Japan is truly the land where deep history, ancient culture meets the modern life in most exotic way. The timeless country is one of must see place in every tourists bucket list. Japan is one of the world’s most advanced industrialized nations but its history dates back thousands of years ago, which means the visitors of country can enjoy the mind-blowing man-made wonders and bunch of historical sites with abundant of natural beauty. A trip to Japan is certainly a great investment of your time and money. You’re going to discover some of most stunning place on earth so what are you waiting for. Here is the list of 15 top attractions to must see in Japan with cheap flights.
1. Mount Fuji
The list starts with the most recognizable landmark of Japan, the majestic Mount Fuji. The highest mountain of country has an overly large flat landscape and tall enough to be seen from Tokyo that is over 100 km away. In 2013, UNESCO recognized it as world cultural significance as it has been celebrated in art and literature for centuries. Every year millions of people climbed it as an act of pilgrimage, which ends with watching the sunrise from its summit. Mount Fuji is number one place to visit in Japan.
2. Imperial Tokyo
Imperial Tokyo is one of the most famous landmarks with its exquisite 17th century parks surrounded by walls and dykes. Majority of the palace is not open to general public still there is a lot to sees including beautiful views and Nijubashi Bridge. Visitors are allowed in East Higashi-Gyoen Garden and some other areas. When you’re in country’s capital, visiting Ginza is must, a shopping district and home to Shimbashi Enbujo Theatre and Kabuki-za Theatre.
3. Golden Pavilion
The top two floors of temple are covered in gold leaf. The temple was retirement villa of Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. The only building left of Yoshimitsu’s former retirement complex is an impressive structure built overlooking a pond. Throughout the history, the building burnt down several times but rebuilt again and again.
4. Historical Kyoto
Kyoto is a lovely city that enjoy big sum of tourists, more than 10 million visitors every year mainly because of its beautiful old streets and mesmerizing architecture. Kyoto is considered country’s most important cultural center with many museums and art galleries holding important paintings, sculptures and other things.
5. Temple City: Historic Nara
The first permanent capital of Japan, Nara is filled with great places including many UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Plan a perfect day trip from Kyoto to visit exquisite temples and wild deer in Nara Park. Daibutsu-den is the major highlight in Todaiji, a largest wooden building in the world.
6. Hiroshima Peace Memorial
The whole world knows the incident of 1945, when atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima, Japan. The area around the tragic incident has been made into Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park where you can see various facilities related to the atomic bomb. There is also Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum that was built to elimination of nuclear weapons for future peace. The place is listed as World Heritage Site as it tells the story of nuclear weapons.
7. Sapporo, Hokkaido
The largest city of Hokkaido Island, Sapporo is the hub of cultural activities. Tourists can enjoy many festivals and events, unique culinary style, plenty of museums and galleries, rich theatrical history and beautiful parks. City’s downtown area is what that attracts the tourists most. Head to the Odori Park and Sapporo TV Tower when you’re in city.
8. Jigokudani Monkey Park
Jigokudani Monkey Park is famous place near Nagano. Jigokudani means “Hell’s Valley”, it is named because of boiling water and steam that bubbles out the frozen ground and surrounded by formidably cold forests and steep cliffs. Home to large number of wild snow monkeys that move to the valley in winters when snow covers the park. Monkeys came down to sit in the warm hot springs and in evening return to the security of the forests.
9. Himeji Castle
Himeji Castle is considered one of the most striking examples of existing Japanese castle architecture. The castle was originally built during the feudal period to defend against the enemies but since then it has been rebuilt many times, that’s the reason it reflects the signs of different time periods. The castle has been seen in many Japanese and foreign films including famous movies like “James Bond” and “you Only Live Twice”.
10. Great Buddha of Kamakura
Amida Buddha is one of the most celebrated Buddha. His enormous statue cast in bronze, weighs nearly 93 tons and is 13 meters high. It is reported that the statue dated back from 1252.
11. Tokyo Tower
The modern representation of Japanese architecture, Tokyo Tower stands tall 333 meters in the heart of Tokyo. The tower is world’s tallest, self-supported tower, taller than Eiffel Tower. The tower consider the symbol of Japan’s post-war rebirth as a major economic power. It is not only the tallest tower but also serve as broadcast antenna.
12. Takayama
One of the most gorgeous towns, located on the edge of Japan Alps. Though, Takayama is not known by many tourists but this small town knows how to mesmerize its visitors. The place filled with traditional wooden houses, vibrant shrines, historical sites, neatly shaped trees and beautiful bright red bridges over the river. Don’t forget to see the extravagant floats at the Festival Floats Exhibition Hall.
13. Kanazawa
Kanazawa is lesser known tourist attraction but it is worth visiting. Wander at Kenroku-en Garden, explore the wooden teahouses or enjoy the traditional tea ceremony at the stunning Gyokusen-en Garden. As Kyoto gets more and more tourists now, it is recommended to add Kanazawa in your list for quieter feel.
14. Nikko
One of the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Japan, Nikko is a temple town in the mountains in the north of Tokyo. After the buzzing city life it is recommended to visit this relaxing spot, especially the Toshogu Shrine, a mesmerizing complex with number of lavishly decorated red and gold buildings standing among ancient cedar trees. Visiting these sacred temples is not the only attraction but you can enjoy the beautiful waterfalls, lakes, hiking trails and hot springs. The area is best known for its vibrant autumn colors.
15. Koya- san
A unique place to explore the traditional side of Japan, Koya-San is scared and secluded temple where you can get the taste of life as a monk by staying in a temple lodging known as Shukubo. The temple is located in the forest covered mountains of Kansai. It is surely a place where you can experience something very interesting.
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