Job Discussion Forums

nomadder · Posted: Fri Jun 08, 2007 4:36 pm Post subject: Japan For Tourists

Inspired by the other post on here about tourism in Japan, how about some names of places the daring tourist should visit. We all know about Tokyo, Yokohama, Kyoto, Kobe, Osaka, Nara, Kamakura, Izu peninsula and Fuji.

What are some other must see places? I've heard of Takayama and that hiking area-kamikochi. Heard also about Matsumoto and of course Nagano. Kurashiki sounds interesting.

As someone said in another post, with the low yen and high Cdn. dollar it makes more sense to take a trip there now. Same could be said for many others living outside of Japan too.

seanmcginty · Joined: 27 Sep 2005 Posts: 203

Koya san in Wakayama prefecture is worth the trip. Himeji for the castle and Mount Shosha is also a good destination.

JaredW · Posted: Fri Jun 08, 2007 7:54 pm Post subject:

In no particular order,

1. Amakusa Island, Kumamoto-ken

2. Ogasawara-jima

3. Enoshima, Fujisawa, Kanagawa-ken

4. Shuri Castle, Naha, Okinawa-ken

User N. Ame · Joined: 11 Dec 2006 Posts: 222 Location: Kanto

I would second Koyasan. I spent a night at a temple lodging there, and the overall experience of the place was sublime. And from Koya, I would head due south thru Wakayama prefecture, where you'll find some amazing hot springs, beaches, hikes, waterfalls and lovely coastal scenery.

Naturally, you're gonna have a JR Rail pass for your duration here, so make good use of that. And don't think you need to take the Shinkansen everywhere. The slow train along the Sea of Japan from Kinosaki Onsen to Hagi is absolutely gorgeous, and has lots of excellent tourist stops - The Tottori Sand Dunes, Japan's second most important shrine at Izumotaisha, Matsue Castle & the famous 7 dishes from the lake, and down the line to ceramics mecca Hagi there are great stops all the way.

Most of the best stuff I did and saw was not listed in Lonely Planet guide. Keep that in mind. It's worth venturing off the beat & track.

nonsmoker · Posted: Fri Jun 08, 2007 8:24 pm Post subject:

I've always wanted to see Hokkaido in the winter. Something about the northern island just seems so serene and wonderful. Also, I think Sapporo is the only city in Japan to be modeled on a western-like grid system of parallel streets.

Plus, I want to see those monkeys that hang out in the natural hot spring pools Laughing

bshabu · Joined: 03 Apr 2003 Posts: 200 Location: Kumagaya

I third Koyasan. I went with a friends family. Easy day trip from Osaka. I liked all the interesting gravestones.

Also I recomend Hikone Castle and garden. Lots of history. Then go to Nagayama a few stops away. There is a place where you can try your hand at glass blowing.

Another place I would recomend would be Sekigahara. Where one of the biggest battles accured. Also is where they still make swords.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

furiousmilksheikali · Posted: Sat Jun 09, 2007 4:43 am Post subject:

Yes, as Glenski says, Kyoto was built as a grid of parallel streets but it wasn't based on any Western system but on an ancient Chinese model.

Also, as Glenski says posting "places worth seeing" can be easily rebuffed by people who have no interest in that sort of thing. So what are you interested in?

nonsmoker · Posted: Sat Jun 09, 2007 7:42 am Post subject: