taisha borrowing a charming tram.
To feel the special atmosphere of the city and taste the local specialties, you can stroll through the districts of Shinsekai, Namba and Dontonbori, without forgetting to go to Kuromon Ichiba market .
2. Nara
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Located less than an hour from Osaka and Kyoto Nara is a must-see stage that will satisfy more than one. Visit Nara is an opportunity to mix culture and nature.
Come to the origins of Japan, to contemplate the Great Bronze Buddha of the immense temple Todai-Ji . At the turn of an aisle, don’t be surprised to cross daims. They live in the park and will not hesitate to come and greet you!
3. Kyoto
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Can't visit Japan without stopping by Kyoto ! Ancient imperial capital and cultural metropolis par excellence, it is difficult to choose which temple or palace to visit, so many and sumptuous! From the golden pavilion, to the sanctuary Fushimi-Inari or Nijo Castle, we can't be disappointed.
Don’t leave the city without you being lost in the bamboo forest of Arashiyama or walking around the streets of the traditional Gion district. If you fear the crowd, Kyoto has the advantage of being an airy city, surrounded by beautiful hills, from which many hiking trails go. In the autumn, the red leaves of the maple trees give a particular cachet in Kyoto and its surroundings.
4. Nagoya
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Another metropolis of the island of Honshu, Nagoya is yet different from its Japanese counterparts. More peaceful than Osaka or Tokyo, Nagoya deserves to be stopped there other than to change the train.
The city has a unique beauty that needs to be appreciated. Between his giant green Buddha and the Oasis 21, a space shuttle-shaped monument, or his metal TV Tower, Nagoya will surprise more than a traveler! In a more conventional register, you can visit the beautiful Hommaru Palace, elegant gardens, multiple temples or simply walk in the Nagoya neighbourhoods .
5. Ine-Cho
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Visiting Japan is not just staying in cities. Ine-Cho is an example of these destinations abandoned by tourists, where you can spend delicious moments.
Ideally located, between sea and mountains, just a hundred kilometers from Kyoto, this pretty little fishing village is a real haven of peace. Come and discover funayas , these adorable and improbable houses on stilts, along the port of Ine-Cho.
6. The Nakasendo and the villages of Magome and Tsumago
Photo credit: Filckr – Steve Boland
No, visiting Japan is not just about chip jumps between every famous metropolis. Discover traditional Japan by staying in a ryokan Central Island Honshu in the heart of the Japanese Alps.
Raise time by borrowing Nakasendo , historical path of the Edo era, linking the ancient Tokyo to Kyoto. Walk from the village Nagiso up to Magome , passing through Tsumago the pearl of the mountains. You'll be under the charm!
7. Kanazawa
Photo credit: Filckr – Christian Bucad
Looking for a less tourist version of Kyoto? We found her! Kanazawa there is no shortage of historical attractions, such as the temple of Ninja-Dera, the castle or neighborhoods of the geishas or samurai.
The city also has the advantage of being located on the coast of Japan.
8. Shirakawago
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There are not only temples in Japan! Continue your escapade in the center of the country by coming to admire the traditional houses of Shirakawag o, the gassho-zukuri .
Moving between these houses with a pentu roof sometimes gives the feeling of living in a Gaulish village!
9. Matsumoto
Photo credit: Filckr – Takayuki Masuda
With that of Osaka, the Matsumoto Castle is one of the most beautiful in Japan. Nicknamed the “Break” because of its black colour, the building deserves a day in the area.
If you choose to stay there longer, come and lose yourself in the rice fields that try around Matsumoto.
1O. The Mount Fuji
Visiting Japan without coming to greet Mount Fuji would be a lack of respect for the Japanese! It is difficult to describe this sacred volcano, as its beauty is evident. You can admire it from Kawaguchiko, and take a bike ride around the lake of the same name.
Hakone is more touristic and farther away from Fuji, but offers a more important choice of activities. Whatever the point of departure, the bravest will be able to tackle the rise of Mount Fuji!
11. Tokyo
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What would be Japan without Tokyo ? Symbol of ultra-modernity and demeasure, temple of video games and new technologies, Tokyo will seduce lovers of singular experiences.
However, other travellers do not pass their way. Discover another form of tokyoic life, away from Shibuya’s or Akihabara’s mugging, walking in one of the many parks in the capital or strolling through the adorable residential and traditional neighbourhoods.
12. Kamakura
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Kamakura is a pleasant step for those who want to get off the Pacific coast, after a tripping getaway to Tokyo. Come and discover this charming little town, located between sea and hills, just fifty kilometers south of the capital.
13. Nikko
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If you want to mix culture and nature, Nikko It's made for you! Located a hundred-fifty kilometres north of Tokyo, it is the ideal place to visit beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Sanctuaries, while walking in a millenary cedar forest.
To relax after a good day of walking, nothing like swimming in onsen Yumoto's small spa town. These hot springs will delight you!
14. Hiroshima
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We're not here anymore. It may seem amazing to find Hiroshima in a ranking of the most beautiful places to visit in Japan, yet this city is beautiful by its resilience.
Victim of the bombings of the Second World War, Hiroshima was able to rebuild and detour. We cannot remain insensitive to the beauty of the message behind the Memorial and the Peace Park. When the cherries are in bloom, it is even more striking.
15. Hokkaido
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Visiting a wild Japan, do you think it’s impossible? Well, no! Island Hokkaido , located north of the country, will surprise you. Between hot springs, active volcano and preserved forests, lovers of an authentic nature will discover Japan away from the beaten paths.
Winter, the snow sublimates the beauty of the landscapes.
16. The island of Shikoku
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Island Shikoku is the smallest of the four islands that make up Japan. Shikoku has a character and deserves a few days to come.
Destination nature, the island is home to an incredible marine fauna, hides beautiful beaches and is an ideal playground to try surfing. Shikoku is also known for its pilgrimage of the eighty-eight temples, which connects several sanctuaries of the island.
17. The temple of Itsukushima
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The Itsukushima temple is famous for her torii red that sits in the middle of the water.
Located on the island of Miyajima, off Hiroshima, the sanctuary is absolutely amazing to visit, due to the unique setting in which it is located.
18. Kirishima-Yaku National Park
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Located on the island of Kyûshû , the national park offers you the opportunity to visit a wild Japan, away from the growing mega-cities of the island of Honshu.
Between volcanic landscapes and cedar forests, between swimming in hot springs and hikes at spectacular points of view, you will not regret having chosen a stage that comes out of the ordinary!
19. Okinawa Archipelago
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White sand beaches in Japan? No, you're not dreaming! The archipelago Okinawa is located less than two hours from Tokyo and transports you into a totally different world.
Take the time of this unique getaway, which will leave you a compelling souvenir of your visit to Japan.
20. Ogasawara Archipelago
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We found another corner of paradise for you. Pearl of Japan that has nothing to envy in the islets of Polynesia: the archipelago Ogasawara .
Come spend a few days in the Japanese Galapagos, where you can swim in turquoise water, hike on paths lost in tropical vegetation or swim in the middle of the fish with a thousand colors. Unforgettable memories!
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