When it comes to a Japanese vacation, check out some of the following places and things to do. Whether you are looking for a singles vacation, a couples’ getaway, a family outing or a business trip vacation, you will find some great options here:
Family Vacations
Traveling within Japan with your family? You will want to find vacation spots that offer something for everybody. Check out these must-see places in Japan for families:
Hakkejima Sea Paradise (Yokohama): This is a great family destination if you love marine life and general family fun. Hakkejima Sea Paradise features one of the best aquariums in Japan. But, it also has so much more, including roller coasters and other rides. You can reach it from Tokyo by train in under an hour.
Tokyo Disneyland (Chiba, near Tokyo): Sure, Disneyland is as American as apple pie – so why go see it in Japan, right? Well, each Disneyland has its own flavor. A visit to Tokyo Disneyland can makes a great daytrip or overnight stay for the whole family while exploring other destinations in the Kantō area.
Tokyo Tower: If you are in Tokyo, check out the Tokyo Tower. This one-thousand-foot, orange and white-striped architectural wonder qualifies as the world’s tallest self-supporting iron structure or building. It features an observation deck offering you views of the Tokyo skyline, as well as Mt. Fuji.
Odaiba (Tokyo): This area comprised of man-made islands in Tokyo Bay was originally intended to be turned into an over-the-top development during the boom of the 1980s. While it experienced some decline due to the bursting of Japan’s economic bubble in the 1990s, Odaiba today has become a hot tourist spot. Included in the area are theme parks, entertainment centers, museums and futuristic buildings.
Ride the Shinkansen (Bullet Train): Treat the kids and adults alike in your family to a trip on Japan’s bullet train, or shinkansen. Beginning service in 1964, Japan’s network of bullet trains bring travelers to distant cities throughout Honshū and northern Kyūshū. Your entire family will love not only the speed and novelty of riding these fascinating trains, but everyone will enjoy the unique view of the Japanese countryside that you cannot get in any other way.
International Manga Museum (Kyoto): Does someone in your family love Japanese manga, or comic books? Well, if you are in Western Japan (kansai) near Osaka or Kyoto, go see the International Manga Museum. The museum is divided into multiple zones, including a gallery zone, a research zone and a collection zone. You will find both permanent and special exhibits, as well as a coffee shop/small restaurant and a museum shop.
Japan Folklore Museum (Matsumoto in Nagano Prefecture): Known as the Minzoku Shiryokan in Japanese, this folklore museum was opened in 1873. The museum features with small-scale displays pertaining to the region’s history and folklore. You can find tanabata dolls and other regional folkloric treasures.
Couples’ Getaways
Ideal couples’ getaways in Japan are those that combine a sense of adventure with a touch of the romantic. Here some to consider when looking for places to see in Japan:
Imperial Palace (Tokyo): Located a short walk from Tokyo station, the Imperial Palace of Japan remains an enchanting attraction today. While the palace buildings and inner gardens are closed to the public, you can find guided tours (with English audio).
Fire Walking (Tokyo): Looking for a bit of adventure? Let the Yamabushi Monks meditate and perform a fire dance and a fire-walking ceremony for you. This 1,400-year-old sect will amaze you with their abilities. You and your sweetheart can even join them on the hot walk if you wish.
The Kodo Drum Festival / Earth Celebration (Sado-ga-shima): If you have the time and the means, take a trip to the remote island of Sado-ga-shima. There for 3 days each year in mid-to-late August you will find the Kodo taiko (drum) group who are based on the island. Each year they feature guest performers, as well as the local Japanese troupe.
Mixed-Bathing Onsen/Hot Springs (throughout Japan): When it comes to places to see in Japan, with most onsen (natural hot springs) in Japan, men and women need to bathe separately. This is no fun if you and your boyfriend/girlfriend or spouse want to be together! For this reason, check out one of the many mixed-bathing onsen in Japan. Some good ones are: Hoshi Onsen (ranked as best in Japan), Kouraku-kan (bathe with real monkeys!), Gensen-so (12 different baths), Aoni Onsen (founded by poet Youga Niwa), and Kuronagi Ryokan (located in the Japan Alps). Note: The Japanese word for this is konyoku (混浴), in case you want to check with the attendant about the mixed-bathing options at an onsen not listed here.
Fun For Singles
Japan is a lot of fun for singles, too. Sure, there are a lot of nightclubs and bars to enjoy in most major cities – especially in Tokyo and Osaka. However, if your tastes run toward outdoor fun and sightseeing, there are some fun Japanese vacation spots for singles. In Japan, sites to see for singles abound, including:
Roppongi (Tokyo): If you are looking for an old-fashioned good time – complete with dancing, drinking and food – Roppongi in Tokyo may be the place to go. The area has a famous – or even an infamous – reputation for hosting rowdy foreigners, and the area has been known to have some crime problems. Still, the area has regained some respectability in recent years with the opening of the Roppongi Hills shopping and dining complex.
Kirishima National Park (Kyūshū): Love the outdoors? Go see the Kirishima National Park in southern Kyūshū. Included within its boundaries are the Kirishima mountain range, the island of Yakushima, part of Kagoshima Bay, and the Satsuma and Osumi peninsulas. Each area with this beautiful park is separated from the others. Most notable are the volcanic mountains that have lava fields and crater lakes. Also worth seeing are the extensive beaches and hot springs. Summer and fall are probably the most beautiful times of the year to visit the Kirishima National Park.
Singles Tours (throughout Japan): One option for the single traveler in Japan is to sign up for a 5 or 7-day single’s tour. If you are interested in meeting new and interesting people, this can be the way to go.
Hostels & guesthouses (throughout Japan): If you prefer to travel alone but to occasionally meet up with others, try staying in a hostel or guesthouse. You will have opportunities to see and meet others in the common areas or during meals. Who knows – you may find someone fun to take a daytrip with!
