Many vacationers sometimes choose Tokyo as a ‘base camp’ for his or her first journey to Japan, and it’s no shock why.
The capital of Japan is a vibrant hub of issues to do, from strolling throughout the bustling Shibuya Crossing to visiting Tokyo Skytree, getting misplaced within the lights of Akihabara, or seeing historical traditions come to life at one of many many shrines across the metropolis.
While you would spend years exploring Tokyo, there’s a good greater world ready for you outdoors of the capital.
From experiencing historical Japanese traditions in Kyoto to stress-free in an onsen in Kyushu, seeing samurai tradition come alive in Kanazawa, or simply sunbathing on a seashore in Okinawa, there are many issues to see and do past Tokyo.
Best of all, you may see these locations with the assistance of the JR Pass.
The JR Pass can be utilized on virtually all trains on the Japanese Railway community, in addition to regional strains like JR Kyushu and JR Hokkaido, amongst others.
Want to expertise the well-known Japanese bullet trains? The JR Pass consists of entry to the shinkansen as nicely.
Explore the Ancient Traditions of Kyoto
One of the simplest methods to transcend Tokyo is to go to Kyoto (whether or not on a day journey or longer), because it’s solely a 2 hour and 15 minute experience on the shinkansen.
Kyoto is a metropolis that’s steeped in historical past and tradition, because it was Japan’s capital for over a thousand years and is dwelling to a few of the nation’s most essential cultural gems.
We’ll let the numbers do the speaking: Kyoto has over 1,600 Buddhist temples and 400 Shinto shrines, together with the well-known Fushimi Inari Shrine.
While visiting historical websites is fascinating, it’s even higher to expertise them firsthand — Kyoto provides vacationers an opportunity to take part in a tea ceremony, strive their hand at writing Japanese calligraphy, and even discover ways to make Kyoto-style soba noodles.
Kyoto can also be identified for its conventional crafts like textiles and lacquerware, which make excellent souvenirs.
Relax on the Island of Kyushu
Kyushu, the third-largest island of Japan, is a hidden gem that many vacationers overlook. While Kyushu has fewer vacationers than the opposite islands, that doesn’t imply it’s missing in vacationer points of interest.
Travelers can go to Kumamoto Castle, one of many nation’s most spectacular castles, and study in regards to the samurai period on the historic websites in Kagoshima.
After a protracted day of sightseeing, it’s time to get pleasure from a basic pastime in Kyushu – a go to to the onsen. These sizzling springs are a haven for these in search of to expertise the therapeutic and rejuvenating results of nature, and will be discovered all through the island.
The onsen are heated by the volcanic exercise that has formed Kyushu’s panorama, offering a singular and stress-free expertise.
The three most well-known onsen cities in Kyushu embrace Beppu, identified for its number of baths and steam vents; Yufuin, a quaint city nestled within the mountains; and Kurokawa, with its picturesque out of doors baths.
Experience Samurai Culture in Kanazawa
Nestled on the western coast of Japan, Kanazawa is legendary for its wealthy historical past and well-preserved districts.
In reality, Kanazawa provides an interesting glimpse into Japan’s samurai tradition, because it was as soon as a middle for the samurai class – and nonetheless boasts many historic websites to this present day.
The greatest place to get a glimpse of samurai tradition is the Nagamachi Samurai District, which options slender streets lined with conventional earthen partitions and picket gates, in addition to a number of restored samurai homes which can be open to the general public.
These homes are a wonderful instance of the architectural fashion of the samurai class, with tatami mat flooring, sliding doorways, and fantastically landscaped gardens.
Be certain to cease by the Nomura-ke, a former samurai mansion, and the Shinise Kinenkan Museum, which is a restored pharmacy that was become a well-curated museum.
After studying in regards to the lives of samurai, take a brief stroll over to the Kenroku-en Garden, which is taken into account considered one of three Great Gardens of Japan.
It’s a wonderful place to stroll and revel in nature, because the park contains a conventional tea home, a pond, and gorgeous views of lush inexperienced timber.
Sun, Surf, and Sand in Okinawa!
While most individuals think about shrines, lovely gardens, and castles once they consider Japan, there’s a lot extra to the nation – particularly should you journey to Okinawa.
As the southernmost prefecture of Japan, Okinawa enjoys a moist subtropical local weather that makes for an ideal seashore vacation spot.
The island has greater than 130 seashores, together with world-class spots like Nishihama Beach (which feels extra just like the Maldives than Japan) and Aharen Beach.
Travelers who love to combine journey with leisure will particularly get pleasure from Okinawa, as there’s no scarcity of enjoyable actions like trekking, snorkeling, exploring caves, and even scuba diving.
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