Kiwi Curated
Best Places to Visit in Japan
by Monika MarkovinovicWith Tokyo gearing up to host the 2021 Summer Olympics, all eyes are on Japan. But before the Games ramp up, discover the country’s many cultural and natural wonders with lower-key adventures. We’ve rounded up the best places to visit in Japan before heading to Tokyo for the Olympic Games.
Best Places to Visit in Japan
One of the most culturally rich cities in the world, Kyoto offers a glimpse into historic Japan. Temples, shrines and generations-old craft shops back onto enchanting gardens and breathtaking hillsides in this city best known for its culture, dining and rural charm. Close to it all is Japan’s newest luxury hotel Park Hyatt Kyoto. Carefully crafted to resemble a luxury guesthouse, this architectural beauty is the perfect spot for foodies looking to indulge in Japan’s culinary goodness. Experience authentic kaiseki cuisine at the traditional Kyoyamato and live cooking by award-winning Chef de Cuisine Kampei Hisaoka at Yasaka.
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Bright, kitschy and playful, Osaka is known as the “Nation’s Kitchen,” serving up superb street food from the likes of takoyaki and okonomiyaki. Surrounded by the city’s eclectic culinary landscape and fun nightlife is InterContinental Osaka. Adjoining Grand Front Osaka mall and Osaka Station, the hotel’s location treats guests to the excitement of metropolitan Kansai. Luckily for foodies, this opulent hot spot is home to Pierre, the hotel’s Michelin starred restaurant. Spoil yourself with delightful French and Japanese cuisine as you overlook the city.
VIEW HOTELBest Places to Visit in Japan
A winter wonderland and summer haven, the city of Sapporo is best known for hosting the first-ever Winter Olympics in 1972. With famed ski resort Niseko nearby, expect some of the finest skiing and snowboarding in the country here. Take in the fresh powder at The Chalets at Country Resort, a luxury ski chalet perfect for ski vacations and prized for summer retreats too, with rafting and hiking all around.
VIEW HOTELBest Places to Visit in Japan
In harmony with nature, Nagano is often called the “roof of Japan,” boasting the highest mountain ranges in the country. That’s why it was named host of the 1998 Winter Olympics. In central Nagano is mountain city Matsumoto, home to Matsumoto Castle, a 16th-century stronghold as known as Crow Castle. Tucked away in these northern alps is Tobira Onsen Myojinkan. The ryokan’s surrounds of swaying conifers and snow-covered vistas provide the perfect backdrop for a soak in the hot springs.
VIEW HOTELBest Places to Visit in Japan
Part of the Kansai region, the Mie Prefecture has some of the most historic and sacred sites in Japan, including Ise-Shima National Park. On the shores of Ago Bay and surrounded by UNESCO pilgrim trails is Amanemu, Kiwi Collection’s 2020 winner for Best-Far Flung Escape. The rustic ryokan-inspired retreat is where Japan’s ancient hospitality ritual finds its contemporary expression. Here, experience traditional onsen bathing in the mineral-rich water of the natural hot spring.
VIEW HOTELBest Places to Visit in Japan
At the southern tip of mainland Japan, Kagoshima is often referred to as the “Naples of the East” for its crystal bay and beautiful climate. A piece of Japan’s wild side, the region is home to the beaches of Amami Oshima and the great volcanoes of Sakurajima and Kirishima. Take in these natural wonders from the serene Tenku no Mori. Translated as “heaven in the sky,” Tenku no Mori is located under the eye of Japan’s volcanic mountains and surrounded by rainforest. Travelers come to relax in open-air baths and indulge in Satsuma-jidori chicken and vegetables from the onsite garden.
VIEW HOTELBest Places to Visit in Japan
A famous hot spring resort town on the eastern coast of the Izu Peninsula, Ito offers a world of beauty and calm. For those seeking Zen, Asaba is situated in a peaceful environment amidst the hot springs of Shuzenji and minutes away from the gentle Katsura River, where legend has it that Japanese Buddhist monk Kobo Daishi bathed each morning. Take in a traditional Noh theatre performance by the riverside before taking to open-air baths crafted from koyamaki timber and filled with spring water.
VIEW HOTELBest Places to Visit in Japan
If looking to escape the crowds of some of Japan’s larger cities, head to Kaga. By the ocean, it’s a quaint hot spring town with rustic mountain villages that overlook the dramatic peaks of Mount Hakusan, one of Japan’s “three holiest mountains.” Explore this onsen destination at Beniya Mukayu, an intimate hideaway that has been practicing the thousand-year-old science of wellness through water for four generations. Maple and pine trees surround the open-plan ryokans where guests can peruse a long menu of spa therapies, including yoga, meditation and, of course, steaming natural baths.
VIEW HOTELBest Places to Visit in Japan
No trip to Japan is complete without a trip to the country’s capital city. In recent years, Tokyo has become the top-picked destination for travelers in search of a remarkable food scene, rich cultural traditions, trailblazing architecture and iconic fashion. But where to stay in Tokyo? Grand Hyatt Tokyo is a sound choice. Located in the neon heart of the city, this modern sanctuary puts you at the center of the action, with attractions like the Imperial Palace and Shinjuku shopping district nearby. If you’re looking to end your trip with delectable premium sushi and sashimi, head to the property’s Japanese joint, Roku Roku.
VIEW HOTELOne of the most culturally rich cities in the world, Kyoto offers a glimpse into historic Japan. Temples, shrines and generations-old craft shops back onto enchanting gardens and breathtaking hillsides in this city best known for its culture, dining and rural charm. Close to it all is Japan’s newest luxury hotel Park Hyatt Kyoto. Carefully crafted to resemble a luxury guesthouse, this architectural beauty is the perfect spot for foodies looking to indulge in Japan’s culinary goodness. Experience authentic kaiseki cuisine at the traditional Kyoyamato and live cooking by award-winning Chef de Cuisine Kampei Hisaoka at Yasaka.
VIEW HOTELBright, kitschy and playful, Osaka is known as the “Nation’s Kitchen,” serving up superb street food from the likes of takoyaki and okonomiyaki. Surrounded by the city’s eclectic culinary landscape and fun nightlife is InterContinental Osaka. Adjoining Grand Front Osaka mall and Osaka Station, the hotel’s location treats guests to the excitement of metropolitan Kansai. Luckily for foodies, this opulent hot spot is home to Pierre, the hotel’s Michelin starred restaurant. Spoil yourself with delightful French and Japanese cuisine as you overlook the city.
VIEW HOTELA winter wonderland and summer haven, the city of Sapporo is best known for hosting the first-ever Winter Olympics in 1972. With famed ski resort Niseko nearby, expect some of the finest skiing and snowboarding in the country here. Take in the fresh powder at The Chalets at Country Resort, a luxury ski chalet perfect for ski vacations and prized for summer retreats too, with rafting and hiking all around.
VIEW HOTELIn harmony with nature, Nagano is often called the “roof of Japan,” boasting the highest mountain ranges in the country. That’s why it was named host of the 1998 Winter Olympics. In central Nagano is mountain city Matsumoto, home to Matsumoto Castle, a 16th-century stronghold as known as Crow Castle. Tucked away in these northern alps is Tobira Onsen Myojinkan. The ryokan’s surrounds of swaying conifers and snow-covered vistas provide the perfect backdrop for a soak in the hot springs.
VIEW HOTELPart of the Kansai region, the Mie Prefecture has some of the most historic and sacred sites in Japan, including Ise-Shima National Park. On the shores of Ago Bay and surrounded by UNESCO pilgrim trails is Amanemu, Kiwi Collection’s 2020 winner for Best-Far Flung Escape. The rustic ryokan-inspired retreat is where Japan’s ancient hospitality ritual finds its contemporary expression. Here, experience traditional onsen bathing in the mineral-rich water of the natural hot spring.
VIEW HOTELAt the southern tip of mainland Japan, Kagoshima is often referred to as the “Naples of the East” for its crystal bay and beautiful climate. A piece of Japan’s wild side, the region is home to the beaches of Amami Oshima and the great volcanoes of Sakurajima and Kirishima. Take in these natural wonders from the serene Tenku no Mori. Translated as “heaven in the sky,” Tenku no Mori is located under the eye of Japan’s volcanic mountains and surrounded by rainforest. Travelers come to relax in open-air baths and indulge in Satsuma-jidori chicken and vegetables from the onsite garden.
VIEW HOTELA famous hot spring resort town on the eastern coast of the Izu Peninsula, Ito offers a world of beauty and calm. For those seeking Zen, Asaba is situated in a peaceful environment amidst the hot springs of Shuzenji and minutes away from the gentle Katsura River, where legend has it that Japanese Buddhist monk Kobo Daishi bathed each morning. Take in a traditional Noh theatre performance by the riverside before taking to open-air baths crafted from koyamaki timber and filled with spring water.
VIEW HOTELIf looking to escape the crowds of some of Japan’s larger cities, head to Kaga. By the ocean, it’s a quaint hot spring town with rustic mountain villages that overlook the dramatic peaks of Mount Hakusan, one of Japan’s “three holiest mountains.” Explore this onsen destination at Beniya Mukayu, an intimate hideaway that has been practicing the thousand-year-old science of wellness through water for four generations. Maple and pine trees surround the open-plan ryokans where guests can peruse a long menu of spa therapies, including yoga, meditation and, of course, steaming natural baths.
VIEW HOTELNo trip to Japan is complete without a trip to the country’s capital city. In recent years, Tokyo has become the top-picked destination for travelers in search of a remarkable food scene, rich cultural traditions, trailblazing architecture and iconic fashion. But where to stay in Tokyo? Grand Hyatt Tokyo is a sound choice. Located in the neon heart of the city, this modern sanctuary puts you at the center of the action, with attractions like the Imperial Palace and Shinjuku shopping district nearby. If you’re looking to end your trip with delectable premium sushi and sashimi, head to the property’s Japanese joint, Roku Roku.
VIEW HOTEL