Top 5 Must See Places in Japan for 2019
The number of foreign tourists to Japan hit an all-time high in 2018 of 30 million and is set to continue with Japan hosting several major events over the next few years. Japan is a fantastic travel destination in 2019 as the country gears up to welcome the world for the 2019 Rugby World Cup and 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. Traditional tourist destinations 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 new wonders. Here are our picks of some of the best places to visit in Japan in 2019.
5. Iya Valley
Where: Tokushima Prefecture
Get off the beaten track by visiting Shikoku, the smallest of Japan’s major islands. This part of Japan still has a remote feel to it and no place more so than the Iya Valley in Tokushima Prefecture. This secluded valley deep in the mountains of Shikoku is one the most remote areas of Japan and is literally like entering a lost world. The ancient valley was long-ago used as a secret refuge by defeated samurai warriors, but today you can enjoy the dramatic landscape with steep mountain slopes and deep rocky gorges which you can cross via ancient vine bridges suspended between the valley and forest.
Don’t Miss: The Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage Trail which links 88 temples around Shikoku. This famous route is made up of places where the 9th-century monk Kobo Daishi, one of the greatest figures in Japanese Buddhism studied and trained and will take you along lush cedar forests and through misty mountains. You can walk the whole course (1,450 km) in about 40-50 days, or take it easy and just enjoy one of the easier sections. It is a great way to experience all that Shikoku has to offer.
Why you should visit in 2019
Sake! We all love this Japanese rice wine, so come and enjoy the 20th Shikoku Sake Matsuri 2019 with Japanese sake being served in different parts of Shikoku to celebrate.
Website: https://discovertokushima.net/en/
4. The Rokugo Manzan Temples of Oita
Where: Kunisaki Peninsula, Oita Prefecture
The Kunisaki Peninsula of northeast Oita Prefecture is another remote corner of Japan full of ancient relics and artifacts that have been standing for over a thousand years. A popular pilgrimage route since ancient times the tranquil mountain area is famous for its power spots and spiritual places, which have been a training place for those seeking spiritual enlightenment through ancient mountain worship for centuries. The local religion of Rokugo Manzan combines both elements of Buddhism and Shintoism, along with this ancient mountain worship, revolving around several temples in the area, making the area a totally unique place to visit that is well off the beaten track.
Don’t Miss: Futagoji Temple, established in 718 on the slopes of the highest mountain on the Kunisaki Peninsula, it is the central temple of the Rokugo Manzan culture, and is home to many beautiful temple buildings and structures.
Why you should visit in 2019
Culture! Rokugo Manzan Culture recently celebrated its 1300th anniversary with the ancient temples and shrines on the peninsula celebrating the regions long history. There are 31 sacred places now left to visit offering you the chance to walk through nature-rich ancient forests on pilgrimage paths that pass along mountains and valleys to the various sacred sites of the area.
Website: https://www.discover-oita.com/
3. Ishigaki
Where: Okinawa Prefecture
White sandy beaches, crystal clear blue water, stunning marine life, lush rainforests, this island located in Okinawa Prefecture is a tropical paradise attracting more and more tourists every year. Few places in the world can rival Ishigaki for a beach holiday with its beautiful coastlines, coral reefs and natural beauty. While it might not have the castles, temples and shrines of other destinations in Japan, it does make up for this with Michelin starred bays, capes and peaks.
Don’t Miss: Ride a glass-bottomed boat to admire the colourful coral reefs and tropical fish from above.
Why you should visit in 2019
Reviews! Ishigaki was top of the list of TripAdvisor’s 2018 Top Destinations on the Rise thanks to a huge increase in tourists and positive reviews. It is easy to see why with pristine white sand, turquoise waters and tropical visas, Ishigaki has some of the finest beaches in the world. If you want to avoid the crowds, head out to the Hirakubo Peninsula, an idyllic spot filled with diverse nature, untouched rugged coastlines and transparent waters.
Website: https://www.visitokinawa.jp/destinations/yaeyama-region/ishigaki-island
2. Fuchu
Where: Tokyo
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. It is also gearing up to host the Rugby World Cup in 2019, the first time the tournament has been held in Asia. One of the best places to base yourself for exploring Tokyo is Fuchu, a quite leafy suburb in Western Tokyo only a short 20-minute train ride from Shinjuku and downtown Tokyo. The charming Fuchu, one of Tokyo’s best kept secrets will amaze you with its history, culture and unique places to visit.
Don’t Miss: Okunitama Shrine, one of the oldest shrines in Tokyo and the Kanto region as well as one of the five great shrines of Tokyo. Come and discover why Fuchu is called the Mystery City of Tokyo.
Why you should visit in 2019
Rugby! Fuchu bills itself as a Rugby City with two rugby teams (The Suntory Sungoliath and The Toshiba Brave Lupus) based in the city. The Rugby World Cup will bring 48 matches to Japan between 20 September and 2 November. Fuchu is hosting two of the leading rugby nations in England and France for their training pre-camp as they prepare for the upcoming tournament. Fuchu will be a great place to base yourself to experience the buzz of the World Cup with great access to downtown Tokyo and its location close to Ajinomoto Stadium (Tokyo Stadium) which will host the opening game and one of the semi-finals amongst other games.
Website: http://honyaku.j-server.com/LUCFUCHU/cdata/lucfuchu0_jaen.html
1. Setouchi
Where: Okayama Prefecture
Setouchi in southern Okayama Prefecture is home to the Seto Inland Sea and with its scenic Mediterranean Sea-like coast and eye-popping art is one of Japan’s true hidden gems. Setouchi was ranked the number one must-see destination in National Geographic Traveller’s the Cool List for 2019 making it a must-see travel destination in Japan for the keen tourist.
Don’t Miss: Kurashiki in Okayama Prefecture, which has earned the cool nickname, “The Venice of Japan” due to its picturesque Edo-period old merchant town and historic canal area.
Why you should visit in 2019
Escape! Japan is all about rugby in 2019, but if you are looking to avoid the crowds and would like a peaceful low-key escape, Setouchi is the place for you. Soak up the sun in Japan’s sunniest prefecture and enjoy the stunning coast of Japan’s Inland Sea. 2019 also brings with it the Setouchi Triennale Art Festival (held every three-years) with 12 islands and two ports in the area hosting this world-acclaimed event. Setouchi is the perfect destination for those looking to escape the crowds and go beyond the well-trodden path of destinations like Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka to discover a new corner of Japan.
Website: https://www.okayama-japan.jp/en/
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/
