Are you traveling to Japan for your next holiday? Are you still undecided on which countries to choose for your trip to North East Asia? If it is going to be your first time in Japan, do not miss these highlights!
Japan is an extremely futuristic country with well-preserved cultural integrity. This is where bullet trains and robots coexist with century-old shrines and culture. Japanese food and art is renowned world over, and the country boasts a stunning natural scenery as well.
Tokyo: Honshu is the largest island in Japan and home to its capital Tokyo. A technology hub of the world, Tokyo seems like a city from the future. Tokyo’s skyline is dominated by the 333m tall Tokyo Tower, which offers panoramic views of Tokyo City, and you can even spot Mt. Fuji on a clear day. In spite of its ultra-modern architecture, Tokyo still preserves its ancient shrines and temples, of which Senso-ji is the oldest. To experience Tokyo’s famed shopping and nightlife, explore the districts of Shinjuku, Akihabara or Harajuku.
Kanto: The Kanto Region in Honshu Island houses the active volcano – Mount Fuji (also known as Fuji-san), a UNESCO world heritage site, the country’s highest point and most iconic landmark. Almost midway between Tokyo and Mount Fuji lies Kamakura – medieval Japan’s capital dotted with Buddhist temples like the Kotoku-in Temple with its 13-metre tall Daibutsu (Great Buddha) from the 13th-century. On your way to Mt. Fuji from Kamakura, you will come across Hakone – a mountainous town, known for its onsens (Japanese hot springs resorts) and the torii of Hakone-jinja. The town’s picturesque setting with Mount Fuji in the backdrop makes an excellent pitstop.
Kansai: Kyoto in the Kansai region (in south-central Honshu) is nicknamed the ‘spiritual heart of Japan’ and it houses important historic buildings like the Kinkaku-ji and the Vermilion Torii Gates of Fushimi Inari Taisha. About 60km southwest of Kyoto lies Osaka – which is known for modern architecture, the lively riverside area of Dotonbori, vibrant nightlife, great street food and is the base for exploring the Todai-ji temple. Located south of Osaka, Koyasan is a forested area, known for its 9th-century monastic complex.
Central Honshu: In Honshu island’s central region lies one of ancient Japan’s five highways – Nakasendo; you can go on a walking tour of its popular sections. The central region’s main cities are Matsumoto – known for its namesake 16th-century castle, Takayama- for its Spring Festival and Kanazawa – known for Kenroku-en, a 17th-century castle garden, along with museums, markets and regional handicrafts.
Western Honshu: In Western Honshu lies Hiroshima, the unfortunate city where the world’s first atomic-bomb was dropped during WWII. The Peace Memorial Park in the city helps visitors understand the impact of the horrific attack and appreciate how Hiroshima has bounced back into a thriving city. The nearby Miyajima island is a UNESCO listed site and known for the vermilion torii of Itsukushima-jinja. Naoshima is a photogenic island, known for its museums, contemporary art scene and outdoor sculptures.
Northern Honshu: Here you will find Zao Onsen, a famous ski resort and the temple town of Yamadera with its rich history and the picturesque Risshaku-ji temple.
Must visit places and experiences in Japan’s Honshu Island:
0:11 – 1:20; Kanto: Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Nikko, Kamakura, Hakone, Yokohama, Izu Peninsula, Ogasawara Islands, Mitake-san
1:21 – 2:14; Northern Honshu: Kakunodate (Samurai History), Lake Tazawa, Yamadera Valley, Zao Onsen, Matsushima, Towada-ko
2:15 – 3:41; Central Honshu: Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route, Nakasendo, Ainokura, Matsumoto-jo, Kamikochi, Kanazawa, Nagoya, Takaragawa, Jigokudani Monkey Park (Nagano)
3:42 – 4:40; Kansai: Kyoto, Osaka, Todai-ji, Koya-San, Kumano Kodo, Kinosaki Onsen, Hongu
4:41 – 5:36; Western Honshu: Hiroshima, Miyajima, Shimanami Kaido, Tsuwano, Onomichi, Oki Islands
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