Best Places in Japan for Australians Over 50
You don’t need to visit ten cities.
For a first Japan holiday, fewer destinations with longer stays usually create a better experience.
1. Kyoto — Best for Traditional Japan
If you’ve imagined walking through peaceful temples surrounded by Japanese maple trees, Kyoto is probably the Japan you’re picturing.
Kyoto offers an extraordinary concentration of:
- Temples
- Shrines
- Traditional neighbourhoods
- Gardens
- Markets
- Historic streets
- Tea culture
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Highlights include:
Kinkaku-ji — the spectacular Golden Pavilion.
Kiyomizu-dera — one of Kyoto’s most celebrated temples.
Fushimi Inari Taisha — famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates.
Arashiyama — known for bamboo, temples and beautiful seasonal scenery.
Gion — Kyoto’s famous historic entertainment district.
Don’t Make This Kyoto Mistake
Avoid attempting six temples in one day.
Some attractions involve slopes, stairs and considerable walking.
Instead, group nearby attractions together.
Ideal stay: 4–5 nights.
Travel-agent tip: In Kyoto, hotel location can matter more than hotel luxury. Saving yourself unnecessary transport and walking every day can significantly improve your experience.