Top 6 Affordable Travel Destinations in Japan

Sapporo is the capital of Hokkaido province in northern Japan, best known for hosting the 1972 Winter Olympics. Dubbed as the 'Capital of Mountains', Sapporo is one of the most fascinating cities in Japan. Imagine snow-capped mountains reflected on a lake, surrounded by natural hot springs. What you've seen on TV becomes a reality when you visit here.

The best time to visit Sapporo is undoubtedly in winter (December - February), when many festivals are held.

• November - January: Sapporo White Illumination Light Festival
• December: Christmas Market in Odori Park, similar to Germany's Christmas markets.
• February: Sapporo Snow Festival (yuki matsuri) held annually, a week-long event in early February. It features gigantic snow and ice sculptures displayed in various locations across the city. The sculptures at Odori Park garner the most attention, typically attracting nearly 2 million visitors from around the world.

But if you fear the cold, consider visiting during the warmer months (May - July), where the summer weather helps you avoid the scorching heat. Moreover, summer also brings large festivals such as:

• May: Lilac Festival, where people enjoy flowers, wine, and live music.
• June: Yosakoi Soran Festival, dancers perform to music composed based on a traditional Japanese song. Team members wear special costumes and compete on streets or stages built at festival venues. In 2006, there were 350 participating teams with about 45,000 dancers, and over 1,860,000 people attended the festival.

An interesting fact is that most famous attractions are close to the center of Sapporo, so you can simply walk using a map. While exploring the streets, you can enjoy the cityscape and save on transportation fees, which is very reasonable. Additionally, Sapporo has many famous attractions you can visit without entrance fees:

• Sapporo Beer Museum
• Sapporo TV Tower
• Hokkaido Shrine, built in 1869 to honor the pioneering spirits of Hokkaido.
• Odori Park
• Moerenuma Park
• Nakajima Park
• Susukino, a lively entertainment district of the city
• Nijo Fish Market

The city is known for the Sapporo Beer brewery and the white chocolate cookie Shiroi Koibito (白い恋人), also the birthplace of miso ramen noodles. Other specialties of Sapporo include curry soup made with vegetables and chicken, jingisukan (grilled mutton). Sapporo is also renowned for its fresh seafood including salmon, sea urchin, and crab.

Thành phố Fukuoka là trung tâm hành chính của tỉnh Fukuoka, ở Kyushu, phía nam Nhật Bản. Fukuoka có một nền văn hóa đa dạng và một loạt các điểm tham quan văn hóa. Thành phố đón hơn 2 triệu du khách nước ngoài hàng năm, phần lớn đến từ các nước láng giềng Hàn Quốc, Đài Loan và Trung Quốc.

Mặc dù là thành phố du lịch nhưng Fukuoka cũng có những địa điểm nổi tiếng phục vụ các hoạt động vui chơi và quan trọng là miễn phí:

• Đền Kushida: Một trong những ngôi đền cổ nhất ở Nhật Bản, được xem như một vị thần hộ mệnh của quận Hakata từ thời cổ đại. Một điểm nổi bật khác tại đền Kushida là cây bạch quả Kushida no Ginnan đã trên 1000 năm tuổi.
• Dã ngoại tại công viên Ohori: Nếu bạn cần tìm một nơi yên tĩnh để thư giãn và nạp năng lượng thì công viên Ohori là một địa điểm thích hợp. Nằm giữa trung tâm thành phố bao gồm một hồ nước lớn, những hoạt động giải trí như cưỡi thuyền thiên nga, quán cà phê. Ngoài ra còn có một khu vườn Nhật Bản với quán trà truyền thống và sân chơi cho trẻ em.
• Canal City Hakata: Là một khu phức hợp mua sắm lớn có hàng trăm cửa hàng, rạp chiếu phim, nhà hát, khách sạn. Kể cả khi không muốn tiêu tiền bạn vẫn nên đến đây dạo quanh một vòng. Bởi vì, tại đây có màn trình diễn múa nước kết hợp với âm nhạc và nghệ thuật ánh sáng đèn LED rực rỡ.
• Công viên bờ biển Momochi: Đây là một bãi biển nhân tạo đi 20 phút về phía tây của trung tâm thành phố. Bạn có thể nằm dài trên bãi biển, ngâm mình trong biển hay chơi các trò chơi trên bãi cát vàng. Bãi biển chỉ cho phép bơi trong tháng 7 - tháng 8, và là số ít bãi biển ở Fukuoka nên khoảng thời gian này thường rất đông người.
• Tháp Fukuoka: Một công trình được xây dựng cho Triển lãm Châu Á - Thái Bình Dương năm 1989. Tòa tháp bên bờ biển cao nhất Nhật Bản này là biểu tượng lâu đời của thành phố. Ở độ cao 123m so với mặt đất, đài quan sát trên cùng của tòa tháp cung cấp 360 độ bức tranh toàn cảnh của thành phố.
• Công viên Maizuru: Được xây dựng xung quanh tàn tích của thành Fukuoka từ thời Minh Trị, công viên là địa điểm ngắm hoa anh đào nổi tiếng vào tháng 4 khi có khoảng một nghìn cây nở rộ.

Tuy Fukuoka là thành phố lớn nhất của Kyushu nhưng vẫn nhỏ hơn những thành phố khác nên vẫn được cho là khá rẻ để du lịch. Bạn có thể dễ dàng tìm được một hostel hay homestay giá rẻ chỉ 2500 yen (500.000vnđ)/ một đêm. Thành phố được biết đến với những ngôi đền cổ kính nên bạn có thể tìm hiểu văn hóa địa phương mà không tốn kém gì.

Kamakura City, located on the west side of the Miura Peninsula, is an administrative unit of Japan's Kanagawa Prefecture. Since the Kamakura period, Kamakura has been a popular destination for relaxation, recreation, sightseeing, and beach bathing, attracting many tourists.

In the 13th century, the city was the political center of the country, attracting significant development of Buddhist monks, arts, and culture. Hence, it is known as the city of Buddha and Zen. Kamakura is home to many Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines with historical significance, such as Sugimotodera, which is over 1200 years old. Additionally, one of Japan's most iconic symbols, the Amida Buddha statue at Kotokuin Temple, stands out. The colossal 13.35-meter-tall, 121-ton bronze statue, despite enduring various natural disasters and years of restoration, remains standing and watches over sentient beings from within the temple grounds.

Furthermore, you can explore various other landmarks in Kamakura:

• Yuigahama Beach: In the summer, many visitors flock here for beach bathing, surrounded by bustling food stalls. Besides swimming, you can also enjoy activities like surfing or underwater sports.
• Komyo Temple: Established in 1243, one of the most important temples of the Jodo Buddhist sect in the Kanto region. The magnificent wooden gate is considered an important cultural asset of the prefecture. The temple is famous for cherry blossoms in spring and lotus flowers in summer.
• Tsurugaoka Hachimangu: The largest and most famous Shinto shrine in Kamakura, steeped in historical and cultural traditions passed down to this day. The sacred shrine annually holds prayer sessions and rituals that attract many visitors.
• Gionyama Mountain Hiking Trail: A relatively easy trail, sometimes slippery and steep, so caution is advised. Additionally, there may be sections with missing railings and some steep stretches.
• Stroll through Komachidori: The busiest street in the city lined with souvenir shops, cafes, restaurants, and stores selling all kinds of food items. From purple sweet potato ice cream to wasabi-flavored snacks, some shops even offer free samples.

Yokohama, the most populous city in Japan, lies on Tokyo Bay, south of Tokyo, within the Kanto region of the main island of Honshu. It is the largest port city and a hub of high-tech industries in the Tokyo metropolitan area, Kanto. Despite being a large city, you don't have to worry about traveling on a budget here. Below is a list of free attractions to visit in Yokohama.

• Nogeyama Zoo: With about 1400 species of animals from 100 different species. The first zoo in Japan to successfully breed red pandas, black bears, giant anteaters, and many other species. It was also the second zoo in the world to successfully breed Andean turtles under captive conditions in 1972. In 2016, the zoo successfully bred highly endangered Madagascar radiated tortoises.
• Chinatown: The largest Chinatown in Japan and one of the largest Chinatowns in the world. There's plenty to explore in this bustling neighborhood, whether strolling through the streets, taking photos, or discovering unique shops, and visiting the largest temple in the heart of Chinatown.
• Osanbashi Pier: From the pier, you can see the entire Yokohama skyline, from the famous Yokohama Landmark Tower to the Cosmo Clock 21 Ferris wheel. This is a favorite spot for locals and visitors to Japan alike. Especially, the best time of day to visit is at sunset, where you'll witness a magnificent scene for the most beautiful photos.
• Yamate Italian Garden: In the Meiji era, this garden was once the Italian Consulate and residence of Italian diplomats. Today, it's a beautiful park with a fountain, stone-paved walkways, and flower beds covering an area of about 13,000 square meters.
• Minato Mirai 21: Meaning 'port of the future.' With its beautiful views, proximity to the bay, tourist boats docking at Osanbashi Pier, skyscrapers, and elegant Yokohama Bay Bridge, Minato Mirai 21 has become a symbol of Yokohama. The stunning nighttime scenery also makes it a very popular dating spot in the evening.

Okinawa, once an independent kingdom, comprises 160 islands of various sizes today. Naha City serves as the administrative center of Okinawa Prefecture. The blend of Western influences has given Okinawa a unique cultural identity, distinct from the rest of Japan.

Okinawa is renowned as a top tourist destination in Japan and worldwide. With its subtropical climate, world-class beaches, and stunning coral reefs, it's a paradise for beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts. There are plenty of water activities such as diving, surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, fishing, albeit some may require fees. On the other hand, you can experience several free attractions like

• Fukushuen Park: Located in Kume, Naha, with a history dating back over 600 years, closely linked to China. The park was completed in 1992 to honor the relationship between Naha and other Chinese cities.
• Ocean Expo Park: Home to the Churaumi Aquarium, an astronomical observatory, dolphin show stage, botanical garden, and various villages in Okinawa. While there's an entrance fee of 1,850 yen to the aquarium, some areas in the park are free. You can watch dolphin and sea turtle shows and enjoy swimming at the famous Emerald Beach with its long stretches of white sandy shores and crystal-clear waters.
• Experience Eisa Dance: A traditional dance with a long history, an integral part of summer festivals in Okinawa. Eisa dancers are rigorously trained with acrobatic moves, gracefully combined with taiko drum beats, creating a lively performance that captivates the audience.
• Okinawa Peace Memorial Park: Built to commemorate the lives lost during World War II in Okinawa. It also features a library and museum where visitors can learn more about the battle that took place in Okinawa. Some souvenir shops in the park offer the best deals for you to buy as gifts.
• Naminoue Shrine: One of the prominent religious sites in Okinawa, built on a cliff overlooking Naminoue Beach. Every year, Naminoue Shrine attracts both domestic and international visitors, especially during the New Year period. It's also one of the few shrines with inscriptions written in foreign languages.

Okinawa is often dubbed as the Hawaii of Japan, so you can enjoy world-class beaches and explore the fascinating culture of this region when you visit.

In 794, Kyoto (then known as Heiankyo) was chosen as the new capital of Japan's imperial court. The Emperors ruled in Kyoto for 11 centuries until 1869 when the capital shifted to Tokyo. Today, Kyoto is a prominent part of the Kansai urban area and a renowned tourist destination in Japan.

With its rich history, it's no surprise that about 20% of the nation's treasures and 14% of significant cultural properties exist within the city. The ancient city of Kyoto comprises 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites recognized for their historical significance. Kyoto is famous for its traditional festivals that have been celebrated for over 1000 years, attracting a large number of tourists annually.

• Aoi Festival (May 15): Historically, the festival is a supplication to the gods after a storm destroyed crops and caused disasters in the years 539-571. The festival features two main activities: a grand procession with over 500 participants dressed in Heian period attire and solemn rituals of worship.
• Gion Festival (July 1 - July 31): Known as one of Japan's three major festivals held throughout July every year. The highlight of the festival is the procession on July 17 featuring two floats, Hoko and Yama, considered as cultural masterpieces preserved and protected by the locals.
• Gozan no Okuribi (August 16): The ritual of lighting Gozan no Okuribi fires on the five mountains surrounding Kyoto is a tradition of the Obon festival. Believing that the souls of the departed return to visit the living and depart guided by the flames. You can go to the top of Funaokayama Park (free) to see all five mountains.
• Jidai Festival (October 22): Recreates Kyoto's glorious history spanning over 1000 years. In addition to commemorating its illustrious past, the festival also honors Emperor Kanmu, who issued the decree to relocate the capital from Nagaoka to Heiankyo in 794, and Emperor Komei (1831~1867), who played a role in affirming Heiankyo's significance during the Tokugawa shogunate's rule in Edo.

With approximately 2000 shrines and temples, Kyoto is a must-visit if you're interested in spirituality or simply want to explore its historical cultural heritage.