Planning a trip to Tokyo and looking for the best things to do in Shinjuku? Shinjuku is an energetic district and one of Tokyo’s most popular areas known for its neon-lit streets, Godzilla head, shopping beautiful gardens, and so much more. Shinjuku offers things to do for everyone like walking around Gyoen National Garde to experiencing the nightlife at Kabukicho. In this Shinjuku post, you’ll discover top attractions, some hidden gems, and must-visit spots. ** This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or widgets throughout the page, whether it be Viator, Booking.com, Agoda, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! Summary Why Shinjuku: If you like nightlife, beautiful city parks, food, and bar hopping, then Shinjuku is the perfect district in Tokyo for you.  Top Things to do Shinjuku: Take photos of the Godzilla Head. Eat and Drink at a local Izakaya at Golden Gai or Memory Lane. Head up to the observation deck of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.  Where to Stay in Shinjuku: I am a fan of APA hotels in Japan, and this APA hotel is a great option.  When visiting Shinjuku, consider a walking food tour or Izakaya food crawl tour. Why Visit Shinjuku In total, I’ve probably spent about a week in Shinjuku. I’ve walked the alley ways, dined at local izakaya’s, and shopped for vintage video games in Shinjuku. Every time I visit Tokyo, I get drawn to Shinjuku. So why should you visit Shinjuku, Tokyo?  Shinjuku is that quintessential image of Tokyo that comes to mind. Modern, neon-lights, crowds of people, and plenty of drinking establishments. Shinjuku truly does offer something for everyone. You can find incredible shopping, beautiful nature, free observation decks overlooking the city, and amazing Japanese food.  Shinjuku offers that perfect blend of entertainment, culture, nature, and unforgettable travel experiences.  Best Things to do in Shinjuku Whether you are spending 24-hours in Shinjuku or multiple days, I’ve come up with this list of my recommendations and the best things to do in Shinjuku.  Please, if you have other recommendations and must-see or do things in Shinjuku leave a comment to share with myself and the rest of us.  Shinjuku Station Shinjuku Station is considered to be the busiest train station in the world! Of course, if you are going to spend any time in Shinjuku, you’ll probably arrive via the train station.  Shinjuku Station is huge! You can easily get lost here. Trust me, I have on more then one occasion.  Shinjuku is an attraction in itself. You can literally spend an entire day here, especially if the weather is not ideal.  You can shop, dine, and just wander around Shinjuku Station.  The Giant 3D Cat Upon exiting Shinjuku Station, you’ll probably notice a ton of people looking up pointing their phones at a building. Most likely, the Giant 3D Cat in Shinjuku is on the giant LED Screen.  If it is your first time in Shinjuku, make an effort to watch the 3D calico cat. Throughout the day, the cat does what cats do – Sleeps and wakes up, meows, and plays. It’s pretty realistic and just a joy to watch.  Kabukicho Main Gate You have to start your Shinjuku trip at the famous Kabukicho Main Gate. It’s an iconic landmark welcoming everyone into Shinjuku’s vibrant nightlife.  Start here for your Shinjuku itinerary. Sure, take a photo of the gate then head through the streets behind it and start exploring Shinjuku.  Godzilla Head Shinjuku’s Godzilla Head is perched atop the Toho Cinema Building looking down on visitors below.  The Godzilla Head in Tokyo peers over the skyline, roars, and lights up during scheduled times, don’t miss out! Visitors love to take photos here, so the area is always crowded.  You can visit the terrace for close-up photos. You can stay at the Hotel Gracery for Godzilla themed rooms and views of the Godzilla head.  Don Quijote No visit to Japan is complete without stopping into a Don Quijote, there just so happens to be one in the heart of Shinjuku.  Don Quijote or just “Donki” is a discount store chain that sells basically everything. You can buy groceries, electronics, car stuff, houseware, clothing, and basically anything else you can think of.  In case you traveled to Japan and forgot something like an umbrella or just want to load up on snacks, don’t worry! Don Quijote has you covered.  Four Seasons Pathway The Four Seasons Pathway in Shinjuku is a peaceful walking route that is meant to showcase Japan’s changing seasons.  This short yet scenic pathway has cherry blossoms during the spring season, lush greenery during the summer, fall foliage during autumn, and beautiful winter landscapes.  I always enjoy walking the Four Seasons Pathway, it’s a nice escape from the crowds. It’s both safe and clean.  Golden Gai Shinjuku Golden Gai in is one of the most conic nightlife districts. Golden Gai is known for its narrow alleys that are lined with small bars and Izakaya’s.  Apparently there are about 200 tiny bars and eateries packed into six alleyways. It can become crowded during busy times of day. I recommend trying a few of the local bars in the area.  Omoide Yokocho Memory Lane Omoide Yokocho also known as Memory Lane is another spot like Golden Gai filled with narrow alleyways packed with tiny yakitori stalls, izakaya’s, and eateries.  Memory Lane is right by Shinjuku Station and is one of Shinjuku’s best areas to experience nightlife.  Like Golden Gai, because of its location and popularity, Memory Lane can become quite crammed, it’s still a great time no matter what.  Shin-Okubo, Korea Town Shin-Okubo, also known as Tokyo’s Korea Town is a vibrant hotspot and must visit place in Shinjuku for food lovers. This neighborhood is packed with authentic Korean restaurants like Korea BBQ, fried chicken, and places that sell street food like Tteokbokki and hotteok.  Not only can you find amazing Korean food in Shinjuku but there are also trendy shops selling fun stuff you can find in Korea.  Food, Food, Food The main reason I travel to Shinjuku is because of the food and fun places to eat. In Tokyo’s Shinjuku, you can find Michelin-star restaurants, local Izakaya’s, late night ramen shops, and everything else imaginable.  For local experiences, try an Izakaya at the famous Omoide Yokocho or Golden Gai. But you can find amazing dining options anywhere in Shinjuku really.  ** Book a Shinjuku Food Tour to experience local dishes in hidden eateries via Get Your Guide.  Cafes & Desserts Some of the best cafes and dessert shops in Tokyo, I’ve found in Shinjuku. If you are looking for coffee shops, ice cream parlors, bakeries, or just a small vendor selling treats, chances are you’ll find it in Shinjuku.  Two of my favorite and highly recommend places for dessert and fun drinks/cakes are Macapresso Tokyo and Oyoppi Coffee.  If you like Macaroons, Macapresso Tokyo has some of the best I’ve ever had! They are gigantic and sell a wide variety of traditional and experimental flavors.  For a unique cafe experience, try Oyoppi Coffee. I highly recommend trying their cakes, coffee, and apple tea. The apple tea is very unique, you have to see it for yourself.  ** Try a unique Japan experience and participate in this Matcha Kimono Tea Ceremony, tickets can be purchased online via Get Your Guide.  Shopping Besides food and nightlife, most visitors come to Shinjuku to go shopping. You can find everything here from massive department stores to specialty shops.  I stumbled inside a huge department store and on the top floor there was a huge store selling vintage video games, some were not cheap!  In general, Shinjuku is a convenient location for shopping with a diverse range of stores.  Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is one of my favorite places in Shinjuku. I find Tokyo to be a very green city with many large parks scattered throughout the city. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is one of my favorites.  The garden is huge with many beautiful themes, it’s both a nature and photographers paradise, in the heart of Tokyo.  The Old Goryo-tei (Taiwan Pavilion) is one of my favorite attractions at Gyoen National Garden.  Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Deck If you are looking for free things to do in Shinjuku or free attractions in Tokyo, I highly recommend paying a visit to the observation decks at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. It seems that the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building gets overlooked since Tokyo Tower and Skytree are so famous and on everyone’s Tokyo bucket list. Honestly, this free observation deck is just as good, if not better.  It’s free to enter the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and you get stunning panoramic views of Tokyo, you can even see Mt. Fuji on a clear day. I visited and there was only a short line at the entrance, no crowds plus the observation deck was near empty.  Conclusion When visiting Tokyo, especially for the first time, you have to visit Shinjuku. I’d even recommend staying in Shinjuku to experience the nightlife and culture.  For being one of Tokyo’s districts, Shinjuku has so much to offer. Find peace at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, get some of the best views of Tokyo at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, and sample local Japanese delights.  Have other recommendations and things to do in Shinjuku? Leave a comment so I can check it out next time. Safe travels!  Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸  Plan Your Trip: 🗺️✈️🇯🇵 Booking Accommodations ⛺️🛖  For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours  🏖️🚁  Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options.  In need of a car rental? 🚗🚘  I recommend checking with Rental Cars.

Spending one day in Kawagoe, is the perfect day trip from Tokyo for travelers who are looking to escape the city and experience a historic Japanese town. Known as “Little Edo,” Kawagoe is a charming town with preserved streets and iconic landmarks.  Visiting Kawagoe from Tokyo is an easy train ride away. You can easily spend the day here sampling local treats, visiting attractions, shopping, and trying various sake and beers from the region.  I created this guide to Kawagoe to share some of the best things to do, how to get to Kawagoe, and so much more that will help make the most of your one-day in Kawagoe trip from Tokyo.  ** This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or widgets throughout the page, whether it be Viator, Booking.com, Agoda, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! Why Visit Kawagoe? So many tourists come to Japan and solely focus on visiting Tokyo and/or Kyoto. There are so many other beautiful places around Japan that are worth visiting. One town I recently visited as a day trip from Tokyo, deserves visitors. Kawagoe is seriously one of the best places to visit near Tokyo especially if you are looking for a nice blend of history, culture, and a charming Japanese small-town atmosphere.  Kawagoe is a beautifully preserved Edo-period town with streets and buildings from the same period. This gives travelers a chance to experience and Edo-period town without venturing far from Tokyo.  You can easily spend an entire day in Kawagoe. Visit the famous Toki no Kane Clock Tower, walk up and down Ichibangai Shotengai (street lined with Edo-period warehouse buildings), and try some local sweet potato treats.  How to Get to Kawagoe from Tokyo Getting to Kawagoe from Tokyo is surprisingly easy and fast. If you are in the Shinjuku area hop on the Express Red Arrow Line. This is a direct train from Seibu-Shinjuku Station to Kawagoe’s Honkawagoe Station.  From the Seibu-Shinjuku Station to Honkawagoe Station, it’s a 44 minute direct train ride.  I recommend purchasing the Seibu Kawagoe Pass. This is a discounted roundtrip ticket and can be purchased at the ticket counter on the second floor of the Seibu-Shinjuku Station.  Perfect Kawagoe Itinerary Here is my recommended itinerary for a one day trip to Kawagoe from Tokyo. I don’t think more then a day is entirely necessary, but Kawagoe is a must-visit place just outside Tokyo. Here is our itinerary and we spent the day in Kawagoe.  Morning Train to Honkawagoe Station → Ichibangai Shotengai → Penny Candy Lane → Sample Food Seibu-Shinjuku Station to Honkawagoe Station I recommend starting your day early when visiting Kawagoe. There is so much to do and see so plan enough time to follow my recommended Kawagoe itinerary.  Remember, the train from Seibu-Shinjuku takes roughly 44 minutes and I recommend purchasing the Seibu Kawagoe Pass for a roundtrip fare.  Ichibangai Shotenagai (Historical Street) Ichibangai Shotenagai is a historic street in Kawagoe. This street is lined with historically preserved Kurazukuri Warehouses, traditional shops, cafes, and fun souvenir stores.  Along this road in Kawagoe, you can find local sweets, handcrafted souvenirs, vendors selling COEDO Beer, and so much more.  Kashiya Yokocho (Penny Candy Lane) Kashiya Yokocho or Penny Candy Lane is a short section of road that near Ichibangai Shotenagai. According to information I learned in Kawagoe, this road got its name from a local vendor who made candy during the Edo-period. Quickly gaining popularity, there were over 70 stores selling candy. Today, you can still find stores selling Taffy, Senbei, and other candies. Although, a short street, it’s worth walking it to grab a quick snack on the go.  Sample Daigaku Imo-Dan-go or Imokoi (Dumplings)   You can’t visit Kawagoe without trying some of the famous sweets and treats. I highly recommend trying Daigaku Imo Dan-go and Imokoi, both can be found around town being sold by local vendors.  Daigaku Imo Dan-go is a treat made with sweet potatoes, it is deep fried and coated with a sugar glaze.  Imokoi is a type of dumpling filled with fresh red bean paste and sweet potato. This treat is served fresh and hot, it’s best to eat right away, perfect for colder weather.  Afternoon Toki-no-Kane → Chopsticks → Beer → Kawage Hikawa Shrine Toki-no Kane (Bell Tower) Probably Kawagoe’s most famous attraction is Toki-no Kane known as the Bell of Time Tower. During the Edo-period it was used to let people know the time.  Today, it is still being used, ringing four times a day.  Make Your Own Chopsticks I am not a crafty or artistic person at all, but I highly recommend going to Karakimokkou (Wood Works Kawagoe) to make your own chopsticks.  Right across the street from Toki-no Kane you’ll find this small wood working shop. You don’t make reservations, but it is a first come first serve basis. You sign up electronically outside and you’ll ben notified when it is your turn. We waited about 30-minutes. Perfect time to grab a snack, a beer, and do a little sightseeing around Kawagoe.  When you are called up and enter the store, first you choose wood. There is a display of all the wood and they vary in price.  Next you cut the wood with tools and instructions provided.  Smooth the edges using sand paper, and finally dip the chopsticks in an oil coating. The whole process takes about 20-mintutes to make your chopsticks.  The staff will then give you a sleeve to place your chopsticks in. It’s the perfect souvenior for your travels in Japan.  Try a local COEDO Beer While you are waiting to make your own chopsticks, you can easily go to one of the many liquor stores or local vendors selling Kawagoe’s own COEDO Beer.  COEDO is an award winning craft brewery and well worth trying a few of their beers.  In my opinion, their Kyara (India Pale Lager) and Shirogamau (IPA) are their best beers.  Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine When visiting Kawagoe, you can’t miss the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. I walked to the Hikawa Shrine from the Toki-no Kane. It was about a 15-minute walk.  Hikawa Shrine dates back over 1,500 years and is known for its serene atmosphere, towering torii gate, Ema Tunnel, and fortune fishing. That’s right, you can use a rod and retrieve your fortune from a fish-shaped charm.  Evening Kita-in → Sake Tastings → Omiyage → Train Back to Tokyo Kita-in Kita-in Temple was my favorite temple in Kawagoe and I recommend visiting it while on your way back to the train station.  I also recommend paying the ¥400 to gain access to the gardens, Senba Tosyogu Shrine, interior of the temple, and the 500 Statues of Rakan.  The 500 Statues of Rakan are disciples of Buddha and each one is different.  Sample Sake Sense you are taking the train back to Tokyo, you don’t have to drive right? Why not sample local sake and choose your favorite from the dozens to try from.  At the liquor store, Kikizake Shop Showagura you can sample dozens of Japanese sake. Simply insert money into the machine and it spits out tokens that can be used at the Sake machines. You get a small cup and can hold it under any of the Sake you want to try. Not only is it fun but you can see what styles of sake you prefer.  Each Sake has a corresponding one in the store you can purchase. So if you liked one you sampled, feel free to purchase a bottle. Perfect for gifts or just drinking in your hotel room.  Pick up an Omiyage While you are it, go next door from Kikizake Shop Showagura to Koedo Kurari and pick up some Omiyage, souvenirs, and other local goods.  Omiyage is a traditional Japanese souvenir. You’ve seen them, they are local snacks, treats, and specialty foods, that are nicely packaged. They are found in souvenir shops, train stations, and Michi-no-Eki (Roadside Station).  Omiyage is an important part of Japanese travel culture and they are regional which is fun.  I always bring an omiyage to work to share with coworkers to thank them for picking up my slack!  Train back to Seibu-Shinjuku Station Now that you have your sake and omiyage it’s time to head back to Tokyo by boarding the train at Honkawagoe Station. Use the same Seibu Kawagoe Pass and enjoy the train ride back to Seibu-Shinjuku Station.  Conclusion Spending one day in Kawagoe is simply the best way to experience Japan’s small historic town charm without traveling to far from Tokyo. Kawagoe has beautifully preserved warehouse buildings and streets that date back to the Edo-period.  For a town of its size, there is so much o do and it makes for the perfect day trip from Tokyo.  I hope this Kawagoe itinerary helps with making the most out of your day in Kawagoe and gives you an option to think about if you are planning day trips from Tokyo. If you end up visiting Kawagoe, let me know how your trip went! Safe Travels!  Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸  Plan Your Trip: 🗺️✈️🇯🇵 Booking Accommodations ⛺️🛖  For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours  🏖️🚁  Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options.  In need of a car rental? 🚗🚘  I recommend checking with Rental Cars.

When most travelers think of Japan, images of cherry blossoms, bullet trains, and probably food come to mind. But there is another side of Japan’s creativity and one of my favorite works of art, right beneath your feet, the beautiful manhole covers.  Across Japan, in almost every town and city, ordinary sewer lids are transformed into intricate works of art. The manholes showcase local landmarks, mascots, nature, and icons from that specific town or city.  I didn’t know about Japan’s manhole covers until moving here, and yes, manhole tourism is a thing! Visitors, including myself hunt for and photograph Japan’s most beautiful manhole covers. This post is all about Japan’s manhole covers and the tourism around it.  ** This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or widgets throughout the page, whether it be Viator, Booking.com, Agoda, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! What is Manhole Tourism? It sounds weird, but manhole tourism is a thing and even I am guilty of it, not that it’s a bad thing!  Manhole tourism is popular in Japan. When visiting Japan, instead of looking up at the exciting neon lights, enthusiasts look down in search of Japan’s most creative and colorful manhole covers.  For me, it’s a souvenir, another way of tracking my travels around Japan. Each manhole design reflects the character of its city or town featuring landmarks, flowers, nature, events, etc.. For example, while walking around the Japanese city of Himeji, you might stumble upon a manhole with the famous Himeji Castle, or in Hiroshima, you can spot manholes with their favorite baseball team on it, the Hiroshima Carp.  Manhole tourism in Japan has gotten more popular in recent years. I’ve heard of some travelers planning their entire trip just based on the manholes. Not a bad idea, it gets you to some remote places and outside the typical Tokyo and Kyoto itinerary.  History Behind Japan’s Artistic Manhole Covers In Japan, everything seems to be cutesy and colorful even the manhole covers. But this wasn’t always the case. In fact, the detailed and  interesting manhole covers in Japan is fairly new, dating back to the 1980s. The local governments were trying to find ways to make the public infrastructure more appealing so that in a way locals could get behind it for funding reasons. The idea was proposed to decorate the manhole lids with regional designs.  The crafty manhole designs were meant to spark interest in the rather expensive sewer projects. What stared off as a small project quickly spread throughout Japan.  Soon after, towns and cities across Japan started to create their own unique manhole cover designs, each coming up with their own local identity.  Today, there are more the 12,000 different manhole covers throughout Japan. Not only are they functional, but the have become a form of public art drawing the interest of tourists every year.  Culture Behind the Designs The culture behind Japan’s artistic manhole covers is more then just pretty designs. The pictures and representations on the manholes reflect the culture, creativity, and community of the town or city in Japan.  Each manhole cover is unique and tells a story whether it be a town mascot or a popular festival.  The manhole covers are also part of Japan’s love of regional individuality. In Japanese, the word “Gotochi” means local. Every prefecture has a unique highlight and often times these are represented in the manholes.  For instance, you might find a manhole cover with Mt. Fuji on it in the prefecture of Shizouka, or a manhole cover with beni imo (sweet potato from Okinawa) on it somewhere in Okinawa.  For locals, the manhole covers can be a sense of pride. For visitors, they offer a meaningful and alternative way to appreciate Japanese culture.  Pokémon Manhole Covers For manhole tourism in Japan, one of the most popular highlights is the collection on Pokémon manhole covers also known as Pokéfuta (Japanese) and  PokéLids.  The installation of Pokémon manhole covers began in 2018. As of now, there are around 300 PokéLids and more continue to be added around rural areas of Japan as well as popular tourist destinations.  Each Pokémon manhole cover is created to reflect the local culture or scenery of the region where they are installed.  The PokéLids are beautifully designed and show original and next generation Pokémon characters. The lids will also have the name (in Japanese) of the Pokémon and region/town you are in. Photos make great souvenirs!  For example you can find Tauros in Uruma, Okinawa which is known for bullfighting. Or Geodude and Baltoy in Iwate Prefecture near the Jomon Prehistoric Sites.  My favorite thing about the Pokémon manhole covers in Japan is that they install them in rural areas. This brings tourism to small towns, Michi-no-Eki (Roadside Stations), local parks, and historical sites.  Many times, while doing road trips in Japan, we mark many of the PokéLids on the map and make an effort to drive to a few of them, you never know where you’ll end up and what cool things you’ll find. It’s kind of like a treasure hunt, you can map out the routes to each manhole and photograph each PokéLid.  I use this PokéLids website to find the Pokémon manhole covers. You can search by region and the site has a map and coordinates. Simply mark it on your map and try and find the Pokémon manhole cover! Happy Hunting!  Why I Love Japan’s Manhole Tourism Prior to living in Japan, I never paid any attention to a manhole. I mean, there really was never a point, they all look the same and serve the same purpose.  That all changed when I moved to Japan, I instantly fell in love with the beautiful and interesting manhole covers. Then I discovered the Pokémon manhole covers and now I actively seek them out, I don’t even like Pokémon.  To me, it’s become like a treasure hunt, I love looking at each towns manholes, I try and visit new places around Japan just to photograph their manhole covers.   The manhole covers in Japan are so varied, I’ve seen ones with castles, animals, villages, fests, and so much more. Some towns and cities will have multiple different manhole covers too.  Just by searching for manhole covers in Japan, it’s taken me to some incredible places I never thought about visiting like the Onigajo Rock Formations in Mie Prefecture or the foot of Mt. Daisen in Tottori Prefecture.  Some of My Favorite Manhole Covers Around Japan Conclusion Japan’s manhole covers are so much more then just sewer manholes you see in other countries. Japan made the effort to make even their manholes beautiful and attractive and it’s led to manhole tourism. Where visitors seek out beautifully decorative manholes throughout Japan and photograph them.  Japan’s manholes include everything from hand0painted designs in small towns to Pokémon themed covers known as PokéLids.   Japan’s detailed manhole covers have turned ordinary street manholes into basically open-air galleries, each manhole telling a story about the region, culture, and traditions of Japan.  Do you know of any must-visit manhole covers in Japan? Leave a photo or comment so that I and others can find it. Thanks!  Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸  Plan Your Trip: 🗺️✈️🇯🇵 Booking Accommodations ⛺️🛖  For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours  🏖️🚁  Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options.  In need of a car rental? 🚗🚘  I recommend checking with Rental Cars.

The Jomon Prehistoric Sites are a collection of archaeological sites found in Hokkaido and the Northern Tohoku region (Akita, Aomori, and Iwate Prefectures) of Japan. There are 17 unique sites that make up the Jomon Prehistoric Sites in Northern Japan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Settlements, earthen mounds, stone circles, intricate pottery and figurines, are all hidden treasures of the Jomon people, a hunter-gatherer culture that dates back over 10,000 years.  Learn more about the Jomon Prehistoric Sites, its people, and the locations I visited while touring specific sites in Northern Japan.  **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or banners throughout the page, whether it be TripAdvisor, Booking.com. Agoda.com, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! UNESCO: Jomon Prehistoric Sites in Northern Japan The Jomon Prehistoric Sites in Northern Japan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was inscribed in 2021. According to UNESCO, there are 17 archaeological sites ranging from Southern Hokkaido to the Northern Tohoku region of Japan. The Northern Tohoku region includes the Japanese Prefectures of Akita, Aomori, and Iwate.  The Jomon Sites around Northern Japan and Hokkaido include settlements, burial mounds, ritual and ceremonial sites, stone circles, and many recovered artifacts like pottery and weapons.  Who Were the Jomon People? The Jomon people is a name given to the prehistoric inhabitants of Japan during the Jomon period, 14,000 BCE to 300 BCE.  The Jomon people were hunter-gatherers who lived a semi-sedentary lifestyle. This is known because of archaeological evidence found at many of the settlements. The Jomon people lived in settlements made of many pit dwellings. The structures varied in size from small rooms to huge longhouses like the one at Sannai Maruyama.  According to the museums visited, the Jomon people used stone tools, bone tools, and even fished using nets. They used weapons and had arrow and spearheads. Honestly, it reminded me of arrowheads like the Native Americans used. It’s crazy to me how close the tools and weapons were comparing two different cultures on opposite sides of the planet.  Jomon Pottery and Artifacts The Jomon people are most known for their pottery. The pottery was of course handmade and characterized by the patterns made by cord markings.  Cord markings is a technique used by the Jomon people where ropes or cords were pressed into the clay to make patterns.  The pottery was multi-functional and was used for cooking, decoration, and storage and came in all shapes and sizes.  The thing that fascinated me the most was the figurines or Dogu. They’ve uncovered many of these figurines which resemble humans. The Dogu are made from clay and are believed to be ritual objects and not children’s toys like I initially thought. The Google-Eyed Dogu are my favorite. The Google-eyed figurine from the Kamegaoka Burial Site is the most famous and is currently at the Tokyo National Museum.  Jomon Sites in Northern Japan The Jomon Prehistoric Sites in Northern Japan are a must-visit for any traveler visiting Japan that is interested in history and looking to explore parts of Akita, Aomori, and Hokkaido.  Recognized as a UNESCO site in 2021, the Jomon Sites are are historically significant and well worth visiting. Although there are many more sites, 17 are listed and protected under UNESCO. I managed to visit 4 major Jomon Sites across Akita, Aomori, and Hokkaido Prefectures. Below you can find more information on the particular sites I visited.  Sannai Maruyama Site Located in Aomori Prefecture just outside the city of Aomori is the Sannai Maruyama Archaeological Site.  Sannai Maruyama was the most significant and largest of the Jomon sites I visited in Northern Japan. You could literally spend a whole day here between browsing the museum and walking the grounds.  Sannai Maruyama has it all: Mounds, remains of pathways, storage pits, burial areas, reconstructed dwellings and structures, and so much more!  There are multiple routes to walk on the grounds of Sannai Maruyama, We just took the standard route. There were many reconstructed dwellings, you can even access them to see what the inside most likely looked like.  Don’t forget to spend time in the museum to get a better understanding of the Jomon people and see many of their pottery and artifacts on display.  For more information on the  Sannai Maruyama Site to include opening hours and admission fees, view the official website.  Kamegaoka Archaeological Site Nearly an hour drive from Sannai Maruyama is the Kamegaoka Archaeological Site. Kamegaoka Archaeological Site is most famous because of the iconic Shakoki Dogu (Goggle-Eyed figurine) that was discovered at the site.  According to a sign posted at the site, the figurine found here named Shakoki Dogu gets its name because Shakoki means snow goggles and its eyes resemble snow goggles, I prefer Goggle-Eyed.  The Google-Eyed figurine, Shakoki Dogu was moved to the Tokyo National Museum.  Omori-Katsuyama Archaeological Site Omori Katsuyama Archaeological Site consisted of stone circles that date back to 1,000 BCE. The site was most likely a burial and ceremonial area.  According to signage at the site, there are no other stone circles in the surrounding areas. It is thought that several settlements jointly used Omori Katsuyama. We visited Omori-Katsuyama in the evening hours and it was so peaceful walking around. The trails were nicely maintained and well marked.   Goshono Archaeological Site Located in Iwate Prefecture just south of the town of Ichinohe is Goshono Archaeological Site.  Goshono Archaeological Site is a preserved Jomon site that dates back over 4,000 years ago. On the grounds here, you can find reconstructed pit dwellings, burial mounds, and a large museum.  The picture above is actually the covered walkway that acts as an entrance to the site. After the walkway, you enter the museum area where you can freely walk around before going outside to walk the grounds.  Conclusion Visiting the Jomon Prehistoric Sites in Northern Japan is both a journey through Japan’s incredibly beautiful landscapes but it’s also a step back in time to one of the oldest known civilizations. I had no idea that the Jomon Period even existed until living in Japan. Come to learn that the Jomon people created highly intricate pottery and had semi-stationary settlements.  From viewing the pit-dwellings at Sannai Maruyama to the seeing the Google-Eyed Dogu at Kamegaoka Archeological Site, these UNESCO World Heritage Sites offer a glimpse into the lives, spiritual beliefs, and artistic abilities of the Jomon people.  Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸   Plan Your Trip: 🗺️✈️🇯🇵  Booking Accommodations ⛺️🛖  For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours  🏖️🚁  Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options.  In need of a car rental? 🚗🚘  I recommend checking with Rental Cars. Train Travel 🚂🚊  For the JR Pass, tickets can be purchased on the JR Pass site. 

If you are looking for an authenticate experience, then staying in a Ryokan Hotel in Japan is as genuine as it gets. Ryokan hotels are traditional Japanese hotels that offer a unique experience that will certainly be a highlight from your trip to Japan.  Staying at a Ryokan hotel in Japan is a cultural experience that typically includes meals, a Yukata to wear, hospitality, and an onsen (public bath). I’ve stayed at several Ryokan hotels throughout Japan and want to share my love of Ryokan hotels with you.  **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or banners throughout the page, whether it be TripAdvisor, Booking.com. Agoda.com, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! What is a Ryokan Hotel Ryokan hotels come in all shapes and sizes and are found throughout Japan. The Ryokan is loosely defined as a traditional Japanese inn that offers its guests a unique experience, Japanese culture, omotenashi (hospitality), and a relaxing stay.  Ryokan hotels are found all throughout Japan and can be located anywhere from small mountain villages to large cities like Kyoto.  Ryokan hotels are much different then your typical western or business hotel that is popular in Japan like APA or Toyoko Inn, which I love. Apart from the experience itself and exceptional hospitality, some key features that separate a Ryokan from a business hotel are the full tatami rooms where you sleep on a futon on the floor, onsens, Kaiseki meals, and the provided yukatas.  Reasons you Should Stay at a Ryokan Hotel in Japan For that quintessential Japanese experience, I recommend staying at a Ryokan hotel while visiting Japan. If anything, stay at least one night at a Ryokan during your visit to Japan just to say you’ve done it.  Ryokans come in all forms and at a variety of price ranges but no matter what, I promise you it will be a unique experience.  If you want to experience culture, onsens, taking photos in a yukata, or just want to relax, then staying at a Ryokan hotel in Japan is a must, below are a few reasons why staying in a Ryokan offer a better experience then a regular hotel in Japan.  Cultural Experience Most people book a Ryokan for the cultural and unique experience. A Ryokan hotel is something unique to Japan and you can’t really find this style of inn anywhere else.  Staying at a Ryokan is much more then just staying overnight at a hotel in Japan. It’s more of an immersive experience into Japanese culture and hospitality.  Most Ryokans will have traditional decor, tatami-matted rooms, shoji screens, and comfortable futons to sleep on.  Meals As someone who loves food, of course the meals, both breakfast and dinners served at Ryokan hotels are always a highlight. The meals served at Ryokan hotels are known as Kaiseki. Kaiseki is a traditional multi-course meal that is usually served in your room, a private dining area, or a communal space.  The Kaiseki comes in many different ways. It is popular to have a whole table spread of small dishes that include an appetizer, sashimi, fermented vegetables, grilled fish, steamed rice, miso soup, and a dessert.  A few Ryokans I’ve stayed at, include a buffet option. The buffets are always outstanding with a huge variety.  So far, Nikko Tokanso in Nikko has had my favorite Kaiseki while Yukai Resort Koshinoyu in Wakayama Prefecture has had the most outstanding dinner buffet.  Onsen (Public bath) Another big draw to staying at a Ryokan is the onsen or public baths. An onsen is a Japanese hot spring and are found all around the country.  Natural onsens are rich in minerals and heated by volcanic activity. Sometimes the onsens are so hot it’s almost unbearable. But it’s all about relaxation and healing.  Most of the Ryokans I’ve stayed at have both public and private onsens. Private onsens are great if you want to enjoy the experience with your partner or have tattoos and cannot go to the public onsen.  Typically, private onsens, you have to pay extra and need to check the times at the frond desk of the Ryokan.  Depending on the Ryokan, some have onsens on site, in the room, or public baths around town. Wearing a Yukata If you are visiting Japan, I am sure wearing a kimono crossed your mind.  How about a Yukata? A yukata is basically a casual kimono and most Ryokan hotels come equipped with them. The yukata will be placed in your room or can be found at the front desk. It’s perfectly acceptable to wear your yukata while dining in the Ryokan, walking to and from the onsen, or just lounging in your room.  If you are staying in an onsen town, you can even wear your yukata out and about.  Relaxation Besides the meals, I love staying at a Ryokan hotel in Japan because it is a relaxing and peaceful experience.  Ryokans are meant to have a relaxing ambience and are generally set in natural locations whether it is in a mountainous area or quiet street set back a few blocks from the busy city districts.  It doesn’t get more relaxing then slipping into a yukata, enjoying the onsen, or just spending time in your room.  Conclusion Staying at a Ryokan hotel in Japan combines culture, food, and atmosphere. I promise you will get a one of a kind and memorable experience staying at a Ryokan. Some of my best and most memorable overnight stays in Japan have all been at a Ryokan. While visiting Japan, even if it is just for one night, ditch that generic hotel room and book a Ryokan hotel, you won’t regret it.  Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸   Plan Your Trip: 🗺️✈️🇯🇵  Booking Accommodations ⛺️🛖  For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours  🏖️🚁  Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options.  In need of a car rental? 🚗🚘  I recommend checking with Rental Cars. Train Travel 🚂🚊  For the JR Pass, tickets can be purchased on the JR Pass site.