I loved Nagasaki and renting a car there to see the countryside. Kyoto was my favourite big city. Tokyo Disney was amazing as a not huge Disney fan I would make time to go there again
Also, you don't need to do 4,000 shrines. Even if guide books are like "don't miss THIS gem!" You're better served spending time wandering nabes and getting a feel for everyday life.
Takayama is pretty out of the way for first-time visitors but was one of our favorite parts of our entire trip to Japan. Ryokan and traditional breakfasts there and near Ise were amazing.
So true. There’s so much beauty and fulfillment in exploring slightly less common locales. I have to admit that I also enjoy picking up treats or meals at the panya and depachika, though.
Read “Water, Wood & Wild Things” by @sweetsnbitters.bsky.social
And then go to Yamanaka. The bullet train just connected up w/the region. Have a great trip-
Get a Goshuin book and collect stamps at temples and shrines.
You buy the Goshuincho at a temple. At each place you visit, there is somebody who stamps and writes calligraphy on the next free page (fee was 300 yen typically).
For believers, these have meaning. But as a respectful tourist, it is...
... fine for you to collect them too. Buy your book at the first large site you visit. Then seek out smaller places when you go on day trips. Collecting goshuin transformed my view of Japan, got me out of towns and up mountains. Be polite, always, don't film them writing. Keep notes of each place.
Skip Kyoto(if you think you'll go to Japan more than once). It's hideously overcrowded with tourists. There are lots of great temples and castles and ryokan you can visit in other smaller cities, like Kanazawa and Sendai.
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A lot of people mention Kyoto - which is great - but also spend time in Osaka.
Eat fugu.
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5950.html
Stay in a ryokan (a traditional Japanese inn.) Check out farmers markets and flea/antique markets. Look out for fun ceramics and kitchen utensils. The conbini (convenience stores) have amazing snacks, etc.
And then go to Yamanaka. The bullet train just connected up w/the region. Have a great trip-
Nagahama Onsen
Kyoto and Nara
You buy the Goshuincho at a temple. At each place you visit, there is somebody who stamps and writes calligraphy on the next free page (fee was 300 yen typically).
For believers, these have meaning. But as a respectful tourist, it is...