Japan: The best insider tips for an unforgettable trip

Japan to enjoy
The best insider tips for an unforgettable trip

Dream destination in the East: Japan attracts millions of tourists every year. But where to go the first time? After all, the country has endless things to offer. Our author knows the best tips for a trip that leaves a lasting impression.

Sushi, manga, cherry blossom: This is what most people immediately think of when they think of Japan. Of course, these things make Japan what it is – but there is so much more to discover beyond the clichés. We have collected the best tips ourselves on site and compiled them by region for your trip to Japan.

Tokyo region

Capital cities don’t always have the best reputation. In many of them there is nothing to see other than dreary office concrete blocks. In Japan, on the other hand, the capital is a highlight, an absolute superlative that should not be missed. The metropolitan area has almost 38 million inhabitants – around half of Germany – making it the largest in the world. Over 13 million people live in 23 districts in central Tokyo.

Tokyo can be overwhelming, but the districts can be managed in regional bites: half a day in colorful and loud Shinjuku, half a day in glamorous Ginza, half a day in trendy Roppongi, half a day in the manga stronghold Akihabara, one All day exploring hipster hotspots on foot from Omote-Sando via Harajuku to Shibuya and a whole day in traditional Asakusa combined with green Ueno. Shinjuku, Akihabara and Roppongi are particularly suitable for an evening trip to the nightlife (tip: sake tasting). If you still have more days in Tokyo available (jackpot!), you can go to Disneyland for an adrenaline high, take a day trip to Mount Fuji or take cool Instagram pictures in the trendy “TeamLab Museum” and all with a visit to the world-famous Tsukiji -Fish market connect.

Tips:
– Culture: The zoological museum “Intermediatheque” exhibits exciting animal specimens and entry is free
– View: The best view of the entire city is from the Metropolitan Government Building – also free
– Food: Try street food and drink matcha around the Asakusa Shrine

Kyoto region

While While Tokyo is often seen as a spacey future metropolis, Kyoto is considered Japan’s traditional heart. Here you can not only marvel at Japan’s history in countless temples, but if you’re lucky you’ll also see a real geisha scurrying through the streets in the Gion district.

Although there aren’t as many trains whizzing through the city every minute as in Tokyo, you can still reach all of Kyoto’s highlights by bus. Kyoto is also a good base for day trips to surrounding cities such as Nara, Osaka, Kobe or Nagoya; The famous Japanese Shinkansen trains run between major cities several times an hour. And yes, this prejudice is true: they are punctual to the second and so clean that you could even sit on the floor.

Tips:
– Culture: Marvel at the beautiful wall paintings in the Imperial Palace in Kyoto
– Food: Feast your way through the Nishiki Market in Kyoto
– Fauna: feeding deer and visiting temples in Nara
– Flora: There is a fantastic view and beautiful plants in the botanical garden in Kobe – don’t forget to take the cable car

Hiroshima region

World history was written in Hiroshima in the most tragic way: on August 6, 1945, the US armed forces dropped an atomic bomb on the city, killing hundreds of thousands – and shortly afterwards the Second World War ended in Asia. Today you come across a vibrant city that doesn’t forget its history, but always warns: This must not happen again. A museum and a large park commemorate the atrocities of 80 years ago – a visit here is a must.

From the port city of Hiroshima, the picturesque islands around it can be easily explored, especially Miyajima with the famous Tori Shrine. Be careful, there are a lot of tourists pushing through the narrow streets – but you can still spend a whole day on the island: munching on street food, feeding the deer and riding the cable car…

Tips:
– Food: You can try the largest selection of okonomiyaki, hearty Japanese pancakes, in the so-called Okonomiyaki Villa in Hiroshima – there is a variant for everyone
– View: Be sure to take the cable car on Miyajima – the view of the surrounding islands is breathtaking
– Food: Specialty on Miyajima: oysters. They are available raw, fried or gratinated in the specialty restaurant “Kakiya”

Practical travel tips:

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