That Japan is one of the most beautiful, culturally and historically rich countries in the world, is a fact known commonly. Among the countless things that it is known for, being a great travel destination is one of them. Recently, a Japan Travel Awards announced the winners of 2023. These are an assortment of destinations, places, and shops, that strive to put Japan’s best foot forward for the tourists visiting the country.
It is an initiative that is undertaken every year in order to promote and encourage the most travel-worthy destinations in Japan. Here are the seven best award-winning destinations you must visit to experience the best Japan has to offer!
Japan Travel Awards: 7 Award-Winning Places In Japan
1. Muruyama Bussan In Hakone
This is a legacy woodwork shop that specialises in mosaic-like marquetry which is known as yosegi zaiku in Japanese. It also makes Japanese puzzle boxes known as Karakuri. This shop was recognised for its efforts to increase barrier-free facilities making it more accessible for everyone.
Where: Kanagawa
Awarded For: Grand Prix Winner and Best Accessible Travel
2. Kumano Kodo
Kumano Kodo is an ancient trail used by Buddhist pilgrims for pilgrimage. It is over 1,000 years old and has been maintained by the Tanabe City Kumano Tourism Bureau. It also happens to be a UNESCO world heritage site.
Where: Tanabe, Wakayama
Awarded For: Best Sustainable Travel
3. Chichibugahama Beach
This particular beach in the Kagawa region of Japan happens to be an excellent place for photography. It has shallow mudflats which, when covered with water, reflect the scenery in a mirror-like fashion. This makes for an excellent photographic opportunity.
Where: Mitoyo, Kagawa
Awarded For: Best Tourism Development
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4. Wakura Onsen Tadaya Ryokan
Ryokan is a type of traditional Japanese inn which has open-air saunas or onsen. In an ongoing effort to reduce waste and needless consumption, this hotel reduced its multiple-course menu to a simple one-dinner and breakfast option menu.
Where: Nanao, Ishikawa
Awarded For: Best Accommodation
5. Sokoiko! Peace Cycling Tour
If you’re a history aficionado and love cycling, you will love this experience. It gives tourists a tour around the city of Hiroshima which was one of the major sites of the atomic bombing. The tourists are furnished with a clear picture of the past, the present and the future of this town while riding around it.
Where: Hiroshima
Awarded For: Best Cultural Travel
6. Happy Raft Co. Ltd. In Kochi
River rafting can be one of the most thrilling adventure sports that you can experience. Doing this sport with your family only increases your enjoyment of it. Of course, you want your family to be safe and that’s why this company got to win the award. It has been consistently designing programmes that are not just thrilling and adventurous but are also safe for your family to enjoy.
Where: Otoyo
Awarded For: Best Family Travel
7. Shimanami Kaido Cycling
Ehime is one of the major hotspots for cycling in Japan. Over 300,000 cyclists use the 70-km-long trail for leisure and sightseeing. Shimanami Kaido is conducive to adventure and fun-times and that is why this destination won this award.
Where: Ehime and Hiroshima
Awarded For: Best Adventure Travel
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So, which of these grand experiences you’re most excited about? Let us know in the comments below!
Cover Image Credits: Canva Images