Japan is a country that is rich in a lot of things like history, culture, foods especially technology. Whether you are on a budget or you saved up enough, there are a lot of ways you can explore Japan. It has the world’s fastest high speed train called Shinkansen, you could go from Tokyo to Hiroshima within 4 hours where if you use car it will take about 9 hours. Even though it might be a bit pricey but it cuts up more than half the time and it is also comfortable compare to bus or car. Here are the places that you should never miss for your trip to Japan

The Torii Gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kyoto

Fushimi Inari Shrine is one of most popular shrines in Japan, the reason why is because of the Torii gates! It is also quite easy to find because you can just follow the crowd after exiting from the JR Inari Station. Now, there are more than 10,000 Torii gates because some business competes with each other by constantly donating the Torii gates and also to hope for a good fortune to their business in the future and tourists can also buy a gate for their own luck and prosperity.

Arashiyama – Bamboo Forest

Arashiyama is also one of the places that you cannot miss for your visit to Japan. This place has temples and shrines too but mainly famous for its beautiful scenery of bamboo structures. It is so beautiful that some couples had their wedding photo shoot taken here. Other than the bamboo structures, you could so hike up the mountain to go the monkey park and try their famous Zeppin Cream puff, usually sold in a stall by the river.

Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan and it is also an active volcano! If you are lucky, you might be able to view the mountain from the plane before arriving in Tokyo but if you could not and you want to then you can consider these few places you should go. First of all, the most easiest way to view it without going directly to it is when you are on the Shinkansen train, that is depends on the weather and the best time to view the mountain is during winter season. If you are considering staying at a Ryokan, and enjoy public bath, choose a place that you can view Mount Fuji. There are a few trails to climb the Mount Fuji, make sure you have a guide with you because they are there to help you throughout the journey to the top and down.

Other ways to view the mountain and also play is by going to the Fuji-Q Highland and imagine seeing mount Fuji when you are riding the roller coaster, it will be a different experience.

If you are there during the Sakura season, you should also go to Shizuoka Prefecture, it is one of the best place to see cherry blossom and it is predicted to start blooming by the end of March 2019 that is earlier than usual time. Another best place to see cherry blossom is at Himeji Castle and best time to see them is during the Golden week of cherry blossom festival that is the last week of April or first week of May.

Akibahara

Anime fans would definitely know Akihabara district. The reason why is because there are a lot of places that are dedicated to anime in this district. Some things you could do at this district are buy anime merchandise that are easily available almost everywhere in the district or play Gachapon which is a vending machine, win prizes like miniature animals or dolls of anime characters.

Other than playing Gachapon, you go cosplay shopping at COSPA store as they have variety of cosplay outfits you could choose!

Shibuya

A district where you can find a lot of teenagers and young adults hanging out at cafés and restaurants. You can try iconic Japanese cuisines such as Ramen and Sushi at the Center Gai Street and also a place to shop for anything and everything trendy and in-style fashion clothes, accessories and so much more. Social media addict like myself would definitely love Shibuya because the Shibuya crossing is one of the famous Instagram spot in Japan.

If you love shopping and would like to shop more in Japan then it is recommended that you go to Harajuku which is also like Shibuya, you can find vintage stores, trendy cafés that serves cute looking food and beverages and also international stores such as Zara. For Daiso fans, the biggest Daiso is located at downtown Tokyo has 7 floors and you can find the biggest Uniqlo at Ginza!