{"id":29486,"date":"2021-01-29T05:10:36","date_gmt":"2021-01-29T05:10:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/?p=29486"},"modified":"2025-02-20T08:03:27","modified_gmt":"2025-02-20T08:03:27","slug":"beyond-the-big-names-choosing-between-japans-major-cities","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/2021\/01\/29\/beyond-the-big-names-choosing-between-japans-major-cities\/","title":{"rendered":"Beyond the big names: Choosing between the major cities in Japan"},"content":{"rendered":"<h4>Like this post? Help us by sharing it!<\/h4><ul class=\"wpfai-list\"><li class=\"wpfai-list-item facebook\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F29486&amp;t=\" title=\"Facebook\" class=\"wpfai-facebook wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-facebook fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item twitter\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/twitter.com\/share?text=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F29486\" title=\"Twitter\" class=\"wpfai-twitter wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-twitter fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item pinterest\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F29486&amp;description=&amp;media=\" title=\"Pinterest\" class=\"wpfai-pinterest wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-pinterest fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item linkedin\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/linkedin.com\/shareArticle?mini=true&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F29486&amp;title=\" title=\"Linked In\" class=\"wpfai-linkedin wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-linkedin fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item envelope\">\r\n      <a href=\"mailto:?subject=&amp;body=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F29486%20-%20\" title=\"E-Mail\" class=\"wpfai-envelope wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-envelope fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item stumbleupon\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.stumbleupon.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F29486\" title=\"Stumble Upon\" class=\"wpfai-stumbleupon wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-stumbleupon fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item reddit\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.reddit.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F29486\" title=\"Reddit\" class=\"wpfai-reddit wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-reddit fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><\/ul><p>Ever since the economic \u201cmiracle\u201d of the post-war years, Japan has been synonymous with cities. Big ones. You probably have an idea of what to expect from Tokyo and Kyoto, but beyond the big names, how well do you know your Hiroshima from your Hakone and how do you choose between the major cities in Japan?<\/p>\n<p>Each Japanese city is unique in its own way. Shaped over centuries by its individual climate, geography and history, each one has its own individual customs, its own regional dishes, and its own inimitable atmosphere. You might look at a picture of a Nagasaki street and think it looks a bit like downtown Sendai, but spend a few days there and you\u2019d never mistake one for the other.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s hard to grasp these differences without having been there yourself, but luckily we\u2019ve done it for you. Nine of Japan\u2019s top cities: how they feel, who\u2019ll love them, and what makes them special.<\/p>\n<p><!--more--><\/p>\n<h1>Tokyo: The Big One<\/h1>\n<p><strong>In a nutshell:<\/strong> The most densely populated city on Earth needs little introduction. It\u2019s likely your journey will begin and end here, but is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/japanese-destinations\/tokyo\/\">Tokyo<\/a> for you?<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_29888\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-29888\" style=\"width: 720px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-29888 size-half-width\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/20181213_070200323_iOS-720x480.jpg\" alt=\"Aerial shot of people on buildings and street in Shibuya\" width=\"720\" height=\"480\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/20181213_070200323_iOS-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/20181213_070200323_iOS-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/20181213_070200323_iOS-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/20181213_070200323_iOS-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/20181213_070200323_iOS-564x376.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/20181213_070200323_iOS-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/20181213_070200323_iOS-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/20181213_070200323_iOS-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/20181213_070200323_iOS-780x520.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/20181213_070200323_iOS-510x340.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/20181213_070200323_iOS.jpg 1259w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-29888\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The famous Shibuya crossing<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Who is it great for?<\/strong> Everyone! It has more Michelin stars than any other city in the world. It has endless interactive museums and green spaces. It has some of the best nightlife, shopping, art and architecture in the world, all seamlessly connected by a well-oiled public transport system. Each of its 23 wards has its own particular atmosphere, so you can skip from achingly hip to gleamingly commercial in no time, dipping into peaceful temples and tranquil gardens along the way. As far as we\u2019re concerned, Tokyo might be the greatest city on Earth.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_29894\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-29894\" style=\"width: 720px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-29894 size-half-width\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Darren-Baker-Tokyo_060615_4624s_preview-720x480.jpeg\" alt=\"Buildings lit up at night with crowds on the streets\" width=\"720\" height=\"480\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Darren-Baker-Tokyo_060615_4624s_preview-720x480.jpeg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Darren-Baker-Tokyo_060615_4624s_preview-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Darren-Baker-Tokyo_060615_4624s_preview-1024x682.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Darren-Baker-Tokyo_060615_4624s_preview-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Darren-Baker-Tokyo_060615_4624s_preview-564x376.jpeg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Darren-Baker-Tokyo_060615_4624s_preview-1200x800.jpeg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Darren-Baker-Tokyo_060615_4624s_preview-900x600.jpeg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Darren-Baker-Tokyo_060615_4624s_preview-390x260.jpeg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Darren-Baker-Tokyo_060615_4624s_preview-780x520.jpeg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Darren-Baker-Tokyo_060615_4624s_preview-510x340.jpeg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Darren-Baker-Tokyo_060615_4624s_preview.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-29894\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The neon lights of Shinjuku<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Who won\u2019t love it?<\/strong> If you can\u2019t do crowds, you won\u2019t love Tokyo. To avoid the busier districts and the crowded subway would be to miss out on the real Tokyo experience, and though there are serene spaces and chilled-out districts, it\u2019s not what Tokyo is all about.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What does it link to?<\/strong> Tokyo is the hub of Japan, so where you go next is truly up to you!<\/p>\n<h1>Kyoto: The Capital of Culture<\/h1>\n<p><strong>In a nutshell:<\/strong> The former imperial capital is an unmatched treasure trove of temples, shrines, gardens and palaces.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_29897\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-29897\" style=\"width: 720px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-29897 size-half-width\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Shaun-Dunphy-03642HJ_Kyoto_Ginkakujicho-720x540.jpg\" alt=\"Wooden temple surrounded by trees\" width=\"720\" height=\"540\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Shaun-Dunphy-03642HJ_Kyoto_Ginkakujicho-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Shaun-Dunphy-03642HJ_Kyoto_Ginkakujicho-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Shaun-Dunphy-03642HJ_Kyoto_Ginkakujicho-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Shaun-Dunphy-03642HJ_Kyoto_Ginkakujicho-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Shaun-Dunphy-03642HJ_Kyoto_Ginkakujicho-564x423.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Shaun-Dunphy-03642HJ_Kyoto_Ginkakujicho-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Shaun-Dunphy-03642HJ_Kyoto_Ginkakujicho-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Shaun-Dunphy-03642HJ_Kyoto_Ginkakujicho-900x675.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Shaun-Dunphy-03642HJ_Kyoto_Ginkakujicho-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Shaun-Dunphy-03642HJ_Kyoto_Ginkakujicho-390x293.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Shaun-Dunphy-03642HJ_Kyoto_Ginkakujicho-780x585.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Shaun-Dunphy-03642HJ_Kyoto_Ginkakujicho-510x383.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Shaun-Dunphy-03642HJ_Kyoto_Ginkakujicho.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-29897\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Ginkakuji in early autumn<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Who\u2019ll love it?<\/strong> Anyone with the slightest interest in Japanese history \u2014 and a healthy appetite for temples and shrines. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/japanese-destinations\/kyoto\/\">Kyoto<\/a> is home to the lion\u2019s share of Japan\u2019s most revered historic sites, but it\u2019s also the heart of Japan\u2019s intangible cultural heritage \u2014 including refined kaiseki cuisine the mysterious \u201cfloating world\u201d of the geisha. For us, what\u2019s really incredible about Kyoto is how much more there is beyond the top twenty sites. With 1,600 temples and shrines to choose from, that leaves about 1,580 which are all but ignored by tourists \u2014 often just footsteps from the busiest spots, and just as spectacular.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_29900\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-29900\" style=\"width: 720px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-29900 size-half-width\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Shaun-Dunphy-3686HJ_Kyoto_Eikan-do-720x480.jpg\" alt=\"Stone bridge in front of temple in autumn\" width=\"720\" height=\"480\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Shaun-Dunphy-3686HJ_Kyoto_Eikan-do-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Shaun-Dunphy-3686HJ_Kyoto_Eikan-do-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Shaun-Dunphy-3686HJ_Kyoto_Eikan-do-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Shaun-Dunphy-3686HJ_Kyoto_Eikan-do-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Shaun-Dunphy-3686HJ_Kyoto_Eikan-do-564x376.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Shaun-Dunphy-3686HJ_Kyoto_Eikan-do-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Shaun-Dunphy-3686HJ_Kyoto_Eikan-do-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Shaun-Dunphy-3686HJ_Kyoto_Eikan-do-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Shaun-Dunphy-3686HJ_Kyoto_Eikan-do-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Shaun-Dunphy-3686HJ_Kyoto_Eikan-do-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Shaun-Dunphy-3686HJ_Kyoto_Eikan-do-780x520.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Shaun-Dunphy-3686HJ_Kyoto_Eikan-do-510x340.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Shaun-Dunphy-3686HJ_Kyoto_Eikan-do.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-29900\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Eikand\u014d, in eastern Kyoto<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Who won\u2019t love it?<\/strong> If you\u2019re expecting to step back in time to the Japan of yesteryear, you won\u2019t find that experience in Kyoto. This is a vibrant, happening city, so be prepared to look for its treasures beneath the concrete, glass and steel. It\u2019s also not the best of cities for young children, as temple-heavy day tours a bit much for kids, but you could always stay in family-friendly Osaka and do it as a day trip.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What does it link to?<\/strong> Kyoto is a great launchpad for exploring the Kansai region, home to buzzing Osaka, historic Nara, and the pilgrimage trails and mountain temples of the Kumano Kodo.<\/p>\n<h1><b><span style=\"font-size: xx-large;\">Osaka: The Gourmand\u2019s Paradise \/ The Hot-Headed Hedonist<\/span><\/b><\/h1>\n<p><strong>In a nutshell:<\/strong> The port city of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/japanese-destinations\/osaka\/\">Osaka<\/a> was Japan\u2019s foremost commercial centre for centuries, lending it a laid-back raffishness that\u2019s missing from Tokyo and Kyoto &#8212; and a fun-loving culture built on making money and spending it.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_29906\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-29906\" style=\"width: 720px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-29906 size-half-width\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Osaka_Dotonbori-sunset-%C2%A9Matt-Goldsmith_InsideAsia-Tours-720x480.jpg\" alt=\"Canal with walkways and colorful buildings in Osaka\" width=\"720\" height=\"480\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Osaka_Dotonbori-sunset-%C2%A9Matt-Goldsmith_InsideAsia-Tours-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Osaka_Dotonbori-sunset-%C2%A9Matt-Goldsmith_InsideAsia-Tours-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Osaka_Dotonbori-sunset-%C2%A9Matt-Goldsmith_InsideAsia-Tours-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Osaka_Dotonbori-sunset-%C2%A9Matt-Goldsmith_InsideAsia-Tours-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Osaka_Dotonbori-sunset-%C2%A9Matt-Goldsmith_InsideAsia-Tours-564x376.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Osaka_Dotonbori-sunset-%C2%A9Matt-Goldsmith_InsideAsia-Tours-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Osaka_Dotonbori-sunset-%C2%A9Matt-Goldsmith_InsideAsia-Tours-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Osaka_Dotonbori-sunset-%C2%A9Matt-Goldsmith_InsideAsia-Tours-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Osaka_Dotonbori-sunset-%C2%A9Matt-Goldsmith_InsideAsia-Tours-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Osaka_Dotonbori-sunset-%C2%A9Matt-Goldsmith_InsideAsia-Tours-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Osaka_Dotonbori-sunset-%C2%A9Matt-Goldsmith_InsideAsia-Tours-780x520.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Osaka_Dotonbori-sunset-%C2%A9Matt-Goldsmith_InsideAsia-Tours-510x340.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Osaka_Dotonbori-sunset-%C2%A9Matt-Goldsmith_InsideAsia-Tours.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-29906\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sunset over Dotonbori<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Who\u2019ll love it?<\/strong> It may not have the headliners of Kyoto and Tokyo, but Osaka is packed full of things to see and do \u2014 from its reconstructed samurai castle to its world-beating street-food scene. Like Tokyo, its diverse districts can feel like a dozen cities in one, but the general atmosphere is slower, friendlier and altogether more casual. It\u2019s full of activities for families, it\u2019s fabulous for pop culture vultures, and if you want to spend an evening bar-hopping and snack-sampling, there\u2019s simply nowhere better.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_29903\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-29903\" style=\"width: 720px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-29903 size-half-width\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/2019.05.22-Osaka-18-720x480.jpg\" alt=\"Lively street with crowds walking around\" width=\"720\" height=\"480\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/2019.05.22-Osaka-18-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/2019.05.22-Osaka-18-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/2019.05.22-Osaka-18-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/2019.05.22-Osaka-18-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/2019.05.22-Osaka-18-564x376.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/2019.05.22-Osaka-18-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/2019.05.22-Osaka-18-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/2019.05.22-Osaka-18-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/2019.05.22-Osaka-18-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/2019.05.22-Osaka-18-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/2019.05.22-Osaka-18-780x520.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/2019.05.22-Osaka-18-510x340.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/2019.05.22-Osaka-18.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-29903\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Osaka at night<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Who won\u2019t love it?<\/strong> \u201cMust-see\u201d sights are thin on the ground here; it\u2019s more about the lifestyle \u2014 and that lifestyle is big, brash, and unmistakably Osakan. If you prefer the serenity of a temple garden to a night on the town, you\u2019ll probably be more at home in Kyoto.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What does it link to?<\/strong> Like Kyoto, Osaka is perfectly placed to explore the Kansai region. You could base yourself here and visit Kyoto on a day trip, or you could head into the mountains for a temple stay in Mount Koya.<\/p>\n<h1>Hakone: The Fuji-Peeper\u2019s Playground<\/h1>\n<p><strong>In a nutshell:<\/strong> If you want to be in with a chance of seeing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/japanese-destinations\/mount-fuji\/\">Mount Fuji<\/a>, there are few better places than Hakone \u2014 though you\u2019ll still need a healthy dose of luck!<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_29909\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-29909\" style=\"width: 720px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-29909 size-half-width\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Hakone1-720x480.jpg\" alt=\"Lake in the foreground, with Fuji in the background\" width=\"720\" height=\"480\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Hakone1-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Hakone1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Hakone1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Hakone1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Hakone1-564x376.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Hakone1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Hakone1-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Hakone1-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Hakone1-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Hakone1-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Hakone1-780x520.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Hakone1-510x340.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Hakone1.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-29909\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Hakone Shrine, on Lake Ashi<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Who\u2019ll love it?<\/strong> If you\u2019re staying in Tokyo and pushed for time, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/japanese-destinations\/hakone\/\">Hakone<\/a> is a wonderful way to get a glimpse of the glory of the Japanese countryside. When the weather complies, it has the best Fuji views around \u2014 and when it doesn\u2019t, there are all sorts of activities to keep you busy. Boil black eggs in a bubbling hot spring, visit one of the finest outdoor art galleries in the world, ride the ropeway past Mount Fuji, and round it off with a stay in a beautiful, traditional inn. For families with energetic kids, the wealth of outdoor activities and novel local transport (from cable-cars to funicular trains and pirate ships) are particularly good fun.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_29912\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-29912\" style=\"width: 720px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-29912 size-half-width\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/mark-hang-fung-so-6OpKfYl8bwg-unsplash-720x540.jpg\" alt=\"Lone person standing on the traditional gate of Hakone Shrine\" width=\"720\" height=\"540\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/mark-hang-fung-so-6OpKfYl8bwg-unsplash-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/mark-hang-fung-so-6OpKfYl8bwg-unsplash-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/mark-hang-fung-so-6OpKfYl8bwg-unsplash-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/mark-hang-fung-so-6OpKfYl8bwg-unsplash-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/mark-hang-fung-so-6OpKfYl8bwg-unsplash-564x423.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/mark-hang-fung-so-6OpKfYl8bwg-unsplash-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/mark-hang-fung-so-6OpKfYl8bwg-unsplash-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/mark-hang-fung-so-6OpKfYl8bwg-unsplash-900x675.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/mark-hang-fung-so-6OpKfYl8bwg-unsplash-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/mark-hang-fung-so-6OpKfYl8bwg-unsplash-390x293.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/mark-hang-fung-so-6OpKfYl8bwg-unsplash-780x585.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/mark-hang-fung-so-6OpKfYl8bwg-unsplash-510x383.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/mark-hang-fung-so-6OpKfYl8bwg-unsplash.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-29912\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">There&#8217;s more to Hakone than meets the eye<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Who won\u2019t love it?<\/strong> If you\u2019re looking for a true national park experience in real, rural Japan \u2014 the kind of place where people still live in thatched farmhouses and wood-panelled cottages \u2014 you won\u2019t find it here. Hakone\u2019s scenery is stunning, but there\u2019s no denying that it&#8217;s tourist-orientated. For lots of people, that\u2019s part of the fun. It\u2019s also not the best choice for serious hikers, since most of its forest trails are only signposted in Japanese.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What does it link to?<\/strong> Hakone is extremely easy to get to, and makes a great stop on the bullet train ride between Tokyo and Kyoto.<\/p>\n<h1><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Kanazawa<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: The Goldilocks City<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:276}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h1>\n<p><strong>In a nutshell:<\/strong> We like to call <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/japanese-destinations\/kanazawa\/\">Kanazawa the Goldilocks city<\/a>, because it\u2019s just right in every single way.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_29930\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-29930\" style=\"width: 720px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-29930 size-half-width\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Mike-Reddy_Kenrokuen_1200x800-720x480.jpg\" alt=\"Beautiful autumn colours reflected on pond in the park. \" width=\"720\" height=\"480\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Mike-Reddy_Kenrokuen_1200x800-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Mike-Reddy_Kenrokuen_1200x800-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Mike-Reddy_Kenrokuen_1200x800-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Mike-Reddy_Kenrokuen_1200x800-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Mike-Reddy_Kenrokuen_1200x800-564x376.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Mike-Reddy_Kenrokuen_1200x800-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Mike-Reddy_Kenrokuen_1200x800-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Mike-Reddy_Kenrokuen_1200x800-780x520.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Mike-Reddy_Kenrokuen_1200x800-510x340.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Mike-Reddy_Kenrokuen_1200x800.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-29930\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Kenrokuen, one of Japan&#8217;s three Great Gardens<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Who\u2019ll love it?<\/strong> If you\u2019re unencumbered by top-ten-list ambitions, if you love traditional crafts and historical architecture, if you enjoy a night out but you like a city that\u2019s walkable, you\u2019ll love Kanazawa. Kanazawa has the perfect combination of old and new, balancing beautiful landscaped gardens and samurai districts with the cutting-edge 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art and hipster coffee shops. Its downtown is lively and fun without being overwhelming. It\u2019s a centre for all sorts of traditional crafts, from gold leaf to silk dyeing. Its wood-panelled tea district rivals Kyoto\u2019s Gion for atmosphere and authenticity. It\u2019s simply the best of all worlds in every possible way.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_29945\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-29945\" style=\"width: 720px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-29945 size-half-width\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Japan-2013-00218-Edit-720x480.jpg\" alt=\"Traditional wooden buildings with people walking along the street\" width=\"720\" height=\"480\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Japan-2013-00218-Edit-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Japan-2013-00218-Edit-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Japan-2013-00218-Edit-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Japan-2013-00218-Edit-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Japan-2013-00218-Edit-564x376.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Japan-2013-00218-Edit-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Japan-2013-00218-Edit-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Japan-2013-00218-Edit-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Japan-2013-00218-Edit-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Japan-2013-00218-Edit-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Japan-2013-00218-Edit-780x520.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Japan-2013-00218-Edit-510x340.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Japan-2013-00218-Edit.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-29945\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Higashichaya, the geisha district<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Who won\u2019t love it?<\/strong> It\u2019s hard for us to imagine anyone who wouldn\u2019t, but if you love to revel in the sensory overload of a megalopolis like Tokyo, perhaps Kanazawa will feel a little tame. It\u2019s also possible that Kanazawa won\u2019t fit into your itinerary \u2014 especially if you\u2019re already planning visits to Tokyo and Kyoto, and you want to squeeze in some countryside, too. In that case, there\u2019s always next time!<\/p>\n<p><strong>What does it link to?<\/strong> Kanazawa feels rather off the beaten track, but it\u2019s actually very easy to get to from Tokyo or Kyoto on the bullet train, and it\u2019s a great base for exploring little-visited destinations such as the Noto Peninsula, Eihei-ji Temple, and the stunning alpine village of Shirakawago.<\/p>\n<h1>Nagasaki: The Cosmopolitan Sophisticate<\/h1>\n<p><strong>In a nutshell:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/japanese-destinations\/nagasaki\/\">Nagasaki<\/a> is synonymous with the A-bomb in the Western imagination, but it\u2019s the city\u2019s eclectic trading history and European links that have shaped its culture and character.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_29936\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-29936\" style=\"width: 720px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-29936 size-half-width\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Peace-Statue-Nagasaki-by-Kevin-Mineur-720x480.jpg\" alt=\"Flowers in front of statue with blue skies in the background\" width=\"720\" height=\"480\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Peace-Statue-Nagasaki-by-Kevin-Mineur-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Peace-Statue-Nagasaki-by-Kevin-Mineur-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Peace-Statue-Nagasaki-by-Kevin-Mineur-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Peace-Statue-Nagasaki-by-Kevin-Mineur-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Peace-Statue-Nagasaki-by-Kevin-Mineur-564x376.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Peace-Statue-Nagasaki-by-Kevin-Mineur-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Peace-Statue-Nagasaki-by-Kevin-Mineur-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Peace-Statue-Nagasaki-by-Kevin-Mineur-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Peace-Statue-Nagasaki-by-Kevin-Mineur-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Peace-Statue-Nagasaki-by-Kevin-Mineur-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Peace-Statue-Nagasaki-by-Kevin-Mineur-780x520.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Peace-Statue-Nagasaki-by-Kevin-Mineur-510x340.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Peace-Statue-Nagasaki-by-Kevin-Mineur.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-29936\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Peace Statue at the Nagasaki Peace Park<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Who\u2019ll love it?<\/strong> For history buffs, Nagasaki is a fascinating counterpoint to the samurai heritage of Tokyo and the imperial elegance of Kyoto. For centuries, this was the only place in Japan where foreign trade was allowed, and its eclectic past has lent Nagasaki an unmistakably cosmopolitan air \u2014 while its lovely oceanside surroundings and balmy climate give it a laid-back, beach-town vibe.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_29927\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-29927\" style=\"width: 720px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-29927 size-half-width\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/christian-chen-C5LDoAqMGN4-unsplash-720x480.jpg\" alt=\"Buildings on hills in a cloudy day in Nagasaki\" width=\"720\" height=\"480\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/christian-chen-C5LDoAqMGN4-unsplash-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/christian-chen-C5LDoAqMGN4-unsplash-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/christian-chen-C5LDoAqMGN4-unsplash-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/christian-chen-C5LDoAqMGN4-unsplash-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/christian-chen-C5LDoAqMGN4-unsplash-564x376.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/christian-chen-C5LDoAqMGN4-unsplash-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/christian-chen-C5LDoAqMGN4-unsplash-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/christian-chen-C5LDoAqMGN4-unsplash-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/christian-chen-C5LDoAqMGN4-unsplash-1440x960.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/christian-chen-C5LDoAqMGN4-unsplash-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/christian-chen-C5LDoAqMGN4-unsplash-780x520.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/christian-chen-C5LDoAqMGN4-unsplash-510x340.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/christian-chen-C5LDoAqMGN4-unsplash.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-29927\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The city is surrounded by gentle hills<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Who won\u2019t love it?<\/strong> If you\u2019re after traditional Japan, you won\u2019t find it here: think Portuguese churches and Dutch merchant houses instead of samurai castles and wood-panelled geisha districts.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What does it link to?<\/strong> Nagasaki lies at the far southwestern tip of Japan, and makes a great base from which to explore Kyushu Island\u2019s hot spring towns, volcanoes, and the World Heritage mining-island-cum-Bond-lair: Gunkanjima.<\/p>\n<h1>Hiroshima &amp; Miyajima: The City of Two Halves<\/h1>\n<p><strong>In a nutshell:<\/strong> Come to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/japanese-destinations\/hiroshima\/\">Hiroshima<\/a> for its war history; stay for its incredible food and the beautiful <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/japanese-destinations\/miyajima\/\">island of Miyajima<\/a>.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_29918\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-29918\" style=\"width: 720px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-29918 size-half-width\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Hiroshima_Holly-Brown-Edit-720x540.jpg\" alt=\"Sunset in Hiroshima with the ruins of the A-bomb Dome in the foreground\" width=\"720\" height=\"540\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Hiroshima_Holly-Brown-Edit-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Hiroshima_Holly-Brown-Edit-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Hiroshima_Holly-Brown-Edit-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Hiroshima_Holly-Brown-Edit-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Hiroshima_Holly-Brown-Edit-564x423.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Hiroshima_Holly-Brown-Edit-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Hiroshima_Holly-Brown-Edit-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Hiroshima_Holly-Brown-Edit-900x675.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Hiroshima_Holly-Brown-Edit-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Hiroshima_Holly-Brown-Edit-390x293.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Hiroshima_Holly-Brown-Edit-780x585.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Hiroshima_Holly-Brown-Edit-510x383.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Hiroshima_Holly-Brown-Edit.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-29918\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The A-Bomb Dome<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Who\u2019ll love it?<\/strong> Hiroshima is a remarkably versatile destination, with something for almost anyone. You might think that the city famous for being torn apart by the A-bomb would feel depressing, but Hiroshima has achieved a wonderful balance between respect for the past and celebration of the present. The excellent Peace Park and Museum are a must, but there\u2019s so much more to it than that. Balancing out the vibrancy of the modern city is deeply traditional Miyajima Island, 15 minutes\u2019 ferry ride across the bay, famous for its friendly deer and beautiful World Heritage Shrine. Then there\u2019s the food \u2014 delicious okonomiyaki (savoury noodle-based pancakes), amazing sake, and the best oysters in Japan.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_29954\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-29954\" style=\"width: 720px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-29954 size-half-width\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Itsukushima-Shrine-720x446.jpg\" alt=\"Silhouette of the torii gates in the island of Miyajima\" width=\"720\" height=\"446\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Itsukushima-Shrine-720x446.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Itsukushima-Shrine-300x186.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Itsukushima-Shrine-1024x634.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Itsukushima-Shrine-768x476.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Itsukushima-Shrine-564x349.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Itsukushima-Shrine-1536x951.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Itsukushima-Shrine-1200x743.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Itsukushima-Shrine-900x557.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Itsukushima-Shrine-1440x892.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Itsukushima-Shrine-390x241.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Itsukushima-Shrine-780x483.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Itsukushima-Shrine-510x316.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Itsukushima-Shrine.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-29954\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sunset over Miyajima&#8217;s famous torii gate<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Who won\u2019t love it?<\/strong> Most people are surprised by how much they enjoy Hiroshima, but if you find war history a bit heavy for a holiday, it might be best to give it a miss. There are other places, like Kanazawa, which can provide a similar mix of modernity and tradition.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What does it link to?<\/strong> Hiroshima is easily reached by the bullet train, and can even be done as a day trip from Kyoto or Osaka. It\u2019s also a great base for day trips to places like Fukuoka (for sumo in November), Okunoshima (Rabbit Island), and Okayama.<\/p>\n<h1>Sendai: The Up-and-Comer<\/h1>\n<p><strong>In a nutshell:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/japanese-destinations\/sendai\/\">Laid-back Sendai<\/a> is the gateway to Japan\u2019s wild and wonderful north, and retains an authentic, small-town vibe despite being a bustling modern hub.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_29933\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-29933\" style=\"width: 720px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-29933 size-half-width\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/pixta-Blue-Flash_57797304_M-720x481.jpg\" alt=\"Sunny wide view of Sendai City\" width=\"720\" height=\"481\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/pixta-Blue-Flash_57797304_M-720x481.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/pixta-Blue-Flash_57797304_M-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/pixta-Blue-Flash_57797304_M-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/pixta-Blue-Flash_57797304_M-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/pixta-Blue-Flash_57797304_M-564x376.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/pixta-Blue-Flash_57797304_M-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/pixta-Blue-Flash_57797304_M-1200x801.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/pixta-Blue-Flash_57797304_M-900x601.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/pixta-Blue-Flash_57797304_M-1440x961.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/pixta-Blue-Flash_57797304_M-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/pixta-Blue-Flash_57797304_M-780x521.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/pixta-Blue-Flash_57797304_M-510x340.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/pixta-Blue-Flash_57797304_M.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-29933\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sendai City &#8211; Blue Flash\/Pixta<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Who\u2019ll love it?<\/strong> Sendai has a bit of the same \u201cGoldilocks\u201d charm that makes Kanazawa so appealing: not too big to be manageable; not too small to have a great night out \u2014 it feels close to the countryside, and yet still has plenty of the buzz you\u2019d expect from a lively, up-and-coming city. If you\u2019re into samurai history, it\u2019s fantastic: this was once the seat of the powerful Date (\u201cdah-tay\u201d) clan, and though the city was levelled in WWII, you can still see thousands of relics in the excellent City Museum. You can even travel back 400 years with a virtual reality tour of Aoba Castle!<\/p>\n<p><strong>Who won\u2019t love it?<\/strong> A visit to Sendai is about experiencing everyday life in the city and getting out into the surrounding countryside, so if you don\u2019t plan on exploring the Tohoku region in general then it\u2019s probably not going to top your list.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What does it link to?<\/strong> Just 2.5 hours from Tokyo on the bullet train, Sendai is a great jumping-off point for the wider Tohoku region, full of spectacular mountain temples (Yamadera) and stunning coastal views (Matsushima Bay).<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_29915\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-29915\" style=\"width: 720px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-29915 size-half-width\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/pixta_Sean-Pavone-37481930_L-720x481.jpg\" alt=\"Autumn colours on mountain temple with hikers on its paths\" width=\"720\" height=\"481\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/pixta_Sean-Pavone-37481930_L-720x481.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/pixta_Sean-Pavone-37481930_L-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/pixta_Sean-Pavone-37481930_L-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/pixta_Sean-Pavone-37481930_L-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/pixta_Sean-Pavone-37481930_L-564x376.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/pixta_Sean-Pavone-37481930_L-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/pixta_Sean-Pavone-37481930_L-1200x801.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/pixta_Sean-Pavone-37481930_L-900x601.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/pixta_Sean-Pavone-37481930_L-1440x961.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/pixta_Sean-Pavone-37481930_L-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/pixta_Sean-Pavone-37481930_L-780x521.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/pixta_Sean-Pavone-37481930_L-510x340.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/pixta_Sean-Pavone-37481930_L.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-29915\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Yamadera is among the best hidden gems of Tohoku &#8211; Sean Pavone\/Pixta<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h1>Takayama: The Crafty One<\/h1>\n<p><strong>In a nutshell:<\/strong> A beautifully preserved historical district filled with craft workshops and sake breweries put <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/japanese-destinations\/takayama\/\">Takayama<\/a> on the map \u2014 but for us, it\u2019s the surrounding countryside that\u2019s the real treat.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_29924\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-29924\" style=\"width: 720px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-29924 size-half-width\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/nikita-vasilevskiy-2CYAuJlsTEw-unsplash-720x540.jpg\" alt=\"City with snowed roofs surrounded by mountains\" width=\"720\" height=\"540\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/nikita-vasilevskiy-2CYAuJlsTEw-unsplash-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/nikita-vasilevskiy-2CYAuJlsTEw-unsplash-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/nikita-vasilevskiy-2CYAuJlsTEw-unsplash-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/nikita-vasilevskiy-2CYAuJlsTEw-unsplash-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/nikita-vasilevskiy-2CYAuJlsTEw-unsplash-564x423.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/nikita-vasilevskiy-2CYAuJlsTEw-unsplash-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/nikita-vasilevskiy-2CYAuJlsTEw-unsplash-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/nikita-vasilevskiy-2CYAuJlsTEw-unsplash-900x675.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/nikita-vasilevskiy-2CYAuJlsTEw-unsplash-1440x1080.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/nikita-vasilevskiy-2CYAuJlsTEw-unsplash-390x293.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/nikita-vasilevskiy-2CYAuJlsTEw-unsplash-780x585.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/nikita-vasilevskiy-2CYAuJlsTEw-unsplash-510x383.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/nikita-vasilevskiy-2CYAuJlsTEw-unsplash.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-29924\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Takayama is surrounded by snow-capped mountains in winter<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Who\u2019ll love it?<\/strong> If you\u2019re keen to experience traditional life in the heart of the Japanese Alps, Takayama is a great place to start. Beyond its preserved town centre you\u2019ll find a wealth of fantastic hiking trails, and we love touring the countryside by bike \u2014 pedalling through strawberry farms and paddy fields, stopping off in traditional towns, and ducking into Japanese delis for local-style snacks. The food is fabulous (Hida beef rivals its Kobe cousin for melt-in-the-mouth deliciousness), and there\u2019s simply nowhere better in Japan for picking up authentic, hand-made souvenirs.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_29942\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-29942\" style=\"width: 720px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-29942 size-half-width\" src=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/pixta_gandhi24584552_L-720x469.jpg\" alt=\"Traditional wooden buildings on empty street\" width=\"720\" height=\"469\" srcset=\"https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/pixta_gandhi24584552_L-720x469.jpg 720w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/pixta_gandhi24584552_L-300x196.jpg 300w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/pixta_gandhi24584552_L-1024x668.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/pixta_gandhi24584552_L-768x501.jpg 768w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/pixta_gandhi24584552_L-564x368.jpg 564w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/pixta_gandhi24584552_L-1536x1001.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/pixta_gandhi24584552_L-1200x782.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/pixta_gandhi24584552_L-900x587.jpg 900w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/pixta_gandhi24584552_L-1440x939.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/pixta_gandhi24584552_L-390x254.jpg 390w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/pixta_gandhi24584552_L-780x508.jpg 780w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/pixta_gandhi24584552_L-510x332.jpg 510w, https:\/\/insidejapan.ams3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/pixta_gandhi24584552_L.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-29942\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Takayama&#8217;s old quarter &#8211; gandhi\/Pixta<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Who won\u2019t love it?<\/strong> Takayama is not the quaint little alpine town it appears to be from a cursory Google image search. It\u2019s a medium-sized city, and you\u2019ll need to pass through a few bland, concrete suburbs to reach its picture-perfect centre. If quaint is what you\u2019re after, stay in Hida Furukawa \u2014 just 15 minutes away on the train.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What does it link to?<\/strong> Takayama is a great base for day trips throughout the Hida alpine region, including the World Heritage village of Shirawakawago, the hot-spring town of Hirayu Onsen, and Kamikochi, possibly the most beautiful hiking destination in Japan.<\/p>\n<p>Discover the magic of Japan beyond the big names! Whether you&#8217;re drawn to Tokyo\u2019s electric energy, Kyoto\u2019s timeless temples, or the hidden gems of Kanazawa and Hakone, there\u2019s a city waiting to capture your heart. Start planning your unforgettable <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/\"><strong data-start=\"249\" data-end=\"269\">holiday to Japan<\/strong><\/a> today!<\/p>\n<h4>Like this post? 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Help us by sharing it! Ever since the economic \u201cmiracle\u201d of the post-war years, Japan has been synonymous with cities. Big ones. You probably have an idea of what to expect from Tokyo and Kyoto, but beyond the big names, how well do you know your Hiroshima from your Hakone and how [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":92,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_sitemap_exclude":false,"_sitemap_priority":"","_sitemap_frequency":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1,2355,2362],"tags":[1585,1618,1774,1818,1910,1971,2068,2158,2195,3009,4934],"class_list":["post-29486","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized","category-first-trip-to-japan","category-places-and-where-to-stay-in-japan","tag-hakone","tag-hiroshima","tag-kanazawa","tag-kyoto","tag-nagasaki","tag-osaka","tag-sendai","tag-takayama","tag-tokyo","tag-japanese-cities","tag-urban-japan"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29486","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/92"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=29486"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29486\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":34757,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29486\/revisions\/34757"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=29486"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=29486"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=29486"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}