At ancient shrines and in the heart of historic cities, its rich cultural heritage lives on as something not just to be admired from afar, but actively appreciated. From the transformative travel experience of participating in yamabushi— the mountain ascetic tradition—to hands-on practice at a seat of Zen Buddhism, take in the spirit of Japan and its people with all five senses.

Japan’s rich cultural history is best experienced in its traditional cities, where ancient temples, historical districts, and centuries-old traditions remain beautifully preserved. Whether you're visiting sacred shrines, walking through ancient samurai streets, or staying in traditional ryokans, these beautiful traditional cities in Japan offer unforgettable experiences. Here are 9 must-visit cities, with recommendations for things to do and traditional accommodations.

As we assess all that we’ve taken or granted this year, we found that travel is high on that list. We are dreaming about traveling through Japan but find that it’s also become important to ask how and why. Inspired by the unique Japanese aesthetic of wabi-sabi, we decided to peer into this captivating land through this special lens.