Japan is a country that I would recommend everyone go and travel. It is easily my favourite place I have travelled so far! If you enjoy incredible food, rich culture and spectacular modern ingenuity, then Japan won’t fail to amaze you. It has some of the most friendly and welcoming people I have ever encountered, so perfect if your looking to travel solo!
This guide will show you best places that I visited in Japan, what activities you can look forward to and the best way to travel around the country!
Tokyo
You can’t go to Japan without visiting the vibrant city of Tokyo! Whilst I only spent a couple of days here, I definitely wish I had stayed a few more because there is just so much to see!
Shibuya Crossing
The world’s craziest and busiest pedestrian crossing. It’s pretty spectacular to see and also a really cool place to shoot some photo’s. I found the best place to see it was from the Starbucks, sit on the second floor and watch the craziness from above!
Harajuku and Ginza
Tokyo’s fashion district, perfect place to do some shopping and to see the Japanese fashion scene.
Golden Gai
A neighbourhood that has over 200 mini bars worked into 6 of Tokyo’s narrowest alleys.
Tsukiji Fish Market
A great place to see and try fresh Japanese produce. There’s also hundreds of stalls selling delicious street food. I recommend visiting in the morning to make sure you see everything.
Kokyo Gaien National Garden
Stroll around the beautiful Japanese gardens and see the imperial palace.
Kyoto
If you’re wanting to see temples, shrines and ancient Japanese culture, then you can’t miss Kyoto.
Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine
See the famous orange arches and wander through the gardens.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
A Beautiful temple built into the hillside with stunning views of the city and valley below.
Monkey Park Iwatayama
30min walk up a hill to see delightful snow monkey’s. The walk is pretty easy but I did it in peak afternoon during the summer so it was pretty hot. I’d recommend going in the morning to beat the heat. You do have to pay for entry, find out more here.
Sapporo
Sapporo effortlessly combines the coziness of a mountain town with the vibrancy of urban life and is definitely worth a visit to see how the colder part of the country lives.
Snow Festival
See impressive snow and ice sculptures lining the pathways of Odori Park. Check it out at night to see the sculptures light up! The festival is held in February.
Sapporo Lilac Festival
Held in the warmer month of May, the festival celebrates the coming of spring and the city is filled with lilacs.
Onsen’s
With 12 to offer, you have to visit at least one of Sapporo’s Onsen spa’s! Keep in mind though that bathers/swimmers aren’t allowed so you will have to swim naked!
Susukino
Visit the entertainment district to explore the wide variety of bars, restaurants and izakayas (traditional pubs). Make sure you try a bowl of miso ramen, a local speciality.
Mount Moiwa
See panoramic views of the city and its surrounding landscapes. Take the ropeway to the summit, especially during sunset when the city lights turn on.
Mount Fuji
As if you could visit Japan without seeing the spectacular Mount Fuji!
The volcano is an impressive 3,776m and is a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is an important sacred site and a hiking dream! Climbing season is from early July to mid-September. Popular routes include the Yoshida Trail, Subashiri Trail, Gotemba Trail, and Fujinomiya Trail. For more info about climbing click here.
If you’d prefer to see Mount Fuji from afar, then the surrounding Five Lakes region offers stunning viewpoints. Lake Kawaguchi in particular is most impressive, as you can see the mountain reflected in the water.
Best way to Travel Around Japan
Japan Rail Pass (JR pass)
The multi-day ticket allows unlimited travel on the railways, buses and ferries. It’s definitely the most affordable and convenient way to explore the country. The pass can be used for 7, 14 and 21 days. You can also purchase it prior to arriving or you can easily get one in the train stations.
To find the best price online check out here.
Keep in mind that the pass covers JR-operated trains but not all train lines in Japan. Some private railway lines and subways are not included.
