No one can truly describe the beauty of Japan’s landscapes with mere words. High-rise buildings create skyscrapers in modern cities. People rush from one place to another in the noisy hustle and bustle. Temples and shrines still maintain their peaceful presence in the midst of all this. Once outside large cities, townships with scenes of everyday life emerge. There are rural areas where people live in harmony with nature, mountain ranges which change their appearance according to each season, rivers which are the source of people’s livelihoods and fertilize the fields, bodies of water which are sometimes rough but other times gentle and houses which quietly sit. These scenes welcome visitors.
Come and see these landscapes that generations of Japanese people have treasured. CJETT will provide expert guides.
As Japan’s capital and the world’s most populous metropolis, Tokyo offers tradition and innovation, as well as unlimited opportunities to eat, shop and explore.
With a variety of scenes from an urban atmosphere created by high-rise buildings, traditional townships where friendly people live and temples and shrines which show the history of the region, Tokyo always has something to fascinate visitors.
From the venerable Sensoji Temple to the futuristic Tokyo Skytree, Asakusa is a great juxtaposition of the old and the new.
Among these tourist attractions in Asakusa, Sensoji Temple has a nearly 1,400 year history and is well known for the large red lantern at Kaminati-mon (Thunder Gate). It is believed that the temple’s history began when a statue of Bodhisattva Kannon, the temple’s principal image, was found in 628. A priest named Shōkai Shōnin reestablished Kannon-do Hall in 645. Since then, the temple has been hit by numerous natural disasters but fortunately has recovered each time. The temple has been the center of local culture since the Edo Period.
www.japan.travel/en/destinations/kanto/tokyo/asakusa-and-around/
Amongst all traditional towns in Tokyo, Yanaka and Nezu have retained the historical atmosphere of the Showa period. Along the streets there are traditional wooden houses, Showa-style cafes and historic private houses. Visitors can visit historical spots like Yanaka Rei-en (Cemetery) and Nezu Shrine.
– Yanaka Ginza where visitors can experience the nostalgia of the traditional towns of Tokyo –
There are approximately seventy stores along the 170-meter long Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street. The street retains images of old Tokyo, and visitors can feel as if they are walking along the street during the Showa Period. You should plan to visit “Yūyake Dandan” between the Yanaka shopping street and Nippori Station during the twilight hours. You will see the street taking on the beautiful glow of the evening sun.
Shibuya is at the center of Tokyo’s cutting-edge culture. The liveliness of Shibuya is often considered to be the heart and soul of the city. . With world-famous sights including the iconic scramble crossing, this area is a must-see for nightlife and trendy youth culture .
www.japan.travel/en/spot/2109/
Popular hiking spot on Takaosan offers a wide range of activities
Less than an hour’s train ride from central Tokyo, Mt. Takao, or Takaosan as it is known in Japanese, is a well-loved hiking destination and an antidote to busy city life. Whether you want to do some serious hiking or just take in the sights, Mt. Takao is the place to do it.
www.japan.travel/en/spot/2103/
Standing at 3,776 meters, Mt. Fuji is the tallest peak in Japan. Mt. Fuji presents a different appearance depending on the season and where one stands and views it. This majestic mountain is the heart and soul of the Japanese people. In addition, Mt. Fuji has long been a site of spiritual importance and a source of artistic inspiration.
Hakone is where famous hot springs, great heritage, and fantastic views of Mt. Fuji at a world-class resort are located.
Hakone was once a transportation hub along Tōkaidō (the most important of the Five Routes of the Edo Period in Japan) and has flourished as a post station (shukuba). Surrounded by mountains, Hakone exhibits various natural scenes depending on the season. There are many art and history museums, as well as spots like Hakone Checkpoint (sekisho) and Hakone Shrine where visitors can catch a glimpse of the town’s history. Most importantly, Hakone is one of the leading hot spring resorts in the Kantō region. We recommend you relax in a hot spring while enjoying the views.
www.japan.travel/en/destinations/kanto/kanagawa/hakone-and-around/
There are endless recreational and cultural pleasures at Mr. Fuji’s five famous lakes – known locally as Fujigoko – Kawaguchiko, Yamanakako, Saiko, Shojinko, and Motosuko. Kawaguchiko is the easiest to get to from Tokyo and is the central location for sightseeing in the Fujigoko area. The lake offers stunning views of Mt. Fuji in every season.
www.japan.travel/en/spot/1329/
The Mihonomatsubara Pine Tree Grove is located on the Miho Peninsula which forms the Port of Shimizu, Shizuoka Prefecture. It is also the place where the Hagoromo Legend took place. From ancient times, this land has inspired its admirers to create poems and paintings. When you visit, you may personally experience that special feeling and, perhaps, also believe that the legend of the descending celestial maiden could actually be true. The Hagoromo-no-Matsu has always fascinated visitors with its breathtaking natural beauty and affords amazing views from the beach looking up at Mt Fuji.
https://www.visit-shizuoka.com/en/gokuraku/content.php?t=19
Northern Nagano has many popular historic and traditional landscapes. One such locations is Jigokudani, the only place in the world where you can see wild monkeys soaking in an onsen. There is also an additional onsen district where you can bathe in a 100% natural hot spring while enjoying the brilliant colors of the fall leaves.
Jigokudani Wild Monkey Park is located 850 meters above sea level. The area is covered by snow almost one third of the year, and the climate is quite severe. Seeing the steep cliffs and steam rising from everywhere, ancient people called the area “Jigokudani” (Hell’s Valley). However, the area has been a paradise for wild monkeys. Since ancient times, wild Japanese macaques (aka Japanese snow monkeys) have been living there. Since its opening in 1964, Jigokudani Wild Snow Monkey Park has been popular as a place where visitors can observe the interesting habits of the Japanese monkeys. The monkeys are adored by people all over the world.
https://en.jigokudani-yaenkoen.co.jp
Matsumoto is home to one of Nagano’s most striking historic sites, the famous Matsumoto Castle. It is also a gateway to the Japanese Alps and a destination in its own right.
Matsumoto Castle is one of five castles designated as “National Treasures of Japan” and has the oldest five-tiered, six-story castle tower remaining in Japan. Construction of this elegant black and white structure with its three turrets began in 1592. Inside the castle are steep stairs and low ceilings leading past displays of armor and weapons from the Sengoku Period (Warring States Period). The narrow wooden windows, once used by archers and gunmen, provide amazing views of the Japanese Alps and Matsumoto City.
https://visitmatsumoto.com/en/spot/matsumotocastle/
About 51 kilometers west of Matsumoto City lies Kamikochi, roughly meaning “where gods descend.”. This location is gorgeous and is the prime attraction of the Chubu Sangaku (central mountain) National Park. It provides an ideal spot from which to start many of the adventures to be done in the area.
https://www.japan.travel/en/spot/1357/
From the early 1600s until the late 1800s, the Nakasendo Highway served as a vital travel artery, connecting Kyoto and Edo (now Tokyo). Seventy kilometers of it ran through Kiso.
Kisoji is a remote feudal-era village where time stands still.
During the Edo Period, Nakasendō was used by just as many people as the Tōkaidō. People have traveled along this road for a very long time. In particular, the section between Tsumago Station and Magome Station is where vestiges of the past remain. It has been developed as a public walkway . The nine-kilometer walk between the historical post towns (Magome Station – Magome Pass – Tsumago Station) takes visitors approximately three hours to complete. You can enjoy hiking while watching beautiful seasonal views of the Kiso mountains, gorges and waterfalls.
www.kisoji-isan.com/en/
Located in the middle of Japan, Owari and Mikawa in Aichi were at the center of the Sengoku, or Warring States, Period. It’s where many important samurai battles took place and where many samurai heroes, including the nation’s three unifiers, Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Tokugawa Ieyasu, were born. About 70% of the nation’s ruling Daimyo warlords of the early Edo Period (1603-1868) came from these areas.
Arimatsu is a village which was established in 1608 between Chiryu Station and Narumi Station along the Tōkaidō Route by a recommendation from the Owari Domain. Takeda Shōkurō, the first person who moved to the village, invented Arimatsu Shibori (tie-dyeing); and the village continued to practice this form of tie-dyeing throughout its history. Along the gently curved eight-hundred-meter-long street in a section of Tōkaidō, there are many tie-dyeing shops. Some have wide entrances, while others have traditional gates and walls. The street is still quite spacious today.
www.nagoya-info.jp/en/spot/detail/55/
Korankei is famous as a location for viewing fall foliage. The best time to see the foliage is from mid to late November. There are many signature sights to see, such as a tunnel of foliage spanning from the promenade to Kojakuji Temple, as well as a display of illumination from Tomoebashi Bridge. In the spring, there is a lovely carpet of dogtooth violet covering the ground. You can also see beautiful scenery when the new greenery sprouts.
https://www.aichi-now.jp/en/features/detail/70/
Deep in the heart of the Japanese Alps, Hida Takayama is surrounded by mountains and contains many historic buildings.
https://www.hida.jp/english/index.html
Harkening back to its days as a thriving merchant town, the old townscape of Takayama remains well preserved with houses dating back to the Edo Period. The area has shops, cafes, sake breweries, and historic merchant houses.
Nationally Recognized Important Historical Building Preservation Area
The Town Village still stands on the east side of the Miyagawa River flowing through Takayama. Sanmachi is located in the center of the village and contains Edo period houses. The rich atmosphere of this Takayama castle town still lingers, and you can see sake breweries and merchant houses with latticed bay windows standing in a row. This district was designated an area of important traditional buildings by the Japanese Government.
The village is a group of five hot springs located in the valleys of the Northern Japanese Alps. The outdoor baths with their mountain views make this area a delight to visit and the perfect atmosphere for relaxation.
“Okuhida-Onsengo Village,” an onsen hot spring resort, is located approximately one hour by car from Takayama City Center. “Okuhida-Onsengo” is the comprehensive name of five onsens: Hirayu, Fukuji, Shinhirayu, Tochio and Shinhotaka. The area is spread out across the foot of the Northern Alps. With abundant hot springs, the village has the largest number of open-air baths in Japan. Much of the most beautiful mountain scenery in Japan is nearby. Visitors can thoroughly enjoy relaxing in the baths surrounded by majestic nature.
First-in-Japan double-decker gondolas will take you 2,200 meters above sea level. Enjoy the majestic vista of Japan’s Northern Alps (Hida Mountain Range). Climbers can use the ropeway to begin their trek.
Shirakawa-go and Goyayama Villages are in one of Japan’s heaviest snowfall areas. In winter, snow falls so much that it becomes impossible to leave the area. Therefore, ancient people called the area “hikyo no chi (a secluded area).” The local inhabitants are used to heavy snow and dealt with it well. The area has a typical climate pattern on the coastal regions of Japan Sea (with low temperatures in winter due to northwestern seasonal winds, rain and snow). When it is too cold to do outside activities, many people here like to stay inside during the winter months and make washi paper.
Gassho-style houses contain various features which allowed residents to more easily adapt to the climate and nature of a mountain village. The gassho-style houses in Shirakawa-go and Gokayama differ somewhat. For example, there are differences in the angles of the rooves, the sizes of the dirt floors, the locations of the entrances, the presence or absence of roof eaves, etc. The gassho buildings are a type of private housing found only in Shirakawa-go and Gokayama. The agricultural landscape of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama, with gassho-style houses as a prominent feature, is valued around the world as a uniquely precious World Heritage Site.
https://shirakawa-go.gr.jp/en/
www.gokayama-info.jp/en/
Toyama is part of Japan’s snow country. When the snow begins to melt, the Tateyama Mountain Range and local gorges draw nature lovers for scenic hikes, mountain exploration, and casual hot spring getaways.
Amabarashi Kaigan (Rain-Free Coast) was composed as “Shibutani” in The Anthology of Myriad Leaves and is considered to be one of the 100 best beaches in Japan because of its picturesque view of beautiful rocks, white sand and green pine trees. You can see “Tateyama” alpine mountains looming 3,000 meters over the bay of Toyama.
https://www.takaoka.or.jp/en/archives/274?lang=en
The Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route is a sightseeing route in Chubu Sangaku National Park which connects Toyama City, Toyama Prefecture and Omachi in Nagano Prefecture. The route affords breathtaking vistas across the Northern Alps. Accessible only from April to November, you can make the ascent by cable car, trolley bus or ropeway. The best scenery in the spring is the towering walls of snow from April to May. At 2,450 meters, Murodo-daira receives an average of over 20 meters of snow each winter, which is one of the heaviest snowfalls in the world. A 500 meter stroll between the high walls of snow is a big tourist draw.
https://www.japan.travel/en/spot/1420/
The Noto Peninsula is a 100-kilometer stretch of land that juts out into the sea, making up the northern area of Ishikawa Prefecture. A visit to Noto’s beautiful beach, small fishing villages, and agricultural interior will mesmerize you and give you a new appreciation for a slow-paced life.
Shiroyone Senmaida (A Thousand Rice Paddies in Shiroyone) is the location of rice terraces in Shiroyone Town, Wajima City in Ishikawa Prefecture. The scenery of 1,004 small rice paddies on steep slopes along the seaside is splendid and thus famous among the many other rice terraces in Japan.
http://senmaida.wajima-kankou.jp/en/
Located almost in the middle of Japan’s central island of Honshu, Kanazawa boasts a diverse range of attractions. These include the urban structure of the castle town developed by samurai and the cultural heritage that it retains, traditional crafts regarded as symbolic of Japanese handiwork and aesthetics, and a unique food culture. Exploring the history and culture that underlie Kanazawa will make your trip even more enjoyable. Here, we will take a more in-depth look at Kanazawa’s attractions than is typically the case in general guidebooks.
https://visitkanazawa.jp
Considered one of Japan’s three most beautiful gardens, Kenrokuen Garden is a must-visit location in Kanazawa. The name Kenrokuen means “having six factors,” representing the attributes which bring out the garden’s stunning beauty: spaciousness, tranquility, antiquity, water sources and magnificent views.
In Japanese culture, geisha houses have been traditional places for feasts and entertainment since the Edo period. Also referred to as “chaya,” they are where geishas entertained wealthy nobility and rich merchants. Geishas are female Japanese entertainers who perform dances and play traditional Japanese instruments.
Opened in 2004, the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art in Kanazawa stands out compared to more traditional art museums. The museum features a captivating disc-like design, as if it were a UFO touching down in the middle of Kanazawa. All the walls are made of glass, and the building features five gates, all pointing toward different parts of the city.
Kaga and Echizen are located along the road between Kanazawa and Kyoto. You will be impressed by the scenery, with its contrast between the rough waves of the Japan Sea and the quiet streets.
Between the coast of the Japan Sea and Mt. Hakusan is the 1,300 year old hot spring resort town of Kaga Onsen in southwestern Ishikawa Prefecture . This town is built around four onsen villages. Kaga Onsen offers high-quality natural onsen waters, traditional Japanese crafts , authentic nature walks, and sumptuous local, regional specialties. This is the ultimate place to relax.
https://www.japan.travel/en/spot/2189/
https://visitkaga.jp
Eiheiji, “The Temple of Eternal Peace,” is one of the two head temples of Soto Zen. It is located deep in the mountains, near the northwest coast of Japan, not far from Fukui City. This temple was founded by Zen Master Dōgen in 1244. He was offered land and other help for this by Yoshishige Hatano, a samurai who was one of his most devoted lay followers. Dōgen thus founded Eiheiji, where he devoted himself to training his followers in the perfection of Zen practice in every action of daily life. Still today, over one hundred monks devote themselves wholeheartedly to his practice of shikantaza (“sitting in a state of conscious awareness”)
https://daihonzan-eiheiji.com/en/
Echizen Ono Castle is “the castle in the sky.” You will find the castle town hidden below a sea of clouds. As the sea of clouds disappears, the castle town reappears. When you look at this scenery, you will feel as if you were wandering around ancient Ono.
https://www.onocastle.net/en/skycastle/
At the center of Shiga rests Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan. The lake is surrounded by verdant mountains, providing the blessing of both water and greenery. Lake Biwa is said to have four million years of history, and the tranquil scenery that comprises the lake and its environs allows visitors to enjoy everything that each brilliant season has to offer.
https://en.biwako-visitors.jp/shiga/
Biwako Terrace offers a sophisticated resort for adults and delivers soaring views over the lake. There are two terraces, each with their own character, atop two mountains. Enjoy a luxurious and relaxing time in a very special setting.
https://www.biwako-valley.com/tips/biwako_terrace_en/
Nagahama is located north of Lake Biwa. It is a castle town which retains its history while at the same time exists as a modern township.
During the Edo Period, the town flourished as a post station. Then later the “Kurokabe (Black Wall) Square” district was created utilizing traditional buildings. Now there are glassware shops and factories, as well as cafes and restaurants where visitors can enjoy local cuisine, located side by side in a row along the street.
Visitors can see the nostalgic but modern street where Meiji-style buildings, including Japan’s oldest existing train station building, and the Old Keiunkan State Guest House where Nagahama Bonbai-ten (exhibitions of bonsai plum flowers and trees) are held.
https://kitabiwako.jp/nagahama_outline
Kyoto is the former capital city of Japan and world-famous for its refined culture, dining, and rural charm . Kyoto attracts millions of local and international visitors each year seeking traditional Japanese culture. Temples and shrines, such as Kiyomizudera and Kinkakuji, draw lots of attention from visitors, as do the bamboo groves of nearby Arashiyama. Stay in a traditional ryokan, take a dip in a rejuvenating onsen, and enjoy the seasonal changes of cherry blossoms and brilliant autumn foliage.
https://kyoto.travel/en/index.html
https://www.kyototourism.org/en/discoverkyoto/
https://www.japan.travel/en/destinations/kansai/kyoto/
Arashiyama is renowned for its bamboo grove, beautiful location and famous heritage.
Located in the northwestern area of Kyoto, Arashiyama draws many visitors to its world-renowned bamboo grove and beautiful scenery which changes with each season. The area is dotted with temples, old imperial villas, and famous historical sites, many of which are National Treasures or have been recognized as World Heritage sites. The entire region is designated by the Japanese government as a Place of Scenic Beauty.
https://www.japan.travel/en/spot/1142/
Situated atop a small mountain on the east side of Kyoto, Kiyomizudera Temple offers a commanding view of the city. The temple’s huge, lattice-supported deck is one of the most famous images of Japan. But Kiyomizudera offers more than just a pretty view, with the experience of visiting beginning long before you reach the temple itself.
https://www.japan.travel/en/spot/2199/
The Pontocho District in Kyoto is located on a long, paved alley lined with traditional wooden buildings. This is a place which sleeps by day and comes alive at night. It has an array of bars and restaurants which attract gourmands and culture fans alike, with many locals who can welcome foreign guests in English or other languages.
https://www.japan.travel/en/spot/79/
Kyoto is deeply influenced by traditional Japanese culture. Japan’s oldest legends are still alive in the sea, and the mountains are still the spiritual source for the local people. Beyond the city, Kyoto Prefecture stretches north through the forest to the sea. Come experience all the charms that Kyoto has to offer, and discover a Kyoto you never knew.
Kyoto has a long history with tea, and the famous Uji tea is produced in the region. In Kyoto Tea Country, you’ll find beautiful tea fields and a chance to experience the locally established tea culture. Don’t miss the many splendid historical spots either, such as Byōdōin Temple and Ujigami-jinja Shrine, both World Heritage sites.
https://www.kyoto-uji-kankou.or.jp/index-en.html
Considered one of the three most scenic spots in Japan, Amanohashidate is a natural land bridge situated in a protected bay along the coast of northern Kyoto Prefecture.
Walk along the picturesque sandbar known as “the bridge to heaven.” Pay respect to the area’s diverse sacred sites, and hop in a cable car to visit Kasamatsu Park for incredible views of the coastline below.
https://www.japan.travel/en/itineraries/exploring-amanohashidate-a-bridge-formed-by-gods/
Located two and half hours from Kyoto City, the rugged Kyotango region is home to an intriguing local secret: the residents of the idyllic fishing villages and mountain hamlets in this backwoods region consistently live longer than Japanese citizens elsewhere.
https://visitkyotango.com
https://www.kyototourism.org/en/column/16514/
Osaka is a charming, relaxed city best known for its food, fun and nightlife. Osaka is a short shinkansen ride from Tokyo, but has a very different personality to Japan’s capital city. Hop off the bullet train into an area of exciting nightlife, delicious food and straight-talking, friendly locals.
https://osaka-info.jp/en/
Hospitable Osaka established its reputation for commerce and entertainment back in the Edo period. In Shinsaibashi, and among the bright lights of the Dotonbori district, you will find some of the best shopping and eating in Osaka. You can experience Osaka’s liveliest and most colorful area.
https://www.japan.travel/en/destinations/kansai/osaka/dotonbori-and-shinsaibashi/