11 Best Tourist Attractions Destination in Japan - Japan Travel Guide
A surprise country, Japan has something for
everyone. Most national parks have hiking routes, cycling is popular in Japan's
less hilly regions, and golf is available for a heavy fee. Tokyo, Japan's
capital, is an energetic city that offers sightseeing around every corner.
Many first-time visitors to Japan are often
surprised to learn that this relatively small Asian country also boasts a rich
and fascinating history dating back thousands of years as one of the world's
most advanced industrialized nations. Indeed, long before many of Europe's most
spectacular cathedrals were built, Japan's Shinto and Buddhist temples were
already well-established and for their often elaborate designs and decoration
drawing pilgrims and patrons. Simultaneously, the country was already
perfecting the skills and trades that would put it on the path to wealth, from
fine porcelain and ceramics to textiles like silk. Despite wars and natural
devastation, much of this rich tradition has been preserved (or reconstructed),
and a visit to Japan is a memorable adventure. A holiday in Japan is certainly
a great investment of time and money, boasting an endless list of top
attractions, things to see and do, and points of interest to explore. With our
list of top-rated tourist attractions in Japan, discover the best places to
visit the country.
01. Mount Fuji
Undoubtedly the most recognizable landmark in Japan,
the majestic Mount Fuji (Fuji-san) is also the highest mountain peak in the
country, towering 3,776 meters over an otherwise largely flat south and east
landscape, and tall enough to be seen from Tokyo more than 100 kilometers away.
Mount Fuji has been celebrated in art and literature for centuries and is now
regarded as such an icon that UNESCO recognized its cultural significance in
the world in 2013. As part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, over a million
people climb Mount Fuji every summer as an act of pilgrimage that culminates in
watching the sunrise from its peak. While some still choose to start their
climb from the base, most climbers now start at the 5th Station from above the
halfway mark, leading to a more manageable six-hour climb. Of course, for many,
simply looking at the mountain from a distance or from a speeding train's
comfort is enough to say"been there, done that."
02. Imperial Tokyo
The most famous landmark in Tokyo, the Imperial
Palace with its beautiful parks surrounded by walls and moats of the 17th
century, is a must-see when visiting the capital of the nation. Don't be
offended by the fact that most of the palace is closed to the public (the Imperial
family is still in use), as there is still enough to see simply by walking
around the grounds. Besides the many fine views of the palace from numerous
points in the surrounding parkland-including the famous Nijubashi Bridge, or
"double bridge," so called for its watery reflection-visitors are
allowed into the East Higashi-Gyoen Garden and other areas open to the public
as part of an organized tour. Another must-see for tourists visiting Tokyo is
the famous Ginza shopping district, home to the Kabuki-za Theatre with its
Kabuki performances, as well as the Shimbashi Enbujo Theatre with its
traditional Azuma-odori dances and Bunraku performances.
03. Hiroshima Peace
Memorial Park
While there is little need to be said of the horrors
of Hiroshima's atomic bombing in August 1945, much can be said of the
incredible efforts that this vibrant city has made to commemorate the many
victims of the world's first nuclear attack, and perhaps more importantly,
Hiroshima has since become the symbol of lasting peace. Every year, visited by
over a million people, many from overseas, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
(Hiroshima Heiwa Kinen Kลen) is located at the epicenter of the atomic blast in
what was once a busy part of the city and includes a number of important
monuments, memorials and museums related to the events of that fateful day. Besides
the grounds and gardens with their colorful cherry blossoms, the highlights of
the park include the Peace Memorial Museum with its numerous exhibits dealing
with the issue of world peace, and the Memorial Cenotaph and the Flames of
Peace, as well as the Atom Bomb Dome, the ruins of an administrative building
at the center of the explosion.
04. Historic Kyoto
One of Japan's most visited cities, beautiful
Kyoto-one of the few cities in the country to be spared the devastation of the
Second World War-attracts more than 10 million visitors each year to explore
its fine old streets and architecture, much unchanged since the Imperial family
resided here more than 1,000 years ago. The city was the most important
cultural center in Japan even then, a legacy that continues with its many
museums and art galleries, each bursting with important sculptures, paintings,
and other forms of art. Highlights of Kyoto's
Buddhist-influenced architecture include its many well-preserved temples, 30 of
which are still in use, and major structures such as the Golden Pavilion
(Kinkaku-ji) from the 14th century, famous for its exquisite gold-leaf-clad
exterior. Also make sure to visit Nijo Castle, a fortress from the 17th century
that retained its original walls, towers and moats; its beautiful gates; and
its palace with fine interior decoration. The original Kyoto Imperial Palace
(Kyoto-gosho), built in 794 AD and one of the most visited historic sites in
the city, is also worth a visit. Finally, no visit to Kyoto is complete without
spending time exploring the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, a beautiful area of tall
bamboo just a few minutes' walk from the town center.
05. The Island
Shrine of Itsukushima
Just a short ferry ride from Hiroshima is Miyajima
Island, known worldwide as the Shrine Island of Japan. Miyajima covers an area
of 30 square kilometers in Hiroshima Bay and is best known as the home of the
Itsukushima Shrine, a Shinto temple dedicated to the wind god Susanoo's
Princess daughters. The majority of the buildings of the shrine date from the
eighth century and rise from the waters of a small bay supported only by piles.
The high tide effect is simply amazing, making these structures appear as if
they were floating on water, including the famous Great Floating Gate
(O-Torii). Connected by walkways and bridges, it is a fascinating place to
explore, especially its larger halls such as the exquisite Honden (Main Hall),
the Hall of Offerings (Heiden), the Hall of Prayer (Haiden) and the Hall of
Thousand Mats (Senjokaku). Another notable feature is the stage of the shrine
where traditional dances and musical performances entertain visitors. Also
worth exploring are the island's exquisite grounds and gardens, home to wild
deer and numerous bird colonies.
06. Temple City:
Historic Nara
The lovely unspoiled city of Nara has been home to a
large number of historic buildings along with important national treasures and
art works for centuries the hub of Japanese culture. In addition to its many
historic streets, the city boasts numerous important old temples, including the
magnificent Kofuku-ji Temple of the seventh century, perhaps the best known of
Nara's Seven Great Temples; and the splendid Todai-ji of the eighth century,
famous for its huge bronze statue of the Great Buddha (Daibutsu), cast here in
AD 749. Also of interest in Todai-ji are its Great South Gate (Nandaimon), a
two-story structure borne on 18 columns with two Nio statues standing eight
meters tall and guarding the temple entrance, and the Hall of the Great Buddha,
the world's largest timber building.
07. Osaka Castle
Built in 1586 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, famous Japanese
warrior and politician, Osaka Castle (saka-jล) was the country's largest and
most important fortress at the time. Although the present structure, built in
1931, has been destroyed and reconstructed several times since then, it remains
true to the original. Highlights of a visit include the huge5-story, 42-meter-high
main tower built on an imposing 14-meter-high stone base and home to a number
of displays detailing the history of the castle and the city; make sure to
visit the top floor for its magnificent views over Osaka, a particularly
attractive sight as the sun sets. The Hokoku Shrine is also of interest in
Osaka Castle Park, while the most famous temple of Osaka, Shitennล-ji, is also
worth a visit and dates back to 59 AD. Remarkable as Japan's first Buddhist
temple, this beautiful shrine features a five-story pagoda along with a number
of other exquisitely decorated buildings including the Golden Pavilion (Kondล)
with its fine statues and paintings, the Lecture Hall (Kลdล), and a beautiful
covered corridor connecting three gates of the site.
08. Chลซbu-Sangaku
National Park and the Japanese Alps
Japan has a number of exceptional natural beauty
areas, many of which are designated as national parks or UNESCO World Heritage
Sites in some cases. One of the most spectacular parks in the country is
Chลซbu-Sangaku National Park in the center of Honshu, incorporating the group of
mountains collectively known as the Hida Mountains or Japanese Alps in its
northern and central regions. The region contains some of the country's highest
peaks, including 3,190 meters from Hotaka and 3,180 meters from Yari. Similar
to the Central European Alps in many waysโboth in the character of the
landscape and in its abundance of snow in winter โthe Japanese Alps attract
large numbers of walkers and climbers in summer and skiers in winter. The
abundance of flora and fauna in the park, including the rare ptarmigan and
mountain antelopes found at higher altitudes, is of particular interest. The
many hot springs in the park also attracted visitors and led to the development
of various spas and holiday resorts, with Kamikลchi being the best known.
09. The Atsuta
Shrine, Nagoya
The Atsuta Shrine, located in the heart of Nagoya
city, is Japan's largest Shinto shrine and attracts over five million visitors
every year. This religious site was established in the first century and is
famous for its preserved Imperial insignia, the "grass-mowing sword"
(kusanagi-no-tsurugi), one of only three in the country. His main shrine,
Hongu, surrounded by an enclosed wall, and the treasury with its numerous art
works, including old and modern paintings, ceramics, jewelry and traditional
masks, are also of interest. While in Nagoya, be sure to also visit Nagoya
Castle, a splendid moated complex built in 1612 boasting a 48-meter-high main
tower that is famous for its two gilded dolphins (shachi), its museum
containing art treasures from the former palace, and its spectacular views over
the city and the Nobi Plain.
10. Fukuoka Castle
and the City's Ancient Festivals
Fukuoka Castle (Fukuoka-jล) is one of the few
surviving examples of the once prolific and majestic hilltop homes preferred by
Shoguns and city rulers. This beautiful castle, once part of a massive complex
covering an area of approximately 47,000 square meters, still impresses with
its size and position on a high foundation overlooking the Naka River. Fukuoka
is also well-known for its many events and festivals, including the Hakata Gion
Yamakasa, a famous two-week, 700-year-old celebration held every July that
attracts millions of visitors from across the country to its colorful parades
and traditional races and costumes. The city is not without its modern
attractions, too, including Canal City Hakata, a-city-within-the-city complete
with a canal running through the complex along with great shops, hotels,
restaurants, and a theater.
11. Sapporo,
Hokkaido
Located on the northernmost island of Japan,
Hokkaido, Sapporo city offers a lot of things for tourists to see and do. As
the largest city on the island, it is a hub of cultural activity that hosts
many excellent events and festivals; a distinctive culinary style; a rich
history of theatre; and many museums, galleries, and parks. The focus here is
the attractive downtown area of the city, the center of which is Odori Park, a
large green swath that is very pleasant to explore. You can also reach
interesting points from here, such as the Sapporo TV Tower, as well as the
famous aerial tramway of the city, an easy walk away. Ultimately, the Mount
Moiwa Ropeway will take you to the Upper Station at the summit, from where you
can enjoy amazing views over the city, a nighttime treat. The mountain is also
where the Mount Moiwa Ski Resort is located, a popular winter destination, especially
since the city's 1972 Winter Olympics. And if you arrive in winter, please
visit the Sapporo Snow Festival, held here every February, drawing more than
two million revelers.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit to Japan
Shoulder Season Travel: Because Japan's top
attractions are blessed with so many amazing points of interest, they can get
quite busy during the summer peak months. If your trip planning can be
flexible, create an itinerary that will allow you to explore this beautiful
country during the quieter seasons on your shoulder. Not only will you be
rewarded with fewer lineups, but you will also be able to enjoy things that
other visitors will miss: spring cherry blossoms in places like Nara Park;
stunning fall colors in Jozankei Onsen's hillside spa destination; and historic
structures like Fukuoka Castle blanketed in snow.
Faster than a Speeding Bullet (Train): Japan is an
easy country to get around thanks to its superb modern and efficient public
rail system. Japan Railways has over 21,000 kilometers of railway lines,
connecting all points to larger cities like Tokyo. The best of these is the
Shinkansen Bullet Train, capable of traveling 320 kilometers per hour, making a
trip like Tokyo to Fukuoka possible in just over six hours-some 1,170
kilometers away. Pick up your Japan Rail Pass or book your pre-departure rail
tours to ensure savings.
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