Tourism in Japan is bigger than it’s ever been, but with an overload of information on social media, I’ll keep things simple with this guide.
“The Big 3”
Japan’s “Big 3” have become synonymous with the cities of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. These have been the three horsemen of tourist destinations since people first started vacationing in Japan. While many social media posts from “Japan experts” try to lead you away from these cities and into “off-the-beaten-track” destinations, the truth is, these are still the most “must-do” places to experience. Each city highlights a different but prominent aspect of Japan: Tokyo for its modern hustle and bustle, Kyoto for its traditional calm and tranquil cultural aesthetic, and Osaka for its hip and friendly outgoing atmosphere.
Mt. Fuji
Outside of the big 3, Japan’s most iconic destination is certainly Mt. Fuji. A huge snow-capped mountain standing alone at 3,776 meters simply begs to be admired. In fact, the entire surrounding area of this brilliant mountain is truly mesmerizing and beautiful, particularly Lake Kawaguchi and the Fuji Five Lakes. Whether you go for a leisurely stroll around town, a scenic cycle, or book a traditional ryokan stay, the views of Mt. Fuji will stay with you forever.
Hiroshima
As far as Japan’s main island of Honshu goes, I’d say the next destination worth visiting is Hiroshima. The famous city of Japan’s Peace Memorial Park is not only captivating in its historic rise from the ashes post WWII from a desolate place to a thriving and colorful city, but also in its delicious local delicacies such as okonomiyaki and conger eel over rice. I never regret a visit to Hiroshima, with its scenic mountain ranges and beautiful city parks. It’s also an ideal place to set up base for the Shimanami Kaido bicycle ride!
Hokkaido
If you’re feeling a little adventurous, consider taking a domestic flight to Sapporo, the capital city of Hokkaido! Japan’s northern island is known for its colder climate and the famous Sapporo Snow Festival. It truly is a winiter wonderland of sorts, though spring also offers unique flower gardens such as the Horomitoge Lavender Garden where stunning fields of flowers embed a hilly landscape.
To learn more about life in Japan, check out my book: The Japanese Pursuit of Perfection. This book features my most profound observations of Japanese culture and society as a foreign resident. Available in e-book, paperback, and hardcover. Grab your copy today!