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Japan

6

Reasons To
Visit Japan

  • City life

    Modern and exciting cities make up much of the Japanese landscape, encapsulated by sleek bullet trains, flashing neon lights and dizzying skyscrapers. Scratch the surface to find hidden temples, preserved samurai quarters and local markets.

    City life

  • Food

    From delicate sashimi to prime grade steaks washed down with a local beer or a cup of hot sake, every mouthful you try in Japan will certainly be memorable and more often than not, delicious.

    Food

  • Ryokan accommodation

    A stay in a Japanese ryokan inn is an unbeatable opportunity to experience true Japanese hospitality, including kaiseki cuisine, hot onsen baths and sleeping on a tatami mat.

    Ryokan accommodation

  • Scenery

    Although the image of Japan is that of skyscrapers and flashing neon, most of the country is rural, rugged and mountainous, providing excellent walking and hiking in the summer and skiing in the winter.

    Scenery

  • Temples & shrines

    Kyoto alone has over 1600 Buddhist temples and 400 Shinto shrines paying homage to a number of different deities and gods. Enter the through the large torii gate and contemplate.

    Temples & shrines

  • Traditional culture

    From tea ceremonies and flower arrangements to lavish Geisha attended kaiseki banquets, Japanese culture is the most refined and elaborate in the world.

    Traditional culture

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Japan

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Visit Shirakawago, Japan

For most of their history, the Shirakawago Villages have lain hidden in the deep, snowbound valleys of the northern Alps, under the shadow of sacred Mt Hakusan. The region was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995.

Gassho zukuri houses, Shirakawago
Gassho zukuri houses, ShirakawagoPanoramic, ShirakawagoShirakawago traditonal housesShirakawagoShirakawago, Japan

Shirakawago

Japan

For most of their history, the Shirakawago Villages have lain hidden in the deep, snowbound valleys of the northern Alps, under the shadow of sacred Mt Hakusan.

The traditional style of housing, the Gasshozukuri, designed with steep, thatched roofs to withstand the weight of snow, has survived in this area long after it has disappeared from other, more accessible, areas.

History

The region was opened up in the 1960’s when the river upstream from the villages was dammed, and the subsequent highway into the mountains constructed. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995, and consequently the number of visitors, and gift shops, has increased dramatically. That said, the village is still a fascinating remnant of an older Japan, and well worth a day trip from Takayama.

For the more adventurous it is even possible to stay overnight in one of the traditional houses.

More in Shirakawago, Japan

Further reading:
JapanWhen to GoHighlightsItinerary IdeasPlaces to GoThings to DoAccommodationAbout JapanCountry Guides

Other countries in North Asia & Russia:
ChinaKyrgyzstanMongoliaRussiaTaiwanTibetUkraineUzbekistan

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