5 Most Beautiful Cities in the Land of Sakura

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INDONEWTRAVEL.COM - Japan is one of the most famous tourist destinations in the world. For a small country, Japan is host to a variety of natural beauty and cultural uniqueness.

If you visit Japan, here are the 5 most beautiful cities that you should not miss.

1. | Karuizawa

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Located at the foot of Mount Asama which is one of Honshu Island's most active volcanoes, Karuizawa is a charming resort town. The city can be reached one hour from Tokyo by high speed train.

The city is known as a romantic destination because of its history. It was here that Emperor Akihito met his future wife, Empress Michiko in 1957.

Apart from being romantic, this city is also the best place for hiking and enjoying the hot springs. Tourists can also visit Yacho-no-mori or the Wild Bird Forest, which is home to 60 different bird species.

2. | Nara

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This historic city was the first capital of Japan and eight UNESCO world heritage sites. In addition, Nara is one of the most culturally rich cities in Japan.

Even though it was only the capital city for about 70 years, Japanese art, literature, and culture grew rapidly in Nara which eventually became the identity of the Land of Sakura to this day. Nara can be reached in about an hour from Kyoto and Osaka.

There are many historical relics in Nara. Apart from the shrine, there are many deer in Nara Park which are considered sacred. One of Nara's other icons is Todaiji Temple, a wooden building housing the largest bronze Buddha statue in Japan.

3. | Hakone

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Hakone City is about 100 kilometers from Tokyo. This part of the city in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park offers a spectacular landscape of mountains, lakes and hiking trails.

One part of Hakone, namely Ashino-ko, there is a lake with a beautiful panorama of one of the icons of Sakura Country, Mount Fuji. You could say the natural panorama here is one of the most beautiful in Japan.

Hakone is also famous for its onsen (hot springs). In addition, there are many traditional Japanese inns and art museums. If you visit this city, it is better to stay overnight so you can explore all its charms.

4. | Furano

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Furano is a small town in the center of Hokkaido. The city is known for its scenic farmland. If you want to visit Furano, July is the right time because the fields of the city are filled with purple lavender flowers.

When in season, Furano seems to be full of lavender. Not only filling the fields like tulips in the Netherlands, lavender is also used as a souvenir, there is even lavender ice cream.

Winter is also a good time to visit Furano. This city is a favorite skiing place in Japan. That's because the characteristics of snow are very smooth and soft.

5. | Kagoshima

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Napoli's twin in Italy deserves to be pinned for Kagoshima. That's because of the warm climate, lush plants, and the friendliness of the people in this southernmost city of Kyusuhu.

The best view of Kagoshima is the bay against the backdrop of the Sakurajima volcano located in the waters off the coast.