Explore Japan's Most Famous Destination Cities

Explore Japan’s most Famous Destination Cities
For many of us from other parts of the world, Japan is one of the most exotic
destinations on earth. Anyone curious about visiting the Land of the Rising Sun will
find plenty of activities to do in both the cities and the countryside.
Jump aboard Japan’s famous, and always improving, bullet trains and travel the
Golden Route. Start in modern Tokyo, pass through Hakone with its majestic views
of Mt. Fuji, and then end in the ancient capital of Kyoto a land of temples and
traditions. But don’t stop there. Hop the train to nearby Osaka, and old merchant’s
town that is now a bustling city famous for food and its nightlife. Or go further with a
trip to Hiroshima, the city of peace and the jewel of Hiroshima Bay World Heritage
Site Miyajima Island.
TOKYO
Tokyo is Japan’s economic and cultural center. Vibrant neighborhoods and fantastic
cuisine are around every corner. This mecca of Japanese pop culture fused with
traditional ideals is one of the world’s most entertaining cities.
Things to Explore in Tokyo
Asakusa
Asakusa -- An iconic Tokyo temple complex and town brimming with tradition! It is
an area centered around Sensoji Temple with Kaminarimon or the "Thunder Gate"
and Nakamise shopping street—is surrounded by water and immersed in rich
tradition. Take in riverside views, hop on a boat for a riverside cruise, or stroll the
traditional streets filled with stalls and authentic souvenir shops selling
quintessentially Japanese goods. Visit Asakusa to experience true Japanese
traditions, arts and crafts, and take a little piece home with you.
Akihabara
The fully charged electric town sparking original culture
Beginning its existence as a center of postwar black-market activity, Akihabara
later became the showcase of Japanese tech, jam-packed with shops selling all
kinds of electronics and IT to the world. More recently, it has also become the
cultural home to the diehard fans of gaming, manga and anime—the otaku. The
area is an urban temple for worshippers of Japanese subcultures with pop idols,
and cosplayers. Stroll Akihabara's avenues for a one-of-a-kind cultural
experience.
Shibuya
The chaotic, yet miraculously organized crossing has become a symbol of Tokyo's
dynamism and represents Shibuya—Japan's trend-setting powerhouse dedicated
to fashion and arts. Join the crowds as they diverge off into the many streets and
alleyways to shop and hangout in hip cafes, bars, and restaurants. Spend time
appreciating the area's fiercely independent art scene, or simply visit to
experience the rapid-beating heart of Tokyo.
Mount Fuji
Mt. Fuji is Japan's tallest and most sacred mountain. It's officially open for climbing in
July and August, but the best views are from scenic Hakone.
Things to Explore in Mount Fuji
Hakone and Hot Springs
Easily accessible from Tokyo, Hakone is famous for its spectacular mountain
scenery and hot-spring spas with indoor and outdoor baths. Because it was on
the old Tokaido trading route between Kyoto and Edo (now Tokyo) during the
days of the shogun, Hakone has many historic sights, including a 1.5-mile
remnant of the Tokaido footpath and centuries-old Japanese inns with hot-spring
baths.
Lake Ashi and Mt. Fuji Tour
One of the most delightful ways to see Hakone is on a circular route traveling by
mountain railway, cable car, a suspended ropeway and a boat that cruises across
Lake Ashi. There are many things to do en route, including hiking, relaxing in hot
springs, and exploring museums like the Hakone Open-Air Museum with its
gardens, 400-some sculptures and one of the world’s largest Picasso collections.
Kyoto
Home to Japan's Imperial court for over 1,000 years Kyoto is the country's most
historically significant city. It boasts 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites, hundreds of
shrines and temples, is home to traditional kaiseki cuisine, has many skilled artisans,
and craft stores.
Things to Explore in Kyoto
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Kyoto’s most famous temple is an engineering wonder built to withstand
earthquakes. It extends over a cliff supported by 18 massive pillars. Founded in
778 to honor Kannon, the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy & Compassion, the World
Heritage Site spreads along a wooded slope of Mount Otowa. Its famously offers
stunning view of spring cherry blossoms, autumn foliage, and the city of Kyoto.
The site also hosts Jishu Shrine, dedicated to the god of love and matchmaking.
Ryoanji Temple
This is Japan’s most famous Zen rock garden. Although the temple dates from
1450 and the rock garden probably from 1499, no one knows who designed it,
leaving its interpretation up to the viewer. Enclosed by an earthen wall and a
verandah where you can sit and contemplate, it consists of 15 rocks rising up from
carefully raked white pebbles, suggesting mountains above the clouds or islands
in the sea.
Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine
This is one of Kyoto's most visually spectacular shrines, with thousands of
vermillion-colored torii gates straddling trails that lead up sacred Mt. Inari.
Founded in the 8th century to honor Inari, the god of rice, it has long been a
popular location for merchants to pray for success in their businesses. There are
also statues of foxes, thought to be messengers of the god, and smaller
subsidiary shrines. The top of Mt. Inari has beautiful views of Kyoto.
OSAKA
This former merchant's town is one of Japan's largest cities famous for Osaka
Castle, street cuisine, shopping arcades, comedy and a recent modern architectural
renaissance that including Japan’s tallest building.
Things to explore in Osaka
Visit Osaka Castle
Tour Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum
Explore Sumiyoshi Shrine
Go out in Dotonbori
Visit Osaka Aquarium
Go shopping in Shinsaibashi
Ride the Tempozan Ferris Wheel
Check out Shitennoji Temple
HIROSHIMA
Hiroshima is a modern city with a long history, evident at landmarks like Hiroshima
Castle and Shukkei-en Garden. It's also famous for its oysters and as a gateway to
nearby Miyajima.
Things to explore in Hiroshima
Visit Atomic Bomb Dome
Visit Miyajima Island, the most exquisite places in Hiroshima and is especially scenic
and picturesque during autumn.
Visit the Peace memorial museum
Visit Hiroshima Castle
Go to Itsukushima Shrine
Visit Shimanami Kaido Express way

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