Japan is full of riddles. It’s the perfect marriage of centuries-old customs with cutting-edge innovation. Most visitors who experience their first visit to Japan are startled to discover that, in addition to being one of the world’s most sophisticated industrialised countries, this comparatively tiny Asian country has a rich and intriguing legacy dating back to almost thousands of years.
Even after countless civil wars and environmental catastrophes, most of this rich culture has been kept or restored, and a trip to the Land of the Rising is an unforgettable journey. A holiday in Japan is a terrific investment of both time and money, with an unending number of top tourist attractions, entertaining things to do, and sites of interest to discover.
Glitz has compiled a list of the top tourist destinations in Japan to assist you in discovering the greatest spots to visit in the nation.
11 Top Tourist Attractions In Japan
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1. Mount Fuji
Mt. Fuji is without a question a must-see destination since it is a hallmark of Japan. It is known as Japan’s tallest peak, and its amazing grandeur and significance captivates many people. You may admire the emblematic mountain from afar or embark on one of the spectacular hiking paths that allow you to discover the local wildlife. It also provides a range of recreational activities such as paddling or boat cruises on gorgeous lakes known as the Fuji Five Lakes, or “Fujigoko” in Japanese. Other nearby opportunities include barbecuing and hiking.
2. Imperial Tokyo
The Imperial Palace, Tokyo’s most renowned monument, with its gorgeous 17th-century grounds enclosed by gates and seawalls, is a must-see while touring the capitol. But do not be scared off by the fact that the overwhelming majority of the estate is inaccessible and is still in use by the Ruling dynasty; there’s plenty to see just by wandering about the grounds. Tourists are admitted inside the East Higashi-Gyoen Garden and some other places that are accessible to the public as part of an arranged tour, in addition to the many stunning scenery of the estate from several locations in the surrounding parkland.
3. Nikko
Nikko is a tranquil town in Tochigi Prefecture’s northeastern region. It is just around 2 hours by rail from Tokyo, making it an ideal weekend getaway spot. Nikko Toshogu, a world-famous Shinto monument devoted to Tokugawa Ieyasu, is located there. He was the inaugural Shogun of the Tokugawa Shogunate, which controlled Japan for 260 years from the start of the 17th century. The temple was founded in 1617 and has been visited by many visitors as a significant edifice classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site among other historical structures in the Nikko area. You may visit the hallowed shrine lands, which are home to a number of outstanding structures, notably eight National Treasures.
4. Harajuku & Takeshita Street
Visiting Tokyo but not dropping by Harajuku Street? What a waste. This is one of Japan’s most popular tourist destinations. Pop culture, chic boutiques, and everything cutesy may be found here. Fans of manga and anime will be in their bliss, while the vibrant alleys of Harajuku will make even the most cynical visitor grin! Takeshita Street is central to Harajuku. Takeshita, the city’s trendiest and busiest street, is lined with unique boutiques, themed cafés, and eateries. Takeshita is a must-see tourist site in Japan if you want to immerse yourself in Japanese pop culture.
5. Shirakawago
The lovely area is situated in Gifu county, in a tranquil hilly location. The gorgeous setting formed by traditional Japanese buildings, known as Gassho-zukuri, is what makes it a world-famous location. It has a distinctive architectural style, such as a tall pitched roof that shelters the cottage from snow storms throughout the winter. Touring the lovely village also gives you a peek of the local community, which has retained the stunning environment and traditional ways of living for decades.
6. Snow Monkey Park
Have you ever visualised how wild monkeys take a refreshing dip in a warm spring? It may sound unbelievable, yet it is a world-famous tourist spot in Japan. Snow Monkey Park is a one-of-a-kind wildlife park that sprang to fame after being published in the American magazine Life. Guests may observe wild monkeys roaming freely in a scenic green setting. When the temperature is lowered throughout the lengthy winter season, the campground at a height of 850 metres is buried in snow. The cold temperature inspires monkeys to dip in a native hot spring spa to heat up, attracting a significant number of foreign tourists each year.
7. Dotonbori
Dotonbori is located in the centre of Osaka, near the creek of the same name. This bright blue neighbourhood is packed with a variety of entertainment, clubs, and street food shops. It is, in fact, the greatest site in Osaka to sample the wonders of Japanese street cuisine. Osaka is famous for its gastronomy, and there’s no better location to explore the Japanese idiom kuidaore, or ‘eat till you drop.’ Dotonburi has so much to offer that you won’t know which shop to stop by. Soak in the sights from Ebisubashi Bridge and see the iconic ‘Running Man,’ a signboard in the city’s central area.
8. Umeda Sky Building Floating Garden
The Umeda Sky Building is a famous structure in Osaka. The amazing ‘floating garden’ is the reason this is one of Japan’s most prominent tourist attractions. The top floor, 173 metres high, houses a 360-degree panoramic deck. This floating platform, situated between two skyscrapers, provides amazing views of the city. Make a point of visiting after midnight to enjoy the sunset or the lighted city skyline.
9. Himeji Castle
Himeji Castle, located within Tokyo, is one of Japan’s most famous tourist sites. It is easily identified by its gleaming white appearance, earning it the nickname “White Heron.” It is one of the few feudal-era castles still standing in Japan. Himeji Castle, which stretches back to ancient times, is Japan’s oldest and biggest castle. Surprisingly, the castle is the basis of several local stories. Himeji Castle is supposed to be inhabited by a mythical creature that resides in the stone structure to escape mankind. The castle is a priceless historic relic that provides remarkable insights into traditional Japanese culture.
10. Nara Park
Expect around an hour of journey from Kyoto to enter Nara, another famous city. It is home to several historical sites, including Todaiji, a famous Buddhist monastery built by Emperor Shomu in the 8th century. Nara has more to offer than just conventional buildings and ancient landmarks. Nara Park is a large park that was first established in 1880. It is approximately 502ha in size and is surrounded by a variety of renowned historic monuments such as Todaiji, Kofukuji, and Nara National Museum. Nara Park is also nicknamed as Deer Park since it is home to over 1,000 deer. Nara Park is also a famous cherry blossom viewing location, featuring wonderfully gorgeous pink petals in the spring.
11. Chūbu-Sangaku National Park and the Japanese Alps
Japan has a variety of great natural beauty places, several of which have been declared as nature reserves. Chubu-Sangaku National Park in Honshu is one of the most stunning in the nation. The Hida Mountains, or Japanese Alps, are a series of canyons situated in the park’s northern and central parts. Some of the tallest peaks in the country may be found in this region. The Japanese Alps are comparable to the Alps of Central Europe in many aspects, including the nature of the scenery and the availability of snow in winter. They draw a significant number of hikers and hikers in the summer and snowboarders in the winter.
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