Table Of Contents
- How Japan's Regions Shape Where You Go
- Icons with Local Angles: How to Visit the Famous Places Well
- Nature Routes and Outdoor Corridors
- Where to Go for Food Across Japan
- Cultural and Spiritual Corridors
- The Best Cities and Neighborhoods to Explore
- When to Visit Japan for Different Seasons
- Overrated Spots With Better Alternatives
- Practical Travel Tips You Should Know
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
The train leaves Kyoto Station at 6:07 AM. I know because I have taken it enough times that the departure chime has become part of my morning routine. Outside the window, shrine roofs appear between apartment blocks, and the light shifts from gray to pale blue as we move east.
I'm Hiroshi, I grew up in Kyoto, moved to Tokyo for work at a small museum, and now spend my weeks noticing the small things that anchor Japanese life. When I host visitors through City Unscripted, I find myself explaining not just where to go, but when to go, how to approach a space, and what small signals to watch for.
The best places to visit in Japan are not isolated monuments. They connect through seasonal rhythms, regional food traditions, and quiet rituals. Understanding which Japan destinations to prioritize helps first-time visitors build coherent routes rather than exhausting checklists. That's how you get the best Tokyo experience.
Elderly woman offering flowers at a small roadside shrine in a quiet Tokyo neighborhood
Most first trips follow the Shinkansen spine from Tokyo through Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima. This route works because it reveals contrasts: Kanto's urban density, Kansai's temple depth, Chugoku's island-dotted coastline. Our Japan experiences help connect these regions into coherent Japan itineraries rather than random jumping.
Tokyo offers both major attractions and hidden gems in Japan that reveal neighborhood textures most visitors miss.
How Japan's Regions Shape Where You Go
The Shinkansen connects Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, and Fukuoka efficiently.
Kanto centers on Tokyo with day trips to Kamakura, Nikko, and Kawagoe. The region contains enough things to do in Tokyo to fill weeks, but day trips from Tokyo prevent urban fatigue.
Kansai brings together Kyoto's ritual calm, Osaka's casual food streets, and Nara's temple park. First-time visitors often spend several days here.
Japanese Alps form the mountain spine through Nagano, Gifu, Takayama, and Matsumoto. Kamikochi's valley closes entirely in winter.
Hokkaido and Tohoku offer wide-open northern landscapes, winter sports, and strong hot springs culture. Tohoku remains quieter with mountain temples appealing to visitors seeking less crowded Japan destinations.
Kyushu pulses with volcanic energy at Mount Aso and Beppu, bold ramen, and hot springs culture. Each region functions as one of Japan's top destinations with distinct seasonal timing.
Takeaway: Regional distinctions and rail corridors create better travel arcs than random jumping between disconnected spots.
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Icons with Local Angles: How to Visit the Famous Places Well
Famous places deserve their status. Sites like Fushimi Inari and Miyajima appear on many Japan bucket lists for good reasons-they have earned their prominence through centuries of cultural significance. These locations show how timing and approach transform iconic sites.
Visitors walking through vermilion torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto at dawn
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Time / Location: Kyoto, southern district. Open 24 hours.
Best for: Dawn hikers, photographers, temple walkers seeking forest solitude above crowded lower paths.
Why Go: Vermillion torii gates climb Mount Inari's slopes. The full circuit reveals why this site has drawn pilgrims for over a thousand years.
What to Do: Walk the full circuit (2 hours) rather than turning back at the first junction. When I guide guests, we start at 6:30 AM. The gates catch horizontal morning light.
Logistics: Free entry. From Kyoto Station, JR Nara Line to Inari Station (5 minutes, 150 yen). Station sits directly at shrine entrance.
Quick Pick: Climb to quieter shrines.
Takeaway: Most visitors turn back after 15-20 minutes. Walk the full two-hour circuit to reach forest paths where you might pass one or two other hikers every ten minutes and discover small shrines maintained by someone who climbs up regularly to leave offerings.
Mount Fuji Views
Time / Location: Multiple vantage points. Best clarity October-February. Chureito Pagoda, Fuji Five Lakes, Shinkansen right-side windows.
Best for: Photographers, first-time visitors, travelers wanting the postcard shot without climbing.
Why Go: Mount Fuji anchors Japan's visual identity. I recognize the exact bend where Fuji should appear on the right side of the Shinkansen, about fifty-eight minutes after leaving Tokyo.
What to See: Chureito Pagoda offers the classic foreground composition (400 steps). Fuji Five Lakes provide lakeside reflections. The Shinkansen window at 210 km/h offers the most accessible view.
Logistics: Chureito: Fujikyu Railway to Shimoyoshida Station (2 hours from Shinjuku, around 2,500 yen). Then 10-minute walk plus 400-step climb.
Quick Pick: Right-side Shinkansen window.
Takeaway: Cloud cover obscures Fuji about 60% of days, especially in summer. Winter mornings offer the clearest views-I keep my camera ready on clear December mornings because the mountain appears sharp against blue sky.
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Time / Location: Kyoto, western district. Dawn provides best experience (before 7 AM).
Best for: Early risers, photographers, visitors willing to wake up for solitude.
Why Go: At dawn, tall bamboo filters early light and clicking sounds become audible. By 9 AM, the acoustic quality vanishes.
Logistics: JR Sagano Line to Saga-Arashiyama (15 minutes from Kyoto Station, 240 yen). First trains arrive around 5:30-6 AM. Free access.
Quick Pick: Go at dawn or skip it.
Takeaway: At 6 AM, you hear bamboo clicking and birds. At 10 AM, you hear tour groups. The difference is that stark.
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Miyajima Island
Time / Location: Hiroshima Prefecture, 30-minute ferry (180 yen one way).
Best for: Day-trippers from Hiroshima, photographers timing tides, visitors wanting a rewarding day trip combining iconic Japan tourist attractions with quieter back lanes.
Why Go: The floating torii gate transforms between tides. Walk 10 minutes inland and crowds thin dramatically.
Floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine at high tide on Miyajima Island
What to See: Itsukushima Shrine's corridors extend over water. Check tide tables before visiting-the gate looks completely different at high versus low tide.
Logistics: From Hiroshima, JR to Miyajimaguchi (25 minutes, 420 yen), then ferry (10 minutes, 180 yen). Shrine entry: 300 yen.
Quick Pick: Time visit with tide tables.
Takeaway: Walk 10 minutes inland toward Mount Misen and you reach quiet residential streets where local shops specialize in shamoji carved from miyajima wood, a craft tradition spanning centuries.
Senso-ji and Asakusa
Time / Location: Tokyo, Asakusa. Temple grounds open 24 hours. Main hall: 6 AM-5 PM.
Best for: First-time Tokyo visitors, photography at Kaminarimon Gate, traditional craft shopping.
Why Go: Tokyo's oldest temple (628 CE) sits in Asakusa, preserving traditional crafts and old Tokyo atmosphere.
What to Do: Visit early morning (before 8 AM). Explore back streets where small shops specialize in single products.
Logistics: Asakusa Line from Tokyo Station (15 minutes). Temple entry free.
Quick Pick: Pre-8 AM visit plus back-street exploration.
Takeaway: The grounds at 7 AM show what the site was designed to feel like-incense smoke rising, wooden sandals on stone, elderly locals making morning rounds. By 10 AM, that atmosphere drowns.
Quiet back street in Asakusa near Sensō-ji, with closed shops and bicycles in the early morning
Nara Park
Time / Location: Nara, 40 minutes from Osaka or Kyoto. Park accessible 24 hours.
Best for: Families, deer enthusiasts, visitors wanting major Japan destinations outside Tokyo-Kyoto crowds.
Why Go: Over 1,000 semi-wild deer roam freely. Todai-ji Temple houses a 15-meter bronze Buddha in the world's largest wooden building.
What to See: Todai-ji's Great Buddha Hall, Kasuga Taisha's lantern paths, deer throughout the park. The deer bow when requesting crackers.
Logistics: JR Nara Line from Kyoto (45 minutes, 720 yen), then 20-minute walk. Todai-ji entry: 600 yen.
Quick Pick: Morning visit before deer get full.
Takeaway: The deer become less interested in crackers as the day progresses. Arrive before 9 AM when they're hungry and more likely to approach.
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Matsumoto Castle reflected in its moat on a clear day in Nagano Prefecture
Matsumoto Castle
Time / Location: Matsumoto City, Nagano. 2.5 hours from Tokyo. Open 8:30 AM-5 PM.
Best for: Castle architecture enthusiasts, history-focused travelers, Alps region visitors.
Why Go: Matsumoto Castle's original five-story keep (1590s) stands as one of Japan's premier original castles. The black exterior creates dramatic contrast against white plaster and the Northern Alps backdrop. I have photographed this castle countless times in different seasons, and each visit reveals new details. A first visit creates an unforgettable experience of authentic Japanese castle architecture that reconstructed concrete versions cannot match.
What to Do: Tour the keep's interior (very steep stairs). Walk grounds during cherry blossoms (early April) when reflection in the moat creates the classic composition.
Logistics: JR Limited Express Azusa from Tokyo (2.5 hours, around 7,000 yen or JR Pass). Castle entry: 700 yen.
Quick Pick: Combine with Alps day trips.
Takeaway: Unlike reconstructed concrete castles, Matsumoto's original wooden interior means steep, narrow stairs (61-degree angle in places) requiring moderate fitness and patience during crowded periods.
Takeaway: These Japan tourist attractions justify their prominence, but timing determines whether you encounter them at their best or most crowded. Dawn or dusk visits transform iconic places into meaningful encounters.
Nature Routes and Outdoor Corridors
Japan's mountain ranges and island forests offer hiking routes from gentle valley walks to challenging multi-day treks.
Kamikōchi Valley in the Japanese Alps, with hikers walking along a clear river beneath snow-capped peaks
Japanese Alps (Kamikochi Valley)
Time / Location: Nagano, accessible April 27-November 15. Base: Takayama or Matsumoto.
Best for: Day hikers, photographers, visitors seeking mountain scenery without technical climbing.
Why Go: Kamikochi's flat valley (7-10 km maintained trails) offers dramatic mountain views without summit fitness requirements. I return every year. Depending on weather, mountains appear crisp or softened by mist, but the valley's stillness never changes.
What to Do: Walk from Kappa Bridge to Myojin Pond (3.5 km one way, mostly flat). Bring layers-mountain weather shifts quickly.
Logistics: No private cars. From Takayama: bus to Hirayu Onsen, then shuttle to Kamikochi (90 minutes, around 2,500 yen one way). Reserve seats in advance.
Quick Pick: Kappa Bridge to Myojin Pond walk.
Takeaway: The valley's elevation (1,500 meters) means temperatures run 10-15 degrees cooler than Tokyo even in August. Early morning in May or October often brings frost.
Japanese Alps village covered in deep winter snow
Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
Time / Location: Northern Japan Alps, mid-April through November. Full traverse: Tateyama to Shinano-Omachi.
Best for: Dramatic mountain scenery via transport, photographers wanting snow wall shots, visitors exploring the Japan Alps without trekking.
Why Go: The route features 15-20 meter snow walls even in late April. Multiple transport modes traverse mountains without requiring hiking.
What to Do: Ride the full route (6-7 segments over 6-8 hours). Walk through snow walls at Murodo (April-June).
Logistics: Start Tateyama Station or Ogizawa Station. Full route around 10,000 yen. Book transport in advance for peak seasons.
Quick Pick: Murodo snow walls (late April-May).
Takeaway: Snow wall height peaks in late April when the road first opens-20-meter walls tower over buses. By late June, walls melt to 5-8 meters. By July, they disappear entirely.
Mount Fuji viewed from Chureito Pagoda with cherry blossoms in the foreground
Fuji Five Lakes
Time / Location: Yamanashi, north of Mount Fuji. Year-round, best visibility October-February. Base: Kawaguchiko.
Best for: Fuji photographers, weekend travelers from Tokyo, onsen visitors, cyclists.
Why Go: Five lakes offer different Fuji perspectives with lakeside reflections when weather cooperates. The area combines Fuji viewing and hot springs without climbing demands.
What to See: Kawaguchiko's north shore provides classic reflection shots. Chureito Pagoda frames Fuji behind five-story pagoda.
Logistics: Fujikyu Railway from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko (2 hours, around 2,500 yen). Local buses circle lakes. Bicycle rentals available.
Quick Pick: Kawaguchiko north shore morning.
Takeaway: Fuji visibility averages about 40% of days-clouds obscure the summit frequently. Winter mornings (December-February) offer highest visibility rates, around 70-80%.
Toshogu Shrine ornate golden architectural details
Nikko
Time / Location: Tochigi, 2 hours north of Tokyo. Year-round. Peak: May (fresh green), October (autumn).
Best for: Tokyo day-trippers, shrine architecture enthusiasts, waterfall seekers, autumn photographers.
Why Go: Nikko's shrine complex (Toshogu) showcases Edo-period craftsmanship. Kegon Falls (97 meters) and Lake Chuzenji provide natural complements.
What to See: Toshogu Shrine's Yomeimon Gate with intricate carvings. Three Wise Monkeys in stable building. Kegon Falls roars loudest during snowmelt (May-June).
Logistics: Tobu Railway from Asakusa to Tobu-Nikko (2 hours, around 2,800 yen) or JR (covered by JR Pass). Shrine entry: 1,300 yen. Plan full day.
Quick Pick: Toshogu plus Kegon Falls.
Takeaway: Nikko's elevation means temperatures run cooler than Tokyo year-round. Autumn foliage peaks two weeks earlier than Kyoto-mid-October in Nikko versus early November in Kyoto.
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Hikers on a mossy cedar forest trail among ancient yakusugi on Yakushima Island
Yakushima
Time / Location: Island 60 km south of Kyushu. Ferry from Kagoshima (2-4 hours) or 35-minute flight.
Best for: Ancient forest seekers, serious hikers comfortable with wet conditions, nature photographers.
Why Go: Towering cedars and moss-heavy ravines create dramatic forests. Shiratani Unsuikyo trail shows heavy moss that makes routes feel ancient. Some cedars exceed 1,000 years old.
What to Do: Day hikes through Shiratani Unsuikyo for moss forests. Longer trek to Jomon Sugi (10-hour round trip). Rain is common-bring waterproof gear. These hiking trails take you off the beaten path into ancient forests few visitors explore beyond main routes.
Logistics: Ferry from Kagoshima (2-4 hours, 5,000-8,000 yen). Flight (35 minutes, 15,000-20,000 yen). Rent car on island. Overnight stays required.
Quick Pick: Shiratani Unsuikyo day hike.
Takeaway: Heavy moss along trails creates atmosphere photographs cannot capture-walking through forests where every surface grows green. But rainfall probability means waterproof gear is not optional.
Hokkaido (Wilderness and Winter)
Time / Location: Northern island. Winter: December-March. Summer: June-August. Access: Sapporo.
Best for: Winter sports (Niseko powder), wildlife photographers, summer hikers escaping heat, seafood devotees.
Why Go: Hokkaido offers wide-open landscapes and cool summers contrasting with Honshu's density. Winter brings world-class powder at Niseko. Red-crowned cranes dance in Kushiro. Note that famous snow monkeys bathing in hot springs are found in Nagano Prefecture (Jigokudani), not Hokkaido, though Hokkaido offers exceptional wildlife viewing including foxes, eagles, and deer.
What to See: Sapporo (beer, ramen, Snow Festival). Niseko (ski resorts). Shiretoko Peninsula (UNESCO site, wildlife). Furano/Biei (flower fields in July).
Logistics: Fly to New Chitose Airport from Tokyo (90 minutes, 15,000-30,000 yen) or Hokkaido Shinkansen to Hakodate. Car rental essential for remote areas.
Quick Pick: Niseko in winter, Biei in summer.
Takeaway: Hokkaido's development happened later than Honshu, so the landscape feels different-more space between towns. I notice the difference the moment I arrive: the sky looks bigger, and silence feels possible in ways Tokyo never allows.
Takeaway: Nature routes reveal Japan's varied topography. Seasonal access windows and weather variability require flexible planning, but landscapes reward visitors willing to adjust to natural rhythms.
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Where to Go for Food Across Japan
Food reveals regional identity more clearly than anything else. What to eat in Japan varies dramatically by region.
Osaka street vendor grilling takoyaki at a sidewalk food stall
Osaka (Street Food and Casual Dining)
Best for: Takoyaki, okonomiyaki, kushikatsu. Casual izakaya culture.
Why Go: Osaka's food culture prioritizes flavor and energy over presentation. Street dishes thrive in narrow alleys where food is freshly grilled.
What to Eat: Takoyaki (400-600 yen for 8 pieces) from street vendors. Okonomiyaki (800-1,200 yen) at specialized shops. Kushikatsu (100-300 yen per skewer) in Shinsekai-never double-dip in the communal sauce.
Where to Find It: Dotonbori for spectacle. Shinsekai for local kushikatsu. Kuromon Market for seafood.
Takeaway: The best takoyaki comes from vendors who have worked the same corner for 20 years, flipping balls with practiced rhythm while chatting with regulars.
Kyoto (Kaiseki and Seasonal Precision)
Best for: Seasonal kaiseki, tofu preparations (yudofu), tea ceremony sweets, temple food, matcha culture.
Why Go: Kyoto's food culture reflects attention to seasonal timing and ingredient quality. Kaiseki meals shift from spring herbs to autumn mushrooms.
What to Eat: Kaiseki (10,000-30,000 yen). Yudofu (3,000-5,000 yen). Obanzai (800-1,500 yen per dish). Wagashi (200-500 yen). Experience a traditional tea ceremony at temples like Kodai-ji (2,000-4,000 yen per person).
Where to Find It: Pontocho and Gion for upscale kaiseki (reservations essential). Nishiki Market for ingredients. Arashiyama for yudofu.
Takeaway: Kyoto's kaiseki precision reveals itself in details-bamboo shoots served only in spring when they taste sweetest, autumn matsutake mushrooms grilled simply to preserve fragrance.
Tokyo's specialist shops spend decades perfecting single dishes.
Tokyo (Specialist Mastery)
Best for: Ramen, tempura, yakitori, sushi, specialist shops perfecting single dishes for decades.
Why Go: Tokyo's specialist shops spend decades perfecting single dishes. Many focus on one craft for forty years, creating depth impossible in generalized restaurants.
What to Eat: Ramen (800-1,500 yen). Tempura (lunch sets 2,000-4,000 yen). Yakitori (150-400 yen per skewer). Sushi ranges from conveyor belt (100-500 yen per plate) to omakase (20,000-40,000 yen).
Where to Find It: Tsukiji Outer Market for breakfast. Omoide Yokocho for yakitori. Neighborhood specialists-each area has its revered ramen shop, tempura master.
Takeaway: I know a tempura place where the chef has fried the same items the same way for thirty years-precision that creates perfect, greaseless tempura every time.
Kaisendon seafood rice bowl with salmon and scallops at a Hokkaido morning market
Hokkaido (Seafood and Dairy)
Best for: Uni, snow crab, salmon, miso ramen, butter-rich ramen, dairy products.
Why Go: Cold northern waters and agricultural plains shape Hokkaido's food. Uni, crab, and salmon anchor meals, paired with miso ramen using butter in ways you will not find in Tokyo or Osaka.
What to Eat: Kaisendon (seafood rice bowls, 2,000-4,000 yen) at morning markets. Miso ramen (800-1,200 yen) with butter and corn. Fresh uni (3,000-6,000 yen). Soft-serve ice cream (300-500 yen) from dairy farms.
Where to Find It: Hakodate Morning Market. Sapporo's Susukino for ramen. Otaru for sushi. Biei/Furano for dairy farms.
Takeaway: Hokkaido's seafood peaks in winter when cold waters produce the fattest, sweetest catch. Summer tourists miss the season-uni tastes best in winter and spring, crab season runs October through May.
Volcanic steam cooking jigoku mushi baskets in Beppu, Kyushu
Kyushu (Tonkotsu and Volcanic Cooking)
Best for: Tonkotsu ramen, motsunabe, mentaiko, volcanic-steamed dishes in Beppu, shochu.
Why Go: Kyushu's ramen centers on Fukuoka's tonkotsu tradition-creamy, rich, served with ultra-thin noodles. Yatai stalls line Nakasu Island. Beppu's volcanic steam vents cook eggs and vegetables.
What to Eat: Tonkotsu ramen (600-900 yen) at yatai or specialist shops. Motsunabe (1,500-3,000 yen per person). Volcanic-steamed items in Beppu.
Where to Find It: Fukuoka's Nakasu Island for yatai stalls (evening to late night). Beppu's backstreets for jigoku mushi vendors.
Takeaway: Fukuoka's yatai culture operates seasonally (October through May roughly). When I visit in January, the combination of cold night air, steaming ramen, and close quarters creates atmosphere you cannot replicate indoors.
Kanazawa Omicho Market fresh seafood displays
Kanazawa (Coastal Precision)
Best for: Kaisendon, snow crab, yellowtail, sake, gold leaf sweets, Kaga vegetables.
Why Go: Kanazawa's position on the Sea of Japan brings coastal fish differing from Pacific varieties. Winter yields snow crab and fatty yellowtail. The city's gold leaf tradition extends to food-gold-topped sweets, gold leaf on sushi.
What to Eat: Kaisendon at Omicho Market (2,000-4,000 yen). Nodoguro (blackthroat seaperch, 3,000-6,000 yen). Sake from local breweries. Gold leaf ice cream (500-800 yen).
Where to Find It: Omicho Market (morning to evening). Higashi Chaya geisha district for upscale dining. Katamachi district for sake bars.
Takeaway: Winter (November-March) is peak season-snow crab appears November through March, buri tastes fattiest December through February when fish feed before spawning.
Takeaway: Regional food differences represent fundamentally different approaches. I would rather eat Osaka's kushikatsu in a Shinsekai standing bar than search for it in Kyoto, where it lacks the same context and neighborhood tradition.
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Discover a more personal way to travelCultural and Spiritual Corridors
Walking old pilgrimage routes reveals Japan's mountainous interior at human pace. These paths connect temples through forests and mountain passes modern highways bypass.
Stone steps on the Kumano Kōdō pilgrimage trail through a cedar forest on the Kii Peninsula
Kumano Kodo
Time / Location: Kii Peninsula. Year-round, best spring (April-May) and autumn (October-November). Base: Tanabe City.
Best for: Multi-day hikers, pilgrimage walkers, forest trail enthusiasts, temple lodging seekers.
Why Go: This thousand-year-old ancient pilgrimage route winds through forested terrain connecting three Grand Shrines. These trails take you well off the beaten path into mountainous regions rarely seen by international visitors.
What to Do: Walk sections over 3-5 days (most common: Takijiri-oji to Hongu Taisha, 38 km over 3 days). Temple lodgings serve Buddhist vegetarian meals. Requires moderate fitness-10-15 km daily with uphill sections.
Logistics: Start from Kii-Tanabe Station. Luggage forwarding available between lodgings (1,000-1,500 yen per bag). Book accommodations in advance.
Quick Pick: Takijiri-oji to Takahara section (first day, 4-5 hours).
Takeaway: The trail's isolation means limited services-small villages have one minshuku, maybe a vending machine. Book everything in advance. This is serious hiking through remote forests.
Magome post town wooden buildings and stone-paved street
Nakasendo Post Road
Time / Location: Central mountains. Magome-Tsumago section year-round, best spring and autumn.
Best for: Day hikers, Edo-period atmosphere seekers, families comfortable with moderate walking.
Why Go: Walk between Magome and Tsumago (8 km, 2.5-3 hours) through forested valleys. Tsumago enforces strict preservation: no modern facades, no visible power lines.
What to Do: Walk Magome-Tsumago (mostly downhill from Magome). Stop at tea houses. Luggage forwarding available (arrange by 9-10 AM, 500-1,000 yen).
Logistics: From Nagoya, JR to Nakatsugawa, then bus to Magome (90 minutes total). Day trip possible.
Quick Pick: Magome to Tsumago morning walk.
Takeaway: The post road preserves Edo-period transportation history-these were routes samurai and merchants walked between Kyoto and Tokyo when the Nakasendo offered a mountain alternative to the coastal Tokaido.
Dewa Sanzan
Time / Location: Yamagata Prefecture (Tohoku), accessible late April-early November. Base: Tsuruoka City.
Best for: Mountain ascetics, pilgrimage-focused visitors, waterfall seekers, serious hikers comfortable with 2,400+ stone steps.
Why Go: Three sacred mountains form Tohoku's major pilgrimage circuit. Haguro-san's 2,400 stone steps climb through towering cedar forest past a five-story pagoda. These hiking trails venture far off the beaten path into Tohoku's spiritual heartland.
What to Do: Climb Haguro-san steps (2-3 hours up, most accessible peak). Multi-day pilgrims visit all three peaks over 2-3 days in summer.
Logistics: From Tokyo, Yamagata Shinkansen to Tsuruoka (4 hours), then bus. Climbing season: late April through early November.
Quick Pick: Haguro-san day climb.
Takeaway: The 2,400 steps are not evenly spaced-some sections have knee-high steps worn smooth by centuries of pilgrims. The climb took me three hours up with stops.
Shikoku 88-Temple Pilgrimage
Time / Location: Shikoku island, full circuit approximately 1,200 km. Year-round. Completion: 30-60 days walking, 7-10 days by car.
Best for: Serious pilgrims, long-distance walkers, temple architecture enthusiasts, visitors seeking less-touristed regions.
Why Go: The 88-temple circuit connects sites associated with Kukai (Kobo Daishi), founder of Shingon Buddhism. Modern pilgrims walk in white vests, carrying walking sticks and collecting temple stamps.
What to Do: Walk sections (many complete the route over multiple trips). Collect temple stamps. Stay at temple lodgings or minshuku along the route.
Logistics: Start from Temple 1 (Ryozen-ji) in Tokushima. Walking route guidebooks available in Japanese and limited English.
Quick Pick: Walk temples 1-10 as introduction (3-4 days).
Takeaway: The pilgrimage attracts both religious pilgrims and secular walkers. I met a German walker on temple 34 completing the circuit for the third time, drawn back by the route's rhythm.
Takeaway: Pilgrimage routes offer mountain access and spiritual context day trips cannot match. These paths reveal rural Japan at walking pace-stone markers, mountain shrines, village inns where pilgrims have stayed for centuries.
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The Best Cities and Neighborhoods to Explore
Japan's major cities each have distinct personalities shaped by history, geography, and regional culture. These big cities anchor most first-time itineraries and reward exploration beyond their central tourist districts, revealing layers of Japanese culture through neighborhood textures, local markets, and daily rhythms.
Narrow Tokyo alley at night with small restaurants and locals dining outdoors
Tokyo
Best for: First-time visitors, shopping, modern architecture, neighborhood hopping, nightlife, specialist food.
Why Go: Each district feels distinct. Yanaka's wooden houses show old Tokyo atmosphere. Shimokitazawa offers vintage shops. Asakusa preserves traditional crafts. Urban districts vary dramatically, explored in best neighborhoods in Japan.
What to Do: Explore by neighborhood rather than trying to "see Tokyo" as whole. Mix famous sites (Meiji Shrine, Tokyo Skytree, Shibuya Crossing) with neighborhood wandering.
Logistics: Two airports: Narita (60-90 minutes, 3,000 yen) and Haneda (20-40 minutes, 500-700 yen). Subway system is excellent. Accommodation in Shinjuku, Shibuya, Asakusa, Ueno.
Quick Pick: Three neighborhoods per day maximum.
Takeaway: Tokyo's subway map looks terrifying but the system is remarkably logical once you understand that multiple companies operate different lines. The Yamanote Line circles the city center every 3-5 minutes.
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Kyoto
Best for: Temple tourists, history focus, traditional crafts, geisha districts, seasonal nature, slower pace.
Why Go: Over 1,600 temples spread across the city. Kyoto rewards slow pacing and seasonal awareness, not checklist rushing. Focus on 1-2 districts per day. The city preserves historic treasures spanning centuries of Japanese architectural and cultural evolution.
Traditional Kyoto street with wooden machiya buildings in Gion
What to Do: Divide the city into districts: Eastern (Higashiyama temples, Gion), Northern (Kinkaku-ji, Arashiyama), Southern (Fushimi Inari), Central (Imperial Palace).
Logistics: Kyoto Station serves as transport hub. City buses cover most tourist sites. Many temples charge entry (300-600 yen). Book well in advance for cherry blossoms and autumn foliage.
Quick Pick: Higashiyama district walking route.
Takeaway: Kyoto's famous temples justify their status but require timing strategies-visit Kiyomizu-dera or Kinkaku-ji at opening (before 8 AM) or accept crowds. Lesser-known temples like Shisen-do offer equally beautiful gardens with fraction of visitors.
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Osaka
Best for: Food focus, casual atmosphere, nightlife, day trips to Nara/Kobe/Himeji, transport hub.
Why Go: The city's personality shows through food stalls, casual bars, and lively markets. Use as base for day trips to Nara (40 minutes), Kobe (20-30 minutes), Himeji (1 hour).
Dotonbori canal in Osaka at night with neon signs, lanterns, and crowds
What to Do: Eat. Dotonbori for takoyaki and okonomiyaki. Shinsekai for kushikatsu. Kuromon Market for seafood. Osaka Castle for history. Day trip to Nara.
Logistics: Kansai Airport (express train to Namba 35 minutes, around 1,000 yen). Shin-Osaka is the Shinkansen stop. Generally cheaper than Tokyo or Kyoto.
Quick Pick: Dotonbori evening plus Nara day trip.
Takeaway: Osaka's personality contrasts with Kyoto's refinement-direct, energetic, focused on good food without fuss. This directness makes Osaka easier for some visitors than Kyoto's formal reserve.
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Kanazawa
Best for: Castle town atmosphere, geisha districts (less tourist-heavy than Kyoto), gardens, crafts, seafood.
Why Go: Kanazawa preserved its Edo-period character through WWII and maintains traditional crafts today. Higashi Chaya geisha district shows wooden townhouses without Kyoto's crowds.
What to See: Kenrokuen Garden (especially in snow). Kanazawa Castle. Higashi Chaya district. 21st Century Museum. Omicho Market.
Logistics: Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo (2.5 hours, around 14,000 yen or JR Pass). Two days sufficient for city.
Quick Pick: Garden morning, geisha district afternoon.
Takeaway: Kanazawa attracts fewer international tourists than Kyoto but offers similar traditional atmosphere with better accessibility. Winter snow on Kenrokuen creates conditions the garden designers specifically planned for.
Takayama
Best for: Edo-period town atmosphere, morning markets, sake breweries, access to Japanese Alps.
Why Go: Takayama's preserved merchant district (Sanmachi) shows wooden townhouses and sake breweries operating continuously for centuries. The town serves as base for exploring the Japanese Alps.
What to See: Sanmachi preservation district with sake breweries. Morning markets (7 AM-noon). Takayama Jinya (400 yen entry). Sample Hida beef.
Logistics: JR Limited Express Hida from Tokyo (4.5 hours, around 13,000 yen or JR Pass). Buses to Shirakawa-go (50 minutes).
Quick Pick: Morning market plus Sanmachi stroll.
Takeaway: Takayama works well as overnight stop on the Tokyo-Kyoto route via the Alps. Spring and autumn festivals (April 14-15 and October 9-10) feature elaborate floats but bring massive crowds.
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Atomic Bomb Dome
Hiroshima Peace Park
Best for: WWII history, Peace Memorial, ferry access to Miyajima, okonomiyaki.
Why Go: Peace Memorial Park and Museum document the atomic bombing with restraint and detail. The city rebuilt completely after 1945 and now serves as vibrant western Japan hub. The city balances its rich history with modern development and forward-looking civic identity.
What to See: Peace Memorial Park and Museum (200 yen, plan 2-3 hours). Atomic Bomb Dome. Hiroshima Castle. Okonomiyaki (Hiroshima-style uses layered ingredients and yakisoba noodles).
Logistics: Hiroshima Station is on Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen (4 hours from Tokyo, 2 hours from Osaka, covered by JR Pass). Ferry to Miyajima from Miyajimaguchi.
Quick Pick: Peace Park morning, Miyajima afternoon/evening.
Takeaway: The Peace Memorial Museum updated exhibits in 2019 to include more personal accounts. The experience requires emotional stamina-plan lighter activities afterward.
Sapporo
Time / Location: Hokkaido's capital. Best: February (Sapporo Snow Festival), May-October, December-March.
Best for: Beer culture, ramen, Sapporo Snow Festival (early February with massive ice sculptures), access to Niseko ski resorts, seafood.
Why Go: Sapporo provides urban amenities with northern character. The city grid layout makes navigation straightforward. Serves as Hokkaido's transport hub.
What to See: Sapporo Beer Museum. Susukino for ramen. Odori Park (hosts Snow Festival). Day trips to Otaru or Niseko.
Logistics: New Chitose Airport (45 minutes to Sapporo Station, 1,150 yen). City subway has three lines. Winter brings heavy snow and cold (-5 to -10°C common).
Quick Pick: Beer museum plus Susukino ramen.
Takeaway: Sapporo's February Snow Festival draws two million visitors over one week, creating massive hotel shortages. Book six months ahead for Sapporo Snow Festival dates or visit other weeks when the city offers the same amenities without crowds.
Takeaway: Small districts reveal Tokyo's quieter textures. Kyoto rewards slow pacing. Osaka's direct energy contrasts with Kyoto's ritual calm. Secondary cities provide cultural depth without overwhelming tourist infrastructure.
When to Visit Japan for Different Seasons
Season matters more than in many countries. Hosting with City Unscripted has taught me timing often matters more than destination choice. Understanding when to visit Japan shapes everything.
Hanami picnic under cherry blossom trees in full bloom in Japan
Season matters more than in many countries. Hosting with City Unscripted has taught me timing often matters more than destination choice. Understanding when to visit Japan shapes everything.
Cherry Blossoms (late March to early May): Dramatic but crowded and expensive. Central Japan peaks in early April. Full bloom lasts 5-7 days per location. Cherry blossom season shapes when many people choose to visit, making it one of the best places to visit in Japan for natural beauty despite the crowds. Accommodation prices double or triple.
Autumn Foliage (October to November): Unfolds slowly from north to south. Hokkaido sees color in early October. Kyoto peaks mid-to-late November. Less crowded than cherry blossoms but prices still increase 30-50%.
Winter (December to February): Heavy snow in Hokkaido and Alps. Cities like Tokyo and Kyoto are calmer with fewer tourists. Lowest hotel prices (except New Year's week). Shortest daylight hours (sunset around 4:30-5 PM).
Off-Peak (early December, February, June): Flexibility and lower prices. Quiet temples, better availability. June brings rainy season but empty temples.
Takeaway: Cherry blossoms last about a week per region, so timing matters more than choosing the "perfect" viewing spot. I have seen years when Tokyo's blossoms peaked March 23 and years when they peaked April 6.
Japan, Your Way
From cities to countryside, Japan fits best when it fits you. City Unscripted pairs you with a local to shape a flexible, personal experience beyond standard tours.Overrated Spots With Better Alternatives
Some famous locations suffer from their own success. Crowds diminish experiences that would otherwise justify their reputations.
Quiet morning walk through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove in Kyoto before crowds arrive
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Issue: Mid-morning congestion turns the path into a slow-moving queue.
Solution: Visit at dawn (before 7 AM) when clicking sounds become audible, or visit Hokoku-ji in Kamakura for smaller bamboo garden with tea service (200 yen entry, 600 yen with matcha).
Takeaway: The bamboo grove at 6 AM justifies its reputation-filtered light, acoustic quality, clicking stems. The same grove at 11 AM feels like a themed queue. The difference is entirely timing.
Beppu's Hells
Issue: The jigoku circuit feels repetitive after two stops.
Solution: Visit one or two jigoku, then explore backstreets where residents use volcanic steam for everyday cooking.
Takeaway: Beppu's backstreets where residents steam-cook vegetables in public vents show the volcanic reality better than the ticketed jigoku circuit.
Fushimi Inari vs Motonosumi
Issue: Fushimi's lower paths stay crowded all day.
Solution: Climb the full circuit to quieter upper shrines, or visit Motonosumi Inari in Yamaguchi where 123 red torii gates march toward cliffline with wide sea views.
Takeaway: Dawn transforms crowds into solitude at Fushimi Inari-gates catch horizontal morning light. But if dawn feels impossible, Motonosumi's coastal gates provide the dramatic visual experience with 5% of Fushimi's crowds.
Mount Aso Crater Access
Issue: Mount Aso's crater access closes frequently due to volcanic gas levels, often announced same-day.
Solution: Plan Aso as one attraction in broader Kyushu trip. Add Kurokawa Onsen (30 minutes from Aso) for guaranteed hot springs experience.
Takeaway: I have planned trips to Mount Aso three times. The crater was accessible once, closed twice due to elevated gas levels. Treating Aso as one part of a Kyushu onsen journey prevents disappointment.
Shibuya Crossing
Issue: Watching from street level means experiencing chaos rather than observing it.
Solution: View from Shibuya Scramble Square observation deck (11th floor, free) or Starbucks second-floor window seats.
Takeaway: The crossing at rush hour moves thousands in coordinated waves. Watching from above reveals the patterns. Crossing at street level just feels crowded.
Crowds entering Hogwarts Castle at Universal Studios Japan during peak visiting hours
Theme Parks
Issue: Theme parks command full days that could be spent experiencing places to visit in Japan that cannot be found elsewhere.
Solution: If theme parks are non-negotiable, go. But consider whether two full days at USJ/DisneySea represents best use of limited Japan time.
Takeaway: I have never regretted skipping theme parks on Japan trips, but I have regretted shortened time in Takayama to squeeze in USJ. Make conscious choices about how vacation days get allocated.
Before You Go, Talk to Someone Who Knows
A local video call helps you plan the trip that’s right for you.
Practical Travel Tips You Should Know
I keep a small notebook where I track the questions visitors ask most often. Understanding a few key rhythms makes everything else easier.
Etiquette
My aunt used to remove her shoes at the entrance without looking down, the motion so fluid it seemed like part of walking itself.
Remove shoes when entering homes, traditional inns, some restaurants, and temple buildings. On trains, phone calls are considered rude. Set phones to silent. Carry your trash until you find a bin. Do not tip-service charges are built into prices. Respect queues and wait your turn.
Takeaway: These patterns become invisible to locals but remain visible to newcomers. The transitions feel awkward for about two days, then become reflexive.
Japanese genkan entryway with wooden shoe shelves and sliding doors
Rail System
The Shinkansen connects major cities efficiently. I have taken the Tokyo-Kyoto route enough times that I know it better than myself.
Local trains operate on different schedules. In Tokyo, trains arrive every 3-5 minutes. In rural areas, maybe once per hour. Last trains run between 11 PM and midnight.
IC cards (Suica, Icoca, Pasmo) simplify everything. Tap at gates. Buy them at ticket machines with 500 yen deposit. When I host guests, we spend ten minutes getting everyone set up with IC cards on arrival day.
Japan Rail Pass costs around 50,000 yen for 7 days currently. Calculate whether it saves money based on your specific routes.
Takeaway: Last train times matter more than visitors expect. IC cards eliminate confusion at every gate. Calculate JR Pass value honestly-the pass makes sense for multi-region tours, fails for single-city stays.
Accessibility
Last spring I walked Nikko's shrine paths with a guest who used a cane. We reached the third set of stone steps and he looked up at the remaining climb. We turned around. Many temples require climbing steps with no alternative routes.
Tokyo's major stations have excellent elevator systems. Kyoto's temples mostly do not.
Takeaway: Research specific destinations beforehand. Major city transit systems work well. Temple complexes present genuine barriers. Hundreds of steps are common.
Cash
Japan still relies heavily on cash. Many small restaurants, markets, and traditional inns accept only cash. 7-Eleven ATMs accept international cards reliably.
Carry 10,000-20,000 yen daily. Credit cards work at major hotels and chain restaurants but fail in exactly the places that create memorable experiences.
Takeaway: Know where the nearest 7-Eleven ATM is. The best restaurants and smallest shops often require cash.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many days do I need for a first trip to Japan?
Two weeks works well for a first trip. You can cover Tokyo (3-4 days), Kyoto (3-4 days), and Osaka (1-2 days), plus day trips. When you visit in Japan for the first time, pacing matters more than checklist completion.
Seven to ten days require focusing on fewer regions. One week covers Tokyo and Kyoto. Ten days adds Hiroshima or the Alps. A good Japan Itinerary balances pacing with coverage across different time frames.
2. What is the best time of year to visit Japan?
I think that the best time to visit Japan depends on your priorities. Cherry blossoms (late March to early May) and autumn foliage (October to November) offer dramatic beauty but require advance booking and higher budgets.
Winter (December to February) brings fewer crowds, snow sports, and atmospheric onsen evenings. Off-peak periods like early December, February, and June provide flexibility and lower prices. I would choose November for balance.
3. Is a Japan Rail Pass worth buying?
Calculate based on your specific routes. The 7-day pass costs around 50,000 yen currently. Tokyo to Kyoto (13,500 yen), Kyoto to Hiroshima (11,000 yen), Hiroshima to Tokyo (19,000 yen) totals 43,500 yen. Add local trains and day trips, and the pass makes sense.
But someone planning a week in Tokyo with day trips to Kamakura and Nikko would spend maybe 12,000 yen total-nowhere near the pass cost.
4. Can I visit Japan without speaking Japanese?
Yes. Major cities have English signage. Google Translate's camera function reads signs in real time, and plastic food models outside restaurants eliminate ordering barriers.
Many younger Japanese speak some English. Learning basic phrases helps: thank you (arigatou gozaimasu), excuse me (sumimasen).
5. What should I know about onsen etiquette?
The first time I took guests to a rural onsen, they paused at the washing station while elderly locals moved through the routine: sit on stool, soap everything, rinse thoroughly, walk to bath.
Wash completely at shower stations before entering the bath. Do not bring towels into the water. Nude bathing in gender-separated areas is standard.
Confirm tattoo policies beforehand. Policies vary wildly. Private family baths (2,000-4,000 yen for 45-60 minutes) bypass the issue.
6. Where should I stay in Tokyo for a first-time visit?
Tokyo works like connected towns. Shinjuku offers transport access and variety but can overwhelm-the station processes 3.5 million people daily.
Asakusa provides traditional atmosphere with calmer evenings. Shibuya suits travelers wanting modern Tokyo energy.
Choose based on preference: modern convenience (Shinjuku, Shibuya) or historic character (Asakusa). Accommodations vary widely, detailed in where to stay in Japan.
7. What foods should I try across Japan?
Osaka street dishes (takoyaki, okonomiyaki, kushikatsu), Kyoto seasonal meals (kaiseki, yudofu, matcha), Tokyo specialists (ramen, tempura, yakitori), Hokkaido seafood (uni, crab, salmon), and Kyushu ramen varieties (Hakata tonkotsu). Regional differences reveal how food connects to place.
8. How crowded is Fushimi Inari?
Lower paths stay crowded all day, especially between 9 AM and 4 PM. Walk beyond the first junction to reach quieter upper shrines, or visit at dawn or after sunset for a calmer experience. The full circuit takes about 2 hours.
9. What are Japan's main islands?
Honshu (largest, includes Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima), Hokkaido (northern, focus on winter and nature), Kyushu (southern, volcanic activity and ramen culture), and Shikoku (smallest of the four main islands, known for pilgrimage routes). Each has distinct climate, culture, and pace.
Conclusion
I close my notebook and watch steam rise from my coffee. The same café, the same window seat, the same view of the train platform where travelers arrive with fresh expectations.
The best places to visit in Japan are not secrets waiting to be unlocked. They are visible patterns waiting to be noticed: how temple gardens change with seasons, how regional food connects to local identity, how timing transforms crowded sites into quiet experiences. After years of hosting visitors, I have learned that success comes not from seeing everything, but from understanding a few things deeply.
Quiet temple garden in Japan with moss, trees, and still water, reflecting slow travel and mindful observation
Start with the icons-Fushimi Inari, Miyajima, the bamboo grove-because they earned their status through centuries of significance. These Japan bucket list sites deserve their prominence. But visit them at dawn or dusk when crowds thin.
Then step sideways into neighborhoods and rural areas where tourism is secondary to daily life. Walk the Kumano Kodo when your legs ache, because that discomfort is part of what makes the shrine at the end feel earned.
Japan experiences reward attention more than speed. The elderly woman adjusting her shopping bags to avoid blocking the platform. The ramen chef who has perfected a single broth for forty years. These small observations accumulate into understanding that rapid sightseeing cannot replicate.
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