If you have time to visit Japan, you might want to know more about the country’s most famous sites. Of course, Japan is a modernized country, but it is also a country that reserves historical artifacts and places. Here are some recommended tourist sites you might be interested in if you happen to visit the country.
10. Tokyo
If you are to visit Japan, do not ever miss Tokyo, the capital city. This city is a historic site which includes Imperial Palace and Ginza – all are famous places in the country. Tokyo has a collection of fashion stores that shakes international fashion industry. There, tourists find abundant of different best cultural restaurants that serve Italian, French, Chinese cuisines, etc.
9. Kanagawa
Kanagawa is a district where Kamadura, coastal city, are located. If you happen to visit this district, spend your time to see Buddha statue. You should not miss a time in Kanagawa if you are living in Tokyo because it’s near the capital city, just an hour by train. This district is also well known for beach ramble, and while visitors is walking along the quiet beaches, they can also take their time to visit many temples near there.
8. Osaka
The largest city of Japan, Osaka, is also an interesting site for tourism. In fact, the city is a home to collection of business activities and some important international companies. More than that, this city is popular in serving cultural food. Some people consider Osaka a place of genuine Japanese cuisine. Actually, Osaka is a good place for some visitors who want to pay their time searching for business purpose and of course a materialistic shopping.
7. Nara
The first capital city of Japan is actually Nara, even before Kyoto became one. With a short life, Nara has maintained many original sites of important Japanese tradition. Moreover, this city used to be receiving dominant Chinese impacts in architecture. Therefore, some sites have become the World Heritage Sites designated by UNESCO.
6. Hiroshima
Hiroshima is quite well known to the world because of atomic bomb there by the United States during the World War II. However, today the city resembles the global peace center. If you happen to visit there, don’t forget to spend your time at the Peace Memorial Museum, the only structure that remains at ground zero. There are also more World Heritage Sites there such as Miyajima Island.
5. Okinawa
Japan is a country to most beautiful beach. And Okinawa is probably the most recommended group of island in Southern part of the country – more like Hawaii of the United States. These islands are also a home to various indigenous culture and nice beaches. It’s the popular place for world’s sport like diving, and you may want to see famous aquariums there.
4. Jigokudani Monkey Park
Jigokudani Monkey Park means “Hell’s Valley”, but dubbed “Monkey” has another meaning. This place is actually an eccentric hot spring in the frozen land, encircled by forest and steep cliffs. You can visit this steam in the winter to see wild snow monkeys appearing next to the valley. During the day, this valley’s view is magnificent with pop-out monkeys everywhere.
3. Kiyomizu-dera
Another place to visit in Japan is Kiyomizu-dera located in the Eastern part of Kyoto. Kiyomizu-dera is a Buddhist temple tracked back to the year of 798. The amazing construction used no nail, and a waterfall keeps moving inside the temple from a nearby river. Although some people like to take risk jumping off the edge to get a wish, you can also enjoy the winsome nature inside the temple.
2. Himeji Castle
Himeji Castle was built as a fort for protection from enemies during the feudal period, and later it became a famous castle with remaining unique architecture. This caster has been rebuilt many times following design concept from various periods. Fantastically, it’s like a sacred place that survives during the World War bombing. You will enjoy seeing the castle’s view with flying birds.
1. Todaiji Temple
The Todaiji Temple is a great achievement of engineering and the world’s enormous wooden construction, which is also home to historical largest bronze Buddha statue. The temple is a place of glamorous gardens and natural wildlife. The Japanese has kept Buddhist history and artifacts very well in the Kegon School. Moreover, you will enjoy watching deer gathering the grounds, known as messengers of Shinto gods.