The Best Places to Visit in Japan

The Best Places to Visit in Japan

hello friends i’m so excited we’re about to embark on an incredible journey together a grand tour of this beautiful fascinating country from the neon lit canyons of its futuristic cities to the quiet mosscovered stones of its ancient temples Japan is a land of beautiful wonderful contrasts in fact I think Japan might just be the best place in the world for a solo adventure this is a guide to feeling the real Japan we have so much to see so much to eat and so many new friends to make along the way our journey begins in the heart of it all the city that never seems to sleep are you ready i know I am let’s go to Tokyo ah Tokyo where do you even begin it’s like the whole world decided to have a party and invited every single one of its best ideas you step out of the station and it hits you this incredible vibrant energy it’s not chaotic not really it’s more like a perfectly conducted orchestra of life millions of people all moving with a sense of purpose creating this beautiful organized dance and for a solo traveler this city is your playground you can be completely anonymous in the best way possible a silent observer soaking it all in or you can dive head first into the action it’s your story to write and Tokyo provides the most amazing colorful paper to write it on first stop we have to talk about Shinjuku it’s like the city’s command center by day you can wander up to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building don’t let the name fool you it’s not just for serious business they have these incredible free observation decks way up on the 45th floor you look out and the city just stretches on forever a concrete jungle that seems to touch the sky it’s a moment of perspective seeing it all from above then as night falls the whole area transforms the neon signs flicker to life painting the streets in electric pinks blues and greens it’s pure Bladeunner and you’re right in the middle of it then there’s Shibuya home of the world’s most famous intersection you’ve seen the pictures but nothing prepares you for being there find a spot in the Starbucks overlooking the crossing grab a coffee and just watch it’s a ballet of humanity hundreds sometimes thousands of people crossing from all directions at once a perfect beautiful chaos that somehow just works it makes you feel so connected to the pulse of the city and after you’ve had your fill of people watching you can go say hello to the statue of Hiko the loyal dog it’s a sweet simple reminder of the heart that beats beneath all the steel and glass and let’s not forget the quieter side just a short train ride away is a neighborhood like Yanaka it feels like you’ve stepped back in time they call it old Tokyo the pace slows down the buildings are smaller and you can wander through narrow shopping streets called Chengai you’ll find little shops selling traditional sweets handmade crafts and the most delicious rice crackers you can visit Yanuka Cemetery which sounds morbid but it’s actually a beautiful peaceful park especially during cherry blossom season it’s the perfect place to just stroll think and feel the history of this incredible city all by yourself one of the best things about being on your own in Tokyo is the freedom to indulge your own curiosity and for me that often leads to food you can find these tiny wonderful ramen shops tucked away in little alleys with just a counter and a few stools they’re called Yoko or alleyways places like Omoid Yoko Cho in Shinjuku also known as Piss Ali i know the name isn’t great but trust me the food is you sit shoulder-to-shoulder with locals point at something on the menu that looks good and have one of the best meals of your life there’s a wonderful sense of community in those little spaces even if you don’t speak a word of Japanese but it’s not all about the hustle and bustle tokyo knows how to be quiet too you need a break from the city’s energy go to Magi Jingu it’s this massive Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Magi and Empress Shoken and it’s right next to the wild fashion of Harajuku which is a wonderful contrast you walk through this giant wooden Tory gate and suddenly the city noise just fades away you’re surrounded by a dense forest of over 100,000 trees donated from all over Japan it’s a sanctuary you can walk the wide gravel paths watch people leave their prayers on wooden plaques and just breathe it’s a spiritual reset button and let’s talk about the unique experiences you can have here have you ever been to a themed cafe they have everything cat cafes owl cafes even hedgehog cafes it’s a little quirky sure but it’s pure fun or what about exploring the world of Japanese stationery go to a store like Ittoya in Ginsa it’s a skyscraper dedicated to paper pens and everything you could ever imagine for writing you can spend hours in there just marveling at the design and craftsmanship it’s these little unique to Japan activities that make a solo trip so memorable you’re on your own schedule so why not spend an afternoon petting an owl finally let’s not forget the joy of simply getting lost the Tokyo subway and train system is a marvel of engineering get a Suittita or Pasmo card tap on and just pick a random stop on the Yamanote line the green line that circles the city get off and explore you might discover a charming little park a fantastic bookstore or the best melon pan sweet bread you’ve ever tasted every station is a doorway to a new adventure that’s the beauty of Tokyo for the solo traveler it’s a city of infinite possibilities and they’re all just a train ride away waiting for you after the exhilarating highfrequency energy of Tokyo arriving in Kyoto is like taking a long deep calming breath ah this is the city that was the imperial capital for over a thousand years and you can feel that history in the air it’s the cultural heart of Japan a place of profound beauty and tranquility if Tokyo is the country’s futuristic brain Kyoto is its ancient poetic soul here the journey slows down it’s less about racing from one place to the next and more about savoring each and every moment which is just perfect when you’re traveling on your own time our first stop has to be one of the most iconic sites in all of Japan Fushimi Inari Shrine you’ve seen the images of the thousands of vibrant vermilion tory gates that snake their way up the mountain but walking through them yourself is a whole other experience it feels like you’re walking through a magical sacred tunnel as you climb higher the crowds thin out and you can find yourself completely alone on the path with only the sunlight filtering through the gates and the sound of the wind in the trees it’s a meditative hike a pilgrimage each gate was donated by a business or individual a prayer for prosperity it’s a testament to faith and hope and it’s just breathtaking then we have to visit King Kakuji the golden pavilion now this is a showstopper it’s a Zen Buddhist temple and its top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf and it sits on the edge of a beautiful reflective pond when the sun hits it just right the whole thing just glows shimmering in the water like a dream it’s almost too beautiful to be real you can’t go inside but you don’t need to the magic is in just standing there looking at it letting its perfect golden beauty wash over you it’s one of those moments where you just have to stop and say “Wow I’m really here.” And for a different kind of beauty you must wander through the Arashiyama bamboo grove this is another one of those places that feels otherworldly you stand in the middle of this path and you’re surrounded by these towering stalks of bamboo that seem to go on forever reaching for the sky the way the light filters through the dense green leaves the sound the bamboo makes as it sways gently in the wind it’s hypnotic it’s so peaceful it’s a perfect place for a quiet contemplative walk you feel small but in a good way you feel like a part of nature’s grand beautiful cathedral kyoto’s beauty isn’t just in its grand temples it’s in the details especially in its gardens and one of the most famous is the rock garden at Rioanji now this is interesting it’s a simple rectangular plot of raked white gravel with 15 rocks arranged in small groups here’s the thing from any vantage point you can only see 14 of the rocks at once it’s said that only through attaining enlightenment can one see all 15 it’s a place for deep thought you just sit on the wooden verand gaze at the garden and let your mind wander it teaches you about simplicity about finding meaning in what you see it’s pure zen now let’s talk about Geon the famous Geisha district walking through these streets with their preserved wooden machia houses feels like you’ve stepped onto a movie set the best time to go is in the early evening the lanterns start to glow casting a warm soft light on the dark wood and stone paved streets and if you’re lucky you might catch a glimpse of a geko or a mo hurrying on her way to an appointment a flash of colorful silk and a beautifully painted face it’s a rare and magical sight a living piece of Japanese culture just remember to be respectful and observe from a distance for a truly personal experience I recommend taking a walk along the philosopher’s path it’s a lovely stone path that follows a canal lined with hundreds of cherry trees it gets its name from a famous Japanese philosopher who was said to walk this route every day for his daily meditation and you can see why it’s about 2 km long and connects several smaller temples and shrines you can just meander stopping whenever something catches your eye a little cafe a shop selling ceramics a quiet shrine tucked away it’s the perfect solo activity a walk with no purpose other than to enjoy the beauty around you and of course we have to talk about the food kyoto has its own special kind of cuisine called Kiori which is very elegant and refined but you can also find amazing food at Nishiki Market they call it Kyoto’s kitchen it’s a long narrow shopping street with over a 100 stalls selling everything you can imagine pickled vegetables fresh tofu skewers of grilled seafood mochi with red bean paste oh it’s a paradise it’s fun to just wander down the market trying little samples from different vendors it’s a delicious wonderful way to taste the real flavors of this incredible soulful city i love it here hello friends we’ve left Kyoto and now we’re diving into Osaka if Tokyo is sophisticated and Kyoto is wise then Osaka is the fun-loving cousin who knows where the best party is and by party I mean food they call this place the nation’s kitchen and that is not an exaggeration it’s a city that wears its menu on its streets a perfect place to get deliciously lost you start right here in Doon Bori it’s like Time Square had a baby with a food festival it’s a sensory explosion in the best possible way the Gleo Running Man sign is an icon of Osaka’s relentless energy you can feel the city’s pulse right here surrounded by people all on the same mission to eat well and have a good time we have to start with Takoyaki the quintessential Osaka street food snack it’s just a perfect explosion of creamy savory chewy goodness right around the corner is another Osaka legend okonomiyaki it’s a beautiful customizable creation grilled to perfection on a tepin what I’m discovering about Osaka beyond the incredible flavors is the people the locals here are so incredibly warm and open they’re famously friendly quick with a laugh and a recommendation let’s explore Shinsukai the new world a trip back in time the Tsuten Kaku Tower stands proudly here you’ll find old school game parlor tiny local bars and some of the best kushi katsu joints in the city explore the Yoko the narrow alleyways that crisscross the city places like Hosenji Yoko are like stepping into another world it’s here that you find the true soul of Osaka’s food scene osaka is a city of wonderful contrasts it’s a place that makes you feel like you’re a welcome guest and for that I absolutely love it after Osaka we’re taking a train to N a place straight out of a fairy tale welcome to N Japan’s first permanent capital but the first thing you notice is the deer they are everywhere buy some shika senbe special crackers just for the deer suddenly you are the most popular person in the park after making new deer friends wander through Nar Park to Toddi Temple inside sits one of the largest bronze Buddha statues in the world the great Buddha or Debutsu squeeze through the pillar hole said to be the same size as Buddha’s nostril for enlightenment it’s a blend of deep spirituality and light-hearted fun a peaceful walk leads to Kasuga Tisha Shrine the path is lined with thousands of stone lanterns covered in moss the shrine has vermilion lacquered buildings and bronze lanterns for tranquility wander to Isuan garden it’s a Japanese stroll garden incorporating the landscape sit sip tea and let the world slow down n feels like a journey to another time it’s a place of harmony between nature spirituality and history appreciate the beauty of a boowing deer or a mosscovered lantern it’s a special restorative pause we are now in Hiroshima this is a place of profound importance a place for reflection we are at the Peace Memorial Park once the bustling heart of the city before it was obliterated in 1945 now this park stands as a testament to the enduring power of peace the Abomb dome stands starkly preserved as a haunting reminder the Senate for the Abomb victims shelters the souls aligning with the peace flame and a bomb dome the flame will burn until all nuclear weapons are destroyed nearby the Children’s Peace Monument inspired by Saddako Sasaki is adorned with paper cranes it’s a testament to hope and resilience the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum documents the bombing and its aftermath you see personal belongings like a scorched tricycle you read harrowing testimonies of the survivors it is gut-wrenching but important stepping out you find a modern vibrant metropolis the city was reborn a symbol of resilience try Hiroshima style okonomyaki it’s the flavor of resilience hiroshima teaches about tragedy and the heights of the human spirit it’s a miracle of rebirth feeling wound up after the city sometimes you just need to slow down we’re going to Hakoni a short train ride from Tokyo it feels like another world hakonei is the capital of relaxation when you talk about Hakonei you have to talk about Onsen natural hot springs a gift from the earth hakonei isn’t just about soaking it’s also about art the Hakonei Open Air Museum is one of the most amazing places it’s a giant park a sculpture garden set against stunning mountains there’s even a whole pavilion dedicated to Picasso it’s wonderfully unexpected it’s a place that encourages you to look to feel and to just be soaked and seen art let’s go up the Hakonei ropeway offers wow views you might even see Mount Fuji the ropeway takes you over audi the great boiling valley it’s home to Hakonei black eggs Kuro Tamago boiled in hot springs the shells turn black eating one adds 7 years to your life and they’re delicious complete the day with a boat ride on a giant pirate ship across Lake Ashi hakonei is full of wonderful surprises we’re heading north to Hokkaido and its capital Saporro this city feels different with wider streets and a welcoming vibe saporo is famous for miso ramen on a chilly day there’s nothing better than a steaming bowl of this explore Odori Park a green space in the city center in winter it hosts the Saporo Snow Festival and visit the Saporo Beer Garden try Genghask Khan grilled mutton and vegetables it’s a party and everyone’s invited after all that savory goodness you know what a guy needs something sweet and Saporro has got you covered the island of Hokkaido is famous for its dairy products the milk the butter the cheese it’s all topnotch and that means the desserts are out of this world i discovered the Shiroy Koito Park which is basically like a real life Willy Wonka chocolate factory it’s a theme park dedicated to a famous white chocolate cookie sandwich the building looks like a European fairy tale castle there are rose gardens and you can even watch the cookies being made it’s whimsical and delightful and I ate my weight in soft serve ice cream hokkaido milk soft serve is a revelation my friend the city is full of these wonderful little discoveries just walking around I stumbled upon the Sapo Clock Tower a quaint historic wooden building that feels like a relic from a different time standing proudly amidst the modern city it chimes every hour a gentle reminder of the city’s past it’s these little moments of charm that make Saporo so special it’s a big city but it feels manageable friendly for a solo traveler it’s a place where you can easily find your own rhythm whether it’s hunting down the best ice cream or just enjoying a quiet moment by a historic landmark and if you want a little bit of peace a little bit of nature without going too far there’s the Hokkaido Shrine it’s located in a huge park Maruyama Park and to get there you walk through this incredible dense forest in the winter it’s covered in a blanket of pure white snow and it is so quiet all you can hear is the crunch of your own footsteps it’s magical you feel a million miles away from everything the shrine itself is beautiful a peaceful sacred space tucked away in the woods it’s a place for quiet reflection to feel a connection to nature and to the spirit of this incredible island saporo is a city of wonderful contrasts it’s a modern bustling hub with a deep connection to its history and the nature that surrounds it it’s a place of hearty warming food and delicate sweet treats it offers the excitement of a festival and a profound piece of a snowy forest it’s a city that welcomes you with open arms and a wide grid-like smile it’s easy to navigate easy to love and for the solo traveler it’s an absolute joy i loved it here i think I’ll have one more ramen before I go for the road we’ve been north now let’s head south to Fukuoka the energy is different it’s relaxed it’s laid-back it’s cool fukuoka is a city that knows how to live the heart of Fukuoka’s food scene can be found in one magical word yatai these are open air food stalls that line the streets each one is a tiny world seating maybe eight or 10 people the chef is right there grilling skewers pouring drinks and making everyone feel like family and of course you have to try the local specialty Hakka Ramen soon enough you’re all chatting and laughing it’s food it’s community it’s everything I love about travel i took a walk through Ahorei Park a huge beautiful park built around a massive lake it’s a place where people just come to enjoy life fukoka invites you to slow down take a breath and just enjoy the moment now Fukuoka is a city of two halves Hakata and Tenjin divided by a river and right in the middle of it all is a place that is just bonkers in the best way it’s called Canal City Hakata it’s a giant shopping and entertainment complex but it’s built around an actual canal that flows right through the middle of it there are fountains that dance to music incredible architecture that looks like it’s from a sci-fi movie and shops for everything you could ever imagine it’s a spectacle it’s a little overwhelming but you have to see it it’s this explosion of modern commerce and entertainment and it’s so much fun to just wander through but just a short walk from that modern madness you can find quiet ancient history i visited the Kushida Shrine which is said to be the oldest shrine in Fukuoka founded in the year 757 think about that it’s this compact beautiful and incredibly important spiritual center tucked right into the city it’s the home of the Hakata Gon Yamakasa Festival and they have one of the giant ornate festival floats on display there year round it’s massive and so intricately decorated it’s a powerful connection to the city’s deep traditions a quiet sacred space that has been here for over a thousand years it’s a wonderful contrast to the city’s modern energy and did I mention Fukoka has beaches yes real sandy beaches right near the city i went to Momoi Seaside Park and it was just what the doctor ordered you can walk along the shore feel the sand between your toes and look out at the ocean there’s a cool modern structure called the Fukuoka Tower where you can go up for amazing views of the city and the sea it’s incredible that you can experience the hustle of a yatai street the peace of an ancient shrine and the relaxation of a beach all in one day it’s this perfect blend of urban life and natural beauty that’s Fukoka for you it doesn’t make you choose it’s got the best food the friendliest people and a relaxed happy vibe that is just infectious it’s a city that feels young and historic at the same time it’s a place where a solo traveler can feel instantly at home whether you’re squeezed onto a stool at a yatai stall or just sitting peacefully on the beach it’s easy it’s fun and it is absolutely delicious fukwoka my friends is a city that gets it right and I’m so glad I came hello everybody we’re in Kanazawa it’s like we’ve walked straight onto a movie set in the Nagamachi Samurai district you can just feel the history even the food is art i had a cup of tea with a delicate little flake of gold floating in it this city was one of the wealthiest and that opulence is still here you can peek into the Namura a restored samurai residence and see the serene garden for a solo traveler this is paradise it’s a city that rewards curiosity okay so we’ve seen where the samurai lived now it’s time to see where the geishas entertained we’re in the Higashi Chaya district chaya means tea house and these streets are lined with them these stunning two-story wooden buildings with their lattis work fronts are just gorgeous it’s one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen during the day it’s bustling with visitors but as evening approaches a special kind of quiet descends you might even hear the faint sound of a shimme being practiced behind a closed screen it feels so exclusive so mysterious and so incredibly special it’s like being let in on a beautiful secret and then oh my goodness the gardens ken Rokuin Garden friends this isn’t just a garden it’s a masterpiece it’s considered one of Japan’s three most beautiful landscape gardens and I can see why every tree is perfectly sculpted every stone is perfectly placed every stream flows with purpose it changes with the seasons so it’s a new kind of beautiful every time you visit i could spend a whole day here just sitting on a bench looking at the pond and watching the light change it’s a living painting it’s so peaceful it makes you feel peaceful it’s nature and art and philosophy all rolled into one magnificent package i love it here but Kazawa isn’t just about the past right across from the garden is the 21st century Museum of Contemporary Art what a contrast it’s this incredible circular glass building that’s completely open and inviting you don’t even have to pay to see some of the best stuff my favorite Leandro Erlic swimming pool you can walk underneath it and look up at people who look like they’re underwater or you can stand on top and look down at the people below it’s interactive it’s fun it’s brilliant it’s this wonderful reminder that while Japan has this deep profound respect for its history it’s also always looking forward creating and innovating this city is the whole package it’s the perfect blend of old and new of tradition and innovation of quiet contemplation and playful discovery for the solo traveler it offers so much variety one moment you’re contemplating centuries of history in a samurai house the next you’re interacting with mind-bending modern art and the food the seafood here is spectacular thanks to its proximity to the sea of Japan you can go to the Omicho market and have the freshest sushi you’ve ever tasted kanazawa is a city that engages all of your senses it’s a place you experience with your heart and I promise you you will leave a little piece of it here we’ve left the mainland behind and landed in paradise this is Okinawa the air is warmer the pace is slower and the vibe is just island okinawa wasn’t always part of Japan it was its own kingdom the Ruku Kingdom with a rich and unique culture you can feel that history everywhere especially at Shuri Castle in Naha this brilliant Vermilion Castle was the heart of the kingdom for centuries and let’s talk about the food it’s all about local ingredients and the philosophy of Nuigusi which means medicine for life for someone traveling alone Okinawa is a dream you can rent a car and just drive and create your own adventure we have to talk about these beaches look at this water it’s a 100 different shades of blue and green and turquoise the sand is white and soft like powdered sugar this is what you dream of when you dream of a tropical island whether you’re on the main island or you hop over to one of the smaller Kerama Islands you’re going to find a stretch of sand that will take your breath away this is one of the best places in the world for snorkeling and diving the coral reefs are teameming with life part of the magic of Okinawa is island hopping you can take a short ferry ride to Zamami or Tokosiki in the Kerama Islands and it feels like you’ve discovered a secret paradise okinawa is a place of profound beauty and deep spirit it’s the perfect beautiful end to our journey through Japan well here we are the end of our trip but hopefully the beginning of yours what a journey it’s been from Tokyo to Kyoto Hiroshima to Okinawa it’s a country that gets into your heart more than the sites it’s the people the kindness the artistry that you find everywhere i feel so lucky to have shared a piece of it with you travel is about connecting with new places cultures and people japan is perfect for that kind of journey share your own Japan stories in the comments below thank you for coming along subscribe for more journeys bye-bye

Discover the enchanting beauty of Japan in our latest video, “The Best Places to Visit in Japan.” From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the serene temples of Kyoto, we explore the must-see destinations that showcase Japan’s rich culture, stunning landscapes, and unique traditions. Join us as we guide you through iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and local experiences that will make your trip unforgettable. Whether you’re planning your first visit or looking to revisit your favorite spots, this video is packed with valuable insights and travel tips. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more travel inspiration!