If the world opening up has made you hungry for a brand new journey, 2023 could be the 12 months you lastly tour Japan. From cutting-edge cities to pure magnificence, forwards-thinking meals and nightlife to unmissable historic wonders, Japan has every part you might need in your dream journey. We’ve collected 5 of our favorite locations in Japan that we all know are positive to be successful with travellers this 12 months – and you may go to all of them on our Japan Journey Excursions.
Hakone
Should you’re all concerning the wonders of the pure world, then Hakone is the vacation spot for you. A part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu Nationwide Park, it’s lower than 100km from Tokyo (so it’s straightforward to incorporate in your tour!) and residential to maybe probably the most iconic landmark in Japan – Mount Fuji.
In Hakone, you’ll be able to head to Lake Ashi. Mendacity on the base of Mount Fuji, on a sunny day it’s a superb spot to soak up the views of Fuji – and to make it higher, you’ll be able to even do it from the deck of a ship. Nevertheless, in case you favor your views from a top, you’ll be able to take the Hakone Ropeway, a spectacular cable automobile journey that takes you thru the panorama and drops you at Owakudani. It’s an energetic volcano zone the place you’ll be able to strive the native delicacy of ‘black eggs’, which get their distinct color from the sulphuric waters they’re boiled in.
Should you’re visiting Hakone, ensure you convey your strolling boots so you’ll be able to discover the Outdated Tokaido freeway on foot. The outdated stays of the Tokaido – the historic street which related Tokyo and Kyoto within the feudal Edo interval – are preserved in Hakone, which was once a key checkpoint, and you may stroll them till you attain Moto-Hakone.
Tokyo
A wonderful juxtaposition of previous and future, Tokyo combines a few of the most fun nightlife and vacationer experiences with a wealthy historical past. From popular culture to palaces, Tokyo has every part the right vacation spot ought to.
For a glimpse into Japan’s storied previous, Sensoji Temple is a must-visit in your tour. Situated in Asakusa, the Buddhist temple dates again to 645 and makes for a captivating journey. Then, in case you’ve been bitten by the historical past bug, take a tour round Tokyo Imperial Palace. Constructed upon the location of Edo Citadel – as soon as the world’s largest – it’s now the location of some really resplendent grounds. For the long-lasting, enduring picture of Japan, a go to to the Palace throughout cherry blossom season sees the grounds flip a vibrant pink.
But when you end up prepared to maneuver from the previous and straight into the longer term, a tour round Akihabara is a must-do. As Japan’s ‘Electrical City’, it’s a dream vacation spot for travellers who love tech, retro video games, and otaku tradition. You possibly can take a tour across the Tokyo Anime Heart, and even go to one in all Akihabara’s well-known maid cafés.
For an in-depth listing of The Dragon Journey’s favorite issues to do in Tokyo, you’ll be able to go to our weblog submit right here.
Kyoto
No tour of Japan is full and not using a go to to Kyoto. As the previous capital of Japan for over 1000 years, so it’s no shock {that a} go to to town offers you the chance to discover a few of the most breathtaking historic websites in Japan.
When you arrive by bullet practice, you would possibly need to sluggish the tempo down – so how a couple of laissez-faire cruise up the Hozugawa River? If the peace fits you, a visit to the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest could be in your bucket listing too – right here, you’ll be able to stroll amongst the towering bamboo, and go to some unbelievable cultural websites just like the Tenryu-ji Zen temple and its wonderful gardens. You may also take within the Togetsukyo (Moon Crossing Bridge), the place you’ll get a superb view of the Arashiyama mountain itself.
Then, head again into Kyoto metropolis, the place you’ll be able to take a calligraphy class or wander the Thinker’s Path. On this Path, you’ll be able to stroll from the Silver Pavilion (a UNESCO World Heritage Website) previous plenty of unbelievable temples, together with cafés and craft outlets.
Lastly, in case your dream vacation spot in Japan is all concerning the sights, no tour is full and not using a go to to the Fushimi Inari Shrine, well-known for its 1000’s of vermillion torii gates which lead travellers into the wooded forest of the sacred Mount Inari.
Osaka
For the explorer who loves enjoyable, meals, and an excellent night time out, Osaka is the place to be. A brief practice from Tokyo however providing a wholly completely different expertise, Osaka has rightly gained a status as a gastronomic centre inside Japan.
Very like the remainder of Japan, Osaka isn’t brief on historical past. Why not go to the gorgeous Osaka Citadel? It performed a key half within the unification of Japan within the 16th century, and at present you’ll be able to tour the within – and the nine-level dungeon beneath.
However whereas it’s jam-packed with historic websites, you’ll positively need to tour Osaka in case you wish to eat. Go to Shinsaibashi, a service provider’s paradise because the 1600s, the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in all of the meals and retail remedy you might need. Yakitori, ramen, sushi – you identify it! If you wish to eat it, Shinsaibashi may have it. Then, for the right photograph second, you’ll be able to find yourself on the Dotonbori bridge, the place all of the neon lights of the thrilling district dance throughout the canal.
When night time falls, Dotonbori is the place to be. The alleys are full of eating places, bars, and arcades, making it an ideal vacation spot for the traveller in quest of an excellent time.
Kamakura
After which, in case you really feel like slowing the tempo down, you’ll be able to unwind by the seaside with a go to to Kamakura. As soon as the political centre of Medieval Japan, at present it’s generally known as a resort city south of Tokyo that’s well-known for its Zen temples, Shinto shrines, and distinct literary heritage. You possibly can unwind on the seashore or, in case you’re feeling adventurous, lease a surfboard and take to the waves.
Nevertheless, in case you really feel like exploring somewhat, Kamakura is residence to The Nice Buddha, an 11-metre tall statue of Amida Buddha from the 13th century, made completely of bronze. You will discover it on the stunning Kotoku-in Temple, which is an satisfying hike away.
A visit to Enoshima, a small island simply off the coast of Kamakura, offers you the chance to discover much more stunning historic shrines and temples. After which, in case you’re worn out from the mountaineering and browsing, spend the sundown unwinding in a beachside bar – the right finish to an ideal journey.
The Dragon Journey’s excursions to Japan function unmissable visits to all these locations and extra. For additional particulars, you’ll be able to view our full vary of Japanese Adventures right here. Or, in case you’d like to listen to from us, hit ‘Enquire Now’ within the prime right-hand nook. Joyful travelling!
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