1. Kyoto
If you’re really keen on checking out the real culture and the origin of Japan, we recommend you to directly go to Kyoto instead of going to the metropolitan city, Tokyo. Old Japanese atmosphere still lingers on in this city and you can see plenty of shrines, temples, and other historical monuments. Kiyomizu Temple is a must visit place in Kyoto. It’s a huge Buddhist temple made of wood but not one nail is used in the construction. Kinkaku Temple (Golden Temple) is also an indispensable place to see. This temple was built in 1397 and this wooden structure is covered by gold leaf on its surface. Ryoan Temple is famous for its beautiful and peaceful stone garden. Not only these monuments, but there are also many things to get an exceptional experience from. You can participate in events such as the Japanese Tea Ceremony or Zazen (Zen practice) to understand and get real Japanese experience. While you’re walking in the Gion district, for example, you could encounter a Geisha or two if you’re lucky.
2. Tokyo
The capital of Japan, this metropolitan city is one of the biggest cities in the world with more than 10 million people. There’s nothing that you cannot get in Tokyo. There’s everything from all over the world kind of like New York City. In this metropolitan city, I’d suggest that you not go only to the famous touristic places but also some hidden places where tourists rarely visit. Shibuya, Shinjuku, Harajuku, Roppongi are truly central areas of Tokyo and suitable for everything: sightseeing, shopping, gourmet, nightlife, and so on. A well-known site, Kaminari Mon (Asakusa Temple), in Asakusa is usually used as a symbol of Japan due to its famous huge red paper lantern weighing 700kg. Visiting the Tsukiji Fish Market would also be a really peculiar experience on your trip to Tokyo. It’s a huge area, full of fresh fish and other seafood, and lots of Sushi restaurants owners trying to buy the best quality materials at a bargain. You can feel the energy here and you can also withess some fish sellers gutting fish at a crazy speed. The show is really amazing.
3. Osaka
Osaka is the second biggest city in Japan and also well-known as a city of commerce and Japanese cuisine. Compared with the sophisticated city of Tokyo, you’ll feel more of a downtown atmosphere in Osaka. Actually people from Osaka are very passionate and energetic, and its original culture is consistent with this ambient. Mainly, there’re two major economic parts in Osaka, one called “Kita” (means North) and another one called “Minami” (meaning South). Kita area has a sophisticated image and you can browse through the upscale shops and shopping mall near the Osaka main station or along Midosuji Boulevard. On the other hand, Minami area has very throng atmosphere and you can get a glimpse of the life of locals. There’s a bunch of smaller shops. In the Dotonbori area you can have your pick for dining, from tiny restaurants with local dishes such as “Okonomiyaki” or “Takoyaki” to expensive restaurants, bars and clubs. You should also visit Osaka Castle, Kaiyukan which is one of the biggest aquariums in Japan, and Universal Studio Osaka as well.
4. Okinawa
People who visit Okinawa say that it doesn’t look like Japan. Of course not. That’s because Okinawa used to be an independent kingdom called “Ryukyu” until 1879. Thus, the culture, custom, ideology, and even the people are really different and even now you can still see these differences in the city. For instance, Shuri Castle shows typical influence of the original old Ryukyu culture which is nothing similar to the Japanese one. Moreover, Okinawa was ruled by the USA until 1972, thus you can also see the unique mixed cultures of the Ryukyu, Japanese, and American. Cuisine in Okinawa is very unique even for Japanese people. You can try not only traditional Okinawa cuisine, but you can also try food with various influences such as American and Latin American. There is abundant nature with the tropical weather and beautiful beaches including many natural parks and islands, and lovely and unique animals. If you’re a nature lover and interested in something unique, your destination in Japan should be Okinawa.
5. Fukuoka
Fukuoka is always one of the most relaxed Japanese cities to live in with a good quality of life. It’s a well-organised urban town which provides you a nice environment to enjoy your life. The elegant city centre in the Tenjin area is really suitable for shopping and trying typical Fukuoka cuisine which is especially famous like “Ramen” noodle, and there are many cafés, restaurants, bars and clubs. Fukuoka has a long bay area and it’s nice to walk around. From the Hakata area to Tenjin, you can see many “Yatai” which are mobile food stalls typically selling Ramen. A typical image of Fukuoka at night is seeing people get together in Yatai eating, drinking and talking, and of course you can also join the fun. Fukuoka is calm and relaxed, but full of activities at the same time.
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