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

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

Fushimi-Inari Taisha (伏見稲荷大社) ** This is one of the most unique Shinto shrines in the whole of Japan, and is most famous for the thousands

Next door to Sanjusangendo is Yogen-in, one of Kyoto’s most historically important temples but little visited by tourists.

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)

Walk there in 40 minutes from Arashiyama Station, via the equally lovely Saga-Toriimoto Preserved Street, a scenic route lined by Meiji-era style machiya (town houses).

It can be a little awkward to visit, but the easiest way from Tokyo is to take the shinkansen to Shiroishizao (109 minutes, 10,350 yen) and get a taxi (20 minutes, 4000 yen, can take a bit longer in winter on icy roads) to the fox village. The friendly tourist information office at the station can help with calling a taxi.

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

Arashiyama (嵐山) ** Nestled on the western edges of Kyoto, Arashiyama is a picturesque district

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