Japan is an interesting archipelago-nation that is privileged to have all the seasons of the year happening in full force. Summers are hot and humid, autumns experience beautiful color changes and springs are famous for the beautiful cherry blossoms. Winter is also intense with many regions experiencing heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures. Some regions near the extreme south of the island experience milder winters and days with medium and cool temperatures, while the north of the country becomes winter paradises that see meters of snow. Some towns and cities in Japan become central attractions and have many interesting things to do Japan.
Kyoto
Kyoto is home to 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Kyoto is known to be the soul of Japanese culture filled with countless Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. Some simpler like the Golden Pavilion and others more imposing like the Kyomizudera. Kyoto is where you get to know one of Japan’s Imperial Palaces and breathtaking buildings such as Nijo Castle and the Katsura imperial village.
Tokyo
With its two international airports, Tokyo is often the first and last stop on all trips to Japan, but the city deserves far more than a quick pit stop. It is a distillation of the best and worst the country has to offer – clean, safe and convenient, but also crowded and expensive. If you are interested in food, art, sports, architecture, nightlife or fashion, you are sure to find Tokyo fascinating.
Nikko
Nikko is a beautiful, historic and peaceful place away from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo. Here you can enjoy national forests, waterfalls, important world heritage sites and natural hot springs. Visitors have flocked to Nikko since the railway’s opening in the late 19th century. Nikko also has an incredible history, as it is the site of important Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines.
Koyasan
The “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range” were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004 because of their unique and remarkable universal value. Many pilgrims died during the trip to Koyasan. It is home to impressive temples. It has a fascinating history. Here, you can spend the night in a temple. Nature lovers will love Koyasan.
Kanazawa
Often marked as Kyoto’s less touristy counterpart, Kanazawa retains all the charm and nostalgia of old Japan – without the crowds. It is home to one of the most beautiful landscaped gardens in Japan. You can explore the Ninja Temple and the city is amazing in the cherry blossom season.
Hakone
Famous for its hot springs, natural beauty and views over Lake Ashinoko near Mount Fuji, Hakone is one of the most popular destinations among Japanese and international tourists. It is less than 100 kilometers from Tokyo.
Hiroshima
Few places in the world are as exciting as Hiroshima. What is remarkable about this city is not just the firsthand testimony of the horror of a nuclear attack. It is the only place in the world, where you can see humanity’s extreme destructive and creative capacity. In the city, you can visit the Peace Memorial Park, the Peace Memorial Museum, the Children’s Peace Monument and the Peace Memorial, one of the only buildings left standing after the day of the attack.
