Lonely PlanetJul 10
5 places that locals want you to visit in Japan
Five destinations beloved by those who know Japan best.
Shrine with outer building designed by Kengo Kuma
16 things in this story
- KagurazakaNeighborhoodChic area with French influence and history
- Zenkō-jiPlace of worshipThe temple was built in the 7th century.
- Akagi-jinjaPlace of worshipShrine with outer building designed by Kengo Kuma
- Awa Odori dance festivalFestivalSummer festival with street lanterns
- Canal CafeCaféLovely waterfront Italian restaurant
- Elsewhere
- Hirosaki CastleSightHirosaki, JapanHandsome castle surrounded by a large park
- NeboFestivalHirosaki, JapanRaucous summer celebration with papier-mâché floats
- Mt MoiwaSightSapporo, JapanSmaller, quieter mountain popular with locals
- Niseko KanrosuiSightNiseko, JapanNatural spring producing mineral-rich water
- Echigo-Tsumari Art FieldMuseumTokamachi, JapanYear-round exhibition space with triennial festival
- Museum on Echigo-TsumariMuseumTokamachi, JapanCultural gem with over 300 artworks
- Kiyotsu Gorge TunnelSightTokamachi, JapanArt installation passage drilled into a mountain
- BijinbayashiSightTokamachi, JapanBeechwood forest with enchanting scenery
- Tsubame-SanjoNeighborhoodTsubame, JapanOne of Japan's largest craft centers
- JōgashimaSightMisaki, JapanSmall, quiet island off the Misaki coast
- Izakaya KobitoRestaurantNiseko, Japan