Enchanting Japanese Cities

A country comprising of more than 6,000 islands, Japan is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. The land of the rising sun is a fascinating place where ancient gods, customs and craftsmanship are mixed up with cutting edge modern technology, futuristic fashions and up-to-the-second style.
 

We look at the best cities and quirky hangouts the country has to offer.

 

Tokyo

Tradition collides with pop culture in this buzzing city, where you can reverently wander ancient temples before rocking out at a karaoke bar. Wake up before the sun to catch the lively fish auction at the Tsukiji Market, then refresh with a walk beneath the cherry blossom trees that line the Sumida River.

Spend some time in the beautiful East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, then brush up on your Japanese history at the Edo-Tokyo Museum. Don’t forget to eat as much sushi, udon noodles, and wagashi (Japanese sweets) as your belly can handle.
 

Kyoto

The shrines and temples of Kyoto offer a rare link between modern life in the city and its very ancient past. The Shimogamo Shrine dates to the 6th century and seems suspended in time, its serenity and spiritual power still palpable.

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine; see the life-sized Thousand Armed Kannon statues of Sanjūsangen-dō. Enjoy traditional geisha performances; savor a tranquil meal at a restaurant overlooking the Kamo River.
 

Osaka

Home to nearly nine million and powering an economy that exceeds Hong Kong’s and Thailand’s, Osaka packs quite a punch. The confident, stylish city is a shopping hub, with fabulous restaurants and nightlife. It’s an ideal base for exploring the Kansai region.

Top city attractions include the aquarium, Osaka Castle, Universal Studios Japan and the futuristic Floating Garden Observatory.
 

Takayama

Takayama is a city in the mountainous Hida region of Gifu Prefecture. Takayama retains a traditional touch like few other Japanese cities, especially in its beautifully preserved old town. It now ranks as one of the prime candidates among travellers wishing to add a rural element into their itineraries.

Takayama gained importance as a source of high quality timber and highly skilled carpenters during the feudal ages. The city was consequently put under direct control of the shogun and enjoyed quite a bit of prosperity considering its remote mountain location. The Takayama Festival, held in spring and autumn, is considered one of Japan’s best festivals.

 

Outside the cities there’s a vast range of travel options, from the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Shiretoko National Park in Hokkaidō to the balmy subtropical islands of Okinawa, you can catch sight of a lofty castle, ancient temple or shrine, or locals celebrating at a colorful street festival.

 

Photo credits : t-mizo,Edward Dalmulder, Michael Chandler, Riesling Dream; https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/