Getaways travel to 5 cities in Japan

Meet five cities in Japan ideal for a family getaway, charming destinations that we recommend you visit

Getaways travel to 5 cities in Japan

Japan is a beautiful country with a lot to offer. Travelers can find many places to relax, from quiet retreats to big city attractions. If you're looking for an inexpensive getaway, try a trip to Beppe, Nikko, Kamakura, or Takamatsu. Each of these destinations offers something unique.

Beppe

• Japan is a treasure trove of fascinating urban scenes, unique culture, and delicious food. Its varied cities offer something for everyone, and you're sure to want to visit again. Here's a look at some of the best destinations to visit in Japan.
  
  Matsue, located in the Shimane Prefecture, is a less-frequented city than Tokyo but it is still full of ancient feudal history, historical sites, and gorgeous scenery. The most notable attractions include Matsue Castle and the Adachi Museum of Art. In addition, you can visit the Yaegaki shrine and Miho shrine, which are both known for their beauty. You can also enjoy a sunset cruise, which is a great way to end your day in this picturesque town.
  
  Takayama, located in the Japanese Alps, is a large city with a traditional Japanese feel. This city features a large historical district, a traditional tea ceremony, and a rich cultural history. While you're in Takayama, don't forget to check out the local cuisine and try some of the local dishes. Takayama is also a great place to try Hida beef, a local specialty.
  
  Sapporo is another great place for winter activity. The city has many ski resorts and is home to the Sapporo Snow Festival, held in early February. Here, ice sculptors create beautiful works of art made of snow, which are illuminated at night. The festival is one of the most popular events in Japan during the winter months.
  
  

Nikko

• Located on the Yukawa River, Nikko is an excellent place to visit if you want to see some amazing waterfalls. You can even hike through the Senjogahara Marshland. The entire trip is about 2.5 to 3 hours long and offers great views of the surrounding area. The hike includes a stop at Kegon Falls, the largest waterfall in Nikko. There is also a viewing platform where you can enjoy grilled fish and mochi.
  
  The city has a high concentration of historical and natural landmarks. It's possible to see a lot of these in two or three days, though you might want to reserve one or two days for the park. Also, save at least one day for visiting the Shrines and Temples of Nikko.
  
  Nikko is also a great city to experience the fall colours. The fall colors are particularly stunning in the area around Lake Chuzenji. The colors start to descend from higher elevations in early October and are at their peak around mid-late October. They reach Nikko in the first half of November.
  
  Located in the Kanto region, Nikko is a city with many attractions, including beautiful mountain scenery. The city is also home to some of Japan's oldest resort hotels, including the Nikko Kanaya Hotel. This 1873 hotel is a historic landmark that features both Western and Japanese influences.
  
  You can visit Nikko as a day trip from Tokyo by rail. The journey takes just over two hours, and you can use your Japan Rail Pass to cover the cost of the train. Train travel to Nikko will cost under three thousand yen, which is a very affordable option. Alternatively, you can take a Shinkansen train from Tokyo Station to Utsuyomina and then take a JR Line train from Tokyo to Nikko Station. Regardless of your choice, you'll have a great trip to this idyllic mountain town.
  
  

Kamakura

• Kamakura is a popular day trip destination from Tokyo. The nearest train station is Yokohama, where you can easily catch a JR train to Kamakura. It is also accessible by bus. A one-way ticket costs Y950.
  
  If you're looking for a little culture, Kamakura is a great place to visit. The city has plenty of places to eat and shop. You'll find rows of restaurants and small shops along Komachi Street. Near the east exit, you'll find Hokokuji, or "the bamboo temple." If you're looking for a unique souvenir, you can visit Kamakura Moyai Kogei, which sells crafts from all over Japan.
  
  The climate in Kamakura is temperate and pleasant most of the year. The best time to visit is between June and December for the blooming of hydrangeas. If you're visiting in winter, be sure to layer up. Even though the city is relatively small, there are plenty of places to visit and see within walking distance of the station.
  
  Aside from the beautiful scenery, Kamakura also has unique temples and shrines that will entertain visitors. It also offers stories and traditions that will make the experience worthwhile. One of the most famous temples is the Kotokuin temple, which is known for its enormous bronze Buddha statue. Aside from the temples, Kamakura is also known for its hato-sabure shops.
  
  The average daily cost for a Kamakura getaway is Y=12,718 ($89) per person, while two people can enjoy Kamakura in a two-week trip for Y=178,105. The prices are lower if you go with a family or a group. You can also share a hotel room with your travel companions.
  
  

Takamatsu

• For those who are looking for a unique getaway in Japan, Takamatsu is a great place to visit. This city is filled with historical buildings, including the Takamatsu Castle. It also has some fantastic vistas. In addition, it's less than ten minutes by train from the famous island of Yashima, where the great battle of Yashima took place in 1185. There are also several modern highlights in Takamatsu, including the Yashima Aquarium and Tamamo Lighthouse.
  
  There are several popular destinations in this city, and you can easily spend a day or two exploring each one. This picturesque port city is also known as the Gateway to Shikoku. This means that you can visit the neighboring islands and towns while you're in Takamatsu. It is also home to many wonderful places for dining, including some great udon restaurants.
  
  The city is also home to a variety of festivals throughout the year. During the winter, the city is covered with glowing, colorful lights. The city borders the Seto Inland Sea, which is home to countless islands. If you'd like to take a break from the city's bustle, you can visit the island of Megijima, which is often referred to as "Ogre Island" in Japanese folklore. Located just off the coast of Takamatsu, the island is also home to the Museum of the Momotoro, a whimsical character in popular regional tales.
  
  Takamatsu is the capital of the Kagawa Prefecture and has a laid-back atmosphere. The city's wide sunlit boulevards have a French feel, and the city's government supports arts and culture. The city is home to some of the best gardens in Japan.
  
  

Fukuoka

• Fukuoka is a great getaway destination for those who want to experience cosmopolitan Japan at a reasonable price. The city offers a range of cheap and convenient accommodations and attractions, including inexpensive hostels and rooms. You can also purchase a daily pass for about JPY 5,000 to 5,000, which covers transportation, accommodation, and meals. An IC card can also save you the hassle of buying individual tickets.
  
  If you are traveling with children, you might want to choose a private room in a Fukuoka hotel. These private rooms are large and equipped with AC, a mini-fridge, kettle, TV, and a bathroom. Guests can also enjoy the convenience of a private lounge in the hotel.
  
  The city has a long history, and its historic past can be traced back to at least a thousand years. There are remnants of the city's castle, which was once one of the most impressive sites in the city. Some of its walls and turrets can still be seen today, as do some of the city's main buildings.
  
  If you are planning a trip to the five cities of Japan, Fukuoka is a good choice. This compact and dense city has a long history and strong local connections, yet offers modern amenities. Fukuoka is also known for its outstanding local cuisine. In fact, the Nakasu district is famous for its yatai food stalls. You can spend a week in Fukuoka and still have time to visit other cities on your itinerary.
  
  The best time to visit Fukuoka is in spring. The temperatures are mild, and the days are mostly sunny and dry. Cherry blossoms bloom in late March and early April. However, summer months can be hot and humid. There is also plenty of rainfall in June and August.