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!
【Kagawa/Okayama】
78. Watch the sunset from the Great Seto Bridge, one of the biggest bridges in the world
The Great Seto Bridge consists of ten bridges connecting the main island and Shikoku Island. It is one of the biggest bridges in the world, which carries both highway traffic and rail traffic. If you cross the bridges on a train in the evening, you can enjoy a romantic view created by the sun setting over the Seto Inland Sea with several small islands.
★Admire the view like a scene from a movie, using a train window as a screen!
The islands of Setouchi not only serve as a venue for the Setouchi International Art Triennale but also as a place where people can encounter many kinds of art even outside the art festival. Including Shodoshima Island with many spots to see and Naoshima Island abounding in art spots, the unique islands are perfect places to visit for a relaxing tour.
★The sunrise and sunset over the Seto Inland Sea are both must-see!
Naoshima Pavilion Owner：Naoshima Town Architect：Sou Fujimoto Architects Photo／Jin Fukuda
80. Cherish the beautiful Japanese garden at Ritsurin Garden
Designated as a National Special Place of Scenic Beauty, Ritsurin Garden is the largest garden among all the heritage gardens designated as cultural properties in Japan. With six ponds, 13 artificial hills, and beautiful cultivated pine groves, this garden offers different places to enjoy different views. Once you are actually in this garden, you can see how the former lords of Takamatsu domain loved this garden and did numerous renovations.
★This garden is also famous for beautiful cherry blossoms in spring and wonderful autumn foliage in fall!
Fee: Adult 410 yen
Address
1-20-16 Ritsurin-cho, Takamatsu City, Kagawa
Access
JR Takamatsu Sta. → 7 min by bus → Ritsurin-koen stop → short walk
81. Directly feel the energy of Tokushima Awa Odori
Said to have more than 400 years of history, Tokushima Awa Odori dance is one of the major traditional performing arts in Japan. The festival is held from August 12 to 15 every year. The female dance is lithe, while the male dance is dynamic and powerful. The beauty of the assembly of the dancers and a feeling of unity will overwhelm you. Feel the excitement at the venue through all five of your senses, such unique festival music, great dance, and beautiful costumes!
Address
Around JR Tokushima Station in Tokushima City, Tokushima
The standard Tokushima Ramen, a local specialty of Tokushima, is a rich ramen dish with a soy sauce-based tonkotsu soup, slices of boneless pork rib, and a raw egg. Recently, a new type of Tokushima Ramen, which is based on a simple tai-shio soup (salt-based soup with sea bream broth), has been introduced and gained popularity. Try these two distinct kinds of soup and compare them!
83. Experiencing the efficacy of the hot spring water at Dogo Onsen since ancient times
Said to have the longest history in Japan, Dogo Onsen is said to be effective for fostering beautiful skin. Dogo Onsen Honkan main building is a three-story wooden public bathhouse serving as a symbol of this area. Thanks to repair works, the history of reportedly 3,000 years has been carried over to the future.
★I am a big onsen lover and the place I could feel the highest efficacy of onsen in my life is this onsen! With my skin and hair surprisingly moisturized, I was really impressed by such dramatic changes!
Fee: Tama no Yu: Adult 460 yen
Address
5-6 Yuno-machi, Dogo, Matsuyama City, Ehime
Access
Dogo Onsen Sta. (Iyotetsu) → 5 min walk
Business hours
6:00-23:00 (Admission until 22:30), Usage within 1 hour
As a big bonito fishing area, Kochi Prefecture has a unique way to eat the fish, which is called “wara-yaki.” You will be surprised to see a block of fresh bonito being grilled all at once with big flames from a bunch of straw! The local way to enjoy the tataki is to add a small amount of salt just before eating. If you want to try really delicious katsuo-no-tataki, you should go to “Myojinmaru,” a restaurant at “Hirome Ichiba” market, one of the biggest tourist spots in Kochi City.
Address
2-3-1 Obiya-machi, Kochi City, Kochi (Inside Hirome Market)
att.JAPAN consists of members in their 20s and 30s, and we are all travel lovers. In addition to information about sightseeing and great dishes all over Japan, we offer a wide range of information about various subjects/topics, such as onsen (hot spring) and ryokan hotels. We introduce lots of information only att.JAPAN can offer, including information about famous sightseeing spots, the latest news about new facilities all over Japan and rare less-known areas in Tokyo, one-day model walking courses, and anime pilgrimages. We also offer contents to introduce Japan from the view of writers from abroad.
