With this Japan guide, we hope to help you prepare for your trip to Japan, one of the most wonderful and special places in the world.
Known for being one of the most requested destinations by travelers and unfortunately sometimes discarded by the cliché of being a very expensive country, Japan is the ideal place to know and experience in the first person, as the most ancient tradition and the most extreme modernity, they can coexist in true harmony.
All this, coupled with a fascinating culture and incredibly educated people, make this destination a safe bet and an unforgettable trip.
Was it your choice? Get ready to enjoy one of the most incredible countries in the world!
Touring the most tourist attractions of Japan is also a pleasure for the senses since as we said before, you can enjoy a cocktail that is sometimes not easy to assimilate, in which the incredible traditions, palpable in practically every corner, a Modernity that can sometimes even be overwhelming and one of the best gastronomies in the world make up a group that is difficult to forget, which we are sure will give you unforgettable moments that will make you want to return to Japan again and again.
After having been in the country a couple of times, the first in a trip to Japan on our own
When to go to Japan
We could say, without fear of being wrong, that any time is good for a trip to Japan, although, without a doubt, there are two special moments in the year: spring and autumn, moments in which the Japanese country is tinged with some colors that seem to be taken from a painting.
That is why it is not surprising that the country is included among the best trips for spring and the best trips for autumn, moments to take into account if you are wondering what time of year to travel.
, in which we visited most of the essential places to see in Japan for 18 days and the second in which we will be in the country practically Two months, combining Kyoto and Tokyo with some getaways, we wanted to make a guide to Japan, in the most complete way, trying to make planning easier for you and above all, trying to capture all the data extracted from our experience.
What to see in Japan
Without a doubt, there is nothing better to make the most of your stay in the country than to have a clear idea about what to see in Japan and in the different areas that you are going to visit.
1. Kyoto
Kyoto, the city of geishas and maikos, and our favorite city in Japan. The city is full of temples and shrines, the Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine, the Ginkakuji, Kinkaku-Ji or Golden Pavilion temples, Ryan-Ji, and the Kiyomizudera temple, are some of the most essential places to visit in Kyoto. Nor can you stop walking along the Philosophy Path or the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, looking for a geisha in the traditional neighborhood of Gion, walking along Pontocho and Ninenzaka streets, among other things to see and do in Kyoto.
2. Miyajima
Miyajima is an island full of magic and one of the most essential places to see in Japan, in addition to having been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The island is located near Hiroshima and its most prominent and sacred place is the Itsukushima Shrine, partially built on the sea. Another outstanding monument is the Ootorii Gate, the symbol of Miyajima, a wooden torii built in the sea that when the tide goes out you can approach its base.
3. Shirakawa-go
Shirakawa-go, the White River Village, is a historic village located in the Japanese Alps. It stands out for the architecture of its houses built in the Gassho-zukuri style with their thatched roofs that look like two hands placed in a prayer position and that are useful to withstand a large amount of snow in that area.
4. Nara
Nara, located south of Kyoto, is an ancient capital of Japan with several outstanding places to visit. The most essential place to see in Nara is the Todaiji Temple, where inside its large wooden structure is the spectacular Great Buddha of Nara. Before reaching the temple you will pass through the beautiful Nara park, full of deer with various temples and gardens.
5. Mount Fuji
Mount Fuji is a photogenic sacred volcano, the highest peak in the country, and one of the best excursions in Tokyo. The volcano has very little activity and in summer many people take advantage of the good weather to climb to the top or practice mountaineering. The Fuji can be seen on clear days from Tokyo, especially between May to September, although it is advisable to take a day trip to see it up close. Without a doubt, one of the essential tips for traveling to Japan.
6. Himeji Castle, one of the best places to see in Japan
Himeji Castle is one of the most impressive castles in the world and one of the must-see places in Japan.
A World Heritage Site by Unesco, it is one of the few that are preserved from the Middle Ages. It has been in restoration for many years but since the beginning of 2015, it looks in all its splendor and has become one of the star visits in the country.
This castle is nicknamed ” the White Heron ” for its white color and is built on a hill surrounded by cherry trees, which in spring make it one of the postcards of Japan.
