Japan, a land where cutting-edge technology and traditional styles coexist to provide one of the best experiences for the wanderlust. Famed for bullet trains, ramen, and the upcoming 2020 Olympic games, this is not a country you would want to miss visiting; So as you jot Japan down into your bucket list, here are 7 places worth going about in Japan.
Tokyo
Tokyo – because if you were going to Japan, why not check out their capital city, am I right? Apart from being the heart of Japan, Tokyo provides a plethora of things to see, from temples to neon skyscrapers. It’s also where you go in Japan for Disneyland, the first of its kind outside of the U.S. Then there’s the Tokyo tower, a structure reminiscent of the Eiffel tower (because that’s where the inspiration came from, anyway). On the subject of the less common, Tokyo also hosts a range of vending machines selling stuff like fresh eggs and canned bread.
Osaka
The second place on this list is also the second largest city of Japan. During WWII this city was subject bombing, which led to a quick rebuild that lacks picturesque artistry. Osaka is well known for its food i.e. okonomiyaki, takoyaki, and fugu fish. Additionally, you can also find Korean delicacies in the ‘Korean Town’ in Osaka’s Tsuruhashi district. If you’ve given yourself a day at Osaka, check out their Spa World complex, boasting accurate versions of spas from Ancient Rome, Greece, Bali and many more.
Kyoto
This one is a place for travellers hoping to get a sense of traditional culture – from learning more about geishas to having tea at authentic Japanese teahouses. Get lost in shrines, temples, and spend the night in a ryokan, a type of traditional inn. Coming here for the cherry blossom season would be pleasurable to the eyes, but due to its popularity it’s also insanely crowded.
Kanagawa
Dubbed as a futuristic urban complex, this town is just south of Tokyo. In places like Minato Mirai 21 Area, you can find one of the world’s largest Ferris wheels. For a view of Mt. Fuji, go to the Hakone area. Central Kanagawa is a great link to Yokohama, Kawasaki and Tokyo, and also has historical landmarks like the Samukawa Shrine.
Nara
Nara is a city of temples and artwork that date back to the 8th century. Here you can view the 15-metre-high bronze Buddha, or have a chance to see Nara Dreamland, an abandoned amusement park. Feed the deer at the Nara Park, or shop at the 250-metre long covered shopping street.
Hiroshima
Despite the atomic bomb, Hiroshima is today’s global peace centre. This is where the million-visitor-per-year annual Hiroshima Flower Festival occurs. The Peace Memorial park is a must-see with its structures and monuments to forever commemorate the victims of the bombing as well as to signify a desire for everlasting peace.
Okinawa
Beautiful doesn’t do justice to the island of Okinawa. For the outgoing, water activities here include scuba diving, para-sailing, and deep sea fishing amongst many others. Shops here sell not only commercial souvenir, but also the more peculiar traditional items. With so many beaches to explore, Okinawa is perfect for relaxation or romantic dates.