A hub of traditionalism and modernism, Japan is a true reflection of the beauty of life. From skyscrapers to Virgin islands, pop culture and monarchies; Japan has everything for everyone. Tokyo, capital of Japan is the most visited cities in the world. Here is a glimpse at the top ten tourist attractions in Japan.
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN JAPAN
1. GOLDEN PAVILION TEMPLE
Kinkaku-ji (The Golden Pavilion) is one of the most popular tourist attractions. The three-storey building with top two storeys covered with pure gold leaf was originally constructed by the Shogun Ashikaga Yosgimitsu in 1397. Even though it was burned down numerous times over the years, it was later reconstructed to its original frame and has been a majestic architecture since then. The first floor is built in the Shinden style, second floor in the Bukke style and their floor in the style of a Chinese Zen hall. Kinkaku-Ji gets reflected in the pond and the pond is reflected on the gold leaves of the building. Also, read about facts about Kyoto city in Japan.
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2. MOUNT FUJI
At 12,389 feet, Mount Fuji is Japan’s highest mountain. Situated 100 kilometres south-west of Tokyo, Mount Fuji is actually three separate volcanoes that lie one on the top of the other. The volcanic mountain is considered as a spiritual sight and has been an inspiration for numerous works of art. Mount Fuji is famous for hiking submit. The climbing season begins on the first day of July and ends in August. The symmetrically shaped mountain is visible from Tokyo on any clear day. The last eruption of the volcano was noticed in 1707.
3. HIROSHIMA PEACE MEMORIAL
The barbaric act of atomic bomb (LittleBoy) explosion on 6th August 1945 during World War II had wiped out 90% of the Hiroshima city. The dark hour not only killed many but left countless to suffer in pain for the upcoming decades. On the east side of Motoyasuagawariver lies the Atomic Bomb Dome ( originally the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial promotion hall ). The building that was once used for arts and educational exhibitions survived the attack of first ever use of nuclear weapons on humans. It was the only structure left intact near the bomb’s hypocentre. In 1996, GenbakuDome was accepted as a UNESCO World Heritage as it symbolises peace and remains as an integral part of Peace Memorial Park. Hiroshima is one of the best places to visit in Japan.
4. TOKYO TOWER
Built in the year 1958, Tokyo tower stands at a height of 1,092 feet (333 metres) is one of the best tourist attractions in Japan. Made up of prefabricated steel, it is world’s tallest self-supporting steel structure and weighs 4000 metric tons only. Initially set up as a broadcasting tower, it soon became a tourist attraction. The tower has two mascots, named Nippon. Tourists climb up the tower to get a view of the whole city. The open design of the tower is framed to withstand natural disasters. Tokyo tower aquarium, souvenir shops and Asia’s biggest wax museum also attracts visitors. The lights dazzle the tower at night, making it look spellbound.Also, read about tourist attractions in British Columbia.
5. HIMEJI CASTLE
A national treasure and also a world heritage site, Himaji Castle is one of the twelve original castles in Japan that haven’t ever been destroyed. It is also known as White Heron Castle for its white exterior. The 400 years old architectural marvel is made up of over 80 buildings spread across multiple Baileys. The main keep is six-storey wooden structures at the heart of the complex. Visitors enter it through an entrance that has steep staircases and loopholes that were once used by archers to defend the castle. Cherry Blossom viewing turns to be a key attraction during late March and early April. It is also listed as one of the most beautiful castles in Japan.
6. ASO KUJU NATIONAL PARK
AsoKujuNational Park of Kyushu is an embodiment of natural beauty and diverse wildlife. Mount Aso is the largest active volcano in Japan and world’s largest caldera basin, Mount Nakadake is a part of it. Mount Naka is the rarest of the rare volcanoes as tourists can walk straight up to the edge of the crater and peer in. Kuju Flower Park has an enchanting array of flowers that change with each season. AsoKujuNational Park’s Uchinomaki Hot spring which is made up of some 80 wellsprings is a major attraction. Hirosaki park in Japan is one of the best places to see cherry blossoms around the world.
Image Source: Wikimedia
7. THE GREAT BUDDHA OF KAMAKURA
The Great Buddha of Kamakura is 13.35 metres high and is the second largest Buddha figure in Japan. The bronze statue cast in 1252 in the Kamakura period was gold plated and placed inside a temple until a tsunami washed away the wooden structure, leaving behind only traces of gold leaf around the ears. The statue represents Amida Buddha. The gesture of meditation symbolises sincerity and serenity. As the statue is hollow, visitors can actually go inside it. Also, watch soil liquefaction in Japan.
8. TODAIJI TEMPLE
Constructed in 752, Todaiji temple in Nara is an integral part of Japanese culture. Daibutsuben (Big Buddha Hall) is the world’s largest wooden building and inside it stands world’s largest bronze Buddha statue of 15 metres. The Todaiji complex once covered the large part of the city but it was partially destroyed in the Genpei War. Today, the temple is home to the Kevin School of Buddhism.
9. KIYOMIZU DERA
The UNESCO world heritage site Kiyomizu DERA Buddhist temple was founded in the early Heian period in 778. The temple does not have a single nail used in it and is a masterpiece. The waterfall inside the complex is designed in a way that the waterfalls inside a pond, so the visitors can drink the water as they believe that their wish shall be granted. Earlier locals used to jump off the edge of the temple to have a wish granted (the survival rate being 85.4%).
10. JIGOKUDANI MONKEY PARK
Located in the Valley of Yokayu River sourced from Shiga Kogen, Jigokundani Monkey Park is the only place in the world where monkeys take bath in hot springs. The steep cliffs and the steam coming from the spring rightly justify the name “Jigokudani” (Hell Valley). The part gets covered with snow for one-third part of the year. But the wild Japanese Macaque is seen inside the spring throughout the day. One can reach the part from ShibuOnsen, which is 2.5 Kms away. It is one of the most beautiful tourist attractions in Japan.
Kindly share your experience if you have visited above tourist attractions in Japan.
