Japan is one of the countries I’ve returned to more than anywhere else in the world, and so far I’ve made six trips here. Despite being roughly the size of California, Japan packs an incredible amount of variety into its islands. The country is famous for its technology, enormous modern cities, and efficient transportation, but some of my favorite experiences have come from its much older side. Ancient temples, traditional neighborhoods, castles, mountains, and a culture that can feel completely different from anywhere else make Japan an easy country to keep returning to. So far I’ve explored several parts of the main island of Honshu as well as Kyushu in the south. I still have plenty left to see, especially Hokkaido in the north and the tropical islands of Okinawa.
Explore Kyoto
For more than a thousand years, Kyoto served as the imperial capital of Japan, and even though the capital eventually moved to Tokyo, Kyoto remains one of the country’s great cultural centers. This is one of the best places in Japan to explore traditional neighborhoods, experience Japanese cuisine, visit ancient temples and shrines, and possibly spot a geisha. Some of Japan’s most famous religious sites are here, including Fushimi Inari Taisha with its seemingly endless rows of red torii gates and Kiyomizu-dera overlooking the city. With so much history packed into one place, Kyoto shows a completely different side of Japan from its modern cities.
Explore Osaka
Osaka is one of Japan’s largest cities and has a completely different personality from nearby Kyoto. While Kyoto is famous for temples and traditional culture, Osaka feels louder, brighter, and much more energetic. The enormous entertainment district of Dotonbori is packed with restaurants, shops, crowds, and glowing signs, making it one of the most entertaining places to wander around at night. Osaka is also home to the beautiful Osaka Castle, which provides a dramatic reminder of the city’s much older history in the middle of the modern metropolis.
Explore Tokyo
Tokyo is one of the world’s great cities and a place so enormous that every neighborhood can feel like a different destination. Japan’s capital is famous for its technology, transportation, skyscrapers, shopping, and nightlife, but there are also plenty of quieter places hidden between all of that development. You can go from the glowing streets and crowds of districts like Shinjuku and Shibuya to temples, parks, and the peaceful gardens surrounding the Imperial Palace. Even after several trips to Japan, Tokyo is the kind of city where I could return again and still find entirely new areas to explore.
Explore Mt. Fuji
Mt. Fuji is Japan’s highest and most famous mountain, and probably the country’s most recognizable natural landmark. The nearly perfect volcanic cone has appeared in Japanese art and literature for centuries and has long held an important place in the country’s culture and religion. Seeing Fuji in person makes it easy to understand why. The surrounding lakes and forests offer some beautiful scenery, while those looking for more adventure can climb the mountain during the summer season. For me, Japan wouldn’t be complete without experiencing both its enormous cities and the natural landscapes that exist just beyond them.
More East Asia
Explore South Korea
Explore North Korea
Explore China
