With the impact of the novel coronavirus nearly disappearing, Japan is experiencing a significant influx of overseas tourists, and tourist attractions across the country are bustling.
There are many ways to enjoy Japan, such as experiencing its traditional culture, savoring unique cuisine prepared with local ingredients, and visiting magnificent landscapes that one cannot find in their own country.
Therefore, this time, we are focusing on the unforgettable attractions at various tourist destinations and selecting memories from people around the world about these places, known as "sights that foreigners are delighted to visit."
Furthermore, many foreigners often have a deeper understanding of Japan than its own residents! So, let's quickly explore which places are worth visiting.
What Astonishing Attractions in Kyoto Attract the Attention of Foreigners?
Kyoto is a must-visit destination that you should experience at least once, often referred to as the "City of a Thousand Years."
While it is a tourist destination beloved by the Japanese, what elements and attractions leave a profound impression on foreigners?
"We visited various places in a three-day, two-night trip, including famous sites like the Golden Pavilion, Kiyomizu Temple, and the Silver Pavilion. Unfortunately, it was raining heavily at the time… The taxi driver I rode with took me to a covered shopping street, and I was delighted because I could buy a variety of Japanese souvenirs." (From France)
"My Japanese partner and I had always wanted to visit the Philosopher's Path in Kyoto. Since it was the off-season, we decided to go there." (From New Zealand)
"I chose Kyoto because I'm interested in Japanese culture. I visited historical buildings like the Golden Pavilion and Kiyomizu Temple, and the shimmering gold of the Golden Pavilion was beautiful. I also went to Arashiyama, enjoyed some sake, and had a delightful experience with matcha." (From the United States)
Enjoying the Beauty of Hokkaido's Snowscapes From An Open-Air Hot Spring
Hokkaido is a popular tourist destination in Japan, often compared to Kyoto. It is known for its delectable cuisine and captivating natural landscapes. What exactly leaves a lasting impression on foreigners?
"I enjoyed food and sightseeing in Sapporo and Otaru. I stayed at a hot spring inn near Lake Toya. From the room, I could see the beautiful lake, but the best view was when I soaked in the open-air hot spring. The contrast between the pristine snow and the lake was incredibly beautiful, and Japan's scenery moved me." (From Australia)
"Snowscapes" seem to be a major attraction for tourists from the southern hemisphere of Australia, as their summer coincides with Japan's winter. The focus appears to be on having an extraordinary experience while soaking in an open-air hot spring.
Karaoke and Arcade Games in Tokyo!
The capital city, Tokyo, is filled with numerous attractions. The area boasts many places worth visiting, from iconic structures like Tokyo Tower and the Tokyo Skytree to cutting-edge cuisine and entertainment venues. But what kind of experiences do foreign tourists seek?
"I went to Tokyo to experience the modern and futuristic side of Japan. I visited many tourist spots like the Tokyo Skytree, Shibuya Crossing, Akihabara, and Harajuku. I also tried karaoke and played some arcade games. I really enjoyed the city's vibrancy and diversity." (From the United States)
"I went sightseeing in Odaiba, where there's a place called the 'Toilet Museum' (うんこミュージアム). I was surprised to find that I could sit on a toilet and take a commemorative photo, and I even received a colorful plastic model of feces. The giant Gundam model was also very impressive, and there was so much to see." (From the United States)
"As for shopping, I wandered around Shinjuku and Shibuya, exploring various shops. I also visited Takeshita Street in Harajuku, which is a very interesting place with a lot of Japanese youth culture." (From Australia)
"In the heart of Tokyo, I visited the Imperial Palace, where the Edo Castle once stood. The vast grounds were impressive, and the surrounding moat was beautiful. It's a great place for a walk, and I revisited it multiple times during my stay." (From Greece)
Foreigners Visiting Tokyo's Famous Sights
Some of them use Tokyo as a base and have visited famous attractions in the Kanto region.
"I went to Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea. There were very few people at the time, and the longest wait time was only about 30 minutes. I could enjoy more attractions than before." (From the United States)
"I visited Kamakura, which was very convenient as you can take a train to Kamakura Station. I went to the famous 'Uotanitei' that I found online and had delicious fresh seafood like conch, scallops, and grilled squid. The scenery at Kamakura Shrine was also great." (From China)
"I visited the Kunozan Toshogu Shrine in Shizuoka. I was driven there by someone who lives in Shizuoka. Germans, in addition to being interested in Japanese history, also love nature. Being able to freely roam and experience nature was wonderful." (From Germany)
"My family and I went to Nasu in Tochigi Prefecture. My wife and children all enjoy hot springs, and what attracted us was that there were many activities for children to enjoy here. The hotel also had a hot spring pool, which the children loved. It was great." (From France)
One of the charms of Tokyo is that you can visit glamorous entertainment venues in the city center and then take a short trip by car or train to places with hot springs and nature-filled activities.
Exploring Everyday Life in "Kyushu & Okinawa"
Some foreigners have traveled to the southern part of Honshu and visited the Kyushu and Okinawa regions. In this warm region, there are delicious cuisine and ocean activities waiting for you. What kind of fun do you choose to enjoy?
"I absolutely loved the blue sea and white sandy beaches in Okinawa. I tried activities like snorkeling and diving, but diving left a particularly deep impression. I got to see various fish and coral reefs. The food in Okinawa was also delicious, really tasty." (From the United States)
"I explored Fukuoka City, and it's about a 20 to 30-minute walk from Hakata to Tenjin. After shopping at the stores I wanted to visit, I wandered around without a specific destination. Near the Yanagibashi Rengo Market, I heard there was a restaurant with fresh fish, so I went there. It was interesting to see everyday life in Japan." (From Hong Kong)
For those who have visited several times, "strolling through the city" seems to be popular as it allows you to relive the real life of the Japanese.
When it comes to Japanese cuisine, you can see that foreign tourists are not only looking for famous dishes but also researching popular local attractions. This indicates that they are enjoying Japanese cuisine more deeply.
The new charms of Japan as experienced by people from countries with different histories and cultures - why not try visiting places you haven't been to yourself?
