The Top Places to Visit in Japan
It is known that Japan today is conquering the world with its technology. But what most people don’t know is that Japan is a beautiful country in the Pacific with deeply rooted cultural traditions, imperial palaces, mountainous national parks, geishas, and ancient shrines and temples. It is rich with well-preserved history and cherished traditions. Japan is not only known for its beautiful places, history, and rich culture and tradition, but it is also known for its charming, courteous and culture-oriented people. These are some of the reasons why Japan draws in travelers from all over the world and is one the top countries to visit.
Here are some of the top places to visit in Japan
Ishigaki
Located west of Okinawa and south of Tokyo, Ishigaki is Japan’s premier beach destination. It is used as a base to explore the other islands in the Yaeyama archipelago. Ishigaki has an exuberant nightlife for visitors who have the energy after a day of beachcombing, water sports or climbing Mount Nosoko. This is why Ishigaki is one of the top places to visit in Japan.
Koya-san
It is also known as Mount Koya. It is considered the most important site in Shingon Buddhism. Shingon Buddhism it was introduced by Kobo Daishi and has long been practiced in Japan since 805. Tourists are allowed to stay overnight in the temple to see and experience a monk’s life. Koya-san is also the starting and ending place of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage.
Akihabara
Akihabara is known primarily for its Tech shops and otaku culture. It is considered as a major shopping and electronics district. In Akihabara, you will see the newest and coolest technologies. Tourists who are tech-savvy will definitely enjoy the place. It is also the center of Japanese otaku and anime culture. Dozens of stores specializing in anime, manga, and other collectibles are found in Akihabara. You can also the different side of Japanese culture by visiting some of the maid cafes. In maid cafes, employees dress as maids and act like different anime characters. Akihabara is definitely a top pick for travelers.
Tokyo Imperial Palace
Imperial Palace was known as Edo Castle and it was home to samurai warriors. Today, it is home to the imperial family of Japan. The palace is surrounded by traditional Japanese gardens which are open and free to the public. The tourists are allowed to stroll through green parks, admiring the water-filled moat and cherry. Tourists are only allowed in the inner palace grounds on 2 January and 23 December for the Emperor’s birthday and New Year’s greeting. During these two occasions, visitors get the chance to see the members of the Imperial Family. In April, the Tokyo Imperial Palace becomes one of the best spots in Japan because it is when cherry blossoms are in full bloom. The palace also acts as a museum and administration center to showcase Japanese history and art.
Great Buddha of Kamakura
Amida Buddha is one of the most celebrated Buddhist figures in Japan. The Great Buddha of Kamakura is a monument of Amida Buddha. It is located in the city of Kamakura and it is the second largest Buddha in Japan. It was originally housed in a small wooden temple but now stands in the open air after the original temple was washed away in the fifteenth century by a tsunami. The monument dates back from 1252 and weighs about 93 tons and approximately 13.35 meters in height.
Todaiji Temple
The Todaiji Temple it is the largest wooden building in the world. It is where the largest Buddha statue in the world is found. The Todaiji Temple is located in Nara. Many artifacts of both Buddhist and Japanese history are found at the ground of the temple. It is believed that the deer is a messenger of the Shinto gods. This is why herds of deer are allowed to roam in the temple. Visitors can often encounter some
Golden Pavilion Temple
It is also known as Kinkaku-Ji. It is probably the most famous tourist attraction in Japan. The Golden Pavilion Temple was built in the late fourteenth century as a retirement villa for Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. Five years after the pavilion was burnt down by a young monk in 1590, the Japanese government rebuilt it. The pavilion is a very beautiful place to visit. It is covered in gold leaf that portrays the reflection of the pavilion in the pond.
Mount Fuji
To add to the list of the top places to visit in Japan is the Mount Fuji. Mount Fuji is about 3776 meters high and is the highest mountain in Japan. Fuji has a symmetrical cone, making it picture-perfect. It will take approximately three to eight hours to climb this mountain and approximately two to five hours to descend it. There are about two hundred thousand tourists that visit this mountain every year. It is definitely one of the top places to visit in Japan.