It’s been a scary year, and everyone is looking for an escape. We asked our readers to vote for their top 10 travel destinations in Japan for 2021 (once travel is safe again), and these are their picks.

Each destination highlights an escape from busy tourist spots and everyday life for a chance to reflect and get back in touch with nature or even discover the heart of communities in rural and small-town Japan.

If you’re traveling to one of these destinations, we want to hear about it. Tag us on social media with #GaijinPotTravel.

Aizuwakamatsu in western Fukushima Prefecture is known for its pristine landscapes, quality sake, traditional crafts, and rich samurai history. It’s a bustling former castle town with friendly locals deeply proud of their history and culture. Home to thousand-year-old hot springs, lakes swimming with swans, and the last refuge of loyal samurai, Aizuwakamatsu is worthy of history buffs and nature lovers alike.

Aizuwakamatsu Castle

Aizuwakamatsu Castle is a popular cherry blossom viewing spot in spring!

Tsuruga Castle (also called Aizuwakamatsu Castle) is Aizuwakamatsu’s symbol and city center. Once the seat of the powerful Aizu Domain, it was the site of the Battle of Aizu and one of the last conflicts of the Boshin War. The engagement saw t

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The Meiji government demolished the original castle in 1874, but the main keep was reconstructed beautifully in 1965. New additions, such as a museum and an observation gallery, were also added. Climbing to the castle’s top floor, you get gorgeous, sweeping views of the surrounding area, including Mount Bandai and the vast Lake Inawashiro, home to Japan’s migrating swans.

A visit to the castle is especially worthwhile during the cherry blossom season in late March and early April when the gardens are alive with vibrant white and pink colors. The castle isn’t the only draw though, this town has plenty to see (and drink)!

Other attractions in Aizuwakamatsu

Inside Aizu Sazaedo Temple.

Aizu Sazaedo Temple

This unique pagoda-shaped temple overlooks Aizuwakamatsu City. Here, visitors can complete a holy pilgrimage just by visiting one building. It features 33 statues of Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy, on its winding staircase. 

Rinkaku Teahouse

Right outside the castle is the Rinkaku Teahouse. It’s where old samurai unwound with strong matcha tea. You can enjoy a cup of delicious brew yourself, served in style. The teahouse is open to the public and a Fukushima Prefecture Important Cultural Property.

Higashiyama Onsen

Photo by: Martijn Saly A hot spring town for weary samurai and travelers.

If all that walking has left you feeling sluggish, a trip to Higashiyama is just what the doctor ordered. Only ten minutes by car from the city center, this onsen (hot spring) town was a retreat to Aizu residents and samurai since the 8th century. Today, it’s considered one of the top three onsen towns in the Tohoku Region.

Aizu Bukeyashiki

Afterward, pay a visit to Aizu Bukeyashiki, the residence of top-ranking samurai during Edo times. Demolished during the Boshin War, it was accurately reconstructed and will leave you with a lasting impression of how high-ranking samurai actually lived. 

Oyakuen Garden

Enjoy a stroll through the tranquil Oyakuen Garden.

Oyakuen Garden is a peaceful traditional Japanese garden. Centered around a pond, locals in Aizuwakamatsu have been growing hundreds of medicinal plants here for more than 200 years. The garden’s name literally translates to Medicinal Herb Garden. Flowers bloom throughout the seasons, especially along the pathway leading to the pond.

Suehiro Sake Brewery

Suppose you’re interested in a good shot of sake instead, head over to the Suehiro Sake Brewery. Try joining the brewery tours and sake tastings. Even better, buy a bottle or two before heading out of town for camping at nearby Lake Inawashiro or up in the Aizu mountains. 

Being stuck at home while the world is in quarantine doesn’t mean you can’t daydream about a future trip to Japan. The silver lining of virtual travel is that you can see some of Japan’s major icons without having to brave the crowds or the coronavirus. Travel Japan from home via webcams and live streams!

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The five-storied Chureito Pagoda in Yamanashi Prefecture is a key part of Japan’s most recognizable landscape—the area around Mount Fuji. You’ve definitely seen it placed in the foreground of Japan guidebooks and Instagram photos, even if you haven’t been there.

The only catch is that to get to the pagoda and soak up these incredible views, you have to walk up 398 stone steps.

Also known as the Fujiyoshida Cenotaph Monument, the pagoda was built in 1963 as a memorial for the city’s 960 citizens who died in war. It honors those lost from the First Sino-Japanese War in 1868 all the way to WWII. Today, the pagoda stands proudly as the centerpiece for Arakura Sengen Shrine.

Seasonal views at Chureito Pagoda

There’s really no bad season to visit.

Chureito Pagoda resides on a mountaintop, and although saying so doesn’t do it justice, the view is simply spectacular. On a clear day from the viewing platform, you’ll see the pagoda, a sweeping panorama of the city below, and the magnificent Mount Fuji dominating the background.

The autumn and spring seasons turn the scenery into something even more eye-catching. In autumn, colorful maple leaves make the vibrant reds of the temple truly pop. Spring, on the other hand, sees the pagoda seemingly rise from a sea of cherry blossoms to create an iconic image.

Make sure you wear good walking shoes for all those steps!

Sounds amazing, right? The only catch is that to get to the pagoda and soak up these incredible views, you have to walk up 398 stone steps. You can take it slow and enjoy the surrounding nature, or race to the top like the local school kids.

Don’t be surprised if you find yourself out of breath halfway. This is probably the most popular photography spot in Japan. That means if you want to capture that perfect snap, you might want to work on your cardio.

The southwestern Chugoku region is a peaceful depiction of traditional Japan that travelers rarely find in the big cities. Among its scenery is Yamaguchi Prefecture’s famous Kintaikyo Bridge, the main landmark of the area.

The bridge is located in Iwakuni, a prominent city down the coast from Hiroshima Prefecture. Tourists come from all over for the fascinating history, striking scenery and even the signature ice cream nearby, yet, you won’t feel overwhelmed by big crowds.

Kintaikyo Bridge at night.

The history of Kintaikyo Bridge

The arched wooden bridge’s iconic look is perhaps most famed as a picture-perfect spot in spring when the cherry blossoms are in bloom. But the surrounding scenery of Kintaikyo Bridge is beautiful in all seasons, as you catch a glimpse of how the locals live in this lesser populated part of Japan.

Since 1673.

Originally built in 1673, the bridge was designed in a unique style of having five steep arches. These arches were made to represent western Honshu (Japan’s main island), as well as make it difficult for invading armies to cross the Nishigawa River. The bridge was unfortunately destroyed by a particularly harsh typhoon in 1950. It was rebuilt three years later using the same techniques and parts of the original bridge that were salvaged.

Things to see in spring and summer

Kintaikyo Bridge sees cherry blossom trees line both sides of the river in spring. The view is studded with pink petals stretching out before you, and at peak blossom typically in March to April, food stalls and entertainment pop up, too. It’s a real party.

More cherry blossom viewing spots around Hiroshima

Stop at these rival ice cream shops

Photo by: Alfie Blincowe Try all 100 flavors.

Once you cross the bridge, check out the ice cream shops that both claim to be the “original” and serve 100 different flavors. That makes choosing quite difficult!

This friendly rivalry has gone so far that they’ve nicknamed the shops after two rival samurai: Sasaki Kojiro and Miyamoto Musashi. These two feudal folk heroes’ entangled story is a mysterious one — even historians are not actually sure who won in the end. Either way, you can enjoy the Japanese obsession of funny flavors and try out ones like wasabi, sweet potato, tomato and more.

This area might not be the first place on your bucket list for Japan, but it offers a host of gorgeous sights, and of course, all the ice cream you can stand.

You won’t be able to feel the power of the Ushiku Daibutsu (Buddha) through photos alone, so take a trip out to Ibaraki Prefecture to experience it for yourself. The Ushiku Buddha is an impressive sight, not to mention the third tallest statue in the world. Above all, it is an immersive experience where you can even go inside this multi-story Amida Buddha.

The Great Buddha indeed.

Jutting gracefully into the horizon line, the Buddha is a haunting silhouette that can be spotted from the nearby expressway. Three times the size of the Statue of Liberty, the Buddha at its base is 120 meters high, representing the 12 beams of light that are said to come from the Amida’s body reaching throughout the world. The positioning of the hands signifies his acceptance of all sentient beings, and just one hand is nearly 50-feet tall so he can accept a lot.

“Do I have something on my face?”

Inside the Ushiku Buddha

You’ll be guided through a mini-spiritual awakening and bare witness to its peculiar beauty once inside. From the entrance, you will walk from pitch-black darkness to the mysterious “World of Infinite Light and Life” room, which features mesmerizing lit-up Buddhas.

Photo by: Victoria Vlisides More than 3,400 of these line the 3rd floor fo the Buddha.

From there, you can view photos and the history of the statue. You also get a better perspective of just how large it is thanks to a replica of the Buddha’s 8-foot toe (about 2.5 meters).

The most somber sight is the “World of Lotus Sanctuary.” More than 3,400 small golden Buddha statues line the walls. The small statues, called tainaibutsu (a Buddha inside a bigger Buddha), are memorials acting as graves purchased by the deceased’s families.

Photo by: Victoria Vlisides A closer look at the tainaibutsu.

On the 4th and 5th floors is the lookout area called the “Room of Mt. Grdhrakuta,”  which allows you to see out of thin windows built into the statue’s chest. On a clear day, you can even see Tokyo Skytree in the distance. There is a sitting area, as well as a gift shop inside, too.

Outside the Buddha: An unbeatable sight

Best time to visit is in spring or summer for the lantern festival shown here.

On your way out, don’t forget to visit the veranda. You’ll find a 4,000-ton buddha standing upon a blooming lotus flower. The view of the Jodo Teien garden is magnificent. Various flowers and plants in bloom depending on the season. In springtime, cherry blossoms completely elevate the experience.

Photo by: Victoria Vlisides The interior is incredibly spacious.

Although it is just about 90-minutes outside of Tokyo, it’s not really in a tourist-friendly area. Perhaps that’s why most tourists and even Japanese residents have not visited. Its remoteness may contribute to its seclusion, especially when compared to more popular daibutsu statues such as those in Nara, Kamakura, or at the Nanzo-in Temple in Fukuoka.

Photo by: Victoria Vlisides The surrounding cemetery.

Hopefully, more tourists can learn about the statue and visit. The Ushiku Daibutsu should be a priority sightseeing stop for those seeking a spiritual and unearthly experience.

Visiting Mie Prefecture can be tricky due to its countryside locale, but it is a gold mine of ancient secrets and photogenic spots worth your time. You could spend weeks exploring its fantastic nature and temples.

Fortunately, there is a place that combines all the sleepy prefecture’s charm in one area. A walking tour along the beach-studded coastline in Ise city will get you to the famous romantic landmark— the Meoto Iwa rock formation, complete with a quirky frog shrine.

The full moon rises over Meoto Iwa, the famous wedded rocks of Japan.

Start from Meoto Iwa Higashiguchi bus stop. Here you can taste the local cuisine, buy souvenirs and visit the Ise Sea Paradise Aquarium or Ise Meoto Iwa Shopping Plaza.

Top Things to Do in Mie Prefecture: A Guide to Traveling in Central Japan

The shrine is dedicated to Ryujin, the dragon god of the seas— the word ryuu in Japanese means “dragon.” The water that falls from this mystical beast’s stony mouth is used to purify visitors.

Pass the shrine and get closer to the breathtaking scenery of Meoto Iwa, also known as the Wedded Rocks. The two rocks in the ocean, less than 700 meters offshore, are eternally bound with a thick ceremonial rope. This romantic spot is recognized as one of Japan’s 23 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Photo by: Matthew Coslett So many ways to view Meoto Iwa.

The two rocks are in fact one of the prefecture’s principal religious attractions as they embody Izanagi and Izanami deities who, according to Japanese folklore, birthed the isles of Japan as well as many of the kami (sacred spirit) pantheon.

Meoto Iwa is a popular place for married couples to visit as the rocks represent marriage and the act of creation.

On a day with good weather, couples line up to try and stage the ultimate romantic photo with the couple themselves in the foreground, the entwined rocks in the midground, and even Mount Fuji itself in the far distance all in one shot.

The frog shrine

After capturing the perfect shot at one of Ise’s most photogenic spots, head to Futami Okitama Shrine, known for its frogs. Here, amphibians are seen as messengers of the Great God Sarutahiko and are regarded as an extremely valuable presence.

Photo by: jpellgen (@1179_jp) Follow Splish splash froggy’s taking a bath.

According to the local legend, the shrine’s frogs have the power to grant your wishes. The obsession with these croakers comes from the fact that the Japanese word for frog, kaeru, is a homonym for the word for the return of things to their owner. Pour some water on these sacred beasties’ heads to bring lost things back to you.

These sights cover only a small bit of the beauty Mie has to offer. There are so many more legendary spots in the area waiting to be discovered.

Appearing as if floating on the Seto Inland Sea at high tide, the awe-inspiring O-Torii (otherwise known as The Grand Torii Gate) is the iconic trademark that first welcomes day-tripping pilgrims from Hiroshima to the sacred island of Miyajima. It’s one of the country’s most iconic sights – you’ll definitely know it if you’ve ever googled “Japan images” – and the whole complex of suspended red buildings is even more captivating in real life.

The shrine is made up of several buildings, built above the sea and connected by wooden boardwalks.

Who and what was previously banned from Itsukushima?

First founded in 593 A.D., the vermillion coated shrine pavilion was later enlarged to its current dimensions in 1168 under Taira no Kiyomoro, a powerful warlord in the late Heian Period. All credit for the grandeur of Itsukushima goes to this legendary figure who commissioned the gate to be constructed in an architectural style catering to aristocratic estates, known as shinden-zukuri.

The regional shrine rose to national prominence in the Heian Period as members of the Imperial Court began worshipping the deities believed to reside at this sacred site. There are rare performances of the ancient art of bugaku (classical court dance and music) that were once enjoyed by the royals on their visits way back when.

If you’re lucky you might catch a traditional bugaku performance at the shrine, usually held during commemorative events and festivals like New Years or the Emperor’s birthday.

Another interesting feature is a Noh theater stage dating from 1509. As in Ancient Greek plays, the stories enacted on stage draw inspiration from creation myths and religion. Featuring the natural backdrop of the sea, the stage is the perfect performance setting for an island where gods dwell.

Itsukushima Shrine is one of Japan’s many World Heritage Sites. Check out our list of all these highly-revered locales for the ultimate travel itinerary!

Daisen Kofun, believed to be the final resting place of the mysterious Emperor Nintoku, is the largest tomb in Japan. Nintoku was reputedly the 16th emperor of the nation, but because his life and reign are shrouded in myth, his existence remains controversial.

The grounds of the tumulus are amongst the largest in the world. Spanning an area greater than the Great Pyramid of Giza, the forested burial site is certainly fit for royalty.

Mozu Kofun Tombs

Photo by: JNTO The Mozu Kofun tombs, including Nintoku’s, gained World Heritage status in 2019.

The mausoleum of Emperor Nintoku is the centerpiece of a cluster of 49 burial mounds known as the Mozu Kofun Tombs. These megalithic mausoleums are located in Sakai, a city in Osaka Prefecture just south of the metropolis of the same name.

The tomb clusters were erected for wealthy leaders and aristocrats during the Kofun Period (250 to 538 AD).

While they have various shapes and sizes, the most famous tombs have a distinctive keyhole shape when viewed from above.

Daisen Kofun measures 1,594 feet (486 meters) in length and 115 feet (35 meters) in height. Though the Great Pyramid of Giza and the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor of China are technically taller, Nintoku’s mausoleum beats them both in surface area and volume.

Photo by: Sakai City Emperor Nintoku’s Tomb which we aren’t even sure that he’s buried in.

Nintoku is technically an emperor of legend rather than fact — though he may have actually existed, there isn’t enough historical evidence to back up exactly when or even what his reign was like. One of Japan’s oldest historical books called Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan) claims he ruled from 313 to 399 AD, but these dates are disputed by historians — it would have been a damn long reign.

The mausoleum is thought to have been constructed during the fifth century by approximately 2,000 people working tirelessly for almost 16 years.

Emperor Nintoku’s mausoleum and the surrounding Mozu Kofun Tombs were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the summer of 2019.

Visiting Daisen Kofun

Photo by: Jean-Pierre Dalbéra You can’t go inside the tomb itself, but a walk around the grounds is quite peaceful.

The tomb is encircled by a sightseeing path approximately 1.7 miles (2.8 km) long, which takes about an hour to walk around. Though now surrounded by modern homes and buildings, the grounds of the tomb remain lush and scenic. The walk is quiet and serene, with wooded areas and three moats to explore. It’s extra picturesque during cherry blossom season in spring.

Unfortunately, visitors aren’t allowed to enter the tomb itself. In fact, the interior has yet to be excavated, hence the mystery surrounding who the tomb even belongs to.

However, the nearby Sakai City Museum features an incredible collection of artifacts from the site for the curious.

To see the tomb from above — recommended to glimpse the keyhole shape — visit the panoramic observatory in the Sakai City Hall complex.

• The 2020 Mount Fuji climbing season will be closed for the whole season due to the coronavirus.

A Beginner’s Guide to Climbing Mt. Fuji

At 3,776 meters high, Mount Fuji is Japan’s highest mountain, located on the border between Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures but visible from Tokyo on a clear day.

If you’re lucky, you might get a glimpse of Fuji’s perfect peak when taking the train around the capital city, from an observatory platform in a tower like the Tokyo Skytree, or if you’re traveling on the bullet train towards Kansai.

Fuji Five Lakes

To get up close and personal with Fuji, head to the Fuji Five Lakes region at the mountain’s northern base. Stay overnight in a traditional Japanese inn and enjoy onsen (hot springs baths) with postcard-worthy views of the mountain reflected in the rippling waters below.

Head to the Fuji Five Lakes region to get the best angles of the iconic mountain.

Alternatively take a day trip to Kawaguchiko, the most accessible of the five lakes, and rent a bike for a picturesque cycle around its circumference. Hiking, camping, snow sports, fishing, and museums are on offer, as well as some pretty hardcore rollercoasters at Fuji Q Highland, a theme park at the base of Fuji. Nearby Hakone is a romantic onsen resort town.

Climbing Mt. Fuji

Check off an item on your bucket list by climbing Mount Fuji during the official climbing season from early July to mid-September, when the trails and extensive mountain facilities are open. The mountain is divided into ten stations from bottom to top; there are restaurants, shops for supplies and mountain huts to sleep in on your way up, concentrated around four “5th” stations on different sides of the mountains (which is where most people start the climb).

Explore the summit of one of the world’s most iconic mountains.

The climbing season can get very busy, especially during school vacations (end of July and August) and it’s not uncommon to have to queue to get up the slopes. But for beginner hikers and tourists in general, this makes the climbing experience easier and more accessible, though the six-hour ascent is not something to be taken lightly. Bring supplies and importantly, warm clothes, as it can get very chilly at the summit.