🗾 Why You’ll Love This Japan Travel Guide
If you’re planning your first (or second) trip to Japan, you’re probably thinking:
“Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka… right?”
But here’s the thing—Japan isn’t just a checklist of major cities. It’s a patchwork of tiny experiences, local vibes, and unexpected beauty.
I was born in Nagoya, studied in Shiga Prefecture, worked in Kanagawa, and I’ve traveled up and down this country—from the peaceful temples of Kyoto to the blue waters of Okinawa. I’ve lived in big cities and visited remote towns. And I want to tell you honestly:
Some places are 100% worth it. Others, you can skip.
This guide will divide Japan into two sides:
🗼 Urban Japan – High energy, culture collisions, neon cities
⛩️ Local Japan – Slow living, deep tradition, nature, and soul
🌆 Urban Japan – Fast-Paced, Bright, and Full of Surprises
🗼 Tokyo: 30 Cities in One
After I graduated university, I moved to Kanagawa Prefecture for work—just next to Tokyo. And to be honest, I never fully connected with Tokyo the way some people do. It’s chaotic, intense, and always on the move.
But… it’s also amazing.
Tokyo isn’t just one city—it’s 30 cities in one, each with a totally different feeling. That’s the magic.
- Shibuya: Teen fashion, music, late-night excitement
- Shimokitazawa: Vintage shops, indie cafés, hidden bars
- Akihabara: Anime, tech, arcades, and otaku culture
- Ginza: Luxury, art galleries, high-end sushi
- Ueno: Museums, panda bears, old markets
- Koenji & Nakano: Underground music, thrift stores, real Tokyo vibes
“Even though I’m not a ‘Tokyo person,’ I still love the little surprises. A coffee stand inside a used bookstore. A jazz bar that fits five people. A street festival happening for no reason. Tokyo keeps you awake.”
🍜 Osaka: Real, Loud, and Delicious
If Tokyo is a little too serious, Osaka is pure fun. It’s casual, cheap, loud, and full of personality.
People in Osaka talk straight, joke more, and the food? Just incredible.
- Try takoyaki (octopus balls) on the street
- Watch locals grill their own okonomiyaki
- Walk down Dotonbori at night with neon signs glowing
- Explore the nostalgic Shinsekai area, full of retro charm
“Osaka feels like hanging out with your funny cousin who never stops talking and always knows where to eat.”
🌉 Yokohama: The Chill Side of Tokyo
Since I worked in Kanagawa, I spent a lot of time in Yokohama, which is just 30 minutes from Tokyo.
It’s a port city with a mix of modern and classic. You’ll find:
- Minato Mirai – Big Ferris wheel, ocean views, shopping
- Yamashita Park – Perfect for slow walks by the water
- Chinatown – One of the biggest in the world
- Cup Noodle Museum – Weird, but surprisingly fun!
Yokohama is a good place to breathe, especially after a few days in Tokyo.
🏯 Local Japan – The Places That Stay in Your Heart
These are the places I think about when I miss something real. Places where time slows down and the smell of tatami makes you feel grounded.
🌸 Kyoto: My Second Home
I went to university in Shiga Prefecture, right next to Kyoto. I had a part-time job in Kyoto, and I visited almost every week.
“Even now, I can still feel the cool air inside old temples. I remember the sound of wooden floors, the way the trees turned gold in autumn, and the smell of grilled mochi on the street.”
Kyoto isn’t just temples and shrines. It’s emotion.
Walk through Fushimi Inari at sunrise. Listen to silence in Ryoan-ji’s rock garden. Watch the lanterns glow in Gion.
You’ll understand Japan in a new way.
🦌 Nara: Ancient Calm
Just a short train ride from Kyoto, Nara is quieter, older, and more spiritual.
Yes, the deer are cute. But there’s also something powerful about Todai-ji Temple and its giant Buddha. The scale, the history—it humbles you.
Perfect for a 1-day trip, or an overnight stay if you want to wake up with the deer.
🏯 Kanazawa: Underrated Beauty
I feel like not enough travelers go to Kanazawa, and that’s a mistake.
This city has:
- Kenroku-en Garden – One of the best in Japan
- Old samurai districts – Still preserved and walkable
- 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art – Minimal, bold, weird
- Fresh seafood – Especially crab and nodoguro (blackthroat fish)
It’s like Kyoto without the crowds, with a touch of modern cool.
🏞️ Hakone: Onsen Escape Near Tokyo
Want to escape the city without going too far? Hakone is your answer.
I’ve visited a few times, and while it can get touristy, Hakone still has peaceful corners. Get an onsen ryokan with a private bath, enjoy local black eggs from Owakudani, and look out at Mt. Fuji if the sky’s clear.
Perfect for couples, solo travelers, or anyone needing to slow down.
🏖️ Okinawa: Japan’s Island Paradise
Okinawa is like another country—but in the best way.
“I’ve been there four or five times, since high school. I honestly can’t remember how many, but every trip gave me something different. Freedom. Fun. Calm. Color.”
The culture is more relaxed. The food is unique (try Okinawa soba and goya champuru). The beaches? Unreal.
- Go to Zamami Island for snorkeling and crystal-clear water
- Explore Ishigaki and the Yaeyama Islands for deeper island life
- Visit the Peace Memorial Museum to understand Okinawa’s past
Okinawa in summer is absolute paradise. But even in spring or autumn, it’s magical.
🧊 Hokkaido: Cold, Clear, and Delicious
If you want something very different, try heading north to Hokkaido.
Best visited in summer (for cool air and nature) or winter (for snow festivals and skiing), Hokkaido gives you:
- Sapporo Snow Festival
- Otaru – A canal city that looks like a movie set
- Fresh seafood—scallops, crab, uni
- Lavender fields in Furano in July
- Powder snow in Niseko if you’re into skiing or snowboarding
It’s a bit further, but if you have time—it’s worth it.
🛑 What About Nagoya?
Okay. I’m from Nagoya. And… I’ll say it again:
You don’t need to go.
It’s a good place to live. It’s comfortable, affordable, and safe. But if you’re on a 10–14 day Japan trip?
Spend your time elsewhere.
📅 When to Go Where? (Seasonal Tips)
| Season | Where to Go | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Kyoto, Nara, Tokyo, Kanazawa | Cherry blossoms, festivals |
| Summer | Okinawa, Hokkaido, beach towns | Ocean, fireworks, cool retreats |
| Autumn | Kyoto, Hakone, Kanazawa | Red leaves, warm air |
| Winter | Tokyo, Hokkaido, onsen towns | Snow, ski, hot springs |
🧳 Final Thoughts – Don’t Just Visit Japan. Feel It.
I’ve lived here for over 30 years. I’ve moved, worked, studied, and wandered through dozens of prefectures.
And what I’ve learned is: You don’t need to see everything. But you should go where something moves you.
If you love the noise and rhythm of cities? Go to Tokyo and Osaka.
If you want to feel quiet beauty? Go to Kyoto, Kanazawa, or Nara.
If you want freedom, warmth, and sunsets over turquoise water? Don’t miss Okinawa.
Skip what you want. Follow what you feel.
And when you’re ready, Japan will be here for you.
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