Japan Travel Guide – Planning a Trip to Hiroshima, Nagoya, and Osaka

When planning a Japan trip, there are many factors to consider. You will have to decide where you want to spend the most time. Luckily, the country offers plenty of options. Some of the most popular places to visit include Kyoto, Osaka, and Nagoya. Here are some tips for planning your trip.tripbusting.com
Hiroshima

There are many different reasons to visit Hiroshima, Japan. Whether you’re an art lover or just love beautiful landscapes, there are plenty of reasons to plan a visit. The best time to visit is during spring, when the cherry blossoms are blooming. This is one of the most popular seasons for travel to Japan, but it can be crowded. In addition, summers in Japan are very hot and humid, so visiting during this time will be a challenge.

While the Peace Memorial Museum is the most famous attraction in Hiroshima, it is also important to visit the city’s other sites. For example, you can visit the Hibakujumoku Kusunoki, a tree that was destroyed by an atomic bomb. The tree is located in a park and offers a remembrance of the war. The museum also contains videotaped testimonies of survivors.

Hiroshima has an excellent public transport system. Most attractions are well signposted in English. However, if you wish to explore the city on your own, you may want to rent a car. The city is home to several car rental companies. The cost for a mid-size car is around Y8,000 for 24 hours.
Kyoto

Kyoto is known for its many temples, art galleries, and museums. It also has a thriving arts community and several Michelin-starred restaurants. There are also numerous tea houses and a bustling independent coffee scene. If you’re planning a trip to Kyoto, consider hiring a local guide.

Kyoto is home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site: the gilded Kinkaku-ji, an isolated temple on the water. This 1,300-year-old temple is located beside a trickling waterfall. The stream cascades over three pours, and the temple has a wooden balcony on top.

If you’re going to travel to Kyoto, be prepared for different seasons. Temperatures can drop below zero in winter, which isn’t ideal for sightseeing. However, the city’s climate is mild during spring and summer, making it an easy time to visit. Temperatures during these seasons are pleasant and crowds are moderate.

The shopping district of Kyoto is concentrated around Shijo-dori and Kawaramachi-dori. The north end has many trendy stores and cafes, while the west end features the largest number of Michelin-starred restaurants. The area also features a variety of small stores.
Nagoya

Listed as the fourth largest city in Japan, Nagoya has a population of 2.2 million people. The city is home to the Tokugawa Ieyasu Castle and the Osu Kannon Temple. During the Edo Period, the castle served as the seat of the Tokugawa clan. The castle was destroyed during World War II, but was rebuilt after the war and is now open to the public.

The best time to visit Nagoya is from March to May, when the weather is mild and pleasant. The average temperature during these months is about 19-23degC, or 59-68degF. However, the city is also pleasant to visit during the late autumn and early winter months. This is because winter temperatures are still mild, making it a great place for winter sports, like skiing. Several ski resorts are located within two hours of Nagoya.

One of the most convenient ways to get around Nagoya is to use the train. The Shinkansen bullet train connects Nagoya with the Kansai region, making it an easy city to get to. You can also use Japan Railway (JR) trains to reach Nagoya from other parts of the country. The city has its own international airport, which is only 30 minutes away by train. You can fly into this airport from cities like Sendai, Kyushu, and Okinawa, as well as from other parts of Japan.
Osaka

Osaka, Japan’s second largest city, has been a hub for business and culture for centuries. In the fifth century, Osaka was the country’s capital, and its port served as a major trade route to China and Korea. In the middle of the seventh century, it briefly reverted to its former status as Japan’s capital, before falling to a succession of turbulent shoguns. After this time, the town was renamed Osaka and began to develop as a temple town. In 1583, the Toyotomi Hideyoshi shogunate established a stronghold on the site, which was later converted to the castle of Osaka. The castle was later destroyed by the Tokugawa shogunate, but the town continued to grow as a commercial, economic, and culinary centre

A visit to Osaka’s temples will give you a glimpse into the city’s history and culture. The city is home to numerous temples, many of which are located in the Shitaderamachi neighborhood near Tennoji Station. The Hozen-ji temple is especially beautiful and offers a tranquil atmosphere. Another popular temple is the Ohatsu Tenjin Temple, which commemorates the tragic love story of a 17th-century couple.
Tokyo

If you’re planning a visit to Tokyo, there are several times of the year that will be ideal for sightseeing. The shoulder seasons, from October to May, offer moderate temperatures and little rainfall. The cherry blossom season takes place in late March through early April, but this can bring a lot of crowds to the city. If you plan to visit during this time, it is important to book your accommodations in advance.

One of the most popular areas to visit in Tokyo is the Shinjuku area, which has plenty of shops, bars, and restaurants. The area is convenient to stay in since it is so near major transportation hubs. Visiting Shinjuku during the day will offer you a chance to enjoy the sights, sounds, and food of the city. In the evening, you’ll find that this area is even more energetic.

While most establishments in Tokyo accept major credit cards, you may want to research the exchange rate before you arrive. Even if the rate is favorable on your arrival, there’s still a chance that you might find it hard to pay. However, you’ll find that ATMs in the city accept foreign cards. Typically, you can find ATMs in the post office, 7-Eleven stores, and Citibanks.
Kansai

Kansai is a region in the south of Honshu, the main island of Japan. It is home to the city of Kyoto, which was the capital for nearly a thousand years. It has Buddhist temples and ponds, including the pine-framed Ginkaku-ji, and a renowned Zen garden. Other highlights include Nara, an 8th-century capital with free-range deer and a Todai-ji temple.

The Kansai region, also known as the Kinki region, is one of the most popular tourist areas in Japan. It is home to Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kobe, and other cities and prefectures. The region also includes many historical and modern landmarks, including castles and onsen baths.

Kansai is the largest area in western Japan, and is home to some of the country’s most beautiful cities. Kyoto is the largest and most popular city in Kansai, and is home to the Great Buddha hall. It also boasts a quaint park. In the Kansai area, you can find a number of museums and tourist attractions.

To get around the region, use Google Maps and Hyperdia, a website that gives directions to the nearest train stations. These services are especially useful if you are taking intercity trains. You can also use Google Maps to find walking routes and local transportation systems.
Okayama

The city is relatively undiscovered, making it an excellent base for exploring the surrounding region. While it isn’t overrun with attractions, there are a few highlights to check out in the city. Okayama has a variety of museums, from the Okayama Prefectural Museum of Art to the Kurashiki Art Museum. The city is also home to a number of microbreweries and local sake.

If you are visiting from outside of Japan, you can reach Okayama by taking a train. It is less than 2 hours’ train ride from Hiroshima, Kyoto, and Tokyo. You can also take the JR Haruka limited express train, which takes about two hours, from Osaka to Okayama. If you’re visiting from Japan, you can buy a Japan Rail Pass and use it for unlimited travel within the region.