The best places to visit in Japan are not just limited to Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka (although you should definitely add these to your list!) The famed triangle may be handy and memorable for tourists, but Japan tourist spots offer much more than just these three cities. The bulk of Japan is rural, so anyone seeking a less, shall we say, touristy glimpse into Japanese culture might consider visiting one of the country's secondary or tertiary cities. Here are some places to explore in Japan that should not be missed!
Sapporo
Located in Hokkaido, one of the best places to visit in Japan! The northernmost island of Japan, Hokkaido, is famous for its high-quality meat, fish, dairy, and vegetables. Expect, in a nutshell, culinary perfection. One of the most underappreciated big cities in Japan is Sapporo, the capital of the island. Although Sapporo is most known as the birthplace of the famous Japanese premium lager, it is not all that Sapporo has to offer. Come see the Sapporo Snow Festival, an annual weeklong event showcasing hundreds of snow and ice sculptures, including many large-scale pieces, or the Sapporo Art Park, one of the most remarkable outdoor institutions in the nation for modern sculptures. And it bears repeating that here is where you will have some of the most unforgettable tastes of your life, from tender king crab to creamy soft serves.
Hokkaido is the second snowiest city in the world in winter, so pack your snow boots! However, if you're clever and visit in the summer, you can escape the rest of Japan's humid climate and enjoy a pleasant getaway. Near Sapporo, there are several beautiful flower fields that are perfect for day trips, filled with Japan tourist spots!
Matsumoto
One of the most popular places to visit in Japan, and also the most idyllic! Be that as it may, Matsumoto is really very tranquil, in contrast to your expectations of the chaotic and overpowering home of visionary artist Yayoi Kusama. This is in contrast to the City Art Museum, where Kusama's striking polka-dotted works burst out of the main door. The oldest castle in Japan, Matsumoto-jo, lies at its core. The tranquil peaks of Chubu-Sangaku National Park behind it and the froth of pink flowers that surround it every spring soften its icy look. Many young people who want to get away from Tokyo settle in Matsumoto, where they may start stylish enterprises thanks to the city's convenient location and vibrant culinary and music scenes, truly one of the best places to visit in Japan! Nakamachi is home to chic cafes and ryokan (inns) housed in beautiful repurposed warehouses; Frog Street, across the river, is where you'll find restaurants and stores housed in traditional wooden structures. Just one weekend here will give you a taste of the laid-back, artistic Matsumoto way of life. For the artist in you, this is one of the most offbeat places to visit in Japan!
Kyoto
One of the best places to visit in Japan, this city has palaces, gardens, and temples! Kyoto, Japan's holy city, is among the top ten spots to visit in the spring, whether you're travelling alone, with a family, or on a romantic getaway. "City of a Thousand Temples" is another name given to the metropolis. You should not miss your first opportunity to see the famous palaces, gardens, temples, shrines, and bamboo woods. Kyoto has more than 2,000 temples and shrines, which are renowned for providing tourists with a delightful experience while showcasing its rich history, architecture, and culture. Travellers will never forget the unforgettable experience of seeing breathtaking natural landscapes adorned with ancient structures. Kyoto is truly one of the most popular places in Japan!
Tokyo
We know you will visit Tokyo- the best place to visit in Japan! The capital of Japan may be the first place most tourists think to visit, but the city's abundance of attractions is what really draws visitors. Stroll around posh streets in fashionable Meguro and Daikanyama, Japan, and take in the modern architecture and unique shops. The Haruki Murakami Library, the traditional gardens of Hotel Chinzanso, and the concrete cathedral of Tange Kenzo are just a few of Waseda's fascinating cultural attractions. Todoroki is a great place to get away from it all since it has a natural river valley that you can stroll along. Tokyo is truly the hub of Japan tourist places! This is all before we even discuss the major attractions – the skyscrapers of Shinjuku, the nightlife of Shibuya, the galleries of Roppongi, and the street fashion of Harajuku. I mean, it would take a lot to get tired of Tokyo.
Summit of Mount Fuji
One of the most picturesque and popular places in Japan! It truly fulfils the dreams of adventurers! Mount Fuji is undoubtedly one of the most romantic destinations in Japan, renowned worldwide for offering the most thrilling experience in Japan. Mount Fuji, one of Japan's three holiest mountains, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013. One of the most well-known tourist spots in the nation, it attracts throngs of people every winter for its heavenly beauty and stunning landscapes. The climbing season officially starts in July and finishes in September, although you can still enjoy the scenery from afar all year round. For young adults, it is among top Japan's tourist places. This location should, needless to say, be high on your list!
Okinawa
The archipelago of Okinawa in Japan's far southwest is magical and of the most popular places to visit in Japan! The chain of subtropical islands is a popular vacation spot because it offers a peaceful getaway with beautiful beaches, clear water, and no technology to drain your batteries. If you want to escape the crowds and experience the real Okinawa, you have to get beyond the major islands. Since the remote Yaeyama islands are air-connected to the Japanese mainland, this turns out to be remarkably simple. Ishigaki is a great place to go mangrove forest exploring, and Taketomi is where you'll find traditional Ryukyuan villages with their clean square dwellings, red tile roofs, and shisa (legendary lion) sculptures guarding the entrance. Truly one of the best places to visit in Japan!