Tourist Attractions in Japan
Japan
is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. It is a
unique blend of traditional and modern, with many temples and buildings
from the past co-existing with modern achievements in architecture and
technology. Visitors can be immersed in Japanese history and culture one
day and get a glimpse of the future through technological developments
the next. Almost all of the historical sites are still used for their
original purposes while remaining open to the public. The natural beauty
of Japan can be seen all year. In addition, Japan has one of the
world’s lowest crime rates which makes it ideal for travelers. An
overview of the top
tourist attractions in Japan:
10Hiroshima Peace Memorial
The
Hiroshima Peace Memorial is a haunting tribute to the lives lost when
the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945. Set in a
park, the memorial features Genbaku Dome, the only building left
standing in the vicinity after the bomb dropped. This harsh reminder of a
world at war reminds visitors of the importance of human life and
honors the victims so they will never be forgotten.
9Jigokudani Monkey Park
photo: Photo by Yosemite
Jigokudani
Monkey Park is a famous hot spring area near Nagano,. The name
Jigokudani (meaning “Hell’s Valley”), is due to steam and boiling water
that bubbles out the frozen ground, surrounded by steep cliffs and
formidably cold forests. It is famous for its large population of wild
Snow Monkeys that go to the valley during the winter when snow covers
the park. The monkeys descend from the steep cliffs and forest to sit in
the warm hot springs, and return to the security of the forests in the
evenings.
8Kiyomizu-dera
The
Kiyomizu-dera Buddhist temple is located in Eastern Kyoto and can be
traced back as far as the year 798. An indoor waterfall fed from the
outside river keeps the temple in harmony with nature and not one nail
was used in construction. While locals used to jump off the edge to have
a wish granted (with a survival rate of 85.4%), modern visitors can
enjoy the shrines and talismans and artwork on display without risking
life and limb.
7Himeji Castle
The
Himeji Castle is considered the best existing example of Japanese
castle architecture. It was fortified to defend against enemies during
the feudal period, but it has been rebuilt many times throughout the
centuries and reflects the different design periods. It survived the
bombings of World War II and is frequently seen in domestic and foreign
films, including the James Bond movie “You Only Live Twice”. The white
exterior and design give the castle the appearance of a bird taking
flight, earning the the castle the nickname ‘white egret castle’.
6Great Buddha of Kamakura
The
Great Buddha of Kamakura is a colossal outdoor representation of Amida
Buddha, one of Japan’s most celebrated Buddhist figures. Cast in bronze,
the Great Buddha stands at over 13 meters (40 feet) high and weighs
nearly 93 tons. The statue reportedly dates from 1252. Although it
originally was housed in a small wooden temple, the Great Buddha now
stands in the open air as the original temple was washed away in a
tsunami in the 15th century.
5Todaiji Temple
The
Todaiji Temple in Nara is a feat of engineering. It is not only the
world’s largest wooden building, it is home to the world’s largest
bronze Buddha statue. Surrounded by beautiful gardens and wildlife, the
Kegon school of Buddhism is centered here and the grounds hold many
artifacts of Japanese and Buddhist history. Deer are allowed to freely
roam the grounds as messengers of the Shinto gods.
4Tokyo Tower
The
Tokyo Tower is a testament to the advancement of technology and modern
life. Inspired by the Eiffel tower design, it is the second tallest
man-made structure in Japan and functions as a communications and
observation tower. Visitors can climb the tower for unparalleled views
of Tokyo and the surrounding areas as well as visit shops and
restaurants.
3Tokyo Imperial Palace
The
Emperor of Japan makes his home at the Tokyo Imperial Palace. It also
functions as an administration center and museum to showcase Japanese
art and history. The palace is set on the ruins of older castles that
were destroyed by fire or war, and architects have honored the past by
incorporating design elements of the different eras into the modern
palace. The new palace is surrounded by traditional Japanese gardens and
has many reception and function rooms to receive guests and welcome the
public.
2Mount Fuji
Mount
Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan at 3,776 meters (12,388 ft). The
volcano’s exceptionally symmetrical cone is a well-known symbol of Japan
and it is frequently depicted in art and photographs, as well as a
popular tourist attraction for sightseers and climbers. An estimated
200,000 people climb Mount Fuji every year, 30% of whom are foreigners.
The ascent can take anywhere between three and eight hours while the
descent can take from two to five hours.
1Golden Pavilion
Kinkaku-ji
or the Temple of the Golden Pavilion is the most popular tourist
attraction in Japan and Kyoto. The pavilion was originally built as a
retirement villa for Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu in the late 14th
century. Unfortunately, the pavilion was burnt down in 1950 by a young
monk who had become obsessed with it. Five years later, the temple was
rebuilt as an exact copy of the original. Emphasis is placed on the
building and surrounding gardens being in harmony with one another. The
pavilion is covered in gold leaf which highlights the reflection of the
pavilion in the pond and the pond’s reflection on the building.
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