9 Best Places To Visit In Japan

Japan is an island country located in East Asia, it is one of the oldest countries on earth which dating back to 660 BC. Japan is famous for its traditional arts, including tea ceremonies, calligraphy & origami. 

Here are top 9 places you shouldn't miss while travelling to Japan.

1. Golden Pavilion

The Temple of Golden Pavilion or Kinkaku-ji is famous tourist spot in Japan and Kyoto. Basically it was built  for Shogun Ashiaga Yoshimitsu (hereditary military dictator) of Japan in the late 14th century. Sadly, the pavilion was set on fire in 1950 by a young monk. After 5 years the temple was rebuilt as an exact same copy as the original. The pavilion is covered in gold foil which reflects in the pond.

2. Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan which is over 3,776 meters high. Its snowy white symmetrical cone is well known symbol of Japan as well as highly admired by tourists and climbers. Approximately 200,000 people climb Mount Fuji each year. The ascent takes about three to eight hours while the descent takes two to five hours.

3.Tokyo Imperial Palace

The Tokyo Imperial Palace is the main residence of Emperor of Japan. It is large park like located in Chiyoda, Tokyo and contains various buildings including Emperor's palace, administrative offices and museums which showcase Japanese history and art. The Palace is built on the remains of older castle that were destroyed in war. It is designed by elements of different eras into modern piece of art. The current palace is surrounded by traditional Japanese gardens which is open to public for reception and functions.

4. Tokyo Tower

The Tokyo Tower is a symbol of post war recovery in the center of city. It was built in 1958 and serves as symbol of Tokyo's Independence after World War II. inspired by the design of Eiffel tower is the second tallest man made structure in Japan. It acts as a communication and observation tower. Visitors climb the tower for breathtaking views of Tokyo.

5. Todaiji Temple

Todaiji Temple in Nara is one of Japan's most significant and historic temple, it is not only world's largest wooden building but is also home to the world's largest bronze Buddha statue. It is surrounded by gardens and wildlife. It also acts as Japanese headquarters Kegon school of Buddhism.

6. Great Buddha of Kamakura

The giant statue of Amida Buddha located in Kamakura city of Japan is one of Japan's famous Buddhist figures. The statue is cast in bronze which  is over 40 feet high and weighs approximately 93 tons. It was built in 13th century and was originally placed in a wooden temple, the Buddha now stands in the open air as the wooden temple was washed away due to tsunami in 15th century. 

7. The Himeji Castle 

The Himeji Castle is the largest castle in Japan. It showcases perfect example of Japanese castle architecture containing many defensive features. It was made to defend enemies during feudal period since then it has been rebuilt number of times. Furthermore it survived World War II bombings and is usually seen in local and international movies, including "You Only Live Twice" by James Bond. White exterior design of the castle resembles the appearance of a bird taking flight hence the  nickname 'white egret castle' given to it.

8. Jigokudani Monkey Park 

The only place in the world where monkeys bath in hot springs. The name Jigokudani means 'Hell's Valley' due the fact the place is surrounded by steam and boiling water that comes out of frozen ground surrounded by cliffs and cold forest. It is famous for Japanese Macaques also known as Snow Monkeys which migrate to valley during the winter when it is covered by blanket of snow.

9. Hiroshima Peace Memorial

The Hiroshima Peace Memorial is tribute to the victims of nuclear atomic bomb attack on  Hiroshima on 6th August 1945. The memorial features Genbaku Dome which is the only building surviving after the bomb dropped. It reminds the visitors importance of the human life and honors the victim.