Places to Visit in Japan

Koya-san

Mount Koya, otherwise known as Koya-san is a major Shingon Buddhist site in Japan. It is the headquarters of the sect of Shingon Buddhism, and remains a small town that developed around the temple. It is the beginning and ending point of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage. Tourists are permitted to stay the night in the temple where they can witness the life of a monk up close here.

Ishigaki

Ishigaki is located in the west of Okinawa. It is the main beach destination for tourists coming here. Other islands can also be easily accessed from Ishigaki. Ishigaki is home to some of the best beaches of Japan. Ishigaki is a popular family destination among tourists, especially the beaches at Fusaki and Maezato.Enjoy a lively nightlife at Ishigaki after an adventurous day of mountain climbing or water sports.

Kanazawa

Once Japan’s largest city in the mid-19th century, Kanzawa is a beautiful city built around a magnificent castle and a stunning garden. The capital of Ishikawa Prefecture is now a hub of art and culture. It is equipped with a charming old town where one can find the samurai houses and geisha teahouse district of Higashi Chaya. Wander around Kanazawa to explore the city closely.

Hiroshima

Hiroshima, infamous for the atomic bomb attack on 6th August, 1945, is younger than several other cities of Japan. Today, many of the city’s attractions include peace memorials such as Peace Park, Peace Memorial and Peace Memorial Museum. Hiroshima Castle and the sunken garden of Shukkei-en make up for the city’s other main attractions which offer a pleasant experience.

Kamakura

Kamakura is an important town which is located off the coast, around an hour from Tokyo. It was once the seat of a military government in Japan for at least a hundred years. It is now a laid-back seaside resort which is also known by the name of Kyoto of eastern Japan. There are a number of temples and shrines in Kamakura that are a major tourist attraction. Daibutsu is a popular site here where you will find a massive bronze statue of Buddha covered by trees.

Nikko

A quaint town located just at the entrance to Nikko National Park, Nikko is a famous place for the well-known Toshogu. Toshogu is Japan’s most luxuriously decorated shrine and the mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu. Shin-ky? bridge, a red-lacquered bridge, is another famous spot in Nikko. Enjoy the stunning views of mountainous landscapes, waterfalls, lakes and hiking trails on a visit to Nikko. Fall is a good time to enjoy the natural beauty of this place.

Takayama

Takayama is one of the most peaceful cities of Japan. The tourist town of Hida-Takayama offers a serene experience to tourists who come here after a lively experience of Japan’s glamorous cities. It is located at a close proximity to the northern Japan Alps. One can spot Japan’s well-preserved towns here. Sanmachi is a pretty area of the old city which is famous for its three narrow lanes lined with wooden buildings of breweries and boutiques.

Nara

Nara is famous for being the first permanent capital of Japan. It was established in 710 and later moved to Nagaoka in 784 when the government was in threat. It is located at a distance of just one hour from Kyoto and offers a preview of Japan’s oldest and largest temples.

Kyoto

Kyoto, once the imperial capital of Japan for one thousand years, is now the capital of Kyoto prefecture. It is located in the central area of Honshu island and is home to 1.5 million people. Kyoto is popularly known as the City of 10,000 Shrines because of the thousands of Shinto shrines present here. Some of the famous ones include Fushimi Inari Shrine and Buddhist temples. Visit the lovely gardens and attend the Gion Matsuri festival when you are in Kyoto.

Tokyo

Tokyo is not only the capital of Japan but also the most lively cities in the country. It is the most populous metropolitan area in the world and offers a host of famous attractions. Cherry Blossom in traditional gardens of Tokyo is a sight to behold in Tokyo. From ancient shrines to karaoke bars, Tokyo is the perfect mix of old and new world in Japan. Head to the charming Shinjuku Gyoen National garden when you are tired of jostling along the crowd of Tokyo.