Check our extensive guides to destinations and places to visit all over Japan to help you travel and get around, and find what to do and see in each location.
Find the best points of interest you can visit by train, how to get there, main attractions and off the beaten tracks suggestions in Japan’s four islands.
Japan’s second-largest city after Tokyo, Yokohama is located half an hour south of Tokyo. One of the first Japanese ports to open to foreign trade, in 1859, Yokohama has a reputation as a truly multicultural city and draws a large number of both Japanese and international visitors.
Its range of diverse attractions includes one of the largest Chinatowns in the world, a range of gastronomic experiences such as a Ramen Museum and brewery tours, and a large zoo and sea-themed amusement park.
Imagine walking in the sands of a beautiful island in the Seto Inland Sea. You approach a concrete pier jutting out into the water. Rather than your usual retinue of fishermen and tourists, you are greeted by an enormous black and golden pumpkin.
The scene described is no fairytale or dream. It is part of the sculptures and modern art for which the island of Naoshima is known. The island enjoys sunny weather and rural living that rivals that of Europe’s Mediterranean region.
Do you love trains? From children to adults, many people are fascinated by these massive, powerful vehicles. Japan, with its long history of innovative rail transportation, is a vacation destination for train lovers of all ages.
The Japanese railway train museums chart the history of the train in Japan and around the world, from early steam locomotives to diesel and electric train cars, to the innovative shinkansen bullet train and maglev trains. As a boon for international travelers, these Japanese museums include informative displays in English as well as Japanese. The main museums in Kyoto, Nagoya and Tokyo are family-friendly, offering exciting hands-on exhibits for the education and enjoyment of little railroad fans and their parents alike.
What is the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage? The term kodo means “old ways,” and Kumano Kodo refers to a network of hiking trails laced throughout the southern reaches of the Kansai region, on the Kii Peninsula. The trails have been used for more than 1,000 years and are designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue reading “%s”
Often called “the Kyoto of Eastern Japan”, this charming coastal town is located about an hour south of Tokyo and is perfect for a relaxing day trip from the capital. Its beaches, historical structures, and monuments make Kamakura a go-to destination year-round.
The area is especially good for viewing cherry blossoms in the spring and colorful foliage in autumn. The numerous historic temples, such as Kotoku-in and its famous giant Buddha statue, also make it an ideal location to learn about Japanese religious culture.
The Koka Ninja Village, or Koka no Sato Ninjutsumura, is located in the rural city of Koka, also called Koga. Along with nearby villages, Koka is set deep within the homeland of the ninja. The rugged and mountainous landscape made Koka an excellent retreat in which the ninja honed their skills. Its close proximity to Kyoto makes it an accessible and exciting stop for your next Japanese vacation.
