The most beautiful cities in Japan

Takayama

Surrounded by the Hida Mountains in the Japanese Alps , the city exudes old-fashioned Japanese charm.

Takayama has retained a traditional soul, like many other Japanese cities, especially in its beautifully preserved old town. Takayama is nicknamed "little Kyoto" because of the abundance of shrines, temples and traditional wooden buildings that you can discover while strolling through its streets.

• To read: The city of Takayama

Karuizawa

Just an hour by Shinkasen from Tokyo, Karuizawa is a charming little town nestled beneath the towering Mount Asama, one of the region's most active volcanoes.

Located at around 1000 meters above sea level, the town offers a pleasant escape from the summer heat and in the fall, the surrounding forest is ablaze with beautiful shimmering colors.

To the north of the city, the Shiraito Falls , measuring three meters high and 70 meters wide, are particularly impressive.

• To read: The city of Karuizawa

otaru

Located in the northernmost prefecture of the archipelago, Hokkaido, this fishing port is one of Japan's most famous places to enjoy delicious fresh seafood .

The main attraction of the city is its picturesque canal lined with old warehouses dating from the 19th century. It is possible to take boat trips or walk along the water.

Otaru a pleasant day trip near Sapporo or a pleasant stopover en route to Niseko Ski Resort or the Shakotan Peninsula.

• To read: The city of Otaru

nara

Nara is one of the country's culturally richest cities. Indeed, thanks to its position as the former imperial capital of Japan and the fact that the city is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites , Nara has become a must-see in Japan.

Located less than an hour from Kyoto and Osaka, Nara is very famous for its population of free-roaming deer that live in the temples and shrines of the city.

Another impressive feature is Todaiji Temple , a huge wooden building housing one of Japan's largest bronze Buddha statues.

• To read: The city of Nara

Magome

A relay town on the old Nakasendo Road, an important route linking Tokyo to Kyoto during the Edo period (1603-1868), Magome is a town located in the Kiso Valley .

The town has been beautifully restored with a wide paved path lined with neatly manicured foliage and beautiful traditional Japanese wooden houses.

You can take one of the most beautiful walks in Japan here. This pleasant trail winds through forests and farmland and passes waterfalls before ending in the charming town of Tsumago .

• To read: The city of Magome

Kurashiki

Kurashiki is near the city of Okayama in the Chugoku region. Kurashiki's places of interest are its historic Bikan district and its preserved canal that dates back to the Edo period (1603-1867), when the town served as the region's major rice distribution center.

But the city has kept up with the times and many of Kurashiki's old rice warehouses have been converted into museums, shops and cafes . It's the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of big Japanese cities.

• To read: Kurashiki, the Japanese Venice

Hakone

Part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park , Hakone offers a perfect Japanese landscape for an exceptional photo! In front of Lake Ashi, you enjoy a fantastic view of Mount Fuji and the torii gate of the Hakone Shrine , which comes out of the water.

Near Tokyo, the city of Hakone is an easily accessible spa town that is very popular with Tokyoites. Indeed, the city is known for its traditional onsen and ryokan . It's also the perfect stopover when traveling from Tokyo to Kyoto.

• To read: The city of Hakone

Kamakura

The city of Kamakura is sometimes nicknamed the "Kyoto of eastern Japan" for its many Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, old wooden houses and historical monuments.

For nature lovers, the green hills surrounding the city offer many hiking trails.

Don't miss this area, just a short train ride west of Kamakura, Enoshima is a tourist island located off the coast but connected by bridge to the mainland.

• To read: The city of Kamakura

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