Once you set foot in Japan, you will quickly realize that this land is a perfect mix of tradition, technology, and modernity. In big cities, tourists stumble upon robots, machinery, and neon signs — like they’re inside a video game. At the same time, it’s possible to find old-school temples, hot springs, and onsens full of deeply rooted Japanese traditions.
This mix is unique and unusual. Want to feel it to the full extent? Here are some of the most unforgettable living spaces and gardens to explore in Japan.
You can also read more about: Green Spaces and Concrete Creation: Modern Gardens With Natural Flow
Unforgettable Places to Stay In
Before you come to Japan, you’ll have to decide where to stay in your destinations of choice. If you’re an anime fan, for example, you can book a themed hotel room. But you can also become a monk for a short period and take a break from technology.
Either way, navigating between destinations won’t be a problem: just invest in the best eSIM available to save money on roaming charges and stay connected the whole time you’re abroad without any issues.
Capsule Hotels
Not everyone knows that, but capsule hotels were invented in Japan. These unique living spaces are extra compact, allowing many travelers and tourists to book a place for cheap. Instead of a personal room or a bunk bed, however, you will get a literal capsule — hence the name — a sleeping pod with everything you need for a good rest.
These pods are stacked together and often equipped with a TV, Wi-Fi, and some storage space. Other areas are communal, including the kitchen, showers, lounges, and others. Amenities will depend on the hotel you book.
Temple Stays
Need to take a break from a bustling city? Book a temple stay. Shukubos are essentially spiritual, but you don’t have to follow a certain religion to enjoy the experience.
Get a glance into Buddhist living at any Japanese temple, disconnect from the net, and reflect on your life in complete peace and quiet. For instance, temples on Mount Koya, a UNESCO World Heritage site, all offer accommodations to tourists.
Otaku-Oriented Hotels
Many travelers come to Japan to experience the land of manga and anime. Hotels in Tokyo and beyond are welcoming fans with open arms! There’s a range of themed accommodations, regardless of the franchise you like. They are decorated with murals, life-size figurines, merchandise, themed colors, and more — anything that makes you feel like you’re inside your favorite story. You can even purchase the merch in the shops nearby.
Love Hotels
Coming to Japan with your romantic partner? Then, you might want to book a love hotel to experience the playfulness of this country. Full privacy, unique features, themed rooms, quirky room service, and more are waiting for you here. Individual travelers can also stay there — many tourists say that love hotels are fun and affordable, especially as a short-stay option.
Traditional Ryokans
If you want to get a glimpse of Japanese history, you can stay in a Ryokan. Ryokans were popular back in the Edo period. It’s a traditional inn with tatamis, futons (sleeping mats), and paper doors.
Make sure you are comfortable sleeping on the floor, as there will be no beds in the inn. Ryokan guests typically enjoy kaiseki dinners, visit onsens (communal baths), and wear yukata robes. Some ryokans are incredibly traditional and luxurious, while others lean towards a more modern style.
Unique Gardens to Visit
Once you know where you’ll be staying, it’s time to explore the Japanese nature. Strolling through the gorgeous gardens around the country is a perfect way to see how truly beautiful Japan is. After you take a break here, you can use an eSIM for Japan to connect to others and share your travel experiences right away — without relying on local SIM cards.
Kenroku-en
Like many gardens across Japan, Kenroku-en is rooted very deeply in tradition. Many tourists love this one, as it encompasses over 8,750 trees and 183 plant species — heaven for all plant and nature lovers.
This garden, located in Kanazawa, was created in 1676 and underwent a gradual transformation from minimalism to extravagance. When you step in, you will encounter tea houses, ponds, rocks, and footpaths.
Kairaku-en
The Kairaku-en garden is more recent than the Kenroku-en, built in 1841. Created by Tokugawa Nariaki in Kairaku-en, Mito, it stands out as unique among others, since it wasn’t closed to the public like the rest; it was initially created as a garden that anyone could enjoy. This was so unheard of at the time that it became a blueprint for other private gardens in Japan, opening their doors to locals and tourists later on. Afterward, all parks were developed with the public in mind.
Koraku-en
Koraku-en is in the top-three gardens in the entirety of Japan. If you’re traveling these in autumn, make sure to visit it, as it represents the colors and beauty of fall. Located in Okayama, near the local castle, it means “gardens of pleasure after”, tied to Confucius’ beliefs on putting his own interests last. Make sure you take a look at the garden from the castle when you go there.
Adachi Museum of Art
The Adachi Museum of Art opened its doors to visitors very late, in 1980, and introduced its incredible gardens to everyone curious. Based in Yasugi, it had been curated by Adachi Zenko, a textile wholesaler, for years until he passed at 91. He treated his garden as an artwork, and as of now, it has been named the best Japanese garden for 13 years. In the Adachi Museum of Art gardens, you will be able to stroll through 165,000 square meters of pure beauty.
Hamarikyu
Tourists going to Tokyo will stumble upon many modern and futuristic areas of the city. Yet, the Hamarikyu garden is a haven, isolated from the city, ready to help you relax. Created during the Edo period in 1603, it’s been perfectly preserved, despite being on the edge of Tokyo Bay. And if you want a cup of tea during a stroll, a teahouse located in the middle will happily host you.
Ready to Uncover Japan’s Gems?
Japan is full of amazing places, be it to stay in or appreciate during a casual walk. All of them perfectly showcase the country’s historical traditions, as well as its quick technological advancement in the past several decades. You can combine the two as a tourist by staying in several different accommodations and visiting the best Japanese gardens in and outside of Tokyo.
