Five must-visit places in Japan, a charming country that can change your life

Attractions are present in various cities of the islands that make up the archipelago, filled with culture, peculiarities, and beautiful landscapes

Japan is considered by many tourists one of the most enchanting destinations in the world, and there are plenty of elements to substantiate this claim. Extremely rich in culture, art, gastronomy, and entertainment, the country, which is also filled with peculiarities and beautiful scenery, boasts must-see tourist spots. It is worth highlighting the main ones.

Even being geographically small, with an area of 377,973 km², there are many places to visit in the archipelago (a group of islands clustered in the ocean). Here, modernities harmonize well with antiquities, and the options for outings cater to all tastes, from castles and museums to volcanoes, from secular festivals to modern art and historic cities.

One of the best times of the year to travel to Japan, according to tourism experts, is autumn, between September and December, as the temperatures are mild, around 20 degrees. At the beginning of spring, the cherry blossoms bloom, coloring the landscapes and the Hanami takes place, a traditional Japanese ritual of flower contemplation.

Another important local issue is the language. Some visitors may feel apprehensive about the Japanese language, but there is no need to worry, as the country has a tourist aspect, in general, and recently hosted the 2020 Olympics, which made the signage in the capital Tokyo and other cities even more adapted.

Before listing the main places that need to be visited, it is worth mentioning the education and kindness of the Japanese, especially towards tourists. The people are very welcoming and make visitors feel at home, always willing to help.

Tokyo

With its absolutely technological architecture, known as high tech, the capital is a huge megalopolis full of famous, radiant, and very beautiful places. In fact, it is a world apart, causing joy and, at the same time, a bit of dizziness and alienation.

A mix of ancient traditions and cutting-edge technology, with beautiful historic temples near skyscrapers, shops, and exuberant restaurants. And the list of attractions to visit is enormous, with buildings designed by great Italian architects, such as Renzo Piano and Le Corbusier, for example.

The most famous museums on the Asian continent, including the Edo-Tokyo Metropolitan Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Watari Museum of Contemporary Art in Shibuya, constitute an important network of historical institutions. Additionally, it is worth visiting the largest fish market in the world and trying different delicacies.

The gastronomy, made up of restaurants specializing in sushi, a typical Japanese dish, and seafood, draws attention not only for the food but also for the great tea houses scattered around and decorations made with origami art. Not to mention the Sukiyabashi Jiro restaurant, one of the best Japanese food places in the world, located inside a subway station, with a top rating in the Michelin Guide.

In the city, one cannot forget the Tokyo Sky Tree Town, which stands an incredible 634 meters tall, where you can visit the observation tower, the aquarium, the planetarium, and a shopping center. The Senso-Ji temple, considered the oldest in the capital, is also a very relevant, imposing, and unmissable tourist spot.

Kyoto

For those looking to immerse themselves in Japanese culture, Kyoto, which was the capital of Japan until the 19th century and hosted the Empire, is a great choice. Considered a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Nijo Castle, where Japanese generals commanded military actions, is a spectacle.

The Koyasan temple and the Shingon Buddhist center are great places for monk lovers. There, tourists can participate in rituals, prayers, and a complete and very tasty vegetarian diet. Other surprising attractions are the Aoi Matsuri festival in May, Gion in July, and Jidai, which takes place in October.

Hokkaido

As is already known, the Japanese archipelago is made up of several islands, and Hokkaido, along with Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu, is among the main ones. The coldest region of the country is simply enchanting, full of activities for those who enjoy adventures, snow festivals, skiing, snowboarding, and parks.

One of the most famous events in Hokkaido, the Sapporo Snow Festival takes place in February, offering beautiful snow sculptures, ice skating, music and dance, in addition to gastronomic options, with an emphasis on the miso ramen dish, a specialty of the region. Hakodate, another city on the island, is among the most beautiful night views in the world, with a beautiful mountain in the background, and has a star-shaped park.

Mount Fuji

Before buying air tickets to anywhere in Japan, it is good to already fit Mount Fuji into the travel itinerary. Respected by mountaineers, loved by painters, and idolized by photographers. This is a unique attraction in the country. In winter or summer, with or without the snow layer, the view of this inactive volcano is unique and extraordinary.

Fuji, although not among the tallest in the world, is a mountain at 3,776 meters in altitude, so it can be seen from very far away, hundreds of kilometers away, and draws a lot of attention for its charm. There are also shops and a pleasant temple, with a view that requires considerable time to take photos and enjoy the peace that the mountain brings.

Hiroshima

Many people may imagine that the city of Hiroshima, due to its history during World War II, has a tense and heavy atmosphere, but this does not materialize upon arrival. The place expresses subtlety and tranquility. In fact, it is a great opportunity for visitors to reflect on the history of the world and humanity in general.

With a clean and modern appearance, it has several attractions, including the Peace Memorial Museum, also known as the Atomic Bomb Dome, and the Hiroshima Municipal Stadium, where it is possible to watch local baseball games. Access can be made via the famous Hikari or Nozomi bullet trains.