If there’s 2 places I’d tell anyone visiting Japan to see:
#1- Kyoto in the height of fall for a couple weeks. Nanzenji and Fushimi-Inari shrine at night are personal favorites. If you reserve 3 months in advance, and don’t mind copying a Buddhist sutra for a couple hours first as precondition to entry, Saihouji (aka Kokedera, the moss temple) are all standouts.
#2- if you’ve been to Japan before, and don’t mind seeing mostly nature, go to Rishiri and Rebun islands in the middle of summer. You can only get to them by sea ferry from Wakkanai, the northernmost port town. Hiking Mt. Rishiri takes about 10 hours- but the view back across the sea to Hokkaido will be something you’ll remember for the rest of your life. Stay in the emergency shelter up there (just a small wooden barn sized shack) overnight for an incredible moonscape and sunrise. Rent a bike and bike around Rishiri, and both islands are covered in rare wildflowers.
