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An update from Evaneos

Best places to visit in Japan

If you choose Japan as your next holiday destination, you're opting for a complete change, geographically as well as culturally, a rare, slightly unsettling feeling in such a developed country, even while homogenous America-centric culture seems to have firmly taken root among the Japanese population. This cultural shock can be a little scary, but don't worry: one of the aspects of Japan's 'exoticism' is the extreme politeness of the people there.

It can take months to properly discover the country. But if you only have a few days or weeks there, begin with one of the unmissable points of contact. VisitingTokyo, the capital, the largest city in the world (the urban area contains around 40 million citizens), is a trip in and of itself. Its ultra-modern feel and its general cleanliness will make you see Paris, London or New York in a new light. Following on, Kyōto is a must-see, with its breathtaking beauty and its numerous places to visit (Fushimi Inari-taisha, Kinkaku-ji, Ryōan-ji, just to mention a few). Ōsaka offers the charms of a slightly smaller city, one which is also younger and more Westernised.

But don't be fooled into thinking that all Japan has to offer is staggeringly big metropolises. Fans of nature should visit Nagano, with its forests, or head to Hokkaidō island and the beautiful Sapporo (its capital) for winter sports. Are you a fan of mountains? Then don't miss out an ascent up Mount Fuji from your holiday itinerary! And if you prefer relaxation to exercise, why not head to Okinawa for a spot of sunbathing on its idyllic beaches?

A stay in Japan is an unforgettable experience, no matter which places you visit and what's on your itinerary. You're sure to find activities that suit you perfectly amongst the huge range of available options here.

Silvia Garcia & François Vioud
Hakone is renowned for its beautiful lake, the view it offers on Mount Fuji, as well as for its onsens, the natural hot springs that are caused by the volcanic activity of the region.
Harajuku, emblematic area of cosplayers and Lolitas of all types, Sweet, Pink or Gothic, is not just a fashion temple. You will also find fascinating artists' dens.
Superb temple with Mount Fuji in the background.
Iriomote is a tropical island, with fine sand, palm trees, mangroves and tropical fish.
The main island of the Yaeyama archipelago and the perfect place to enjoy the sea and sun during a trip to Japan.
A town that blends the old with the new. The old part of town will give you an insight into traditional Japanese life, but without the hordes of tourists that you'll find in Kyoto.
One of the major Buddhists centres of Japan, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, many Japanese go to Koya-san in pilgrimage.
The imperial capital of Japan for more than 10 centuries, Kyōto is one of the largest cities of the country with more than 1.4 million inhabitants.
An emblematic symbol of Japan, Mount Fuji is a mountain which, with its peak at 3,776 metres, amazes everyone with its majesty.
Nikkois an excursion that can be done from Tokyo in one or two days and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Okinawa archipelago groups together Japan's southernmost islands.
Shinjuku is home to one of the busiest stations in the world! In the evening, this district of Tokyo remains lively and colourful.
A very small island of the Okinawa archipelago that is only a few miles in circumference.
Japan's capital, Tokyo is one of the world's biggest metropolises and will unavoidably constitute an important stopping place for any traveller visiting the country.
Akihabara is the area most known for its manga, anime and electronic shops...
Ginza is a district in the centre of Tokyo that is especially renowned for its luxury boutiques.
With its sad legacy, Hiroshima is a city located in the southern part of the main island of Honshu and which is a highly interesting destination for any person making a trip to Japan.
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."
Kurashiki is renowned for its very well-preserved historic district, the Bikan, a shopping district dating to the Edo period.
Miyajima is the name of this island in the heart of the Seto Sea, opposite the city of Hiroshima, which presents a certain interest for any person making a trip to Japan.
About 45 minutes by train from Kyoto, Nara is a city which possesses important historic monuments that have been placed on the UNESCO World Heritage list and which certainly deserves a visit during a tour of Japan.
The Roppongi is known as THE district for expatriates in Tokyo - at least, for the well-heeled among them. Quiet and peaceful during the day, it is especially frequented for its night life!
An island in the south of Japan, famous for its pilgrimage of the 88 temples.
Tsukiji is the name given to the largest fish and seafood market in the world, located in Tokyo. A visit to this market will be a high point ofyour stay in Japan.
Shikoku's most southern city, in southwest Japan.
A Japanese alpine town, overlooked by a castle.
Naoshima is an island located on the Inland Sea, with many museums and works of art in the open air.
An artificial island in Tokyo Bay, Odaiba is like a theme park with its Ferris wheel, beach, museums and shopping centres.
To the south of the rest of Japan, an island with a strong local identity.
The third largest city of Japan, Osaka is located approximately 1 hour by train from Tokyo and may be an interesting place to visit during your trip to Japan.