Hiroshima and the neighbouring island of Miyajima are both world famous but for very different reasons: one for the atomic bomb and its atrocities, and the other for its peaceful shrine amid the waves. 

Hiroshima and its region: between shrine and memorial

Nature has always played an important role in Japanese culture, and the tradition survives with the celebration of the arrival of spring by observing the cherry blossoms. Here is some advice about this festival, the hanami, and the best places to observe the trees in full blossom.

Go to see the cherry trees in Tokyo

Hokkaido is a hiker's paradise, thanks to its majestic, wild mountainous landscapes.
 Its national parks provide stunning views as well as a wealth of plant and animal life.
 Some are very isolated and difficult to access, but offer, nonetheless, a great sense of freedom.

Hiking in the stunning countryside of Hokkaido


Japan has numerous hidden treasures. Here are my top 10 most beautiful places to visit, but also the most interesting.

Top 10 places to visit in Japan

Tokyo

Tokyo Metropolitan Central Wholesale Market

Shiba-Shimbashi

Odaiba

 A former feudal capital, this small coastal town situated 45 minutes south of Tokyo is especially renowned for its great bronze statue of Buddha, called the "Daibutsu."

Asia

Japan

Kamakura

Europe

Central America

Africa

North America

South America

Middle East

Oceania

If you stay more than 3 days in Tokyo, take the time for a day's excursion to Kamakura. It’s hard to imagine that this quiet little town used to be the <a href="/japan/">capital of Japan</a> (between 1185 and 1333). The essential thing to see there Kōtoku-inqui temple, which houses the famous Daibutsu, a bronze statue almost 13 metres high, representing Buddha sitting in the lotus position, the position of meditation. It is only the second largest statue of the country, the first being in Nara, but the setting makes it the most aesthetic in my opinion. Go for a walk through the city and don't miss the Museum of National Treasures of Kamakura, which houses more than 2000 treasures from various temples. The charm of Kamakura will help you forget the frenzy of Tokyo for the space of a day.

A former feudal capital, this small coastal town situated 45 minutes south of Tokyo is especially renowned for its great bronze statue of Buddha, called the "Daibutsu."

Kamakura Holidays

Kamakura: How to get there?

Kamakura: See when to go?

Kamakura: For how long?

Kamakura: What to see nearby?

Japan: our articles for your holidays