att.JAPAN’s Top Picks All the Best Things to Do in Japan →Vol. 1 Hokkaido and Tohoku →Vol. 2 Tokyo and Kanto →Vol. 3 Chubu
→Vol. 4 Kansai and West Japan →Vol. 5 Shikoku →Vol. 6 Kyushu and Okinawa
The multilingual free magazine att.JAPAN launched in the year 2000 and with this edition, proudly marks its 100th issue. Over the past 23 years, through firsthand reporting, we have brought the best of Japan to the world, from classic sightseeing spots to little known hidden gems, from food culture to festivals and performing arts.
att.JAPAN’s editors know every corner of this country, and here have selected 100 experiences they hope every traveler to Japan can try. Have faith in these recommendations as everything here was directly experienced by members of our team at att.JAPAN. You’re sure to uncover a new side to this island nation, and open the door to unforgettable experiences.
Whether you’re a first-time traveler wondering where to start, or a seasoned, well-traveled fan of the country, read on to find the perfect something for you! Find out what our writers found most moving, and one piece of personal advice learned from their experience! Have you been to the same place?
Please post on Facebook or Instagram with the hashtag #attjapan100!
【Mie】
53. Experience an Oise Mairi
Since long ago, it has been said that visiting Ise is a dream for once in a lifetime, referring to Ise Jingu Shrine. Ise Jingu consists of two main shrines, Naiku (inner shrine) and Geku (outer shrine). Naiku has a mysterious atmosphere, with the lush green grounds and simple buildings. After visiting the shrine, stroll around the temple town “Oharai-machi” and the “Okage-yokocho” district to savor delicious food!
写真提供：神宮司庁
Address
Naiku: 1 Ujitachi-cho, Ise City, Mie
Access
Naiku: Isuzugawa Sta. (Kintetsu) → 30 min walk
Business hours
5:00-17:00 (October, November, and December), 5:00-18:00 (January, February, March, April, and September), 5:00-19:00 (May, June, July, and August)
In the area called “Okubiwako,” which is located in the northern part of Shiga Prefecture, there are beautiful things, just like hidden treasures, to be discovered in expansive, open nature. Go and discover the Karamon Gate in Chikubu Island in Lake Biwa, the statue of Eleven-faced Kannon, which is the National Treasure of Doganji Temple Kannondo (Kogenji Temple), and the beautiful scenery of the mountains and a row of dawn redwood (metasequoia) trees in Makino Town, and much more.
55. Observe the daily living in Kyoto at Kamogawa Delta
The delta-shaped area at the confluence of the Kamo River and Takano River is called Kamogawa Delta, where you can see many local people on sunny days, walking on stepping-stones and chatting at the river side. When I absently watch people enjoying themselves, while listening to the sound of the river, I derive happiness from a peaceful life.
Access
Kawaramachi-Imadegawa bus stop → 5 min walk / Demachiyanagi Sta. (Keihan) → short walk
56. Start your day with delicious bread and coffee in Kyoto
While Kyoto is well-known for being filled with the traditional culture of Japan, it has actually so many bakeries that it is said to have the largest consumption of bread in Japan. From the famous bakeries, such as “Shinshindo” and “Sizuya,”to smaller ones, you will be able to find a favorite while sightseeing in the city. It is also recommended to enjoy your breakfast with bread and coffee at an old-style café, such as “Inoda Coffee.”
★When you eat bread by the Kamo River, watch out for black kites! They stole my bread many times!
57. Visit a village with traditional thatched-roof houses
Located north of Kyoto City, Miyama Town in Nantan City has thatched-roof houses of 150 to 200 years old surrounded by the mountains. If you apply for a guided tour by a local guide, you can not only see the houses but also actually go into them as well as learn about the wisdom of living in the mountain village!
Access
JR Hiyoshi Sta. → 60 min by bus → Kita (Kayabuki no Sato) stop
58. Watch deer lured by the sound of a horn at Nara Park
The deer at Nara Park are wild animals designated as a National Natural Treasure and have been respected as messengers from the deities of Kasugataisha Shrine since ancient days. In Tobihino grass field within the shrine precincts, a “shikayose” event is held: deer are lured by the sound of a horn from the back of the forest in morning in summer and winter every year. In time with the melody of the Pastoral Symphony by Beethoven, a number of deer gather together, which is a scene you will never see anywhere else.
★ If you are lucky, you may see baby deer.
Shikayose in summer: Designated date from June to August Shikayose in winter: Designated date from December to February Once a day, approx. for 15 minutes
Address
Tobihino, Kasugano-cho, Nara City, Nara
Access
Nara Sta. (JR, Kintetsu) → Kasugataisha Omotesando-mae stop by City Loop Bus → short walk
59. Worship a hidden Buddha statue at Kinpusenji Temple in Yoshino
Located in Yoshino, which is famous for beautiful cherry blossoms, Kinpusenji Temple is the head temple of Kinpusen Shugen Honshu Sect (Shugendo). The main hall is one of the largest wooden buildings in Japan and enshrines “hibutsu”, one of the biggest hidden Buddha statues in Japan. Standing strongly, three Zao-gongen statues of seven meters of height represent the deity guiding people with the sprig of mercy and forgiveness (the statues are open to the public only during a special opening period).
★Highlighted in darkness, the blue-black statues of hibutsu are breathtakingly beautiful!
★I was happy to be given an eco-bag and wooden tag as a memento of my visit to the temple!
※2023年秋季特別拝観期間：10月27日～11月30日
Fee: 1,600 yen (only during the special open period. Entering the precincts is usually free of charge)
Address
2498 Yoshinoyama, Yoshino-cho, Nara
Access
Yoshino Sta. (Kintetsu) → Sanjo Sta. by Yoshino Ropeway → 10 min walk
