First Time in Japan?

Here is what you can experience!

Welcome, traveler! It’s about to get awesome!

Japan is probably a place that has been on your travel bucket list forever, or you’ve always been curious about it but aren’t sure how to even start planning. Here’s the great news: Japan is a foodie-heaven, culture-rich place with breathtaking nature and one-of-a-kind experiences. Plus, it’s also one of the most easy-to-get-around countries in the world. Here’s where to start!

Mt. Fuji / Lake Yamanakako

Yamanashi

Even if you haven’t been to Japan, you’ve surely heard of Mt. Fuji, the nation’s highest mountain and a symbol of its natural esthetics. More avid outdoorists may dream of hiking it to the top, but the general population is happy to go to nearby Lake Yamanaka to spend a relaxing day canyoning, for example, while soaking up Fuji’s presence in the background.

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Yakushima

Kagoshima

Yakushima is a heavenly island in the south of Japan, inspired by the epic Japanese anime “Princess Mononoke.” The place is as real as it gets and perhaps ten thousand times more beautiful when seen with your own eyes. Incomparable to anything you’ve experienced as a hiker, if you ever visit Japan, don’t plan anything without including Yakushima.

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Kimono Experience

Yamaguchi

Interested in a day of wearing a gorgeous kimono (and all the pretty accessories that come with it) and touring one of Japan’s most picturesque cities on foot — or on a rickshaw? With plenty of photo ops and no distractions, try visiting Saikotei, a former luxury restaurant frequented by many of Japan’s top intellectuals of the Meiji era, which today offers unique kimono rental and cultural experiences.

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Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum

Kanagawa

Many of us are obsessed with ramen, yet most of us have never tried the real thing. Change that with a visit to the Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum near Tokyo, where you can taste countless ramen bowls under the same roof. Thick noodles, thin noodles, miso taste, soy sauce taste, seafood, meat — you name it, you'll get it! You’ll be full, but hey, you can tell your friends you’ve finally tasted the real thing!

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Matsumoto City Museum of Art

Nagano

Those who love the work of avant-garde artist Yayoi Kusama should head to Matsumoto, her birth city, which hosts the gorgeous Matsumoto City Museum of Art. The museum, painted with Kusama’s famous polka dots, has permanent exhibitions of the artist’s works in addition to such of other prominent artists. One of Nagano’s most Instagrammable spots, the museum is worth a visit and three more on your next visit.

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Beppu Onsen

Oita

A trip to Japan should always include a hot spring experience, but if you’re going for it, why not immerse in it entirely? Go straight to Beppu in Oita, the city boasting Japan’s largest hot spring water output. Experience all aspects of onsen there, and don’t leave before you’re fully rejuvenated. It shouldn’t take that long!

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Sapporo

Hokkaido

Great festivals, delicious local beer in Japan’s northernmost big city? Welcome to Sapporo, the vibrant welcoming capital of Hokkaido. The city is known for its mouthwatering local cuisine, beer and sweets factories, and annual Snow Festival that attracts thousands to see precision at its best at the numerous picture-perfect ice and snow sculptures. It gets cold there, but, hey, everything about this city will warm your heart!

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