Must-See Japan (2020 Edition): The complete insider's guide to seeing the best of Japan in one trip

Visit Murin-an (just west of Nanzen-ji), one of Kyoto’s most peaceful and beautiful gardens, but often overlooked by tourists. (◙ www.murin-an.jp/en ☼7.30am-6pm but varies so check website, ¥410)

Somewhat south of the city itself (30 minutes on the JR Sakurai line, Miwa station) is Omiwa Shrine,

Nikko National Park, an area full of scenic mountains, lakes, hot springs, wild monkeys and which is crisscrossed by numerous hiking trails. The town itself has

Tenzan is in the classic style, with its beautiful outdoor pools and traditional style building (website is all Japanese, so for more details ask at Yumoto tourist information centre). (◙ www.tenzan.jp ☼ 11am-8pm, ¥1100 adults/¥650 children, ₸250-0312)

If looking to take a break, head to Itsuki Garden. Located in the grounds of a private residence, hikers would often get lost when walking the

Nara (奈良) ** As the first permanent capital of Japan in 710, Nara is a city of historical and political significance which defies its small and compact size.

One of the few districts where the Tokyo of the past seems to live on, Asakusa should be included on most itineraries.

Kawagoe (川越) Only 30 minutes from Tokyo by train, Kawagoe is a nice getaway if you are looking for a taste of traditional small-town

Kyu Yasuda Garden, a very scenic, and free to enter, garden with good views of the SkyTree.