This article was produced by National Geographic Traveler (UK).
For culture and history, it’s hard to beat Kyoto – but its dense concentration of temples and heritage buildings lead to big crowds and high prices. There are plenty of ancient towns and villages to explore across Japan, with former samurai castles, old wooden shops and sake and beer breweries sitting alongside art galleries and quirky museums.
1. Kurashiki
With cobblestone streets and a willow-lined canal, the historic Bikan quarter in Kurashiki is one of the most beautiful places in Japan. It is on the coast of the Seto Inland Sea; travelers can drift down the canal in a traditional wooden boat, or admire the wooden machiya (townhouses) and converted white kura (warehouses). Japan’s jeans industry also started in this area and denim shops are a specialty of the city, along with great cafes and cozy izakaya bars.
Top tip: Look for Bizen ware, a traditional local style of pottery that was developed in the 14th century, still sold throughout the city.
2. Nara
An easy day trip from Kyoto – and an even more rewarding overnight stop – Nara was Japan’s capital before Kyoto. The rapidly growing power of its Buddhist monasteries was the main reason for moving the political center here briefly in the eighth century, and the temples are still the main attraction today. Wander through the city’s historic center to see grand shrine buildings, beautiful gardens, a small geisha and entertainment quarter and – famously – a free-roaming sacred deer.
Top tip: When visiting temples, save Nigatsu-do for last. The best view of the sunset in the city and it looks even more beautiful when the lights are on until dusk.
3. Kanazawa
The capital city of Ishikawa is often referred to as ‘Little Kyoto’, due to its geisha districts, temples and gardens. But its appeal extends to the samurai region and its museums and galleries, including the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art. Kanazawa also produces about 98% of Japan’s gold leaf, which flourishes in art, hotel decoration and even snacks.
Top tip: Visit the DT Suzuki Museum, named and dedicated to the most revered Buddhist philosopher of the 20th century. The highlight is the minimalist architecture and the peaceful Water Mirror Garden.
4. Hiraizumi
In the 12th century, the Tohoku city of Hiraizumi rivaled Kyoto in beauty and power. Today, it is one of the best places to see temples from that era and hosts interesting historical events. Motsuji Temple is a highlight: it hosts a period costume poetry festival in May; tea ceremony stages among the temple garden’s 30,000 exotic iris flowers in June; and hosts gagaku court musicians as bush clover blooms in September.
Top tip: Hiraizumi is easy to get around on two wheels; you can rent bicycles and e-bikes right at the train station.
5. Matsumoto
This city in the center of Honshu enjoys a magnificent landscape, with the Japanese Alps above it. The Black Keep of Matsumoto Castle, set behind white peaks above, is an iconic image of Japan. But travelers can also view woodblock prints at the Japan Ukiyo-e Museum and explore the independent shops, restaurants and brewery tucked away in the last remaining quarters of the central Nakamachi district.
Top tip: Matsumoto has some charming little museums. Don’t miss the Matsumoto Timepiece Museum and the Matsumoto Folk Craft Museum.
6. Matsue
Along with Matsumoto, Matsue has one of Japan’s few remaining castles, dating back to the early 17th century. The capital of Shimane Prefecture in the southwest of Japan, it is also notable for its well-preserved Samurai district, which contains the house of Lafcadio Hearn – a European writer who lived here since 1890 and was one of the first to write about Japan after its period of international writing. Secession, which lasted from 1639 to 1853. There are also two notable gardens: Yushien, sitting on an island in Lake Nakaumi, Adachi Museum of Art garden, widely regarded as the best in Japan.
Top tip: You can take a relaxing ride in a wooden boat on the castle moat and canals – there are departures about every half hour during the day.
Published in the Jan/Feb 2025 issue of National Geographic Traveler (UK).
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