Japan is a country unlike anywhere else in the world. Famed for its wackiness, technological advancements, delicious food, and snowcapped mountains like Mount Fuji.
Mount Fuji, the gem of Japan © Getty Images
After your first vacation in Japan, you’ll keep going back for more. There’s something about this Eastern Asian country that pulls even the most reserved travelers in. Envision Cherry Blossom Season in the beautiful city of Kyoto or stepping foot on Tokyo’s hectic Shibuya Crossing for the first time. That’s what holidays in Japan are all about.
Follow through this article as we unwrap one of the best places to visit on our wonderful planet, intriguing Japan.
When Is The Best Time To Travel To Japan?
Choosing when to visit Japan will depend on what you plan on doing when you get there.
If you want to be in Japan for the famous cherry blossom season, the last week in March to the first week in April is the best time to fly there.
The rainy season in Japan runs from early June until mid-July (the summer months) throughout almost the whole county, with the exception of warm places like Okinawa, as the rain begins to fall there in May. Expect hot, humid weather during this period, with temperatures hitting 30°C.
As we all know, Japan is a costly country to travel through, so cutting costs where possible is a must. After Christmas, from mid-January to March, tourism tends to slow down in the country, allowing travelers to find cheap airfares. Be warned; temperatures drop as low as -4°C, but it’s the perfect time if you’re interested in skiing.
Japan in Autumn is gorgeous. The temperatures are cool but mild, and the weather rarely affects anyone’s plans, which is a massive plus. There might be an odd shower here or there, but nothing too extreme.
Top Five Beautiful Places To Travel To In Japan
- Tokyo
- Kyoto
- Osaka
- Okinawa
- Hiroshima
In Tokyo, you’ll be able to visit many temples, beautifully decorated with Japanese symbols © Getty Images
Tokyo - The Largest City In The World
The wonderful Japanese capital of Tokyo is the largest city in the world, with a population of over 37 million people. It’s easy to understand why this might frighten the most experienced travelers. But if you can put the hustle and bustle to one side, you’re in for a fantastic trip to one of the top places on everyone’s radar at the moment. Check out temples like Sensoji at Asakusa, drink sake with locals at Izakaya Alley, and rent a go-kart to drive through vibrant areas like Shibuya.
Tokyo - What To Do There
Watch a live sumo wrestling match - Sumo is a sport that’s a huge part of Japanese culture. It’s a form of full-contact wrestling that originated during the Nara Period and has had a special place in Japan ever since. Only six sumo tournaments take place in the country each year, three of which are held in Tokyo. On average, they last for 15 days, giving you plenty of time flexibility.
Immerse yourself in the crowds at Shibuya Crossing - To experience the real chaos of Tokyo, you need to walk the Shibuya Crossing — famed for its bright lights, flashing billboards, and bustling crowds. Grab yourself a coffee at the side of the street and watch the mayhem unfold.
Admire the Sensō-ji - Arguably, the most famous temple in Japan is Sensō-ji in Tokyo. It’s the oldest temple in the capital, built in the year 645, and still holds its ancient beauty. It’s known that over 30 million worshippers visit Sensō-ji every year, so expect big crowds when you’re there.
Food And Drink You Have To Try When You’re In Tokyo
Sushi - Wherever you go in Tokyo, you’ll find restaurants selling sushi for all budgets. Tokyo is the world capital of sushi, so getting a bad batch is pretty much impossible. The cost of sushi varies from place to place, but on average, a portion costs 1000 yen. Conveyor belt sushi establishments are massive in Tokyo. Pay a set fee and eat as much as you like. What more could you want?
Sake - Every person in Toky drinks sake. It’s a traditional Japanese drink made from fermented rice with a bland fruity taste to it. Tokyo is home to some excellent sake bars. Whether you want a comfortable hole-in-the-wall establishment for a drink or want to try your first sake somewhere fancy, there’s something for everyone.
You can’t go to Japan and miss trying their delicious sushi © Getty Images
Tips For Visiting Glorious Tokyo
- While Tokyo might seem extremely advanced, cash is still widely accepted everywhere and is the preferred payment method.
- Be prepared to wait for cafes and restaurants to open late in the morning. Many places won’t open until around 11 am unless it’s somewhere that brands itself as somewhere that sells breakfast.
- Make sure you fly into Haneda Airport rather than Narita Airport. Haneda is situated in the city center, whereas Narita is in the suburbs.
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Kyoto - Japan’s Cultural Center
After experiencing the busyness of Tokyo, it’s time to unwind in one of the country’s iconic places, Kyoto. The cultural center is known for its charm, aesthetically pleasing temples, and spacious parks with tranquil lakes. The Japanese say if you want to experience the true side of Japan, you must go to Kyoto.
Attractions You Need To See In Kyoto
Wander through the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest - If you have done your research on Kyoto, you probably have stumbled across a photograph of the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. Walk the peaceful 500-meter path lined with lush green bamboo stalks while listening to the sound of the wind blow and birds chirping away in the background.
Fall in love with the Katsura Rikyu Imperial Villa - The Katsura Rikyu Imperial Villa is a fabulous display of classic architecture, traditional gardens with pleasant ponds provided with water from the Katsura River, and picturesque tea houses. Free tours are available daily, but you must reserve your place in advance.
See the Fushimi Inari Shrine with your own eyes - After making an appearance in the movie “Memoirs of a Geisha,” the Fushimi Inari Shrine became exceptionally popular among tourists. The Shinto shrine stands out because of its striking vermilion torii gates suspended above several trails. After walking the trails, check out the nearby, equally beautiful shrine buildings.
The deserted streets of Kyoto © Getty Images
Must Try Food And Drink In Kyoto
Yatsuhash - When diving into Kyoto’s street food scene, you can’t leave without trying out Yatsuhash. It’s a type of Japanese candy made with sugar, rice flour, and cinnamon and has a crispy texture. These famous sweets can be bought all over Kyoto at side street stalls, corner shops, and some restaurants.
Wasabi vodka - It may not be for everyone, but wasabi vodka is sold in some bars across Kyoto. Just imagine a fresh batch of vodka with the fire of wasabi, all in one glass. That will surely blow the mouth off you.
Tips For Visiting Kyoto
- When in Kyoto, you’ll notice yourself taking off your shoes a handful of times throughout the day. It’s expected in a lot of places, so wear shoes that are easily put on and off.
- Don’t try to tip in Kyoto or anywhere else in Japan. It’s seen as disrespectful, and more than likely will be handed back to you.
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Osaka - A Vacation Idea For All Solo Travelers, Couples, And Families
The port city of Osaka sits on the bay of the Japanese island of Honshu and is best known for its vibrant shopping district, modern skyscrapers, and wild nightlife scene. Learn about the city’s interesting history at Osaka Castle. Get your hands on some peculiar souvenirs at Kuromon Ichiba Market. Don’t leave without dancing the night away to some Japanese techno music in one of the many top clubs in Minami.
Neon ads in Dotonbori district, Osaka © Getty Images
Cool Places To Go And See In Osaka
Get your adrenaline fix at Universal Studios - Brave some thrilling rides and attractions at the most visited theme park in Japan, Universal Studios. Make your way through different zones, some named after popular destinations around the world like New York and others themed from movies like Minion Park. With over 60 amusements, you could spend days there and never get bored.
See the real side of Osaka at Shinsekai - The unique downtown district of Shinsekai is where you can see authentic Osaka. Walk past retro shops and discover the neighborhood that fell behind after the war while the Tsutenkaku Tower scrapes the sky in the distance.
Get tickets to see a baseball game - The professional baseball team, the Hanshin Tigers, have their home stadium 15 kilometers outside of central Osaka. Japan’s baseball league runs from March to September, and some games are held there, so you know where to go if you’d like to see a home run.
Food And Drinks Worth Checking Out In Osaka
Takoyaki - When you’re feeling peckish in Osaka, there’s only one answer, takoyaki. It’s a classic ball-shaped snack similar to dumplings, made with batter, eggs, spring onions, octopus, ginger, and tempura crumbs. Grab yourself a sauce of choice and get dipping.
Genmaicha - If you’re traveling to Osaka during the winter, you’ll need to stop for a pit stop every once in a while to warm up, and what better way to do so than with a cup of traditional Japanese tea known as genmaicha? It’s made with green tea leaves and brown rice. Find yourself a cozy corner in a teahouse and order some to try.
You’ll find stalls with takoyaki all over Osaka © Getty Images
What You Need To Know Before Visiting Osaka
- Osaka is an incredible city for shopping, from upper-scale malls to high-end designer arcades. Tourists who visit Japan are able to shop duty-free, so make sure you take advantage of it.
- The road name system in Osaka is tricky. If the road goes north or south, it’s called “suji,” and if it’s east or west, it’s called “tori.”
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The fashion in Japan © Getty Images
Okinawa - The Secret Tropical Getaway For Honeymoons
Okinawa is a stunning Japanese island situated in the East China Sea, offering visitors remarkable white sandy beaches, dramatic seaside cliffs, and fascinating history. If you want to fly to Okinawa, the island is well connected to Tokyo’s international airport and Seoul and Taipei.
Activities You Have To Do When In Okinawa
Learn something new at the Okinawa Prefectural Museum & Art Museum - Check out a center that prides itself on showcasing Asia-Pacific arts and cultural projects. Discover all the gallery has to offer through historical displays, fossil exhibitions, and folk custom presentations. The museum is best enjoyed with an audioguide which can be purchased beforehand.
Enjoy the nicest weather at Mibaru Beach - On the southeastern side of Okinawa hides the picturesque Mibaru Beach, the place to be for sun lovers and bathers. Quiet and secluded with soft sand that melts on your feet, paradise is the only word to some up Mibaru Beach. Some tour companies offer snorkeling experiences around the island, where you can deep dive to see some coral reefs.
Kabira Bay, Ishigaki Island
Check out Shuri Castle - Back when Okinawa was its own independent country that went by the name of the Ryukyu Kingdom, the Shuri Castle was used as the royal palace. You’ll find it in the capital of Okinawa’s prefecture, Naha City. Sadly in 2019, a horrifying fire burnt down nine of the castle’s buildings, but the Okinawa government has said they will be rebuilt by 2026.
What To Eat And Drink In Okinawa
Awamori - People from Okinawa take great pride in Awamori. It’s the oldest distilled alcoholic beverage in the whole of Japan, and it originated in Okinawa. It’s a liqueur made with long-grain indica rice imported all the way from Thailand. Awamori should always be drunk with ice and a drop of water. It will be served with that if you order it in a bar.
Beni Imo - Are you a fan of sweet potatoes? Beni Imo is a purple sweet potato that comes from Okinawa. They’re seen as extremely healthy, containing plenty of rich minerals and vitamins, and are often used in sweets and ice cream.
Travel Tips You Need To Know Before Visiting Okinawa
- Okinawa is one of the warmest places in Japan, with humidity levels averaging 60 to 80 percent for most of the year. Try to book accommodation with air conditioning and stay hydrated at all times.
- Traveling to Okinawa is much cheaper than in cities like Tokyo and Kyoto, so you won’t have to watch your spending as much.
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Hiroshima - Learn About Japan’s Past
When people hear Hiroshima, they immediately think back to the atomic bomb that was dropped there during World War 2 , but this Japanese city has since recovered and has a bright future ahead. It’s now a place of peace and incredible tourist attractions that attracts over 11 million tourists every year.
The sakura season in Hiroshima © Getty Images
What Are The Best Things To Do In Hiroshima?
Pay your respects at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial - Also referred to as Atomic Bomb Dome, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial is the only building left in the city that was there before the first bomb was dropped. It’s a stark reminder of the damage that nuclear weapons can cause to society.
Take a day trip to the town of Onomichi - The pretty port town of Onomichi is situated in eastern Hiroshima. Much of Onomichi’s main attractions and sights are placed along mountain slopes, which adds to its beauty. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, though, as there will be a lot of uphill walking involved.
Brave the Miyajima Ropeway - Catch some jaw-dropping views of Hiroshima on the Miyajima Ropeway, the region’s aerial liftline that takes visitors up to Mount Misen. Once you get off, you can enjoy testing hiking trails, mesmerizing temples, and more.
Tasty Local Dishes And Drinks To Try In Hiroshima
Okonomiyaki - This pan-fried plate is a savory pancake-like dish containing cabbage, batter, and a selection of toppings, including meat, seafood, and sauces. Japanese people will tell you it’s best to go to a restaurant specializing in making the dish to get the most authentic version.
Lemon Sour - Hiroshima has a strong relationship with citrus and grows more lemons than anywhere else in Japan. All over the city, you’ll find bartenders acting creatively, offering an array of citrus-based drinks, including the lemon sour. It’s made with shochu, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and soda water and is a ubiquitous drink all over Japan.
Useful Tips For Visiting Hiroshima
- The Hiroshima Omotenashi Pass gives you access to multiple discounts at tourist attractions and restaurants throughout the city. It’s worth investing in if you’ll be there for a few days.
- First-time visitors to Hiroshima should stay in the Motomachi district. It’s central and connected to everything you need, such as convenience stores, coffee shops, malls, and restaurants.
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