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7 Best Japan Tourist Attractions [2024]

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Japan Tourist Attractions

Best Japan Tourist Attractions
Best Japan Tourist Attractions

If you’re looking for an amazing travel destination, look no further than Japan! Japan is a fascinating country with a rich history and culture. This country is home to some of the most beautiful and fascinating places on Earth. From stunning mountain ranges and ancient temples to bustling metropolises and tranquil gardens, Japan has something for everyone.

If you are planning on visiting Japan, there are certain places you should make sure to visit. In this quick guide, we will introduce you to the top 7 places of interest in Japan that you won’t want to miss!

1. Mount Fuji

Majestic Mount Fuji (Fuji-san), without a doubt Japan’s most well-known landmark, is also the nation’s tallest mountain summit. This spectacular and legendary mountain, which rises 3,776 meters over an otherwise mainly flat landscape to the south and east, is tall enough to be visible from Tokyo, more than 100 kilometers distant.

Since Mount Fuji has been praised in literature and art for ages, it is now regarded as such a significant icon that, in 2013, UNESCO recognized its global cultural value. More than a million people climb Mount Fuji every summer as a form of pilgrimage that culminates in viewing the sunrise from its peak. Mount Fuji is a part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.

If you do decide to tackle the entire climb, it is advisable that you leave in the afternoon and break up the ascent with an overnight stay in one of the “Mountain Huts” built specifically for this reason. The next morning, an early rise gets you to the top in time to see the dawn.

In fact, many people only need to see the mountain in the distance or from the comfort of a moving train in order to declare that they have already completed the task at hand.

2. Historic Kyoto

Lovely Kyoto, one of the few cities in Japan spared the destruction of World War II, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the nation, drawing more than 10 million tourists a year. The majority of them are in Kyoto to see its beautiful old streets and buildings, much of which have been untouched since the Imperial dynasty moved in more than 1,000 years ago.

The city was already the most significant cultural hub in Japan at the time. In reality, this legacy is still present today in the numerous museums and galleries that are home to significant sculptures, paintings, and other works of art.

The many well-preserved temples in Kyoto, 30 of which are still in operation, and significant buildings like the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji), known for its magnificent facade of gold leaf, are highlights of the city’s Buddhist-influenced architecture.

3. Jigokudani Monkey Park

Known for its hot springs, Jigokudani Monkey Park is located close to Nagano. Jigokudani, which means “Hell’s Valley,” got its name from the steam and boiling water that bubble out of the frozen earth there. The area is flanked by sharp cliffs and bitterly cold forests.

It is renowned for having a sizable population of wild Snow Monkeys that congregate in the valley in the winter when the park is covered with snow. The monkeys leave the forested areas and cliffs to relax in the hot springs in the mornings and nights before returning to the safety of the woodlands.

4. Himeji Castle

The Himeji Castle is regarded as the finest example of Japanese castle architecture currently in existence. It was fortified during the feudal era to protect against enemies, but it has been renovated numerous times throughout the ages and now reflects various design eras.

It endured World War II bombardment and is frequently featured in both domestic and international movies, such as the James Bond film “You Only Live Twice.” The castle gets its name from the white exterior and architectural features that make it look like a bird taking flight.

5. Todaiji Temple

An engineering marvel is Nara’s Todaiji Temple. It houses the largest bronze Buddha statue in the world in addition to being the largest wooden building in the world. The Kegon school of Buddhism is located here, and the grounds contain several artifacts from Japanese and Buddhist history. The area is surrounded by lovely gardens and fauna. As messengers of the Shinto gods, deer are permitted to graze freely on the premises.

6. Osaka Castle

Osaka Castle was the largest and most significant castle in the nation when it was constructed in 1586 by renowned Japanese warrior and politician Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Despite having been repeatedly demolished and rebuilt since then, the current building, constructed in 1931, stays loyal to the original.

A visit should not be missed to see the massive, five-story, 42-meter-tall main tower. A number of exhibits tracing the history of the castle and the city are housed in the tower, which is constructed on an imposing 14-meter-tall stone base. Visit the top level for its magnificent views of Osaka, which are especially lovely as the sun sets.

7. Sapporo, Hokkaido

The city of Sapporo, which is located on the northernmost island of Japan, Hokkaido, has a lot to offer tourists. It serves as the cultural center of the island and is home to numerous fantastic events and festivals. Additionally, it has a unique culinary scene, a lengthy theatrical tradition, and a ton of museums, galleries, and parks.

The charming downtown portion of the city, which is centered around Odori Park, a sizable patch of green that’s a lot of fun to explore. From here, you can also easily walk to nearby attractions including the Sapporo TV Tower and the city’s renowned aerial tramway. Eventually, the Mount Moiwa Ropeway will take you to the summit’s Upper Station, from which you may take in breathtaking views over the city, which is especially enjoyable at night.

Japan Tourist Attractions

If you’re planning a trip to Japan, you won’t want to miss out on these five amazing places. From the hustle and bustle of Tokyo to the serenity of Mount Fuji, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful country.

So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!

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Rachel Tan - FunEmpire

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I'm currently the editor at FunEmpire Media Global. I've over 8 years of experience in the media industry discovering the best local businesses, places and things to do in the world. From lifestyle, entertainment, food, travel, education and more, I strive to curate the very best the world has to offer.