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Best travel destinations for seniors in Asia

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Singapore
Tropical city-state of hawker food and gardens
9.5
Compared with most large Asian cities, this city state is clean, safe and easy to navigate in English. Healthcare standards are high. The Singapore Botanic Gardens, a UNESCO site, has flat paths and free entry to most areas. Trains and buses have lifts and priority seats.
Highlights:
  • 🏮 Wander through Chinatown’s temples and traditional shophouses
  • 🌳 Visit Gardens by the Bay and its iconic Supertree Grove
  • 🌆 Admire the futuristic skyline from Marina Bay Sands SkyPark
Nara
Giant Buddha, tame deer and ancient temples
8.4
Most of the main sights in this small city lie within Nara Park, so walking distances are short. Wild deer roam freely through the park and are a popular sight. Todaiji temple holds a Great Buddha about 15 meters tall. Trains from Kyoto or Osaka take about 45 minutes.
Highlights:
  • 🏮 Explore historic Kasuga Taisha Shrine lantern pathways
  • 🏯 Visit Todaiji Temple and see the Great Buddha
  • 🦌 Feed and photograph friendly deer in Nara Park
Kanazawa
Samurai streets, gold leaf and Kenrokuen garden
8.2
On the Sea of Japan coast, this city is about two and a half hours from Tokyo by bullet train. Kenrokuen is counted among the three great gardens of Japan. The Higashi Chaya district has old teahouses. Omicho Market sells fresh seafood and is easy to walk through.
Highlights:
  • 🍵 Wander the preserved tea houses of Higashi Chaya District
  • 🏯 Explore Kanazawa Castle and its impressive defensive grounds
  • 🌸 Stroll through Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan’s finest landscapes
Takayama
Old town, morning markets and Hida beef
8.1
The Takayama Festival is held on 14 and 15 April and on 9 and 10 October. Ornate wooden floats parade through the streets. Autumn leaves are colorful in late October and early November. The old town in the Japanese Alps is compact and flat. Morning markets sell local produce and crafts.
Highlights:
  • 🏯 Tour the Takayama Jinya, the historic Edo government house
  • 🍠 Visit the morning markets along the Miyagawa River
  • 🏮 Wander through Takayama’s preserved old town of Sanmachi Suji
Hakone
Onsen town with Fuji views and lake cruises
8.6
Calm and scenic, this mountain resort town near Tokyo is known for hot spring baths and views of Mount Fuji. Ryokan inns serve multi course meals and have private baths. A mountain railway, a ropeway and sightseeing boats on Lake Ashi make touring easy. Express trains from Shinjuku take about 90 minutes.
Highlights:
  • 🚠 Take a scenic ride on the Hakone Ropeway
  • 🖼️ Explore stunning sculptures at Hakone Open-Air Museum
  • ♨️ Soak in relaxing waters of Hakone Onsen hot springs
Kyoto
Temples, geisha districts and kaiseki dining
9.2
Elegant and traditional, this former capital of Japan has temples, gardens and tea houses at almost every turn. Taxis are easy to find for short trips between sights. The Arashiyama bamboo grove and Kinkakuji are popular stops. Tea ceremonies are a calm way to rest.
Highlights:
  • ⛩️ Climb the vermillion torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine
  • 🍱 Experience Japan’s beautifully presented Kaiseki dining at a traditional restaurant
  • 🎋 Stroll through the magical Arashiyama bamboo forest early in the morning
Kamakura
Great Buddha, Zen temples and surf beaches
8.5
Compared with Kyoto, this seaside temple town is smaller and quieter. It lies about an hour by train from Tokyo. The Great Buddha at Kotokuin is a bronze statue about 11 meters tall. The Enoden train line runs along the coast and makes sightseeing simple.
Highlights:
  • 🎋 Walk the bamboo groves of Hokokuji Zen Temple
  • 🌸 Explore Hasedera Temple’s gardens and sea views
  • 🗿 Visit the Great Buddha statue at Kotoku-in Temple
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