Trip Ideas

Notable for its refreshing air, beautiful mountains, pristine lakes, lush forests, snowy winters, and temperate summers, Hokkaido attracts many outdoor lovers. The island’s cold waters support a large variety of fresh seafood. Explore its national parks and relax in the many hot springs found on this charming island.

You should first visit the capital of Hokkaido, Sapporo, the fifth largest city in Japan and best known for its delicious ramen, beer, and its annual snow festival. In winter, you should definitely visit the Sapporo Snow Festival which displays impressive ice sculptures, and visit the ski resorts which have the best powdered snow. When it warms up you can experience Sapporo’s beer gardens and relaxing strolls in its lovely parks. Visit hundreds of bars and restaurants and try Sapporo’s mouthwatering foods.

Next, pay a visit to Otaru, a beautifully preserved harbor town well-known for its romantic canal accentuated with nostalgic buildings, warehouses, and former office buildings. Many of these buildings have been converted to shops, restaurants, and glass workshops. Stop by the nearby Nikka Whiskey Distillery, Sakaimachi Street, the Herring Mansion, and the renowned Otaru Snow Light Path in which a winter festival illuminates the city with small snow statues.

Our next stop lies in the center of Hokkaido, Furano & Biei. This region’s most popular attraction is the Furano Flower Fields. In full bloom, the attractive lavender farms and various flowers make this a top destination in the summer. Along the way is Biei, a picturesque small town with rolling hills and rural landscapes.

Home to brown bears, deer, foxes, and white-tailed sea eagles, Shiretoko is renowned for its beautiful and untouched national parks. Its peninsula has even been classified as a world heritage site because of its preserved ecosystem and biodiversity. Shiretoko has been called a “waterfall kingdom” due to the spectacular views of beautiful waterfalls. There are also the notable Five Lakes and Shiretoko’s drift ice (an ice walk tour) to visit and experience.

Now, let’s visit one of the oldest national parks in Hokkaido. Akan National Park consists of a group of volcanoes surrounded by 3 well known lakes: Lake Akan, Lake Mashu, and Lake Kussharo. These beautiful lakes are notable for having some of the clearest water in the world. The mountainous Akan National Park is popular for its picturesque views and many hot spring baths. You can also enjoy other outdoor activities including canoeing, bike tours, and camping.

Journey to Noboribetsu, popular for being one of Hokkaido’s most famous hot spring resorts and the impressive Jigokudani (Hell Valley). Surrounded by rich forests, the Noboribetsu hot spring has 9 different mineral-contained waters, making it one of the most exceptional spas in the world. Jigokudani displays volcanic activity, including hot steam vents and sulfurous streams. It is appropriately named as the seeping volcanic gas and strong smell of sulfur give the image of it being “hell”.

Interested in active volcanoes? Lake Toya features beautiful hot springs and one of the most active volcanoes in Japan, Mt. Usu. The Volcano Science Museum in Lake Toya contains informative displays about the 1977 and 2000 eruptions of Mt. Usu. The hot spring itself is one of the best resorts in Hokkaido. Lake Toya is an ice-free lake, so it can be admired during any time of the year.

Finally, take in a spectacular night view from Mt. Hakodate and delicious seafood in Hakodate, the third largest city in Hokkaido. Points of interest include Fort Goryokaku, a Western style stronghold famous for its star-shaped layout, which is now a public park. Check out the Morning Market, where you can enjoy fresh seafood for breakfast. Visit Motomachi, a former residential area for foreigners, or relax at the Yunokawa hot springs. Whether it’s experiencing the Bay Area or Onuma Park, Hakodate holds points of interests to ensure a great time.

Overflowing with natural beauty and historical significance, this region is Japan’s northernmost of the main island, Honshu. There is an abundance of things to see and do in its six prefectures. Tohoku is known for its hot springs, mountains, lakes, countryside, and holds many points of interests for you to experience.

Lake Towada is one of Japan’s most popular spots to see colorful foliage in autumn. It is the largest caldera lake on Japan’s main island, characterized by two large peninsulas. Besides the bright blue lake itself, you can spend time along the Oirase Stream, check out Mt. Hakkoda, or visit the small town of Yasumiya.

Explore a lovely, mountainous stream that features a highly recommended trail for all, Oirase Stream. Take a picturesque hike and enjoy the lush vegetation, fresh air, and admire the dozens of waterfalls. Oirase Stream is also a famous spot for viewing its vivid shades of autumn.

If you’re looking for a culturally rich city with various architectural heritage dating from the Edo Period, Hirosaki is the place to go. Its main sites were developed around the Hirosaki Castle. Thousands of cherry trees are planted near the castle’s grounds, making this one of Japan’s best cherry blossom viewing spots in the spring. Points of interest include the lovely Hirosaki Park, Neputa Mura, Fujita Garden, and the Samurai District.

Stop by a quiet town, Kakunodate, that brings its historical atmosphere to life. This former castle town is famous for holding the best examples of samurai architecture and hundreds of weeping cherry trees. Shrines, temples, and the beautifully preserved merchant district remain. The breathtaking tunnel of cherry trees along the riverbank is one of Tohoku’s most popular cherry blossom spots.

Equally important is Hiraizumi, an area full of historical sites, cultural attractions, and national treasures, including the famous Konjikido of the Chusonji Temple. Other attractions include the Motsuji Temple, known for its beautiful strolling gardens, and Geibikei, a spectacular gorge. Hiraizumi holds an interesting history and many of its remained properties. This includes Takadachi Gikeido, a memorial dedicated to the famous Minamoto Yoshitsune.

Take on a challenge and climb 1000 steps to Yamadera, a scenic temple in Yamagata City. The tranquility of this area make the atmospheric hike worth it. The view at the top is so rewarding that you will probably feel a sense of achievement and enlightenment. Yamadera is also known for famous poet Basho visiting and composing a haiku there, which you can read on a rock inscription in the lower area of the temple grounds.

Visit the largest city in the Tohoku Region, Sendai, with an estimate of 1 million residents. Founded by one of feudal Japan’s most powerful lords of the Edo Period, Date Masamune, much of this modern city’s attractions are related to him and his family. This includes Zuihoden Mausoleum, the entombment site of Date Masamune himself. Other attractions include the colorful, summer festival Sendai Tanabata Matsuri, and Sendai Downtown.
Make sure to try the popular and delicious Gyutan, the most famous dish in Sendai.

End your trip to Tohoku by visiting one of Japan’s three most scenic views, Matsushima. A bay dotted with small pine islands, the stunning scenery is located only a half hour outside of Sendai. This area is also well known for Zuiganji, a highly valued Zen temple that was restored to prominence by Date Masamune.

Kanto is a popular region of highly developed and heavily populated areas, including the famed metropolises Tokyo and Yokohama. Consisting of 7 prefectures and over 42 million people residing in this region, you will find both culturally rich destinations and modern, lively attractions. Kanto offers such a wide variety of things to see and do, it is no wonder this region is ranked to have some of the nation’s best attractions and most visited cities.

Let’s visit Nikko, a town with intricate and gorgeous architecture of temples and shrines. It is home to the prominent Toshogu, a luxuriously decorated mausoleum where famous Tokugawa Ieyasu is enshrined. The mausoleum of Iemitsu, Ieyasu’s grandson, is also featured nearby and is a sub temple of the Rinnoji Temple, which is Nikko’s most important temple. Make your way to one of the largest remaining wooden structures in Japan, the Tamozawa Villa, where it was once the former Nikko residence of the Imperial Family. Other attractions include a scenic trail through a gorge known as the Kanmangafuchi Abyss, the Futarasan Shrine dedicated to Nikko’s three sacred mountains, and more.

Add fun and relaxation to your trip by visiting a hot spring resort town called Kinugawa Onsen. With many hot spring bath choices, such as the remote Okukinu Onsen, it is highly recommended to stay a night in Kinugawa Onsen to fully enjoy the hot spring experience. Many luxurious ryokans offer their own sensational baths, but there are many fantastic public baths as well. It is also suggested to complete the amusing Grand Maze Palladium, and spend time at the history theme park Nikko Edomura.

Ranked as the #1 destination in Japan, Tokyo, the country’s capital and most populous city, offers an extensive list of entertainment, culture, shopping, and dining. As the thriving economical, political, and cultural center of Japan, there are numerous points of interest one should not miss. While in Central Tokyo, check out Akihabara, an iconic district dedicated to electronics and lovers of anime and manga. Visit one of the world’s biggest fish markets (Tsukiji Fish Market), where the Imperial Family currently resides (Imperial Palace), and an attractive garden next to the Shiodome district skyscrapers (Hama Rikyu). Shop and dine at Tokyo’s most famous and upscale district (Ginza), and then make your way to a distinguished business district (Nihonbashi). Engross in Japanese war history and stop by the intriguing Yasukuni Shrine, where those who died for Japan are honored.

Of course, there is a great deal of more things to do in Northern Tokyo. This includes one of Japan’s oldest and biggest museums (Tokyo National Museum), Tokyo’s newest landmark featuring the highest observation decks in Japan (Tokyo Skytree), and an atmospheric district which highlights Tokyo’s oldest temple (Asakusa Sensoji Temple). Learn about various aspects of earlier life in Tokyo by visiting the Edo-Tokyo Museum, spend time at one of Tokyo’s most popular cherry blossom spots (Ueno Park), or at a busy city center with plenty of entertainment (Ikebukuro). At some point, you must stop over in Ryogoku, the heart of the sumo wrestling world!

In Western Tokyo you can tour the colorful and busy district Shibuya, a center of youth fashion and entertainment trends. Explore the red light district and a profuse amount of entertainment around the world’s busiest railway station (Shinjuku). Experience trendy shops and teenage culture, as well as shopping for adults and historic sights, at Harajuku. Change it up and pay a visit to the Meiji Shrine, the spacious Shinjuku Gyoen park, and enjoy panoramic views in the free observation decks at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.

Destinations in Southern Tokyo feature a shopping and entertainment area on a manmade island (Odaiba), a quiet and natural world at a nature reserve (Institute for Nature), and a modern building complex consisting of various sectors. See the world’s tallest self-supported steel tower (Tokyo Tower), the graveyard of 47 ronin (Sengakuji Temple), and the head temple of Jodo Buddhism in the Kanto Region (Zojoji Temple). Incidentally, try an enjoyable and convenient alternative to land transportation when traveling between destinations near water by taking a Tokyo Water Bus.

Yokohama was at first a small fishing village, but now it is Japan’s second largest city with over 3 million residents and the capital of the Kanagawa Prefecture. Yokohama holds Japan’s newest, largest, and best kept zoo in Japan known as Zoorasia. In addition, there is an area located along water called Minato Mirai 21 with attractions including shopping centers, hot spring baths, museums, hotels, and more. Stop by a beautiful, traditional Japanese style garden that features historic exhibits (Sankeien Garden), as well as Japan’s largest chinatown (Yokohama Chinatown). Experience visiting a museum dedicated specifically to ramen noodles (Ramen Museum), or explore a fascinating amusement park with an outstanding aquarium (Hakkeijima Sea Paradise).

The town of Kamakura was once the political center of Japan, where the Kamakura government ruled Japan for over a century. Today, it is a small city with many historical destinations making it a popular place for tourists to visit. Kamakura is most famous for its Great Buddha, a huge statue of Amida Buddha made of bronze. Be sure to visit the city’s most important shrine, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, founded in 1063 by Minamoto Yoriyoshi. Pay tribute to the eleven-headed wooden statue of Kannon at Hasedera Temple, a beautifully designed hall that gives prominence to an enshrined tooth of Buddha at Engakuji Temple, and wash your money in hopes it will double at the popular Zeniarai Benten Shrine.

Renowned for its stunning view of the nearby Mt. Fuji, high quality hot springs, and natural beauty, Hakone is a popular town for both Japanese and tourists to take a break from the bustling Tokyo. Relax in the dozens of hot springs surrounded with scenic beauty Hakone has to offer, adventure into the volcanic zone of steam vents and bubbling pools at Owakudani, and admire the iconic views of a charming lake and Mt. Fuji at Lake Ashinoko. You should definitely visit the famous and beautiful Hakone Shrine which peacefully sits in a deep forest, especially when it is veiled with mist. If you are interested in art, pay a visit to the spacious Hakone Open Air Museum which holds quite a collection of paintings, sculptures, and more.

Located in the center of the Japan’s largest island, Honshu, this region consists of nine prefectures. It is generally divided into three regions: Tokai, Koshinetsu, and Hokuriku. This mountainous region is noted for its scenic landscapes, historical villages, and hot springs.

Picture-perfect and sacred, Mt. Fuji has gained popularity from artists and others for centuries. You are considered lucky to catch a glimpse of this beautiful, active volcano. Climb it in the summer, peacefully view it from the Fuji Five Lake or Hakone, or head to the Subashiri 5th Station.

Next, let’s go to Nagano and visit renowned shrines and learn about city’s ninja past. Nagano’s three popular shrines located in the mountains, Togakushi Shrine, relate to a prominent story in Japanese mythology and is overall a fascinating place to admire. You can find one of Japan’s most important and popular temples in Nagano, Zenkoji Temple, where it holds the first Buddha statue brought to Japan when Buddhism was introduced in the 6th century. Learn of the local ninja history at Ninpo Museum, or for the lighthearted, the Kids Ninja Village.

Spend time in the city of Matsumoto, famous for its beautiful and original castle (Matsumoto Castle). Its grandeur structure and wooden interior give visitors a unique experience. It is also a gorgeous cherry blossom spot in the spring. Walk through the Daio Wasabi Farm and try wasabi related products, admire private art collections at Japan Ukiyoe Museum, or walk around the nicely preserved former merchant district known as Nakamachi District.

Add a touch of traditional elements by visiting Takayama, and enjoy the Takayama Festival held in spring and autumn. Appreciate streets filled with beautifully preserved buildings and houses dating back to the Edo Period (1600-1868) in Takayama’s Old Town. Visit the interesting open-air museum, Hida Folk Village, where unique structures, tools, and buildings from the past are held. Check out the former local government office (Takayama Jinya), enjoy a calming and pleasant walking trail (Higashiyama Walking Course), and a festival floats exhibition hall (Takayama Matsuri Yatai Kaikan).

Take pleasure in strolling around in one of Japan’s three most beautiful landscape gardens, Kenrokuen, in the town of Kanazawa. Each season offers a unique essence of beauty. Kanazawa also offers the opportunity to visit Ninjadera, a temple built with secret doors and escape routes. Drink tea and admire an atmosphere where geishas once performed at the Higashi Chaya District. Stop by one of the charming, remaining samurai villas in Japan (Seisonkaku Villa), a distinguished and popular art museum in Japan (21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art), and a former district where samurai and their families once resided (Nagamachi Samurai District).

Finally, let’s go to Japan’s fourth most populated city, Nagoya. Definitely visit the city’s #1 destination, Nagoya Castle, where the castle town built around it has become the large city it is today. In central Nagoya lies the popular Osu Kannon Temple, where a wooden statue of the goddess of mercy is the main object of worship. Experience visiting one of Shinto’s most important shrines, Atsuta Shrine, and later try their version of kishimen noodles. Check out new models and classics at the Toyota Factory Tour and Museums, beautiful exhibits and a landscape garden at Tokugawa Art Museum, and a leisure district with endless activities at Nagoya Port.

With numerous cultural and historical points of interests in a compact area, it is no wonder the Kansai region is known as the heart of Japan. Japan’s third largest city, Osaka, and the former thousand-year capital, Kyoto, can be found in this region. It is also commonly known as the Kinki region.

First let’s visit Ise Shima, home to the famous Ise Shrines. Built exclusively in a Japanese architecture style, there are two shrines found in the Ise Jingu. There is the Outer Shrine (Geku) built in honor of Toyouke, the Shinto deity of food, clothing, and housing. The other is the Inner Shrine (Naiku) which is dedicated to the highly esteemed deity Amaterasu, the Sun Goddess. These sacred shrines are rebuilt every 20 years according to ancient Shinto tradition.

Travel to the ancient and historically valuable city of Kyoto. Visit one of the best castle palace structures of feudal Japan (Nijo Castle), the former residence of the Imperial Family (Kyoto Imperial Palace), and the current lodge for the prince and princesses during their visits to Kyoto (Sento Imperial Palace). Spend time at a highly celebrated temple famous for its huge wooden terrace, Kiyomizudera, and the nearby Higashiyama District.

See the famous 1001 statues of Kannon (Sanjusangendo), Kyoto’s famous geisha district (Gion), and one of the most important Zen temples in all of Japan (Nanzenji Temple). Admire thousands of iconic vermilion torii gates (Fushimi Inari Shrine), a well-known temple covered in gold (Kinkakuji), and a gorgeous rock garden (Ryoanji Temple). End your trip in Kyoto by visiting Arashiyama, where you can enjoy the Hozugawa River Cruise, the Sagano Scenic Railway, Monkey Park Iwatayama, and more.

Make your way to Japan’s third largest city, Osaka, the economic powerhouse of the Kansai region. Definitely visit the amazing reconstruction of the huge Osaka Castle, which was built for Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Check out the city’s most famous entertainment district, Minami (Namba), and enjoy numerous options to shop and dine. Take pleasure in seeing an impressive exhibit of various marine life at Osaka Aquarium, have fun on thrill rides and taking photos with famous characters at Universal Studios Japan, and visit one of Japan’s oldest temples Shitennoji Temple.

Appreciate historic treasures and some of Japan’s oldest and largest temples in the city of Nara. Your first stop should be at Todaiji, a significant landmark of Nara that contains a large Buddhist statue. Next, visit one of the world’s oldest wooden buildings and country’s oldest temples, Horyuji Temple. Experience seeing freely roaming deer (Nara Park), Nara’s most celebrated Shinto shrine (Kasuga Taisha), and the former family temple of the powerful Fujiwara clan (Kofukuji).

Tour around the attractive city Kobe, and try some delicious and widely-known wagyu meat while you’re there. Shop and dine along a beautiful waterfront at Kobe Harborland, relax at a famous hot spring town called Arima Onsen, or see the world’s longest suspension bridge (Akashi Kaikyo Bridge). Enjoy panoramic views of Kobe and Osaka at the spectacular Mount Rokko. End your trip by experiencing the compact, popular chinatown in central Kobe, Nankinmachi.

If you have time, you should definitely stop by Himeji during your journey in Japan. This city is famous for its beautifully preserved feudal castle. Himeji Castle is known for its surviving, original structure, as well as for being a national treasure and world heritage site. Enjoy strolling around gorgeous Japanese style gardens at Kokoen Garden. Take in a history of over 1000 years at the atmospheric temple Mount Shosha before leaving Himeji.

Since you’re in the Kansai region, it is recommended to stop by Mount Koya (Koyasan). This secluded temple town is the center of Shingon Buddhism, a significant Buddhist sect introduced by one of Japan’s most influential religious leaders Kobo Daishi. Many temples have developed around this site. It is also one of the best places to have the opportunity of an overnight stay at a temple lodging, where you can experience a taste of a monk’s lifestyle.

Infused with religious and historical value, Kumano is centered around three ancient shrines, which are even mentioned in Japan’s founding mythology. One of the three shrines, Nachi Taisha, is part of a large complex of neighboring religious sites and features the tallest waterfall in Japan. One of the other three shrines, Hongu Taisha, serves as the head shrine of over 3000 Kumano shrines across Japan and features the biggest torii gate in the world. The final shrine, Hayatama Taisha, highlights a sacred rock and ancient tree for worship as well as religious artifacts that date back to the 3rd century.

In Chugoku, the westernmost part of the main island Honshu, you can find memorable sights and experiences. Although this region is not as well-known as Kansai, you can find the notable city of Hiroshima here. Chugoku consists of five prefectures and a population of over 7 million residents.

The capital city of the Shima Prefecture, Matsue, displays one of Japan’s largest and original castle towers (Matsue Castle). As one of only a dozen original castles in the country, Matsue Castle has since survived fires, earthquakes, and anti-feudal demolitions. After your visit to the castle, take a look at the Adachi Museum of Art and appreciate the Japanese art and garden design. Complete your trip to Chugoku by stopping by the Matsue Former Samurai District, a good example of seeing highly ranked samurai family mansions.

The city of Okayama, capital of the Okayama Prefecture, developed as a castle town during the Edo Period and became an important regional power. It is most famous for its Korakuen Garden, a lovely Japanese style garden that is ranked among the “three best landscape gardens”. Just across a river you can visit the charming Okayama Castle, sometimes called “crow castle” because of its black exterior. Although the original structure was destroyed during WWII, the reconstruction features history and development of the castle.

Next, you can make your way to Kurashiki, best known for its preserved Canal Area. Kurashiki once served as an important rice distribution center, the commodity was stored in the storehouses along the picturesque canal. Many of these original storehouses have been converted to boutiques, cafes, and a number of museums. Nearby, you can find the Ohara Museum, Museum of Folkcraft, Toy Museum, and Archaeological Museum.

Find yourself touring around the distinguished city of Hiroshima. The Peace Memorial Park is a must-visit attraction that features the Peace Memorial Museum and the A-Bomb Dome, one of the few buildings to remain standing after the bomb was dropped. Among these buildings is the Cenotaph for the A-Bomb Victims, which is an arched tomb with a chest that holds over 220,000 names. Onto lighter things, check out the Hiroshima Castle and absorb the history of Hiroshima and castles in general while inside Ninomaru (castle’s second circle of defense). Stop by the scenic Shukkeien Garden, Mazda Museum, and Hiroshima Downtown.

Just outside the city of Hiroshima, you can experience the sight of one of Japan’s “three best views” at Miyajima. It is a small island that features a giant torii gate, renowned for the appearance of floating on water when it is at high tide. This romantic island features the famous Itsukushima Shrine, consisting of multiple buildings that are connected by boardwalks and supported by pillars above the sea. You can also hike the island’s highest mountain (Mount Misen), visit an important Buddhist temple at the base of the mountain (Daisho-in Temple), and see a historical, large wooden hall dedicated to Toyotomi Hideyoshi (Senjokaku Hall). You may even come across the many, wandering deer on the island.

Shikoku is the fourth largest of Japan’s main islands and consists of four prefectures. It is celebrated for the religious journey to the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, sacred places that bestow blessings on travelers while also granting beautiful sights. Shikoku also offers stunning coastlines, mountains, and rivers for those who seek not only enlightenment, but a sense of refreshment and fulfillment.

If you desire a leisurely getaway to sandy beaches, sunny weather, and a Mediterranean ambience, Naoshima is the place to go. Naoshima is an island in the Seto Inland Sea, part of the Kagawa Prefecture, and features modern art museums. Some of these include the Chichu Art Museum, Lee Ufan Museum, and Benesse House, all designed by famed Japanese architect Ando Tadao. Wander around the Art House Project, a collection of abandoned buildings converted into art installations that feature unique interiors. Experience art in an interesting way by bathing at the I Love Yu public bath house, which is a unique piece of art itself.

Visit the capital of the Kagawa Prefecture, Takamatsu, and try their famous and delicious Sanuki Udon. Admire the Ritsurin Koen, one of the most beautiful and widely known gardens in Japan that was built during the early Edo Period. Take a ferry to the tiny Ogijima Island and experience its charming village, lighthouse, museum, and pleasant fields and forest. Enjoy a refreshing, open-air museum experience that highlights traditional Shikoku architecture from the Edo and Meiji Periods, and the popular vine suspension bridge at Shikoku Mura.

Make your way to Kotohira, a small town that is famed for Shikoku’s most popular shrine Kompirasan. Dedicated to sailors and seafaring, it is said to have one of the most difficult shrine approaches with a series of 1,368 stone steps one must climb. However, it is a highly visited pilgrimage spot. Next, pay a visit to one of Japan’s oldest surviving, complete kabuki playhouse. Built in 1835, the Kanamaruza Kabuki Theater allows visitors to discover the audience hall, stage, dressing rooms, and basement that holds the human-powered rotating stage and trapdoors.

Finally, explore Matsuyama, the largest city on Shikoku and capital of Ehime Prefecture. Bathe in one of Japan’s oldest hot spring resorts at Dogo Onsen Honkan, built during the Meiji Period. The bathhouse's unique character is said to have served as an inspiration for the award-winning Studio Ghibli film, “Spirited Away”, by Hayao Miyazaki. Located at the heart of Matsuyama stands one of Japan’s 12 original castles, Matsuyamajo. Not only is it one of the most interesting and complex castles, it also serves as a gorgeous cherry blossom spot. The castle’s location provides visitors a stunning bird’s eye view of the city and the Seto Inland Sea.

Japan’s third largest island, Kyushu, offers an abundance of fresh food, hot springs, and natural beauty. Its location on the southwest end of main island Honshu was the early focus of Japanese civilization, so many historic treasures can also be found here. Try the local dishes, and tour its quality cities and coastlines.

First, visit Fukuoka, Kyushu’s largest city. As a prominent harbor city for centuries, it was chosen as the landing spot of the Mongol invasion in the 13th century. The city boasts the distinction of having Japan’s first Zen temple, Shofukuji, founded in 1195. Tour around the popular “city within the city” (Canal City Hakata), experience Fukuoka's famous open air food stalls (Yatai), and one of the most intriguing festivals in Japan (Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival). Be sure to stroll around and get some fresh air by stopping by the beautiful Uminonakamichi Seaside Park and Ohori Park.

The city of Dazaifu was once vital in organizing Japan’s defenses and the country’s diplomatic relations. Nowadays it is a small, quiet town that serves as a perfect day trip to check out a number of temples and shrines. This includes the important Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, dedicated to the spirit of a scholar and politician of the Heian Period, Sugawara Michizane. It is also recommended to pay a visit to Komyozenji Temple, popular for its gorgeous zen garden. Before leaving, check out the Kanzeonji Temple, which stores many cultural artifacts from the Heian, Nara, and early Kamakura Periods.

In Nagasaki, you can visit the Nagasaki Peace Park, which commemorates those who lost their lives in the atomic bombing. Find yourself in awe while enjoying one of Japan’s three best night views at Mount Inasa, or on a boat ride to the historical, small island called Gunkanjima which once served as a coal mine. Check out mansions of former Western residents in an open air museum (Glover Garden), Japan’s most famous Christian church (Oura Church), and a Chinese structured Zen temple (Sofukuji).

A major city along the west coast of Kyushu, the city of Kumamoto is famed for having one of Japan’s most largest and complete castles. The impressive reconstruction of the extravagant Kumamoto Castle features 800 cherry trees, making this a lovely cherry blossom spot in the spring. Stroll along a circular path in Suizenji Garden, a spacious Japanese-style landscape garden. If you have time, you should check out a shining example of a high-class samurai mansion at the Former Hosokawa Residence.

See the largest active volcano in Japan, and among the largest calderas in the world at Mount Aso. The spectacular Mount Nakadake stands in the center of the caldera, which is easily accessible by toll road or ropeway. However, you should note that the crater area is sometimes completely closed off due to poisonous gases and volcanic activity, so be sure to check the volcano's state before visiting. Nearby, you can also visit Kusasenri-ga-hama to horseback ride or take a pleasant walking trail around the beautifully-shaped volcanic cone, Komezuka.

Make your way to one of Japan’s most famous hot spring resorts, Beppu, which offers an array of various hot spring baths. This includes normal hot water baths, steam baths, mud baths, and sand baths. You can also find yourself admiring eight eye-catching hot springs, known as the “hells”, which are true to its name and made for viewing rather than bathing. Finally, find amusement in the popular Takasakiyama Monkey Park, where visitors can see free-roaming monkeys up close.

Influenced by Japanese mythology, the town of Takachiho is the claimed site where the legendary Shinto Sun Goddess called Amaterasu hid in a cave due to her brother’s cruel pranks. Radiating spiritual energy, Takachiho is a place of significant religious importance and natural beauty. The Takachiho Gorge, an impressive gorge with green foliage, a breathtaking waterfall backdrop, and magnificent rock cliffs is a highly recommended experience. Take a picturesque walking trail and end up at Takachiho Shrine, where Yokagura performances are held to reenact the well-known story of Amaterasu. Be sure to stop by the Amano Iwato Shrine as well.

Kyushu’s southernmost major city, Kagoshima, bestows one of Japan’s most active volcanoes. Sakurajima is the symbol of Kagoshima, it is seen constantly smoking and minor eruptions take place throughout the day. Visitors can access it by ferry, and find plenty of other attractions near Ferry Terminal as well. Borrowing scenery from Sakurajima and Kagoshima Bay, you should check out the striking Japanese-style Senganen Garden. Shiroyama Park offers beautiful views of downtown Kagoshima, as well as the popular Shiroyama Observatory and Satsuma no Yu outdoor hot spring bath.

Finally, find yourself in awe on the one of a kind subtropical island Yakushima. Containing some of Japan’s oldest living trees, the extensive cedar forest even has an ancient tree well over 7,000 years old. Visit the Princess Mononoke film-inspired lush, green forest (Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine), Yakushima’s main attraction and oldest tree (Jomonsugi), and a number of outdoor attractions around the gorgeous island. This includes snorkeling, scuba diving, onsens, nature watching, waterfalls, and more.

Consisting of a few dozen small islands, the subtropical island chain has some of the world’s most beautiful coral reefs and marine wildlife. One of Okinawa’s main attractions is the distinctive Ryukyuan culture, different from Japanese in terms of art, cuisine, and language. Things to do include the Yaeyama Islands, an island paradise that offers snorkeling, diving, and an overall leisurely getaway from big cities. Miyako Island is famed for its breathtaking, tropical beaches. Swim in the picturesque, warm waters and enjoy excellent snorkeling at Maehama Beach, Yoshino Beach, and Sunayama Beach. Be sure to also visit the Okinawa Main Island, center of the former Ryukyu Kingdom and most populous island in the Okinawa Prefecture. Here, there are tons of places to visit, including Japan’s best aquarium (Churaumi Aquarium), a Peace Park (War Memorials), the reconstruction of the former Ryukyu royal palace (Shuri Castle), and more.