Japan is one of the world’s top tourist destinations. It’s a country that many associate with technology and are fascinated with the cultural norms that the nation displays.

According to Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) figures, it’s said that there were more than 30 million visitors to the country expected in 2024 between January and October. For October, that number had been an increase of 32.7% compared to the numbers that had been recorded in 2019. Indeed, the numbers of people returning to the country following the pandemic are starting to climb back to their previous best, with 2023 seeing 25 million and 2019 having set the record at over 31.8 million.

Of course, it can be extremely beneficial to take a few Japanese classes online prior to heading to the country. The nation isn’t extremely proficient when it comes to English, and with language experts and services like Preply or Cambly offering valuable access to native speakers who can tutor individuals, it’s advantageous to have a command of the language when visiting the nation.

While technology has been a major reason why so many people have highlighted Japan as a bucket list destination and a place to visit when they have a chance, there are many other reasons that make the country an attractive proposition.

Japan’s walkable cities

Japan has a vast number of cities across the country of the Rising Sun where visitors can go on walks and explore on foot. Many travellers have found walking to be one of the best modes of transport when it comes to taking in the scenery, especially in locations like Japan due to its recognition of natural beauty.

Tokyo

One city that is worth visiting on foot and enjoying as a pedestrian is Tokyo. According to Preply, the city is one of the most walkable in Asia, with 4.3 miles of route to explore. The city is estimated to take a total of 98 minutes to walk, with approximately 8,600 steps being made as you walk and take in the sights on offer. This can equate to a total of 430 calories being burned, which is always a huge positive.

While the article by Preply had Tokyo ranked the 10th most walkable city in Asia, a post by Compare the Market AU had the city ranked as the 6th-best in the world. If anything, this only further highlights how exceptional of a city it is to walk around and explore.

Kyoto

If you’re on a long stay or a walking trip of Japan while there, exploring the city of Kyoto is a must-visit place in the world. The city can provide visitors with a chance to immerse themselves in what Japanese history and culture is all about, while also obtaining a sense of the natural beauty that is on offer across the country.

As noted on a blog post by Awajishima Resort, there are many walking paths that feature many of the region’s ancient traditions, the historic district of Higashiyama and Gion, which allows visitors to see geishas walk between the wooden houses and ancient temples.

Nara

Nara is a place of outstanding beauty that can often go overlooked when people travel to Japan. It’s a city that is extremely friendly to those who want to go on walking expeditions, with it of a small size that allows for walks to be completed in a timely manner.

Nara Park is a highlight for many, with deer living in the wild here among the iconic temples that are situated within the tranquillity of the location. Away from Nara Park, visitors can walk along the streets of Naramachi, where they’ll see craftsmanship of the highest quality.