Japan fascinates travelers and is always on the bucket list of those who love journeys full of culture, nature, art and authentic cuisine. After all, the country combines its roots with centuries of history with technological advances, creating the perfect balance between tradition and contemporary.

Check out three unmissable cities to visit besides the great metropolis Tokyo:

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One of Osaka's strong points is its gastronomy, which is why much of the city's nightlife involves going out to eat and drink at the best local restaurants and the many street stalls. But in addition to good food, the city offers many other attractions:

From April 13 to October 13, Osaka will host another edition of the Universal Expo, which aims to showcase the world’s innovations and technological advances. The event, which will take place on the artificial island of Yumeshima, will feature representation from more than 150 countries and several international organizations and will have as its theme, “Designing the Society of the Future, Imagining Our Lives Tomorrow.”

Curious. This is how chef Tsutomu Asai defines his cuisine and, consequently, the restaurant he opened in Osaka in 2013, which already has a Michelin star. Asai studied in Italy, where he specialized in pizzas, wines and everything else he could find and bring to his kitchen. From there comes the fresh pasta accompanied by seasonal products from the region that have won fans in Japan and abroad.

With an entire floor taken over by GENSUI, which offers a modern interpretation of ryokans, the Four Seasons Hotel Osaka exalts the beauty and liveliness of the country's traditional lodgings. Restaurants include Jiang Nan Chun, which serves Cantonese cuisine, Sushi L'Abysse Osaka, which combines French and Japanese cuisine, and Bar Bota, an excellent place to relax while enjoying a signature drink with views of the city.

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Many of Kanazawa’s old districts have been preserved, and you can visit old samurai and geisha houses, centuries-old teahouses, and stroll through Kenrokuen Garden. The capital of Ishikawa Prefecture has also invested in contemporary architecture and art to attract visitors, and a fine example is the 21st Century Museum, which boasts exceptional curation. Check out what else the city has to offer:

The small counter with just six seats highlights the grandeur of the work of chef Takuya Kataori. A dedicated culinary artisan, Kataori travels every day to his hometown of Himi to source the best fish to serve on his 11-course menu, which features the local delicacy, snow crab, in winter. His efforts have earned him two Michelin stars and a months-long waiting list.

The idea of ​​architects Kazuo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa was to build a circular space so that visitors could get used to the idea of ​​observing works of art from different angles. With this concept, this institution is one of the most visited museums in the city and has a top-notch curation. Tip: be sure to check out the permanent and immersive installation, Swimming Pool, by Argentinean Leandro Erlich.

The hotel offers spacious, bright accommodations with a contemporary décor inspired by Kanazawa’s rich culture. The Western-style rooms are elegantly colored, with a touch of style that will appeal to art lovers. On the 14th floor, the Roof Terrace Bar is a nightlife spot with great food and cocktails, as well as a beautiful view of the city.

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Heading north from Tokyo, a drive of just under two hours takes us to Nikko, one of the most beautiful mountain destinations in the Japanese capital’s surroundings. Known for its architectural ensemble of temples and shrines listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the city has even more to offer.

The highest natural lake in Japan, Chuzenji is located at an altitude of 1,269 meters above sea level. On its shores there is a small village with restaurants and cafes, but the favorite activity among visitors is to take a boat and sail across the calm waters of the lake, which flow eastwards, where they plunge from a height of about 100 meters to form the spectacular Kegon Waterfall.

Gozen is a type of gastronomic philosophy that sees meals as a moment of restoration for the body and soul. In practice, it is a service in which the main dish is served with several small side dishes and with care taken to have a variety of nutrients, as is the case at the Gyoushintei restaurant. This is also the place to try yuba – tofu cream –, an elegant local delicacy.

Located on the shores of Lake Chuzenji and surrounded by nature, the hotel has a minimalist design and an engawa-style veranda. Elegantly designed to be a space for relaxation, the spa offers treatments with herbs and oils. The hotel also has three restaurants, including the Lakehouse, with a farm-to-dining approach, and The Bar, where you can end the day with Japanese whiskeys or signature cocktails.

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