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There are plenty of reasons to make it to Japan in 2015, but here are a few really good ones of what’s hot in Japan for 2015.
KANAZAWA
Journeys to the garden city of Kanazawa will be quicker than ever when the new Shinkansen line opens in March 2015 cutting journey time from Tokyo to 2.5hrs (was 4hrs). A beautiful laid back and historical city with samurai houses and traditional tea districts, Kanazawa is well worth a visit.
HIMEJI CASTLE
After five years of renovation work, the scaffolding is off and we can’t wait to get back to Himeji. Just in time for the cherry blossom and ‘hanami’, the castle will be back to its full glory on March 27th.
FUKUOKA
“Ramen city” has always been a favourite with the InsideJapan team. Now KLM offer daily flights from Amsterdam to Fukuoka, so it’s easier than ever to get there.
HIROSHIMA
Visit Hiroshima on 6th August 2015 to mark the 70th anniversary of the atomic bombing. Today, it’s a great little city full of good food!
NAGASAKI
Similarly Nagasaki will be commerating the anniversary of the second atomic bombing which happened on 9th August 1945. Nagasaki is arguably one of the most attractive and historically-rich cities in the whole country.
ONOMICHI
With cycling getting seemingly more and more popular, head to Onomichi and the home of the first purpose built cycle hotel. The small town has lots of little temples and is the gateway to the Shimanamikaido cycle route.
UNIVERSAL STUDIOS JAPAN, OSAKA
It has been around for a while, but Harry Potter world opened in the summer of 2014 – a must visit for any Potter fan. If you are not a Potter fan, just stick to Osaka…
OSAKA CASTLE
Another reason for heading to Osaka (apart from the food and it being a great place) is to celebrate the castles important role in Japanese history. 2015 is the 400th anniversary of some important battles and the castle is celebrating with a massive 3-D display from 13th December – 1st March. Very impressive.
Here’s a preview –
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jNaOeox1yA]
ECHIGO, NIIGATA
The peaks and rural villages of the Japanese Alps provide inspiration and back drop for the triennial arts festival held in the region (Jul 26-Sep 13). Contemporary art installations combine with the heart of tradtional Japan for some beautiful sites in a beautiful part of Japan.
YONAGUNI
The ‘Iseki’ stones have got to be one of the most intriguing and unique dive spots in the world. Is it the oldest man-made structure in the world, is it geological phenomenon..or was it built by aliens!? Either way, it is an incredible dive off a remote island.
