Whether you are looking to take a holiday to Japan or have a business trip to Japan, there are certain cities that you may want to visit. The most popular cities include Tokyo, Kyoto, and Otaru. But there are other smaller cities that are not as popular but are just as beautiful as the larger ones.
Kyoto
Located in the Kansai area of Japan, Kyoto is a city with a lot to offer. It is considered as the spiritual and cultural capital of Japan. It is also one of the most beautiful cities in Japan.
Kyoto is home to over 2000 temples and shrines. This includes the Golden Pavilion, which is also known as the Silver Temple. This structure is situated on the banks of the Mirror Lake and is covered with gold leaf on the top two floors.
The city also boasts of several Zen rock gardens. It is also a great place to experience traditional tea ceremonies.
Kyoto is also home to several world-class restaurants. Some of the top restaurants in Kyoto include Omen Resturant, a noodle shop known for its thick noodles and delicious tempura. Also, there is the Kyoto Manga Museum, which is devoted to manga art.
Kyoto also has a food market that sells fresh ingredients and raw fish. It is open 24 hours a day. There are also several restaurants offering kyo-ryori, a traditional Japanese gastronomic dish. This dish is often made with sushi and raw fish.
Kyoto is also a great place to see cherry blossoms in the spring and summer. Kyoto also has numerous festivals. The New Year's holiday is a time when the city becomes crowded.
Gion is a charming district in Kyoto. The area is full of dozens of maiko and geisha. The district also features a few excellent sake bars.
Otaru
Located on the Sea of Japan, Otaru is a beautiful, romantic port town in Japan. During the Meiji Restoration, Otaru became an important trade center. It was home to wealthy fishermen who built large mansions to house their employees.
Otaru has a wealth of handmade crafts. A number of glass workshops are located around the city. The city is also known for its signature Kitaichi Glass. Music boxes are also popular in Otaru.
The Otaru Music Box Museum is a must-see when visiting Otaru. The museum features an eclectic collection of music boxes. The building has a gorgeous interior and is perfect for taking photos. Music boxes are available in all shapes and sizes, and visitors can even design their own.
The Otaru canal is also an interesting spot to visit. This area has been restored to its former glory and is a popular tourist spot. Visitors can take a boat cruise along the canal. During the winter, icicles and glistening water create an enchanting scene.
A self-guided walking tour of Otaru is a great way to get a feel for the city. A number of old buildings have been converted to galleries or restaurants. The Sakaimachi Street shopping strip is a popular shopping destination. The street is adorned with quirky shops and romantic cafes.
Otaru is also home to the famous Sapporo Brewery, which is located about five minutes from the city center. Visitors can sample the local beer.
Fukuoka
Located on the northern shores of Kyushu Island, Fukuoka is one of Japan's most beautiful cities. Its subtropical climate makes the city a great place to enjoy the outdoors. The city has beaches and parks, and its small size means you don't feel crowded. Fukuoka also has a thriving startup culture.
Fukuoka is also known for its unique dining culture. Its yatai, or street food stands, are popular among both locals and visitors. In addition to offering local food, they are also an ideal way to experience the culture of the city.
The Marine World Uminonakamichi Aquarium is a popular attraction, with more than 450 species of marine life. You can also visit the Fukuoka Art Museum to see modern pieces by Miro and Dali.
Fukuoka also has a rich history. Fukuoka Castle, which is located in the city's Ohori neighborhood, was built hundreds of years ago during the Edo era. This castle was built to defend against invading Chinese forces. The castle ruins are a free attraction and are a good way to experience Fukuoka's history.
Fukuoka also has dozens of festivals throughout the year. Some are held to celebrate local culture, while others are held to remove bad luck for the year. The Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival, for example, draws three million visitors every year.
Fukuoka's oldest shopping street, Hakata Kawabata-dori, is lively and maintains a Showa-era vibe. It is home to more than 100 local stores.
Beppu
Located in the northern part of Oita Prefecture, Beppu is a hot spring city that attracts more than eight million tourists every year. This city is situated on the coast of Japan and is also famous for its unique architecture. A number of luxury ryokan are located in Beppu and offer private onsen.
A popular tourist destination is the Nine Hells of Beppu, a series of nine volcanic hot springs in the city. Each hell represents a different type of torture.
Sea Hell is the most popular of the nine hells, with its bright blue waters and steaming vents. Jellyfish are abundant here and visitors can get a close up look. The water is naturally colored by iron sulfate. The springs are said to have healing properties.
Mountain Hell is another of the nine hells in Beppu. The water is said to be healing, but it also has a blood-red hue. This hell is also famous for its geysers.
The third spring in Beppu is Tsuru-no-yu, which is located next to a graveyard. The spring is accessible by a dirt track. The hot springs are also used to boil eggs for sale.
The city is also home to an abundance of bamboo crafts, which are classified as Traditional Arts and Crafts. The city also offers a variety of local cuisine. You can try sashimi or oden, which are fishcake dishes served in a soy-sauce based broth.
Kurashiki
Located in the Seto Inland Sea, Kurashiki is a great place to visit. It's also called the Venice of Japan, which is a nice description. It's a city full of cultural attractions and unique shopping opportunities.
In the Edo period, Kurashiki was an important commercial centre, surrounded by waterways. The central canal is lined with typical black and white warehouses. These warehouses have been converted into museums.
The Ohara Museum of Art is a great place to visit. This museum is home to a wide range of 16th, 17th and 20th-century art. It features paintings from different time periods, including works by Picasso, Monet, and Degas.
Another place to visit is Kurashiki Craftwork Village. This is a traditional Japanese tea ceremony area. You can also take a tour of the Bikan Historical Quarter. This is the heart of Kurashiki City and contains many buildings from the Meiji Period and Edo Period. The area has preserved many of its buildings, so you can see what life was like in the past.
In the warmer months, you can take a traditional boat ride along the Kurashiki Canal Area. There are many companies that offer this service. It's a great way to get a feel for the city.
The Ohara Museum of Art was built in 1930, and it features works by Monet, Picasso, Gaugin and Rodin. You can also view works by artists such as El Greco and Jasper Johns.
Yakushima
Located in the southern part of Kagoshima prefecture, Yakushima is a beautiful island surrounded by the sea. Yakushima is known for its spectacular flora and fauna. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The island's ecosystem is influenced by the Kuroshio current, which flows from the tropics to the east coast of Japan. There are many species of marine life and coral reefs on the island.
The island's ecosystem is home to loggerhead turtles. During the summer months, these turtles lay their eggs on the island's beaches. Visitors can see them on tours. However, visitors must sign up for official tours to avoid danger to the turtles.
A large part of the island's ecosystem is located in the central mountainous area. During the winter months, snow falls on higher elevations. The area is also renowned for its magnificent cedar trees. Some of the trees on the island have been on the island for over three thousand years.
The island is also home to several animals, including the Yaku deer. The Yaku macaque is also found on the island. This species is smaller than its mainland counterparts.
The island also has an abundance of natural hot springs. Some of the hot springs are right on the beach. A great way to explore the island is by kayaking on the Anbo river.
Yakushima is also home to the Jomon Sugi, a tree thought to be over two thousand years old. This tree is known to be the oldest tree in Japan. Several tourists come to see this tree each year.
