An unforgettable trip to Japan - with a visit to the greatest attractions of the islands and cities

Without a doubt, the most intriguing countries in Asia are those that offer an unrivaled variety of experiences, unique cultures and an abundance of natural attractions. Japan disappoints with modern innovations, impressive metropolises and a deep respect for tradition. Moreover, the country has over 3000 uninhabited islands, which makes it even more fascinating. The Japanese are distinguished by their traditional costumes and rich customs. Their cuisine is delicious and the celebrations of traditional holidays are full of charm. Indonesia, on the other hand, is a land of 6000 inhabited islands, numerous religions and beliefs, and also attracts with luxurious designer hotels on the famous Island of the Gods, i.e. Bali.

To discover the magic of Japan, you must visit the most important cities and their attractions. This is an opportunity to see how much one island can offer! What surprises tourists about Tokyo, Takayama, Nara, Kyoto or historic Hiroshima? Where to discover the trails of ancient samurai? Where to meet real geisha? All you have to do is see for yourself that a visit to Japan is one of the best trips you can experience!

Japan – a country of contrasts

Japan's landscape, rich in natural beauty, is also the stage for one of the world's leading economic powers. Japan functions as an imperial monarchy with a parliament, and its citizens are known for their exceptional hard work, respectful manners, and warmth. Visitors to this country are enchanted by a variety of attractions, such as pulsating metropolises, a modern transportation system, exquisite cuisine, hot springs, charming gardens, the mysterious geishas of Kyoto and the majestic Mount Fuji. Japan is also a land of contrasts. For Europeans, it is often associated mainly with dynamic cities such as Tokyo, Osaka and Yokohama, with high-speed Shinkansen trains and advanced technology. Nevertheless, modern Japan also offers wonderful kimonos worn by geishas, ​​delights with beautiful nature, numerous parks and ancient temples. Even in the face of its modernity, Japan remains firmly rooted in its culture and deeply committed to tradition.

The longevity of the Japanese, climate and volcanoes

The main islands of Japan are: Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu, which constitute 97% of the country's land area. The entire archipelago measures approximately 2 kilometers. Japan is inhabited by 000 million people and, according to data from experts from the World Health Organization, it is the longest-lived nation on Earth; The average life expectancy is 127 years for men and over 82 years for women. High physical activity and a low-calorie diet rich in fish are just a sample of the secrets from the lives of long-lived islanders.

Japan's climate is mostly temperate in the north, and pleasantly warmer in the south - subtropical. The most popular travel season to Japan is spring, followed by summer and autumn. Every traveler would like to admire the pink "snow" of cherry blossoms or the autumn colors of orange-gold trees and pleasant temperatures at least once. There are about 200 active and inactive volcanoes in the country, which create numerous hot springs inland. Kyūshū is the third largest island in Japan. This is a region with few cities, but with a large number of protected national parks, nature reserves and extraordinary geysers, called "hell" by the locals. Kyūshū is known around the world for its numerous active volcanoes and the largest caldera of the Aso volcano. It is difficult to list all the attractions of Japan. It is definitely a timeless holiday destination that delights and surprises travelers at every step.

The charms of Honshu Island - the panorama of Tokyo and the most important cities

Honshu Island is one of the most picturesque and interesting parts of Japan. Here you can admire the panorama of Tokyo and charming towns. One of them is the city of Hakone, located at the foot of Mount Fuji. Most of it is located within the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and is also famous for its hot springs. The Honshu tour also offers many other attractions. An example is Hida-Takayama, where you can admire the historic streets and ancient wooden buildings. In turn, the city of Nara will allow you to learn about the history of Japan - it is worth visiting the temples and palaces here. The next point of the trip may be the historic city of Kyoto. A visit to Kiyomizu-dera is an opportunity to calmly collect your thoughts. Finally, it is worth going to Hiroshima - a legendary town that was razed to the ground by a powerful atomic bomb explosion.

Hida-Takayama

Hida-Takayama is a beautiful city surrounded by mountains up to 3000 m high in Gifu Prefecture, almost in the heart of Japan. The recognizable point of Takayama is the Old Town and its characteristic streets, which represent the Edo period. The historic wooden buildings along Sannomachi Street, sake breweries, small shops and atmospheric restaurants also date back to this period. You can also see many thatched houses, which are typical of this region.

The city offers tourists many attractions, including hot springs, waterfalls, temples and museums. In Hida-Takayama, you can also try traditional dishes such as the famous soba noodles, which are available in many restaurants. Interestingly, the town is also famous for its unique crafts. It is also worth going along the Miyagawa River to see the red Nakabashi Bridge. A good idea is also to take a ride in a traditional Japanese rickshaw!

The city of Nara - famous temples and... deer

Nara is one of the oldest cities in Japan, known for its many monuments and temples. The most famous place is Tōdai-ji, the largest Buddhist temple in Japan, where there is a huge bronze Buddha statue.

Other popular temples include Kōfuku-ji, associated with beautiful pagodas, and Kasuga-taisha, known for its many glowing lanterns. For those who want to visit lesser-known temples, we can recommend the Yakushi-ji temple, located near Tōdai-ji. It is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan, containing decorative frescoes and sculptures inside. Other lesser-known temples include Hōryū-ji Temple, famous for its beautiful pagodas, and Gangō-ji Temple, associated with blooming gardens.

In Nara Park, travelers can see numerous herds of deer, called eastern deer by the locals. According to Shinto beliefs, they are messengers of the gods. Due to the huge number - approximately 1200 pieces, they have become a symbol of the city.

The historic city of Kyoto and a moment of reflection at the Kiyomizu-dera temple

Kyoto is one of the most famous cities in Japan, famous for its beautiful temples, gardens and monuments. This is a unique place delighting with its history and culture. Famous monuments include the Kiyomizu-dera temple complex located on the forested slopes of Mount Otowa. The first temple was built here in 794, and it is one of the most famous monuments in Japan. The temple consisting of many pavilions is surrounded by beautiful gardens, and its full name comes from the nearby waterfall and is Otowa-san Kiyomizu-dera, which means "temple of pure water of Mount Otowa".

When visiting Kyoto, it is worth seeing Kinkaku-ji, or the Golden Pavilion, whose official name is Rokuon-ji. It is a branch of the Shōkoku-ji temple - the Zen school.

The spiritual heart of the city is the Yasaka Shrine. It is here that thousands of tourists come every year on December 31 to pray for prosperity and health in the coming New Year. Next to it is the most famous temple bell called Daibonsho. It is over three meters high, weighs about 70 tons, and its launch requires a unique method. On this day, the Joya no Kane ceremony takes place, in which as many as 17 monks ring the bell 108 times at one-minute intervals. This number represents the desires experienced by a person throughout his life. To ring the bell, sixteen monks pull on thick ropes, setting in motion a huge wooden pole, and the last one controls the sound with his body.

Other places in Kyoto worth visiting include: Fushimi Inari Temple, Nijo Palace, the world's most famous Zen stone garden in Ryoanji and Heian-jingu Temple. It is worth adding that the perfect place for a walk is Maruyama Park. There are many attractions there, such as the Hokkaidō Temple, the Maruyama Zoo, and even the Maruyama Baseball and Athletics Stadium. Kyoto is also a great place for shopping. Teramachi Street is particularly popular because it is home to shops selling traditional Japanese products such as kimono, pottery and toys.

Kyoto, and specifically the Gion district, is also a place where you can meet real geisha, but booking such a meeting is not easy... It can also be expensive.

As the country developed and Japan opened up to the world, the number of geishas decreased. It is estimated that before World War II there could have been over one hundred thousand of them. Today, the exact number is unknown, but it is believed that there may be only 8000 of them. Becoming a geisha requires a lot of time and dedication, and the education methods are still similar to those practiced a hundred years ago. A geisha should be elegant, discreet, well-read and have mastered the art of playing instruments, dancing and engaging in interesting conversation. Women's perfect appearance and characteristic makeup are very important.

The legendary Hiroshima today

Hiroshima is a city in the southern part of the island of Honshu, known for the tragic event of the use of nuclear weapons in 1945. It is particularly important for the Japanese because it commemorates the victims of this event. Today it is eagerly visited by tourists from all over the world.

One of the most famous places is the Peace Monument, called the Atomic Bomb Dome, which was created to commemorate the victims of the use of nuclear weapons in Hiroshima. The mentioned event is also commemorated by the Peace Museum, opened in 1955. You can see exhibitions, documents and artifacts related to the atomic attack in Hiroshima. The city also includes Hiroshima Castle, which is now part of Central Park. The rebuilt main tower of the castle serves as a History Museum, and the remaining park area is occupied by attractions such as a swimming pool and an art gallery.

When in Hiroshima, it is worth visiting the Shukkei-en Japanese Garden or Chuo Park, they are perfect places to rest while traveling.

Kanazawa – In the footsteps of samurai and geisha

A popular spot in the city of Kanzawa is Kenroku-en, one of the most beautiful gardens in the country. Numerous fountains, ponds, trees and, above all, lush vegetation make a walk through such a picturesque area memorable.

History buffs come to Kanzawa to visit the Nagamachi district, which was once the home of samurai. The streets and alleys are extremely authentic, and walking along the cobbled streets makes you feel like you are on a movie set. While in the mentioned district, you must see the samurai house, Nomura-ke, and the Shinise Kinenkan museum commemorating the medical house that once stood there.

Those who want to discover the secret of Japanese culture should go to the district of the city called Higashi Chaya. There are many traditional Japanese houses and cafes, where theater performances are often held. In the afternoons you can see geishas in traditional costumes wandering the streets.

Kagoshima – In the shadow of the volcano

Near the city of Kagoshima, specifically in the southern part of the island of Kyushu, there is an active volcano called Sakurashima (Sakurajima). Although residents sometimes fear for their safety, Kagoshima is eagerly visited by tourists from all over the world.

The city is surrounded by mountains and the sea, making it one of the most beautiful in Japan. It is a place rich in history and culture that stretches from antiquity to the present day. There are many monuments in the city, such as temples, palaces, museums, art galleries and parks. An important element of Kagoshima culture is its local cuisine, known for its extremely aromatic taste.

Sakurajima is considered the most active volcano in Japan and the world. It is located in Kagoshima Prefecture, and its height reaches 1117 m above sea level. When the volcano wakes up, a cloud of thick smoke rises over the city, and the streets are covered with volcanic ash. Additionally, Kagoshima is one of the rainiest prefectures in Japan. These features may affect your sightseeing plan, so when going to this place, it is good to be aware that weather and volcanic activity may interfere with the trip.

Trips to Japan: what places are worth visiting?

Japan is an extraordinary country, visiting which guarantees unique experiences. In addition to crowded Tokyo, which delights with its vast panorama of the city, there are also lesser-known and equally beautiful places. For example, at the foot of Mount Fuji lies the picturesque town of Hakone, and in central Japan there is the pristine town of Hida-Takayama. In southern Japan, you can discover remnants of ancient times, for example the city of Nara, rich in cattails. To deepen your knowledge of Japanese culture, you should also visit the ancient city of Kyoto, as well as the Kiyomizu-dera temple, where you can feel the spirit of Japan. During your trip, you should visit the legendary Hiroshima, which will allow you to learn many stories and their impact on the country. Other places, such as Kanazawa, with monuments from the times of samurai and geisha, and Kagoshima, located on the Pacific Ocean, where you can improve your knowledge about volcanoes, are also worth visiting.

How to visit Japan? With a travel agency or choose individual trips?

If you are planning a vacation in Tokyo, Kyoto or other cities, it is worth considering visiting this country with an individual, local guide who will be at your exclusive disposal. For people who value comfort and luxury, sightseeing with a private driver and stays in the best hotels in Japan, such as Aman Tokyo or Four Seasons, are recommended.

To move between cities, it is best to choose the train shinkansen. Currently, the fastest available shinkansen train is Hayabusa, traveling at a dizzying speed of about 320 km/h. These famous trains debuted in the Land of the Rising Sun in 1964, and the first line was called Tōkaidō Shinkansen. Since then, they have become a symbol of progress, safety for travelers, punctuality and reliability. The railway system consists of 10 lines, which together cover over 2600 kilometers. It is a great alternative to planes for domestic transport.

The price of travel on Japanese railways depends on the length of the route, the selected carriage class and the age of the passenger. Foreigners can purchase a special Japan Rail Pass that allows for an unlimited number of journeys within a specified period of 7, 14 or 21 days. Weekly pass greenpass for first class it costs about $300.

Japan in small groups and private sightseeing – tailor-made holidays

An individual tour of Japan with an experienced, private guide is a unique opportunity to get to know the different faces of this unique country. When traveling to Japan, it is worth planning a stay there of at least two weeks so that you do not miss any attractions. If you are looking for an authentic atmosphere, we can also travel like the local Japanese, using the fantastic public transport: subway, trams and the famous Shinkansen express train. You will get to know Japan completely up close, individually or in a small group, during interesting hikes and walks.

What does a travel agency guarantee? CARTER? Individual approach to each client, conscientious preparation of the program taking into account the most important attractions and preferences of travelers. organizing flights, individual transfers, entry tickets to National Parks and galleries, providing necessary travel documents and a guide to Japan. In addition to standard places, we also offer unique suggestions for visiting the world of the Orient and the most beautiful monuments, away from the beaten track and "trodden" a bit touristy.

Sightseeing tours and holidays in luxury hotels in the Land of the Rising Sun

Japan is rich in exclusive resorts and boutique hotels that stand out for their particularly high standard of accommodation, excellent service and sophisticated and delicious cuisine. For relaxation and health, it is worth staying for a few days in a ryokan - these are hotels with a natural spa and hot springs. Going to Japan with a travel agency CARTER, you receive a guarantee of stays in the best hotels, guesthouses and SPA centers with hot springs in Japan. For us, nothing is impossible: whether you are looking for a fish market with the best sushi restaurant, an authentic boutique with local souvenirs, a tea-making lesson or a dinner with a geisha - in CARTER We organize everything "a la carte".

When to go to Japan? The best time of the year

The ideal time for a vacation in Japan depends on your individual preferences. It is usually recommended to go in spring, because then you can admire particularly beautiful vegetation, including the famous cherry blossom trees. You can also count on picturesque, even Instagrammable landscapes in autumn, when gardens and parks shimmer in gold and red. Coming to Japan in summer will appeal to people who love high temperatures and a humid climate. For skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts, we recommend a winter trip to one of the popular mountain resorts. Skiing in Japan is an offer for all freeride enthusiasts and others. Heavy snowfall turns the local forests and mountains into a real paradise. Currently, Niseko with the main city of Hokkaido is the most famous ski resort in Japan. It is visited by many tourists from all over the world.