Hi All,
I am currently in the early (very early) stages of planning a holiday to Japan. I have been there a couple of times and have seen a few of the main attractions - Stayed in Osaka. & Nagoya and visited Tokyo/Sapporo/Shodoshima/Takamatsu.
This time I would like to cover a bit more history and 'old' Japan. As I don't speak Japanese I am very cautious of where I am going, though would really love to go into the rural area.
I haven't been to Hiroshima, so naturally that is on my 'must do' list, would really love to go to Sapporo for the Ice Festival but probably won't be travelling at that time of the year so will remain a dream.
If you could list your favourite places to visit, and maybe why it attracts you I would be very grateful.
Thanks
Poppy
Kyoto? Nara? Asuka? Kamakura if you are interested in old Japan.<BR><BR>Aizu, Hakkodate if you are interested in Boshin war kind of history.<BR><BR>Have you taken a look through the Japan FAQ - there is a link there<BR>to the JNTO practical guides to the regions which has great info.
Don't let your lack of Japanese put you off going anywhere- the people do not expect you to be able to speak their language and most will do their best to try and understand and help you. Even in rural areas there can be English signage around on menus, at train stations etc.
For "old" Japan, either get out into the rural areas, or stick to everything south of Nara. Japan was settled from south to north.
For A-bomb history, visit only one of the museums (Nagasaki or Hiroshima).
I'd really recommend 1) Kiso valley and 2) Takayama and Shirakawago, a unesco world heritage site. Quirky Japan has a good write up on both: Kiso Valley and Takayama.
As, I hate the FAQ's, mainly numerous outdated posts (well the Aussie branch certainly is), decided to check yours out after the suggestion by #3.
Zedd and his helpers have done a wonderful job of making them very user friendly.
Poppy, I would strongly suggest checking them out - I loved the Quirky Japan link, must admit haven't looked at the others but seems to have loads of useful info.
First of all it would help if you specify the time of year since weather will have a big influence on any recommnedations
Obviously Kyoto and Nara are "must do"s but since you've been to Japan maybe youve already been there. Also in the surrounding areas there are temples and archeological sites - Yoshino, Asuka,Sakurai, Hasedera
ibon's suggestions are good. Magome and Tsumago in the Kiso Valley are beautifully preserved, stay overnight in one of the minshuku there for a real old Japan experience - just make sure to avoid the weekend hordes of day trippers. Narai is a quieter alternative. Shirakawago is also popular - its a UNESCO site and very picturesque.
These towns are all very small just taking a few hours to look around but if you stay over and go for a walk in the countryside they are very scenic and relaxing.
Mt Koya is ever popular
Anywhere in Kuyshu, besides Fukuoka
Small islands in Okinawa (but not the main one)
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