3. Running alongside the canal of the same name, Dotonburi is at the heart of Osaka. This neon-lit district is home to all kinds of entertainment, bars and street food markets. In fact, it’s the best place in Osaka to experience the delights of Japanese street food! The people of Osaka are famed for their love of food, and there’s no better place to experience the Japanese expression of kuidaore, or ‘eat till you drop’! There’s so much to see in Dotonburi, you won’t know where to look! Be sure to see the famous ‘Running Man’, a neon sign at the heart of the district, and take in the views from Ebisubashi Bridge.
4. Nestled in the remote mountains of the Shogawa River Valley, Shirakawago village is one of the most charming tourist attractions in Japan. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this idyllic village is famed for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses. The A-framed roofs of these wooden dwellings were specifically designed to withstand the heavy snows that fall in this area. Some of these houses date back more than 250 years, providing a unique insight into traditional Japanese life. Around 2,000 people still live in the village, and a homestay is the best way to experience Shirakawago. On the other hand, day trips from Nagoya or Kanazawa are also popular.
