Shinsekai means “New World” in Japanese. This Osaka neighborhood is home to cheap foodie favorites, dive bars, and other colorful surprises. Check out our guide to safely enjoying this step back in time.
Destinations
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.
Takanawa Gateway station on Tokyo’s Yamanote Line
On March 14, 2020, after a long period of development and construction, Japan Rail (JR) East opened a new station on the Yamanote Loop Line, Takanawa Gateway Station.
Situated in Tokyo’s Minato Ward between Shinagawa and Tamachi, the station also serves the Keihin Tohoku Line, and is located close to the popular Roppongi district.
The 11 best castles to visit in Japan
Japan is a land rife with history and relics of the past. In nearly every city and town, you will find landmarks, museums, and historic sites that display the country’s culturally rich past. In fact, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has declared more World Heritage Sites in Japan than in any other country.
One of the most interesting and breathtaking elements of Japan’s history is its castles. Unique architecture and fascinating family stories accompany each site. Consider the following list of Japan’s most visited castles.
Cherry blossom in Tokyo: Best places to see sakura blossom
Japan is world-famous for its sakura, or cherry blossom season. In early spring, thousands of trees across Japan burst forth in shades of red, pink, and white.
The Japanese capital is one of the best places to experience this beautiful phenomena. Tokyo is a prime viewing location for sakura blossoms due to its abundant parks and green spaces.
Cherry blossoms in Kyoto: Where to admire the Hanami
The sakura cherry blossom season in Japan is on the bucket list of travelers the world over. For a few short weeks each spring, Japan’s cities and countryside are adorned with cloud-like white and pink flowers. Residents often hold hanami, parties or picnics for the purpose of observing the blossoms. You may even find yourself in the midst of a cherry blossom festival!
If you’re planning a trip to Kyoto during this remarkable time of year, you will find cherry blossoms in abundance. There are, however, a number of places that provide a truly stunning cherry blossom experience in Kyoto.
Tokyo Imperial Palace: How and when to visit
Also known as Kōkyo, this palace in Tokyo is the residence of Japan’s Imperial Family. The Imperial Place is defined by distinctive whitewashed buildings with sloping roofs in a historic Japanese style, and is surrounded by a vast, formidable moat.
Visitors to Tokyo are encouraged to take a guided tour of the extensive, elegant palace grounds. These include the Imperial Palace East Gardens, which houses the large collection of the Museum of the Imperial Collection, and Kitanomaru Park, home to the National Museum of Modern Art.