1. Visit Kyoto’s Ancient Sites
Served as the emperor's residence from 794 until 1868, Kyoto has a large number of historic buildings, as well as the largest concentration of historically priceless properties surviving many wars and fires. Now it is the seventh largest populated city with 1.4 million people.
2. Overnight in a Temple
Mount Koya is a must-visit for those who fancy Buddhism and nature. Whenever you visit this sacred site, you will be entranced by the picturesque scenery. You can see the sensational leaf colors in Autumn, snow-dusted tombstones in Winter, greenest mosses in Spring, and atmospheric meandering in Summer. You can get involved in the daily temple life there, enjoying traditional bathing, wonderful accommodating, impressive dining. You can also attend morning prayers and a fire ritual.
3. Gallery Hop on "Art Island"
Naoshima is an island located in the Seto Inland Sea which is best known for its contemporary art museums. Much of stunning underground architecture located there. Benesse House complex is of the most famous which was completed in 2006. The island is pleasant for biking and walking since it is along the coast. The sight here is beautiful with so many beaches and mountains.
4. Ski Niseko
Niseko is regarded as one of the greatest ski resorts in Japan known for the tons of light powder snow. Visitors can ride there comfortably even in extremely days since it is equipped with an efficient lift system, covered chairlifts. There are 5 different resorts there: Annupuri, Higashiyama, Hirafu, Hanazono and Moiwa. Along with skiing, visitors can involve other winter activities such as whitewater rafting, mountain biking, kayaking, ice climbing, and co on.
5. Experience Traditional Accommodation
Making a night at traditional Japanese inn would be an unforgettable experience to savor the traditions of Japanese. There are a wide range of Japanese ryokans and all price ranges for you to meet your requests. You can admire the view of the Japanese garden from the big window, enjoying traditional Japanese full-course meal, soaking in the wooden tub in private bath or in hot springs to relax yourself.
6. Soak in a Natural Hot Spring
Dogo Onsen is one of the oldest renowned hot springs in Japan situated in Matsuyama which is said to have approximately 1,000 years of history. It is also the favourite destinations for Japan's most prestigious guests, the Imperial Family. The Main Building, the symbol of Dogo spa resort, is a commercial bathhouse built in 1894. Take a bath, soak in a spacious tatami salon or in a private place to relax. Dogo Onsen is also known as a model of the bathhouse of gods in Hayao Miyazaki's animated film "Spirited Away".
7. Explore Tokyo’s Old East Side
Built in 645, Sensoji is a Buddhist temple located in Asakusa and is one of the most popular temples and the oldest temples known in Japan. There is a shopping street which is over 200 meters called Nakamise stretching itself from the outer gate yo the temple's second gate, the Hozomon. Many traditional Japanese souvenirs are sold there including yukata, folding fans, local snacks.
8. Hike the Northern Alps
It would never go wrong to choose the Northern Alps as your outdoor exploring experience during your stay in Japan. The region has so many to offer from exploring the backcountry of Hakuba, strolling around the active thermal vents of Tateyama, to clambering up the chains and ladders to the top of Japan’s 3rd highest peak.
9. Tour Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park and Museum
The Hiroshima Peace Memorial remains the condition right after the atomic bomb exploded on 6 August 1945. Not only it serves as a powerful reminder of the most destructive force created by humankind, it also expresses the hope for world peace and the elimination of nuclear weapons.
10. Sample the "B-Grade Gourmet"
B-Grade Gourmet is an important part of Japan's culinary culture. Japan has enormous world-class restaurants and "B-Grade Gourmet" is one of the most popular for its tasty dishes and appealing price from ¥300 to ¥700.
