5 Most Beautiful Places To Visit In Japan 2022/2023
Finally after a few years, we can now feed our wanderlust and travel around the world! If you’re unsure of where to visit, perhaps you should go on a vacation in Japan. With plenty of beautiful places filled with amazing cultures, you can bet that a holiday in Japan is going to be an unforgettable one.
Another plus point, Malaysians travelling to Japan will not need to do an on-arrival COVID test or undergo quarantine, even if you’re unvaccinated. However you will need to present a PCR test within 72 hours of departure. The only restrictions you may face when travelling to Japan is going on a solo tour; only tour groups under a licensed travel agency in Japan are allowed.
Here’s a checklist for you:
- Book a guided tour.
- Apply for a visa.
- Get a Covid-19 negative test certificate
- Install MySOS app for quarantine fast track.
- Buy travel insurance.
Now that you have your checklist checked, keep scrolling to check out the many exciting places you can visit in Japan in 2022/2023!
Ainokura Village
Declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1995, Ainokura Villa is the most remote village in the Gokayama region and the largest of the villages with almost 20 gassho-zukuri farmhouses. Interestingly, most of these farmhouses were built from the end of the Edo period through the Meiji era (early 19th century to early 20th century). Because it’s less developed compared to the other villages, Ainokura has kept most of its traditional culture especially in its folk dances and music. There’s even an instrument made of over a hundred wooden clappers strung together – which you can totally get as a souvenir!
Why you must visit Ainokura Village
- You will enjoy the peace and serenity of the valley.
- There are many traditional cultural activities/museums.
- Less tourist traffic.
Why you might skip Ainokura Village
- It’s a very quiet place.
Specification of Ainokura Village
| Visiting Hours | 8:30am – 5pm (for day trips) |
|---|---|
| Getting there | From Johana Station (JR Johana Line) / JR Takaoka Station.
Take the Kaetsuno World Heritage Bus (Shirakawa-go direction) to Ainokuraguchi bus stop. Walk for 3 minutes. |
| Things to do | -Folklore Museum -Traditional Industry Museum -Viewpoint -Washi Workshop Hall |
Ginzan Onsen
One of Japan’s prettiest onsen towns, Ginzan Onsen is a remote hot spring town located in the mountains of Yamagata Prefecture. Be amazed with its traditionally styled ryokan of wooden buildings that’ll take you back to a bygone era that’s built in the 1920s and 1930s! Of course, you can also find public baths and foot baths, prices between 500 yen to 1,500 yen (RM16 – RM50). Other than that, there’s an amazing 22 meter tall waterfall that flows to the back of the town. Not too far from it is a historic silver mine that was built 500 years ago that served as the town’s lifeblood during the early Edo Period.
Why you must visit Ginzan Onsen
- Travel back in time with its wooden structures and buildings.
- Perfect place to dress up and take photos of you in kimonos.
- Free foot spa near the Shirogane-bashi Bridge.
Why you might skip Ginzan Onsen
- It’s a very small town, you can walk from one end to the other in a few minutes.
Specification of Ginzan Onsen
| Visiting Hours | 8.30am – 9pm (for shops) |
|---|---|
| Getting there | By train.
Take the JR Yamagata Shinkansen from Tokyo to Oishida Station, then take the bus to Ginzan Onsen. |
| Things to do | -Stroll through Haikara-san Street. -Visit Nogawa Tofu Shop. -Soak your feet for free at Warashiyu. -Indulge in the Public Bath Shirogane-yu. |
Ine Fishing Village
With just 1,900 people, Ine Fishing Village is a small town that’s secluded between the mountains and Ine Bay of Kyoto. Rich for its history as a fishing village, Ine is also known to be one of the most picturesque villages in Japan! What’s really unique about Ine is its funaya aka boat houses. Funaya is a traditional waterfront building that holds garages for boats on the first floor while the upper floor serves as a residential space. To date, there are over 200 funaya along the bay, to which you can also staycation!
Why you must visit Ine Fishing Village
- Experience staying in a boat house.
- Picturesque location.
- Very peaceful and great for nature/sea lovers.
Why you might Ine Fishing Village
- Not many activities to do as it’s a normal town inhabited by working people.
Specification of Ine Fishing Village
| Visiting Hours | 9am – 5pm |
|---|---|
| Getting there | By bus.
Take the bus from Amanohashidate Station. |
| Things to do | -Visit Funaya no Sato Park. -Large sightseeing cruise or smaller sightseeing taxis by boat. -Enjoy local dishes freshly caught fish and cooked by the fishermen themselves. |
Kinosaki Onsen
Fall in love at first sight at Kinosaki Onsen, one of the best onsen towns that’s located in northern Hyogo Prefecture on the coast of the Sea of Japan. You can choose from over 7 hot springs to soak your stress away and later at night, bask in the lit streets of Kinosaki Onsen’s traditional, preserved architecture while listening to the calming clip-clopping of visitors’ geta (traditional wooden sandals).
Why you must visit Kinosaki Onsen
- 1300 years as a popular hot spring destination.
- Well-preserved architecture and onsen culture.
- Experience wearing a traditional yukata (light cotton kimono) and geta.
- Plenty of activities for you to do.
Why you might skip Kinosaki Onsen
- It’s 2.5 hours from Kyoto and 3 hours from Osaka by train.
Specification of Kinosaki Onsen
| Visiting Hours | Varies |
|---|---|
| Getting there | By train.
Take the train from JR San-in Main Line. |
| Things to do | -Onsenji Temple -Stork Sanctuary -Soba-Making with Stone Mortar -Yukata Stroll |
Shōdoshima Island
The second largest island in the Seto Inland Sea, Shōdoshima, it’s also one of the first islands born to the gods in the creation myth of Japan. Shōdoshima translates to “small bean island”, which makes sense because today, the island has been a producer of soy sauce and olive plantations. Be sure to put on your hiking shoes and hike up one of Japan’s most magnificent gorges, the Kankakei Gorge!
Why you must visit Shōdoshima Island
- Beautiful coastal scenery.
- Venue of the Setouchi Triennale art festival.
- Plenty of tourist activities.
Why you might skip Shōdoshima Island
- Can only be accessed by ferry rides.
Specification of Shōdoshima Island
| Visiting Hours | Varies |
|---|---|
| Getting there | By ferry.
Take the ferry from either Takamatsu, Okayama, Himeji, or Kobe. |
| Things to do | -Stroll at Angel Road -Choshikei Monkey Park -Kankakei Gorge -Shodoshima Olive Park -Marukin Soy Sauce Museum |
There you have it, 5 most beautiful places in Japan that you simply must travel to in 2022/2023! Get away from the hustle and bustle or do fun-filled activities with your loved ones. Pack your bags and let’s go!
Be sure to check all of the travel restrictions and get your permits before your travels. Avoid any future hassles by protecting yourself with travel insurance in case of flight delays, accomodation problems and more.
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