Land of the Rising Sun

Japan is a surprising combination of peace and chaos, old and new and has just the right amount of quirkiness to make it an addicting place to visit that will have you coming back for more. From bustling Tokyo and zen-like Kyoto all the way to laid-back Okinawa and wintery Hokkaido, Japan is a high-tech world mixed with the politeness and respect of their past. The mere image of Japan calls out to one's imagination of vibrant pink cherry blossoms, comic books, and the good old rituals that the nation is proud of.

For much of the last 50 years, since the modern fashion industry developed, cities like New York, Paris, London, and Milan have all been centers of new trends, fashion, and brands that have subsequently swept the world. However, since the 1980s when Issey Miyake, Rei Kawakubo and Yohji Yamamoto among others burst onto the international scene, Tokyo has steadily risen in the ranks and today is starting to rival the output and popularity of brands from classic European and North American fashion hubs.

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But when it comes to fashion and lifestyle, Japan surely does not disappoint us. With an accepting society, it is home to many different yet iconic spiffy styles, some are very subtle, while others may seem a bit too wild and grant one a lot of attention. From Lolita, Gyaru, Decora to Kogal, there is something for everybody. While Japan, may look small on a map, but this country is home to countless world-class cities, breathtaking sites and stunning natural vistas. Add we decode 5 Japanese destinations to your bucket list to get a glimpse of what this amazing country has to offer.

Nara

Located just 25 miles from Kyoto, Nara preceded Kyoto as the ancient capital of Japan, and today is home to a treasure trove of Japanese history including the UNESCO World Heritage historic monuments of ancient Nara.

Its most well-known monument is the impressive 8th century Todaiji Temple, the world’s largest wooden building, which houses Japan’s largest Buddha, the Daibutsu. A nice walk from Todaiji, and also in Nara Park, is Nara’s most celebrated shrine, Kasuga Taisha.

Other highlights in Nara include the 7th century Horyuji Temple which was Japan’s first UNESCO site, Yakushiji Temple, Chuguji Temple, Issuien Garden, and the charming Naramachi historical district.

Matsuyama

Matsuyama lies southwest, on Japan’s smallest island of Shikoku. It’s the capital of Ehime Prefecture. Here, you will be able to catch a glimpse of the region’s rich cultural history. Accessible by ropeway, the well-preserved and restored Matsuyama Castle, built in 1603, is one of the top attractions. Dogo Onsen is another must-see; this is one of Japan’s oldest onsen. The Imperial Family has visited it, and the rumor is that it was the inspiration for the bathhouse in Ghibli’s Spirited Away.

Yaeyama Islands, Okinawa

When most people think beach holidays and Asia, Japan is not the first place that comes to mind. Yet it is home to one of Asia’s breathtaking subtropical destinations, the beautiful Yaeyama Islands of Okinawa. The whole Okinawan archipelago is full of gorgeous little islands, but for one of the most unique experiences Japan has to offer, the remote Yaeyama Islands have no equal competitor.

Geographically closer to Taiwan and mainland Asia than to mainland Japan, the Yaeyama Islands feature not only picturesque beaches and nature, but a rich Ryukyu heritage and culture.

Hiroshima

Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park draws in crowds from all over the globe. The site commemorates the victims of the 1945 bombings, when it became the first city to be attacked with atomic weapons.

Today, Hiroshima is a lively, vibrant city, home to a number of historical sites, gardens, and parks. It is a great city for live sports and home to several national teams, including the Sanfrecce Hiroshima for soccer and the Hiroshima Toyo Carp for baseball. The main stadiums are the Mazda Zoom-Zoom Stadium Hiroshima and the Hiroshima Big Arch.

Tokyo

Last but not the least the capital of Japan and by far the country’s most visited city. There’s truly something for everyone in Tokyo, from ancient temples and shrines, historic gardens and estates to world-class shopping, nightlife, and cuisine. Its kabuki and sumo cultures are unrivaled, and it’s here that you would find some of the country’s best athletic teams. But Tokyo is most famous for its shopping districts and modern architecture, which are some of the best that the world has to offer.