Believe it or not, there is so much more to this beautiful country than Mount Fuji and cherry blossoms in spring. Of late, Japan has been headlining travel news due to new rules the government is imposing, no thanks to irresponsible tourists.
Kyoto is set to restrict visitors from entering parts of the Gion district, where geisha and their maikos work, due to tourists harassing them. Some areas where cherry blossoms grow in Kyoto will also be closed off to visitors. This is, again, due to disrespectful tourist behaviour. We’ve seen infuriating videos of people aggressively shaking cherry blossom branches to create content for the ‘gram.
Nevertheless, one shouldn’t be deterred from visiting Japan. If your next destination is the Land of the Rising Sun, here are some breathtaking spots you simply must tick off your checklist as a responsible and respectful tourist, of course.
1. Shiga Prefecture
Shiga Prefecture is located east of Kyoto and completely accessible by train. Travellers know Shiga is home to Japan’s largest lake, Lake Biwa, but do you know that 37% of its land is designated as a national park? Thus, this hidden gem is a true nature enthusiast’s destination.
It’s no news that Japan has some of the most breathtaking shrines and temples, but what sets this Asian country apart is its abundance of castles. And when in Shiga, Hikone Castle, which nestles on the shores of Lake Biwa, is a must-see; its surrounding garden will completely blow your mind.
2. Tsutaya Bookstore Noritake Shinmachi, Nogaya
Belle from Beauty & the Beast would lose her mind if she ever came across the Tsutaya Bookstore in Nogaya. With its grand wall of literature, bookworms and photographers alike have added this particular bookstore in Japan to the top of their bucket list.
There’s also a cafe and play area for children in this two-storey bookstore, as it was designed to be more than just your average place for buying books, but rather as a lifestyle destination.
Address: 3-1-17 Noritakeshimmachi, Nishi-ku Aeon Mall Noritake Gardens, Nagoya 451-8501 Aichi Prefecture
3. Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art, Kobe
If you want to immerse yourself in art, the Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art is one not to be missed. The building itself is a work of art; from its exterior approach to the vocabulary of its interior, everything screams purposeful minimalist. And we’d expect nothing less of its architect, Tadao Ando.
The largest of its kind, the museum features exhibits of prints, sculptures, paintings, and more by local and foreign artists. Depending on the show, visitors can also catch live music and performing arts in the auditoriums and event spaces.
Address: 1 Chome-1-1 Wakinohamakaigandori, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 651-0073, Japan
4. Higashimokoto Shibazakura Park, Hokkaido
Japan’s boundless beauty is impressive, and Higashimokoto Shibazakura Park proves it. Perhaps one of Hokkaido’s most well-known flower fields, the ten-hectare park is adorned with the most beautiful shades of pink, thanks to slopes of moss phlox.
You could spend hours strolling through its trails to soak in the beautiful sights. The perfect season to visit is often around mid-May, and don’t worry about going hungry; there are simple food stalls to curb hunger pangs.
Address: 393 Higashimokotosuehiro, 大空町 Ozora, Abashiri District, Hokkaido 099-3232, Japan
5. Yufuin Floral Village, Yufu
Looking like it’s straight out of a fairytale, this hidden slice of old English architecture will have you exploring the village for an entire day. The environment mimics Beatrix Potter’s The Complete Adventures of Peter Rabbit, boasting adorable shops, delicious street food, and even a petting zoo.
The entire village is family- and pet-friendly, so exploring with your kids or furkids won’t be an issue. For shopaholics, there are plenty of themed shops dotted along the village where you can buy cute souvenirs.
Address: 1503-3 Yufuincho Kawakami, Yufu, Oita 879-5102, Japan
6. Shirakawa-go Village, Gifu Prefecture
Another straight-out-of-a-fairytale place, this breathtaking destination is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Shirakawa-go Village is serene, charming, and a display of what fine carpentry is.
This fairytale-like location is beautiful all year round but especially stunning in winter. Getting here from Tokyo is easy—it will only take 90 minutes—and if you’re looking to spend a few nights, there are guesthouses available.
