From futuristic towns to deeply rooted ancient culture, the Land of the Rising Sun – Japan is a very unique and fascinating country, that everyone should visit at least once. This blog will give you a Perfect idea for your Japan Travel. You will know about everything from flights, best travel destinations in Japan to famous food from Japan and how to get Cheap hotels in Japan. For vegans and vegetarians, you will also get know about Vegetarian food in Japan. So, first thing first, let’s see how to enter this Unique country:
Japan Entry
Before checking flights to Japan, you may need to apply for tourist Visa, unless you are lucky enough to be from one of the 71 countries for which Japanese Visa is exempted like if you are from USA you need to apply for tourist visa, you can directly book your flight to visit Japan from US. Even if its visa free for you, do check with number of dates as for some countries it is for as low as 14 days.
And for those whose visa is not exempted like for Indians, don’t need to worry you could easily get tourist visa by applying online through this link https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/index.html .
Price of flight will be depending on your location and most probably you’ll be landing in Tokyo.
When and for How many days?
You should plan for minimum 10 Days to get a good taste of
Japanese tradition and modern wonders. You could plan your trip anytime of the
year depending on what you want to experience. Most people want to explore
Cherry blossom in Japan so for those you should visit from March to May and to
those who want to experience autumn with red and pink leaves can visit from
mid-September to early December.
One of the first thing you should do after landing here is get
JR Pass Japan (Japan Rail Pass). This pass will give you access to rail
across Japan will be very helpful throughout your trip. You will get it for
different duration
7 days – 70,000 YEN,
14 days – 110,000 YEN,
and 21 days -140,000 YEN
Accommodation
Japan hotels could be quite expensive, especially if you are a budget traveller. If you are looking for cheap accommodation in Japan better to search for best hostels in Japan or youth hostel Japan or capsule hotels starting from as low as $16 could be of great help. Also, you can check booking.com, Expedia and other local Japan travel website like jalan.net etc. for best deals and book your stay in Japan. You can find some of the cool places to stay in Japan at budget. Best to book your stay prior.
Let’s see Some of the must visit places in Japan.
Top 15 Places to Visit in Japan
Well, there are many wonderful places to visit in Japan but these are some of the best travel destinations to visit in Japan that must be in your list to explore.
1. Tokyo
Most probably this is the first place you are going to visit is “Capital City of Japan – Tokyo”. The largest metropolitan city will welcome you with bright neon colours, modern technology and vivid culture. First you need to take some rest at any of the Tokyo hotels that you booked because there are many unique things to see in Tokyo like Tokyo National Museum, Tokyo Joypolis, etc…
At the same time, Tokyo travel is heaven for the foodie inside you offering large varieties of foods for all.
For Vegetarians: Many vegetarian and vegan restaurant are there in Tokyo like Veg Kitchen, T’s Restaurant, Bon etc.
The technology here will blow your mind and make you wonder, “If you have come to the Future?” Also, there are many places which are easily accessible from Tokyo and can take day trips from Tokyo to explore many places.
Well, there are many wonderful places to visit in Japan but these are some of the best travel destinations to visit in Japan that must be in your list to explore.
2. Mount Fuji
Japan’s highest mountain, Mount Fuji is not any ordinary mountain it is very scared mountain and is declared as UNESCO World Heritage Site as a cultural property. In Japan it is believed that Mt Fuji was born in a single day. In fact, old name of Japan was “Fujisan”.
3. Himeji Castle
Himeji castle is the largest castle in Japan and is an incredible example of Japanese architect. Because of its gleaming white walls, it is also known as White Heron Castle. It is a very important cultural assets of Japan representing its craftsmanship, rich history, culture and connection between man and nature.
4. Shirakawa-Go and Go Kayama
You should stay at Shirakawa-go and Go Kayama for at least a night to experience these centuries old unique farmhouses which has been declared as UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995 only, for its traditional Gassho-Zukuri farmhouse.
5. Kyoto
Kyoto is one of the best tourist cities in Japan, it has a deep-rooted history and its proof through many temples, shrines and many historical structures. Its deep history is the reason why Kyoto got dropped out of list of targeted cities for atomic bomb.
Like Tokyo, Kyoto also has many places and foods to experience. You can visit traditional architecture in Gion, there are around 16,000 temples to explore, Nishiki Market and many more places to cover.
6. Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, is a mesmerizing destination known for its towering bamboo groves. Visitors can stroll along the winding paths, enveloped by the serene and the gentle bamboo leaves. This enchanting forest offers a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle. Calming wind and sound passing through Bamboo trees will give you a tranquil experience of natural beauty. It has to be in your list.
7. Okinawa
Okinawa is definitely one of the top cities to visit in Japan. From Serene white beaches to all kind of water sports, you can easily experience here like scuba diving and snorkelling. It is also historically rich as it is highly sensitive during World War 2. Still people here are known for their longevity in fact people here live longer than any other place in the world.
Here are some of the best beaches in Okinawa that you must visit:
- Kondoi Beach
- Zanpa Beach
- Chatan Park Sunset Beach
- Yonaha Maehama Beach
- Sunayama Beach
8. Snow Monsters of Zao
These natural Snow Monsters are made naturally each year at the top of frosty Mt Zao is a result of Siberian winds and Snowfall, attracting lots of tourists. These Snow monsters’ figure is called “Juhyo” in Japanese. They are largest from mid-February to mid-March.
9. Trees of Yakushima
Japan’s oldest trees can be seen in Yakushima. These trees are 1000 years old and some are said to be 2000-3000 years old trees. Though you need to hike in jungle to see these trees but its 100 percent worth it. The beauty of this place can not be described in words. Home to ancient jungle, pristine beaches and a site of sea turtle nesting it’s a must go place for any nature lover.
10. Kurokawa Onsen, Kumamoto
From the day you entered in Japan you’ll think you have come to the future however, Kurokawa will give you an exact opposite feeling. You’ll feel like you have travelled back in time. 20 KM from Mt Aso, it is Japan’s one of the most attractive towns for hot springs. It is still very much untouched and people here have kept their traditional way of living alive so, reaching here is not easy.
11. Hakone
When in Japan, how could you miss hot spring bath? This beautiful mountainous town has dozens of different hot springs and a hot spring theme park that you should definitely visit. Hakone also has a lake named Ashinoko from where you could experience one of the best views of Mt. Fuji.
12. Shibazakura Takinoune Park
If you are in Japan during May and June this beautiful carpet of flower is must go place. These bright pink coloured flowers spreading across an area of 100,000 m^2 covers the hillside for around a month. During this time locals here celebrate a festival called “Moss Phlox festival”. Entry fee for experiencing this dream like place is 500 Yen for Adults and 250 Yen for Children.
13. Nikkō Tōshogū
Nikkō mountains are very sacred in Japan and have been worshiped by Buddhist and Shinto since atleast 8th century. This UNESCO world heritage site encompasses of 103 religious buildings, structures and natural setting around it. For entering Nikkō you will be crossing one of top 3 bridges in the country, 28 m long “Shinkyo Bridge”.
14. Hitachi Seaside Park
Not visiting Japan in May or June? No need to worry, you can visit Hitachi Seaside Park. You will surely feel like you have come to some fairytale world. As far as you can see you will only find beds of flower. One can easily spend whole day here experiencing these wonderful flowers, amusement park and different activities including cycling.
15. Itsukushima Shrine
It is one of the most visited tourist attractions as well as very sacred for Shinto community. This shrine was first built in 6th century then rebuild twice due to disasters however, it has been re-built perfectly and had retain its original structure. It is in perfect harmony with nature around giving an incredible sight to capture.
There are many other places that you could add in your list aquarium Osaka – world’s largest aquarium, shirahama beach, etc.
There are many other places that you could add in your list aquarium Osaka – world’s largest aquarium, shirahama beach, etc.
Popular Food in Japan
- Sushi: The most popular dish in Japan is Sushi. Well mostly it is non-veg however there are many vegetarian Sushi options also available.
- Udon: Udon is a traditional Japanese noodle served with different kinds of toppings is another famous food of Japan that you should try.
- Tofu: It is also a traditional Japanese food commonly enjoyed by local people of Japan.
- Ramen: Ramen particularly Ramen noodles is common Japanese food.
- Unagi: Unagi means freshwater eel, it is very popular Japanese dish that you should try.
- Soba: Soba is type of noodles often eaten by people of Japan. It is made up of buckwheat.
These places, foods and activities will give you a perfect and unique experiences in Japan.
Until next time Keep travelling and take care of Nature.