From a community list to the first print publication
70 Remarkable Japanese Places started life as a community-curated list on TravelMassive, collecting nominations from travellers, local guides and expats.
Fact: the list highlights 70 distinct locations across Japan, from Yakushima in Kagoshima to Naoshima in Kagawa, and Gunkanjima, also known as Hashima, off Nagasaki.
Picture this: editors reading dozens of submissions, checking UNESCO entries, cross-referencing regional tourism boards, and then deciding these places deserved more than a single web page.
You can see why stepping into print made sense. It’s a tactile guidebook that groups these spots by theme, region and accessibility, letting readers hold practical maps and vetted contact info in their hands.
Sustainable and inclusive travel at the heart of the guide
Did you know that several featured sites are UNESCO sites, which often come with conservation guidelines visitors should respect? Yakushima was inscribed as a UNESCO Natural World Heritage site in 1993, and Shiretoko was added in 2005.
Fact: the guide emphasises low-impact options, like taking local buses and ferries, choosing certified eco-tours, and staying at locally owned ryokan or 民宿 (minshuku, family-run inn / guesthouse) to funnel tourism income back into communities.
Picture this: a reader chooses a carbon-conscious route, takes a regional train instead of a flight, learns the single-line vocabulary needed to order a 弁当 (bento, lunch box), and supports a family-run ryokan that employs local craftspeople.
You should also know the guide spotlights accessibility information, listing wheelchair-friendly museums such as Chichu Art Museum on Naoshima and public transport notes for Tokyo Skytree, which reaches 634 metres and opened to the public in 2012. Sounds good, right?
Practical sustainability tips from the book
Guess what? The guide doesn't stop at destinations; it includes checklists like refillable bottle spots, seasonal etiquette for 祭り (matsuri, festival), and community-based tour operators vetted for fair pay.
Fact: one chapter compares regional initiatives, for example, island rewilding projects on Yakushima and community-led conservation on Amami Oshima, explaining how travellers can give back responsibly.
Accessibility and inclusivity explained
Picture this: an older traveller or someone using a wheelchair planning a trip and finding clear notes on ramp availability, audio guides, and sign language tour options where available.
You’ll appreciate the book's attention to real accessibility, with contact info for Universal Studios Japan's accessibility services in Osaka and tips on booking seats at 相撲 (sumo, sumo wrestling) stables that can accommodate varied mobility needs. From my experience, small practical notes like elevator locations save a day.
Top picks that teach language and culture
What most people don't know is that many of these 70 spots double as perfect language classrooms. Visiting a tsukiji-style market, practising phrases like "これください (kore kudasai, please give me this)" or ordering 抹茶 (matcha, powdered green tea) in ローマ字 (romaji, Japanese written in Latin letters) helps you learn on the go.
Fact: the guide groups picks into categories like "art islands" featuring Naoshima with Benesse House and Chichu Art Museum, and "industrial heritage" featuring Gunkanjima, part of the Meiji Industrial Revolution sites inscribed in 2015.
Plot twist: the guide includes micro-lessons for learners, short romaji glossaries per region, and conversation starter prompts you can try at izakaya and cafes. My tip? Copy the romaji phrases into your phone before you go, and test them at a local coffee shop.
Examples: nature, art and urban gems
Did you know that Shirakawa-go in Gifu became a UNESCO site in 1995, famous for its 合掌造り (gassho-zukuri, steep-gabled farmhouse style) farmhouses and snowy winters? Classic Japan, isn’t it?
Fact: other picks include Koya-san in Wakayama, part of the Kii Mountain Range sacred sites, Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima in Hiroshima, and the dunes at Tottori, the largest sand dunes in Japan.
You can plan itineraries that mix a museum day in Tokyo with a ferry to Naoshima and a forest trek on Yakushima, all while practising romaji vocabulary for transport and food. Convinced yet?
How the Japan Travel Awards shaped selections
Guess what? Organisers reached out to past Japan Travel Awards nominees for nominations and on-the-ground insights, blending award-winning spots with lesser-known community favourites.
Fact: the combined approach means the book isn't just about headline destinations; it includes smaller towns that won regional awards or online acclaim, offering a richer map for curious travellers.
Picture this: you follow a recommendation from a Japan Travel Awards regional winner and discover a local cafe that serves the best sakura-flavoured dessert in spring. That's a memory and a language lesson rolled into one.
You should flip to the index when planning, because the book's regional tabs and practical romaji vocab sections are designed to be used on trains, buses and ferries. From my experience, that makes the difference between a good trip and a meaningful trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this guidebook only for experienced travellers?
No. It’s aimed at anyone who loves Japan, from first-timers to repeat visitors, with practical tips for language learners and accessible travel advice.
Does the guide include transport and booking details?
Yes. It lists regional transport options, contact info for accommodations, and notes on accessibility and sustainable operators.
