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Japan Today
2 days ago
- Japan Today
10 destinations to visit during rainy season in Japan
Meigetsuin Temple is also known as the Hydrangea Temple. By Abhijit Sen Japan's rainy season (梅雨, tsuyu), often regarded as humid and depressing, particularly in June, conjures images of soggy shoes and drizzly days. People who go out during these months experience a special and magical part of the country. However, there is an upside. The rain nourishes Japan's landscapes, turning cities and countryside into lush, vibrant scenes. While the crowds of summer tourists may seek refuge indoors, you can enjoy tranquility at popular sites and witness the beauty of blooming hydrangeas and shimmering landscapes. If the downpour gets heavy, don't worry. Japan boasts numerous indoor attractions, including captivating museums, bustling shopping hubs, and soothing hot springs, allowing you to make the most of your day. Here are ten fantastic destinations that shine during the rainy season. 1. Kamakura (Kanagawa) 2. Hakone (Kanagawa) 3. Arashiyama and Sagano (Kyoto) 4. Tohoku Region 5. Mount Koya (Wakayama) 6. Koke no Mori (Nagano) 7. Yakushima (Kagoshima) 8. Misasa Onsen (Tottori) 9. Kawaguchiko (Yamanashi) 10. Kanazawa (Ishikawa) 1. Kamakura (Kanagawa) Meigetsuin Temple is also known as the Hydrangea Temple. Image: PIXTA/ yoshihiro52 Kamakura is a historic gem located just an hour south of Tokyo. Famous for its hydrangeas (ajisai), this city transforms into a colorful paradise when the rain arrives. Meigetsuin Temple, known as the 'Hydrangea Temple,' boasts spectacular displays of blue Hime Ajisai (Princess Hydrangea) that bloom magnificently during the season. Hase-dera, another must-visit site, features around 2,500 hydrangeas of various types, creating breathtaking views against the misty backdrop of Sagami Bay. On rainy days, there are fewer visitors, making it easier to enjoy the eleven-faced Kannon statue. The colors of the hydrangeas pop against the gray sky at Hasedera, and Meigetsuin's 'Window of Enlightenment' is adorned with beautiful blue hydrangeas. When : June 1-30, 2025 (Hydrangeas will be blooming in both temples) : June 1-30, 2025 (Hydrangeas will be blooming in both temples) Nearest station : Kita Kamakura (Meigetsuin), Hase (Hasedera) : Kita Kamakura (Meigetsuin), Hase (Hasedera) Address : 3-11-2 Hase, Kamakura, Kanagawa (Hasedera) : 3-11-2 Hase, Kamakura, Kanagawa (Hasedera) 189 Yamanouchi, Kamakura, Kanagawa (Meigetsu-in) 2. Hakone (Kanagawa) The Hakone Tozan Railway offers a picturesque ride. Image: Renowned for its hot springs and stunning natural scenery, Hakone is one of the best places to experience the magic of rain-soaked landscapes. The Hakone Tozan Railway offers a picturesque ride through lush greenery, where vibrant hydrangeas thrive among spectacular mountain views. The Hakone Open-Air Museum allows you to enjoy art while remaining sheltered, featuring sculptures set in landscaped gardens that are made even more enchanting by the rain. The serene ambiance of Hakone Shrine, with its rain-soaked sacred trees, invites quiet contemplation, while Sengokuhara's silver grass fields, shrouded in mist, offer a dreamlike landscape perfect for photography. When : Jun 14–Jun 30, 2025 (Hakone Hydrangea Train Service) : Jun 14–Jun 30, 2025 (Hakone Hydrangea Train Service) Nearest station : Hakone-Yumoto : Hakone-Yumoto Address: Yumoto, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa (Map) 3. Arashiyama and Sagano (Kyoto) The bamboo groves in Arashiyama appear hauntingly beautiful amidst the rain. Kyoto, known for its timeless beauty, showcases a distinct charm during the rainy season. The quick weather changes sculpt a black and white landscape reminiscent of classic Japanese art. The bamboo groves in Arashiyama appear hauntingly beautiful amidst the rain, while Gio-ji Temple is tucked away in the Sagano area. In June, the lush greenery, grass huts, and thriving moss gardens are delightful. For a cozy adventure, ride the Sagano Romantic Train during the rainy season! The misty valleys and lush green scenery create a stunning backdrop, and the sound of rain against the window adds a magical touch. Nearest station : Torokko Arashiyama : Torokko Arashiyama Address: 4-2 Sagaogurayama Tabuchiyamacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto (Map) 4. Aomori and Akita An under-the-radar paradise Click here to read more. External Link © GaijinPot
Japan Today
2 days ago
- Japan Today
10 destinations for rainy season in Japan
Meigetsuin Temple is also known as the Hydrangea Temple. By Abhijit Sen Japan's rainy season (梅雨, tsuyu), often regarded as humid and depressing, particularly in June, conjures images of soggy shoes and drizzly days. People who go out during these months experience a special and magical part of the country. However, there is an upside. The rain nourishes Japan's landscapes, turning cities and countryside into lush, vibrant scenes. While the crowds of summer tourists may seek refuge indoors, you can enjoy tranquility at popular sites and witness the beauty of blooming hydrangeas and shimmering landscapes. If the downpour gets heavy, don't worry. Japan boasts numerous indoor attractions, including captivating museums, bustling shopping hubs, and soothing hot springs, allowing you to make the most of your day. Here are ten fantastic destinations that shine during the rainy season. 1. Kamakura (Kanagawa) 2. Hakone (Kanagawa) 3. Arashiyama and Sagano (Kyoto) 4. Tohoku Region 5. Mount Koya (Wakayama) 6. Koke no Mori (Nagano) 7. Yakushima (Kagoshima) 8. Misasa Onsen (Tottori) 9. Kawaguchiko (Yamanashi) 10. Kanazawa (Ishikawa) 1. Kamakura (Kanagawa) Meigetsuin Temple is also known as the Hydrangea Temple. Image: PIXTA/ yoshihiro52 Kamakura is a historic gem located just an hour south of Tokyo. Famous for its hydrangeas (ajisai), this city transforms into a colorful paradise when the rain arrives. Meigetsuin Temple, known as the 'Hydrangea Temple,' boasts spectacular displays of blue Hime Ajisai (Princess Hydrangea) that bloom magnificently during the season. Hase-dera, another must-visit site, features around 2,500 hydrangeas of various types, creating breathtaking views against the misty backdrop of Sagami Bay. On rainy days, there are fewer visitors, making it easier to enjoy the eleven-faced Kannon statue. The colors of the hydrangeas pop against the gray sky at Hasedera, and Meigetsuin's 'Window of Enlightenment' is adorned with beautiful blue hydrangeas. When : June 1-30, 2025 (Hydrangeas will be blooming in both temples) : June 1-30, 2025 (Hydrangeas will be blooming in both temples) Nearest station : Kita Kamakura (Meigetsuin), Hase (Hasedera) : Kita Kamakura (Meigetsuin), Hase (Hasedera) Address : 3-11-2 Hase, Kamakura, Kanagawa (Hasedera) : 3-11-2 Hase, Kamakura, Kanagawa (Hasedera) 189 Yamanouchi, Kamakura, Kanagawa (Meigetsu-in) 2. Hakone (Kanagawa) The Hakone Tozan Railway offers a picturesque ride. Image: Renowned for its hot springs and stunning natural scenery, Hakone is one of the best places to experience the magic of rain-soaked landscapes. The Hakone Tozan Railway offers a picturesque ride through lush greenery, where vibrant hydrangeas thrive among spectacular mountain views. The Hakone Open-Air Museum allows you to enjoy art while remaining sheltered, featuring sculptures set in landscaped gardens that are made even more enchanting by the rain. The serene ambiance of Hakone Shrine, with its rain-soaked sacred trees, invites quiet contemplation, while Sengokuhara's silver grass fields, shrouded in mist, offer a dreamlike landscape perfect for photography. When : Jun 14–Jun 30, 2025 (Hakone Hydrangea Train Service) : Jun 14–Jun 30, 2025 (Hakone Hydrangea Train Service) Nearest station : Hakone-Yumoto : Hakone-Yumoto Address: Yumoto, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa (Map) 3. Arashiyama and Sagano (Kyoto) The bamboo groves in Arashiyama appear hauntingly beautiful amidst the rain. Kyoto, known for its timeless beauty, showcases a distinct charm during the rainy season. The quick weather changes sculpt a black and white landscape reminiscent of classic Japanese art. The bamboo groves in Arashiyama appear hauntingly beautiful amidst the rain, while Gio-ji Temple is tucked away in the Sagano area. In June, the lush greenery, grass huts, and thriving moss gardens are delightful. For a cozy adventure, ride the Sagano Romantic Train during the rainy season! The misty valleys and lush green scenery create a stunning backdrop, and the sound of rain against the window adds a magical touch. Nearest station : Torokko Arashiyama : Torokko Arashiyama Address: 4-2 Sagaogurayama Tabuchiyamacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto (Map) 4. Aomori and Akita An under-the-radar paradise Click here to read more. External Link © GaijinPot
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Yahoo
10 unforgettable experiences for your next trip to Japan
Japan is an alluring destination because of its many juxtapositions. Neon skyscrapers tower over Shinto shrines, and salarymen ride the train next to Harajuku girls. The Land of the Rising Sun also has diverse climates and cultural attractions to please every style of traveler. Adventurers can ski Niseko's slopes or hike Mount Fuji, while food lovers can eat their fill of street snacks in Osaka. Those seeking a more 'Zen' vacation can relax in outdoor hot springs, explore an art-filled island, or join Buddhist monks for morning chants. Here are 10 not-to-be-missed experiences to immerse yourself in Japanese culture. For centuries, Hakone has been a favorite getaway spot for onsen, or open-air hot springs baths. Stay in a ryokan (traditional inn) with a communal onsen or take a private dip while gazing at Mount Fuji at the luxurious The Hiramatsu Hotels & Resorts Sengokuhara. During the day, join a boat tour of Lake Ashi and ascend the Hakone Ropeway cable car for views of Owakudani, a volcanic valley bubbling from sulfurous vents. For a different perspective, visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum to admire large-scale contemporary sculptures set against the mountains. (Related: Everything you need to know about Japan.) Naoshima is a tiny isle on the Seto Inland Sea that has become a hub for groundbreaking art. Reserve tickets to visit the Chichu Art Museum, designed by Tadao Ando. His stark, geometric architecture harmoniously works with the surrounding landscape, highlighted by artwork by James Turrell and Claude Monet. Yayoi Kusama has several sculptures on Naoshima, including an enormous yellow-dotted pumpkin overlooking the shore. Don't miss the Art House Project, which transforms decaying wooden homes into thought-provoking installations. (Related: Where to go in Japan beyond Tokyo.) Tokyo's Harajuku district has become world-famous for its experimental street fashion. Shop for Goth platform boots and shredded punk jackets on pedestrian street Takeshita Dori. Find frilled Lolita dresses at the secondhand shop Closet Child and candy-rave kawaii accessories at 6% Doki Doki. Shoppers should also head to the department store Laforet for a dozen floors of street-style attire, as well as J-pop art and a Sailor Moon boutique. Osaka's Dotonbori neighborhood is a sensory explosion of flashing billboards and smoke wafting from food vendor grills. Take selfies with Glico's retro sign of Running Man (a Korean reality show) and a Godzilla-sized red crab clinging to Kani Doraku seafood restaurant. Follow your nose to stalls hawking takoyaki (octopus balls), okonomiyaki (savory pancakes), and kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers). Pop culture fans can dine on dishes decorated to look like cute characters at a theme café like Eorzea, which is inspired by the Final Fantasy XIV video game. (Related: Tried street food in Osaka? Then go to Fukuoka.) Koyasan is an ancient Shingon Buddhist center located high in the misty mountains of Wakayama. Visitors can stay with monks in a shukubo (temple guesthouse) and take part in their spiritual practice. Rise at dawn to watch residents chant sutras at an altar and sit with them for a meal of seasonal vegetables and tofu. Visit the 16th-century Kongobu-ji Temple, known for its stunning rock garden and the sliding doors painted by artist Hiroshi Senju. Visitors can also reflect on impermanence at Okunoin, a cemetery with 200,000 moss-covered graves and miniature Buddha statues in red bibs and hats. In the 1800s, Kyoto's Gion district was the playground of geisha, the elegant entertainers in intricate kimonos, pale makeup, and stylized wigs. Step back in time at Gion Corner, a theater that keeps its culture alive with tea ceremonies, flower arranging (ikebana), koto music, and dance shows. For a more intimate experience, gather a group of friends for a private kaiseki (multi-course dinner) with geisha entertainment. Or you can get a geisha makeover at a studio and pose for portraits at landmarks like Tatsumi Bridge. (Related: How this Japanese city is keeping the geisha tradition alive.) Nara has one of the oldest public parks in Japan, which is home to hundreds of free-roaming deer. The spotted and horned beasts have been protected for over a thousand years, as they are considered the sacred messengers of Shinto gods. Keep a respectful distance as you feed the gentle creatures deer crackers known as shika senbei—some will bow their heads to say thank you. Visitors should not touch the deer but can safely follow the animals as they amble around Nara's serene spaces, such as the large Buddhist complex Todai-ji and the classical Yoshikien and Isuien gardens. Delve into Hiroshima's past and the city's commitment to peace and rebuilding after the 1945 nuclear bombing. The devastation of the atomic bomb attack is palpable at Genbaku Dome, a building reduced to blackened walls and a cobweb-like roof. At the Peace Memorial Museum, bear witness to powerful exhibits—such as a human shadow burnt into stone—and hear the stories of survivors. End the day with a stroll through Memorial Park, a green space with monuments that pay tribute to Hiroshima's resilience. (Related: What locals love about Japan.) The 1998 Winter Olympics put Nagano on the map as a year-round nature destination. In the winter, the slopes of Hakuba, Nozawa onsen, and Shiga Kogen take on the perfect powder for skiers and snowboarders. Animal lovers will be amused by the sight of red-faced snow macaques splashing in the hot springs at Jigokudani Monkey Park. When Nagano warms up, hikers can trek the scenic alpine paths at Kamikochi Valley, as well as the historic Nakasendo Trail that connected Edo to Kyoto in the 17th century. Tokyo's pleasure center, Shinjuku, has hundreds of niche bars that rage all night long. For a glimpse of Japanese subculture, dance with Day-Glo club kids at DecaBarS in Kabukicho. Pop into one of the many bars crammed into the gritty Golden Gai alley. Each has a distinctive theme—from horror movies to karaoke—and some seat only a handful of people. Those intrigued by Shinjuku's LGBTQ+ nightlife can head to Ni-Chome and cheer on the drag queens at Eagle Tokyo Blue. This article was originally published on September 20, 2011, and updated on March 17, 2025. La Carmina is an award-winning travel journalist and blogger, TV host, and Simon & Schuster author, specializing in alternative culture and Japan. Follow her on Instagram.
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Yahoo
10 unforgettable experiences for your next trip to Japan
Japan is an alluring destination because of its many juxtapositions. Neon skyscrapers tower over Shinto shrines, and salarymen ride the train next to Harajuku girls. The Land of the Rising Sun also has diverse climates and cultural attractions to please every style of traveler. Adventurers can ski Niseko's slopes or hike Mount Fuji, while food lovers can eat their fill of street snacks in Osaka. Those seeking a more 'Zen' vacation can relax in outdoor hot springs, explore an art-filled island, or join Buddhist monks for morning chants. Here are 10 not-to-be-missed experiences to immerse yourself in Japanese culture. For centuries, Hakone has been a favorite getaway spot for onsen, or open-air hot springs baths. Stay in a ryokan (traditional inn) with a communal onsen or take a private dip while gazing at Mount Fuji at the luxurious The Hiramatsu Hotels & Resorts Sengokuhara. During the day, join a boat tour of Lake Ashi and ascend the Hakone Ropeway cable car for views of Owakudani, a volcanic valley bubbling from sulfurous vents. For a different perspective, visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum to admire large-scale contemporary sculptures set against the mountains. (Related: Everything you need to know about Japan.) Naoshima is a tiny isle on the Seto Inland Sea that has become a hub for groundbreaking art. Reserve tickets to visit the Chichu Art Museum, designed by Tadao Ando. His stark, geometric architecture harmoniously works with the surrounding landscape, highlighted by artwork by James Turrell and Claude Monet. Yayoi Kusama has several sculptures on Naoshima, including an enormous yellow-dotted pumpkin overlooking the shore. Don't miss the Art House Project, which transforms decaying wooden homes into thought-provoking installations. (Related: Where to go in Japan beyond Tokyo.) Tokyo's Harajuku district has become world-famous for its experimental street fashion. Shop for Goth platform boots and shredded punk jackets on pedestrian street Takeshita Dori. Find frilled Lolita dresses at the secondhand shop Closet Child and candy-rave kawaii accessories at 6% Doki Doki. Shoppers should also head to the department store Laforet for a dozen floors of street-style attire, as well as J-pop art and a Sailor Moon boutique. Osaka's Dotonbori neighborhood is a sensory explosion of flashing billboards and smoke wafting from food vendor grills. Take selfies with Glico's retro sign of Running Man (a Korean reality show) and a Godzilla-sized red crab clinging to Kani Doraku seafood restaurant. Follow your nose to stalls hawking takoyaki (octopus balls), okonomiyaki (savory pancakes), and kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers). Pop culture fans can dine on dishes decorated to look like cute characters at a theme café like Eorzea, which is inspired by the Final Fantasy XIV video game. (Related: Tried street food in Osaka? Then go to Fukuoka.) Koyasan is an ancient Shingon Buddhist center located high in the misty mountains of Wakayama. Visitors can stay with monks in a shukubo (temple guesthouse) and take part in their spiritual practice. Rise at dawn to watch residents chant sutras at an altar and sit with them for a meal of seasonal vegetables and tofu. Visit the 16th-century Kongobu-ji Temple, known for its stunning rock garden and the sliding doors painted by artist Hiroshi Senju. Visitors can also reflect on impermanence at Okunoin, a cemetery with 200,000 moss-covered graves and miniature Buddha statues in red bibs and hats. In the 1800s, Kyoto's Gion district was the playground of geisha, the elegant entertainers in intricate kimonos, pale makeup, and stylized wigs. Step back in time at Gion Corner, a theater that keeps its culture alive with tea ceremonies, flower arranging (ikebana), koto music, and dance shows. For a more intimate experience, gather a group of friends for a private kaiseki (multi-course dinner) with geisha entertainment. Or you can get a geisha makeover at a studio and pose for portraits at landmarks like Tatsumi Bridge. (Related: How this Japanese city is keeping the geisha tradition alive.) Nara has one of the oldest public parks in Japan, which is home to hundreds of free-roaming deer. The spotted and horned beasts have been protected for over a thousand years, as they are considered the sacred messengers of Shinto gods. Keep a respectful distance as you feed the gentle creatures deer crackers known as shika senbei—some will bow their heads to say thank you. Visitors should not touch the deer but can safely follow the animals as they amble around Nara's serene spaces, such as the large Buddhist complex Todai-ji and the classical Yoshikien and Isuien gardens. Delve into Hiroshima's past and the city's commitment to peace and rebuilding after the 1945 nuclear bombing. The devastation of the atomic bomb attack is palpable at Genbaku Dome, a building reduced to blackened walls and a cobweb-like roof. At the Peace Memorial Museum, bear witness to powerful exhibits—such as a human shadow burnt into stone—and hear the stories of survivors. End the day with a stroll through Memorial Park, a green space with monuments that pay tribute to Hiroshima's resilience. (Related: What locals love about Japan.) The 1998 Winter Olympics put Nagano on the map as a year-round nature destination. In the winter, the slopes of Hakuba, Nozawa onsen, and Shiga Kogen take on the perfect powder for skiers and snowboarders. Animal lovers will be amused by the sight of red-faced snow macaques splashing in the hot springs at Jigokudani Monkey Park. When Nagano warms up, hikers can trek the scenic alpine paths at Kamikochi Valley, as well as the historic Nakasendo Trail that connected Edo to Kyoto in the 17th century. Tokyo's pleasure center, Shinjuku, has hundreds of niche bars that rage all night long. For a glimpse of Japanese subculture, dance with Day-Glo club kids at DecaBarS in Kabukicho. Pop into one of the many bars crammed into the gritty Golden Gai alley. Each has a distinctive theme—from horror movies to karaoke—and some seat only a handful of people. Those intrigued by Shinjuku's LGBTQ+ nightlife can head to Ni-Chome and cheer on the drag queens at Eagle Tokyo Blue. This article was originally published on September 20, 2011, and updated on March 17, 2025. La Carmina is an award-winning travel journalist and blogger, TV host, and Simon & Schuster author, specializing in alternative culture and Japan. Follow her on Instagram.
National Geographic
17-03-2025
- National Geographic
10 unforgettable experiences for your next trip to Japan
Travelers should visit Senso-ji temple, Tokyo's oldest-established temple located in the city's Asakusa neighborhood. It's just one of 10 things first-time visitors should do when exploring Japan. Travelers should visit Senso-ji temple, Tokyo's oldest-established temple located in the city's Asakusa neighborhood. It's just one of 10 things first-time visitors should do when exploring Japan. Travelers should visit Senso-ji temple, Tokyo's oldest-established temple located in the city's Asakusa neighborhood. It's just one of 10 things first-time visitors should do when exploring Japan. Travelers should visit Senso-ji temple, Tokyo's oldest-established temple located in the city's Asakusa neighborhood. It's just one of 10 things first-time visitors should do when exploring Japan. In a nation as culturally rich as Japan, it can be hard to know how to spend your time there. Here are ten of our favorite things to do. Japan is an alluring destination because of its many juxtapositions. Neon skyscrapers tower over Shinto shrines, and salarymen ride the train next to Harajuku girls. The Land of the Rising Sun also has diverse climates and cultural attractions to please every style of traveler. Adventurers can ski Niseko's slopes or hike Mount Fuji, while food lovers can eat their fill of street snacks in Osaka. Those seeking a more 'Zen' vacation can relax in outdoor hot springs, explore an art-filled island, or join Buddhist monks for morning chants. Here are 10 not-to-be-missed experiences to immerse yourself in Japanese culture. When visiting Japan, travelers can stay at a traditional ryokan with a communal onsen or opt for a private dip in an open-air bath like this one in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Photograph By Jeremie Souteyrat/laif/Redux For centuries, Hakone has been a favorite getaway spot for onsen, or open-air hot springs baths. Stay in a ryokan (traditional inn) with a communal onsen or take a private dip while gazing at Mount Fuji at the luxurious The Hiramatsu Hotels & Resorts Sengokuhara. During the day, join a boat tour of Lake Ashi and ascend the Hakone Ropeway cable car for views of Owakudani, a volcanic valley bubbling from sulfurous vents. For a different perspective, visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum to admire large-scale contemporary sculptures set against the mountains. (Related: Everything you need to know about Japan.) View avantgarde art on Naoshima Island Art aficionados can see the avant-garde work on display in museums and galleries, and found around Naoshima Island, like Yayoi Kusama's 'Pumpkin.' Photograph By Andrew Rowat/Redux Naoshima is a tiny isle on the Seto Inland Sea that has become a hub for groundbreaking art. Reserve tickets to visit the Chichu Art Museum, designed by Tadao Ando. His stark, geometric architecture harmoniously works with the surrounding landscape, highlighted by artwork by James Turrell and Claude Monet. Yayoi Kusama has several sculptures on Naoshima, including an enormous yellow-dotted pumpkin overlooking the shore. Don't miss the Art House Project, which transforms decaying wooden homes into thought-provoking installations. (Related: Where to go in Japan beyond Tokyo.) Visit Harajuku for its hip street-style Tokyo's Harajuku area should be added to your trip itinerary if you enjoy looking for hip street-style clothing. Photograph By David Guttenfelder, Nat Geo Image Collection Tokyo's Harajuku district has become world-famous for its experimental street fashion. Shop for Goth platform boots and shredded punk jackets on pedestrian street Takeshita Dori. Find frilled Lolita dresses at the secondhand shop Closet Child and candy-rave kawaii accessories at 6% Doki Doki. Shoppers should also head to the department store Laforet for a dozen floors of street-style attire, as well as J-pop art and a Sailor Moon boutique. Snack on street food in Osaka A food vendor at Kuromon Ichiba Market in Osaka serves skewered grilled eel, mussels, and squid. Photograph By Markus Kirchgessner/laif/Redux (Top) (Left) and Photograph By Mrkit99/ Getty Images (Bottom) (Right) Osaka's Dotonbori neighborhood is a sensory explosion of flashing billboards and smoke wafting from food vendor grills. Take selfies with Glico's retro sign of Running Man (a Korean reality show) and a Godzilla-sized red crab clinging to Kani Doraku seafood restaurant. Follow your nose to stalls hawking takoyaki (octopus balls), okonomiyaki (savory pancakes), and kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers). Pop culture fans can dine on dishes decorated to look like cute characters at a theme café like Eorzea, which is inspired by the Final Fantasy XIV video game. (Related: Tried street food in Osaka? Then go to Fukuoka.) Sleep in a temple on Mount Koya For a serene getaway, travelers can stay with monks in a shukubo (temple guesthouse) to participate in their spiritual practice. Koyasan (Mount Koya), the pilgrimage center of Shingon Buddhism, is also home to the Danjo Garan Sacred Temple Complex. Photograph By Jeremy Horner/Panos Pictures/Redux Koyasan is an ancient Shingon Buddhist center located high in the misty mountains of Wakayama. Visitors can stay with monks in a shukubo (temple guesthouse) and take part in their spiritual practice. Rise at dawn to watch residents chant sutras at an altar and sit with them for a meal of seasonal vegetables and tofu. Visit the 16th-century Kongobu-ji Temple, known for its stunning rock garden and the sliding doors painted by artist Hiroshi Senju. Visitors can also reflect on impermanence at Okunoin, a cemetery with 200,000 moss-covered graves and miniature Buddha statues in red bibs and hats. Explore geisha culture in Kyoto Culture vultures can't miss visiting Gion, Kyoto's most famous geisha district, seen here with the Yasaka Pagoda in the background. Photograph By Oliver Bolch / Anzenberger/Redux (Top) (Left) and Photograph By Leon Harris / eyevine/Redux (Bottom) (Right) In the 1800s, Kyoto's Gion district was the playground of geisha, the elegant entertainers in intricate kimonos, pale makeup, and stylized wigs. Step back in time at Gion Corner, a theater that keeps its culture alive with tea ceremonies, flower arranging (ikebana), koto music, and dance shows. For a more intimate experience, gather a group of friends for a private kaiseki (multi-course dinner) with geisha entertainment. Or you can get a geisha makeover at a studio and pose for portraits at landmarks like Tatsumi Bridge. (Related: How this Japanese city is keeping the geisha tradition alive.) Feed friendly deer in Nara Approximately 1,200 Sika deer roam freely in Nara Park—one of the oldest public parks in Japan—and around the buildings of the Nara Temple Complex, which includes the Todai-ji Temple. Photograph By Chris Stowers/Panos Pictures/Redux Nara has one of the oldest public parks in Japan, which is home to hundreds of free-roaming deer. The spotted and horned beasts have been protected for over a thousand years, as they are considered the sacred messengers of Shinto gods. Keep a respectful distance as you feed the gentle creatures deer crackers known as shika senbei—some will bow their heads to say thank you. Visitors should not touch the deer but can safely follow the animals as they amble around Nara's serene spaces, such as the large Buddhist complex Todai-ji and the classical Yoshikien and Isuien gardens. Remember Hiroshima's history When visiting Hiroshima, travelers can visit the peaceful Hall of Remembrance in the Peace Memorial Hall to reflect on lives lost after an atomic bomb was dropped on the city on August 6, 1945. Photograph By Jason Edwards, Nat Geo Image Collection Delve into Hiroshima's past and the city's commitment to peace and rebuilding after the 1945 nuclear bombing. The devastation of the atomic bomb attack is palpable at Genbaku Dome, a building reduced to blackened walls and a cobweb-like roof. At the Peace Memorial Museum, bear witness to powerful exhibits—such as a human shadow burnt into stone—and hear the stories of survivors. End the day with a stroll through Memorial Park, a green space with monuments that pay tribute to Hiroshima's resilience. (Related: What locals love about Japan.) Enjoy outdoor activities in Nagano Japanese macaques fall asleep while bathing in a hot spring in Jigokudani, Japan. Photograph By Jasper Doest, Nat Geo Image Collection The 1998 Winter Olympics put Nagano on the map as a year-round nature destination. In the winter, the slopes of Hakuba, Nozawa onsen, and Shiga Kogen take on the perfect powder for skiers and snowboarders. Animal lovers will be amused by the sight of red-faced snow macaques splashing in the hot springs at Jigokudani Monkey Park. When Nagano warms up, hikers can trek the scenic alpine paths at Kamikochi Valley, as well as the historic Nakasendo Trail that connected Edo to Kyoto in the 17th century. Barhop in Shinjuku Travelers visiting Japan can't miss exploring Tokyo's nightlife, specifically Golden Gai in the city's Shinjuku neighborhood—home to more than 200 tiny bars, clubs, and eateries. Photograph By David Guttenfelder, Nat Geo Image Collection Tokyo's pleasure center, Shinjuku, has hundreds of niche bars that rage all night long. For a glimpse of Japanese subculture, dance with Day-Glo club kids at DecaBarS in Kabukicho. Pop into one of the many bars crammed into the gritty Golden Gai alley. Each has a distinctive theme—from horror movies to karaoke—and some seat only a handful of people. Those intrigued by Shinjuku's LGBTQ+ nightlife can head to Ni-Chome and cheer on the drag queens at Eagle Tokyo Blue. This article was originally published on September 20, 2011, and updated on March 17, 2025. La Carmina is an award-winning travel journalist and blogger, TV host, and Simon & Schuster author, specializing in alternative culture and Japan. Follow her on Instagram Inspiring exploration for over 130 years Subscribe now a get a free tote SUBSCRIBE
