Japan is a land of great historical heritage and advanced technologies; incredible beauties of nature and ultra-modern cities. We’ll try to mention the most important must-visit places for tourists, heading to the Land of the Rising Sun.
Check this travel guide on best places to visit in Japan for first timers, make sure you’ve included at least some of them in your bucket list.
Best Season to Visit Japan
You can travel to Japan at any time of the year. For example, at the end of summer, hot weather reigns here; from May until the beginning of autumn there is an opportunity to enjoy a beach holiday. In spring and summer, it is advisable to go to Japan for those who wish to climb Mount Fuji.
The main event that attracts travelers and locals to big cities like a magnet is the cherry blossom season. The streets are dressed in lush robes of cherry blossom trees during the spring months. However, this period is very short. In different areas, the flowering time falls on different dates; and therefore, those travelers who plan to combine their holidays in Japan with admiring sakura are advised to check the flowering time in a particular region in advance.
In November, another natural event starts – the so-called time of red maples. The trees are dressed in bright colors, pleasing the eye with scarlet and crimson hues. True, at this time of the year, darkness comes rather early; however, the Japanese carefully organize the lighting on the streets and the red maples themselves.
And also at this time of the year, the ginkgo biloba tree dresses in yellow-golden robes, which also adds picturesqueness to the wonderful Japanese landscapes.
Land of the Rising Sun in winter
During the winter months, it is possible to see Japan under the cover of snow. You can celebrate the New Year, for example, in the town of Sounkyo. It is famous for its hot springs. An impressive Ice Festival is held here. All kinds of tunnels, statues, stairs and buildings made of ice are illuminated with colored lights. There are entertainment activities during the festival.
Those wishing to see winter Japan are advised to go to Sapporo. It is the largest of the cities in Hokkaido. In February, the famous snow festival called “Yuki Matsuri” is held here. Buildings carved from snow do not leave indifferent visitors to this grandiose event.
In winter, nature lovers can visit Lake Akan. This is both a nature reserve, and the main breeding site, and a museum dedicated to the rare species of Japanese cranes. They are on the verge of extinction: now there are only 1300 birds left. Japanese cranes symbolize peace and prosperity.
So when it is better to organize a vacation in Japan, first of all, depends on the wishes of the traveler himself.
Most popular cities: Tokyo and Kyoto
Where to go for a traveler who is going to Japan for the first time? Undoubtedly, cities such as Tokyo and Kyoto cannot be ignored. As for Tokyo, it is a more modern metropolis. Kyoto, for centuries, served as the imperial capital; so there is a high concentration of historical and cultural attractions.
However, there are high chances that you will still have to start the journey from Tokyo . Here is the largest airport in the country; and most of the tourists arrive in the Japanese capital.
Tokyo is a giant metropolis. To visit at least a quarter of its attractions, you will have to spend more than one week here. The Tokyo region has a total population of 37 million people. One of the historical corners of the city, where the famous Kaminarimon Gate and Senso-ji Temple are located, is Asakusa. It is believed that it is here that you can feel the spirit of ancient Japan in the middle of the stone urban jungle.
As for Kyoto, then it is chosen as a vacation spot by travelers who are more focused on visiting the cultural heritage of the country. Mentions of the first settlements of Kyoto date back to the distant 10,000 BC. However, very little is known about what exactly a person was doing in the territory of modern Kyoto in that era – until the beginning of the 6th century AD, when the foundation of the Kamomyoya temple was laid here.
Kyoto has many attractions. This is the Imperial Palace, and the Golden Pavilion, and the famous botanical gardens, and sprawling parks, and all kinds of temple complexes. You can’t list everyone.
Tukayyid Road
Tokyo and Kyoto are connected by an ancient road, founded in the Edo era – Tukaido. The travel route runs through 57 stops, and its total length is 480 km. So those who wish can stay in one of the cities, and on the way to another, get acquainted with many historical sights and incredible natural views.
Beach vacation
Thinking about where it is better to go on vacation in Japan, domestic travelers usually do not associate their plans with a vacation at sea. Of course, the high cost of resort pastime in Japan is largely to blame here. However, every year there are more and more tourists who are considering this option for themselves. Basically, vacationers for this purpose travel to Japan in July-August.
Diving fans can go on vacation to the island of Okinawa . It is in this region that the Kuroshio oceanic current passes, washing the coast of the archipelago with its warm waters. Kuroshio contributed to the extraordinary development of the colorful underwater world. Here the swimming season opens in mid-spring and lasts until October.
Another popular beach resort in Japan is Kamakura. Some attribute its popularity to its territorial location near Tokyo; others are convinced that the main plus of Kamakura is a large number of ancient shrines. Here you can also combine a beach holiday with bathing in hot springs.
Miyazaki-ken Resort is an unrivaled destination for surfers and divers. Surfer competitions are regularly held here.
What is good to remember
Going to the Land of the Rising Sun, it is useful for a tourist to get a travel card. It is called ” JR Pass “; and its presence will help to save a lot of money. Especially if you plan to visit several cities.
Also, domestic travelers should remember that there are special sockets in Japan; tourists from post-Soviet countries will need an adapter.
