Top 5 Must See Places in Japan for 2020
The number of foreign tourists to Japan hit a record high of 31.88 million in 2019 and is set to continue with Japan hosting the 2020 Summer Olympic Games in July & August. Traditional tourist hot spots such as the neon-lit streets of Tokyo and the temples and shrines of Kyoto are still extremely popular, but more and more visitors are venturing off the beaten path to explore the hidden gems of Japan. Here are our picks of some of the must see places in Japan for 2020.
5. Kochi Prefecture
Where: Shikoku
Get off the beaten track by visiting Kochi Prefecture in Shikoku, the smallest of Japan’s major islands. Shikoku is full of nature and is truly one of Japan’s best kept secrets as it still retains a remote feel to it with stunning mountains, crystal clear rivers and Pacific Ocean beaches. The capital, Kochi City is home to one of Japan’s best preserved feudal castles which was built in the 1600s, and is one of only 12 surviving castles with their original keep still in place. To the east of Kochi’s downtown area is Mount Godaisan and Chikurinji Temple, one of the 88 temples along the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage Trail, which links 88 temples around the island of Shikoku.
Don’t Miss: Kochi City’s centuries-old Sunday market, which has hundreds of vendors selling all kinds of delicious food and local treasures. This open-air market along the downtown streets of Kochi has continued since the Edo Period (1603-1868) and is the perfect spot to soak up the lively atmosphere of the city.
Why you should visit in 2020
Sake! Kochi has a proud sake heritage with 18 sake breweries and a long-established tradition of drinking. The locals are known to spend more time on drinking than any other place in Japan. Kochi is also home to its own unique local culture and customs ranking #2 in Lonely Planet’s ‘Best Places to Visit in Asia Pacific in 2019’.
Website: Visit Kochi
4. Fukushima Prefecture
Where: Tohoku
Fukushima in the Tohoku region of northern Japan is an off the beaten track destination just over an hour by shinkansen north of Tokyo. The third largest prefecture in Japan is home to dramatic natural landscapes with Pacific Ocean coastline and pristine mountains that can rival any destination in Japan as a nature paradise. Stunning in winter with heavy snow and white covered backdrops, and famous for its changing autumn leaves in fall.
Don’t Miss: Aizuwakamatsu, one of the few places remaining in Japan that still embodies the samurai spirit. This ancient castle town is famous for its samurai tradition and castle, which was one of the final battle grounds in the Boshin War (1868-1869), a civil war between those still loyal to the Tokugawa Shogunate and those who wished to return power to the emperor and the Imperial Court.
Why you should visit in 2020
Nature! Fukushima is home to over 130 hot-spring resorts and winding mountain roads full of amazing hiking trails. Those looking to escape the crowds that will descend on Japan for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics will be rewarded with great food, warm people and cultural heritage that helped Fukushima and the Tohoku region be named in Lonely Planets ‘Best in Travel 2020 Top Regions’.
Website: Fukushima Official Website
3. Okinawa
Where: Okinawa Prefecture
White sandy beaches, crystal clear blue water, stunning marine life, lush rain forests, Okinawa is a tropical paradise attracting more and more foreign tourists every year. Popular tourist attractions include Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium (once the world’s largest aquarium) and 21st Century Forest Beach, a long stretch of beach with snow white sand and calm blue water. Okinawa is also home to Ryukyuan culture, a unique local culture with influences from mainland Japan and China.
Don’t Miss: The Olympic torch relay which will pass through Okinawa Prefecture, from Naha to Nago, on May 2 and 3, bringing along with it lots of festival fun and celebration, making Okinawa a must see place in Japan for 2020.
Why you should visit in 2020
Relaxation! A key theme of inbound travel to Japan for 2020 is relaxation. What better place is there to relax in Japan than the low-key tropical paradise that is Okinawa. Okinawa also made Wanderlust’s list of ‘Best Culture Spots for 2020’ making it a must see place in Japan for 2020.
Website: Visit Okinawa
2. Tokyo
Where: Tokyo Metropolis
Tokyo is buzzing with excitement as it builds towards the summer Olympics in 2020. This fascinating city of neon-lit streets and historic temples will become the first Asian country to host the summer Olympics twice in 2020, having previously hosted the games in 1964. Tokyo is an organic city with its diverse collection of neighbourhoods always changing, offering you a total unique experience on each and every visit. It is certainly a place I never get bored of visiting no matter how many times I’ve been.
Don’t Miss: The MORI Building DIGITAL ART MUSEUM – teamLab Borderless, a futuristic digital art museum in the Odaiba area of Tokyo. This unique museum is one of the top unique experiences in Tokyo creating a world of artwork without boundaries that will stimulate all of your five senses.
Why you should visit in 2020
Olympic Atmosphere! With the sporting world focused on Tokyo for the 2020 Summer Olympic Games we couldn’t leave this amazing tourist destination off our list as one of the must see places in Japan for 2020. Tokyo has undergone a transformation ahead of the games with a large-scale renovation taking place around Shibuya Station and over key areas of the metropolis.
Website: Go Tokyo
1. Sapporo
Where: Hokkaido
All eyes will be on Tokyo for 2020, but why not wander further north and explore Japan’s most attractive prefecture without all the crowds and noise. Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido is famous for its ramen, beer and snow. Home to Japan’s oldest beer brand and legendary miso based ramen, Sapporo attracts millions of visitors every year for its delicious food and world-famous snow festival.
Don’t Miss: The Sapporo Snow Festival which will run from February 4 to 11 in 2020 is one of the world’s most famous winter festivals and transforms the city into a cavalcade of frozen art. It features enormous ice sculptures and snow statues built by participants from around the world.
Why you should visit in 2020
Beauty! Hokkaido constantly ranks as Japan’s most attractive prefecture and it is easy to see why with wild and rugged coastlines, fragrant flower fields, and unspoiled national parks. Hokkaido was rewarded with a place on Wanderlust’s ‘Hot List of Places to Visit in 2020’, and in April 2020, the Upopoy National Ainu Museum and Park is set to open, highlighting the unique local culture of Hokkaido’s Ainu, Japan’s only officially recognised indigenous people.
Website: Sapporo Official Website
John Asano is a blogger, travel writer and travel advisor living in Gifu, Japan. Originally from Melbourne, Australia, he has lived in Japan now for over 15 years. John loves nothing better than picking up his camera and exploring all the amazing sights and attractions that Japan has to offer. He writes about the must see sights and attractions in Japan at Japan Travel Advice, as well as about Japanese culture and modern life on his blog Japan Australia. You can read more of his work at http://japan-australia.blogspot.com/
