Incredible Tourist Destinations You Won't Want To Miss In Japan
By BARBARA PAVONE
Walk the narrow lanes of the impeccably preserved Higashiyama District in Kyoto, with wooden townhouses, a geisha district, and shops that look just as they did centuries ago.
Kyoto
Explore the former Kyoto Imperial Palace and a few of Kyoto's 2,000 temples and shrines, like the gold leaf-covered Golden Pavilion. Try the freshest seafood at Nishiki Market.
Osaka has become famous for its food scene. Head to the Dotonbori area for restaurants, bars, and street food stalls, or take photos with the Insta-famous Glico running man.
Osaka
Aside from the many Michelin restaurants, visit Osaka Castle, Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan (the largest aquarium in the world), and Universal Studios Japan.
Nara's crown jewel is the 8th-century Tōdai-ji Temple, which features the world's largest bronze Buddha statue. Isuien Garden and Kofukuji Temple are also must-sees.
Nara
At Nara Park, there are 1,000 wild deer that will bow for crackers, and be sure to stop at Nakatanidou, a mochi shop with some of the fastest mochi pounders in the country.
One of the world's most expensive and exclusive cuts of meat comes from Kobe. Try it at Mouriya, founded in the 1880s, or Steak Aoyama, which opened its doors in 1963.
Kobe
After eating Kobe beef, visit Kitano Ijinkan-Gai, an area filled with 19th-century European-style homes and museums, or the Nada Sake District, with breweries and sake museums.
The beautiful and impeccably preserved town of Kanazawa is like walking through living history, especially in the samurai and geisha districts.
Kanazawa
Don't miss the 16th-century Kanazawa Castle, the peaceful Kenrokuen Garden, three historic entertainment districts, and the world-class 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art.