Japan Sightseeing
A country with a long history and culture that’s always evolving, Japan offers a unique blend of modern and traditional sights. Whether you’re looking for a city break, an immersive cultural experience or somewhere to escape the crowds, there’s something for everyone in this fascinating destination.
While some of Japan’s most popular attractions can get busy, shoulder season travel is the perfect way to experience this beautiful country at a more leisurely pace. From spring cherry blossoms to fall colors, a shoulder-season japan tour can be the perfect fit for your trip!
Mt. Fuji
Mount Fuji is one of Japan’s most iconic attractions. It’s a national symbol, the subject of countless artworks, and inspiration for generations of poets.
Millions of people visit the mountain every summer, but few climb all the way to the summit. The Yoshida trail is the most popular for climbers, but if you’re looking to explore the cultural history of the mountain, there are other options.
There are four routes from the foot of the mountain, offering historical sites such as old shrines, teahouses and huts. The Murayama trail is the oldest of these routes and is gaining popularity again, while the Yoshida route remains relatively uncommon.
Fuji is best seen on clear, sunny days. A good way to maximise your chances of seeing the majestic peak is to stay overnight in a Fuji-view room.
Tokyo
Tokyo is a sprawling, diverse city with a lot to see and do. Some things are popular with tourists during particular seasons but most will offer an insight into Japan, whether you’re a family, a couple or solo traveller.
One of the best ways to learn about a country is by getting out and exploring. You can get a sense of Tokyo’s unique culture on a walking tour with a local guide who will share tips and stories about the city’s history.
Another way to learn about a city is by taking a bike tour. It’s a great way to see some of the city’s highlights and is also a fun way to exercise.
It’s also important to take note of the traffic rules and avoid driving when possible. It’s a busy and bustling city, so it’s not always safe to drive.
Kamikochi
Kamikochi is a great place for hiking, offering a range of trails to the Northern Japan Alps’ highest summits. It’s also an ideal base to explore the Alps’ wild wildlife including monkeys and bears.
Hiking at Kamikochi is popular with both inexperienced and expert hikers alike and a range of routes are available to suit all abilities. You can take a day hike to Mount Hotaka or go on multi-day traverses across the Alps’ highest peaks.
The autumn foliage season is the most popular time to visit Kamikochi. The dazzling colors usually peaks in mid October but can occur earlier or later depending on weather conditions.
Tohoku
The north-eastern Tohoku region makes up almost one third of Japan’s main island Honshu and yet it remains largely unknown to overseas visitors. Comprising six prefectures – Akita, Fukushima, Iwate, Miyagi, Yamagata and Sendai – this landscape of mountains, lakes and hot springs is as diverse as it is spectacular.
Tohoku is a land of timeless art, culture, food and scenery, and the stunning natural sights are unmatched in any season. Tohoku has a reputation for rough winters but it also offers some of the most beautiful and magical snow scenes in Japan.
Despite the harsh conditions, the people of Tohoku have found ways to live in harmony with their natural surroundings. They have made great use of the nutrient-rich waters of the rivers and lakes, and this can be seen in the high quality sake that is produced here. It is also reflected in the local cuisine, which has become increasingly popular with foreign travellers, particularly for its strong flavours and salty flavours.
Nagasaki
Nagasaki is one of Japan’s most interesting cities. Not only does it have a unique history and culture, but it also looks and feels different from other cities in Japan.
This is a city where foreign trade was the driving force, and that impact can be seen everywhere from the streets to the food to the festivals. For example, the Kunchi Matsuri festival at Suwa Shrine is an energic celebration of Chinese dragon dancers that brings Nagasaki to life every 7.-9 October.
You can also see the early history of foreigners in Japan in the Siebold Memorial Museum. Philipp Franz von Siebold was a German doctor who lived on Dejima from 1823-1829.
