Japan is a dream destination of many people because of its scenic beauty, culture, food, discipline and lifestyle. You must have heard people say that Japan is already living in the future. That is because Japan is acknowledged for its innovative and advanced technologies, but it is also famous for its landscapes. There are some must visit places in Japan that will make you want to leave everything behind and be lost in admiration of its atmosphere and culture. You might not even wanna leave Japan and go home.
Many famous cartoons are created and based in Japan like Shin-Chan, Doraemon, Ninja Hattori and many more. Due to these cartoons, many people have an emotional connection to Japan even though they have not visited Japan. The more you know about Japan, the more you will be in love with it.
Here is the list of some must visit places in Japan:
1. Tokyo
It is safe to say that Tokyo is the heart of Japan. Tokyo best describes the busy life of people and you can experience this at the most popular Shibuya crossing. If you don’t visit the iconic Tokyo Tower when in Tokyo, then what’s the point? Take time out and reserve your visit for some popular shrines like Senso-ji temple and Meiji Jingu shrine to be lost in spiritual blis. You must have already heard about the iconic cherry blossom trees in Japan. Well in Tokyo you have a whole garden to visit like Ueno Park, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden and Hamarikyu Garden.
Did you also take part in the Ghibli trend on social media? Then the Ghibli museum in Tokyo can be worth a visit even though it has nothing to do with the trend. There are some great digital art museums that you can visit that will leave you spellbound. Some places of interest include the Tokyo National museum, Akihabara – electric town , Ginza, Harajuku and Odaiba – where you can visit the rainbow bridge and TeamLab planets. Since it has everything to offer, Tokyo is a must visit place in Japan.
2. Kyoto
You can say that Kyoto is a snapshot of imperial Japan, as it was Japan’s capital for almost 1000 years. If you are a traveler who loves history, art and culture, then you will love Kyoto even more. You will witness traditional Japanese culture and aesthetics here but particularly in Gion district, where you will find Geisha culture, narrow streets and traditional teahouses. You can even take part in traditional tea ceremonies.
That’s not all about tradition, you must visit the Fushimi Inari shrine which is popular for thousands of vermillion tori gates and Kinkaku ji temple – a temple covered in gold leaf. Another famous place that will leave you fascinated is the Nijo castle, which is known for its nightingale floors as they squeak when you walk upon them. In Kyoto you will find yourself lost in Japanese tradition and following the Japanese etiquettes while exploring many UNESCO World heritage sites including Buddhist temples and shrines. People who love to explore traditions and culture of different countries, Kyoto is a must visit place in Japan.
3. Osaka
Can we tell you there is a possibility that you can be blinded by the lights in Osaka? A place so vibrant and lively and a place that offers the best food in Japan. You can go street karting and experience the neon lights in Dotonbori district and enjoy the best meals like takoyaki and okonomiyaki. When in Osaka, visit a very popular landmark, the Osaka castle without a doubt and wander around the beautiful gardens and museum and get insights into samurai-era Japan.
You must have seen those intense sumo wrestlings on TV, well you can experience one in real life in Osaka. Theme park lovers and video games and Harry Potter lovers should not miss checking out Universal Studios Japan and exploring the Super Nintendo World and Harry Potter World. Osaka makes up for a perfect destination offering stunning views including 360 degree view from the Umeda Sky building and the tempting local food at popular places such as Kuromon market and Shinsekai. With so much at hand, you know why Osaka is a must visit place in Japan.
4. Mount Fuji
Mount Fuji, a UNESCO World heritage site, is every nature lover’s and adventure seeker’s dream destination. You must be aware that this is a sacred symbol and so you can find many shrines surrounding the tallest mountain in Japan with the most famous being Fujisan Sengen shrine. The place is best suited for hiking and camping.
Are you thinking of getting a bird’s eye view of Fuji from the top of a roller coaster? Then head to Fujikyu Highland. Why limit your experience when you can view Mount Fuji from Lake Kawaguchi, Chureito Pagoda, Hakone and the Fuji Five lake region. Mount Fuji is enchanting and breathtaking and a must-visit place in Japan for all hikers and adventure lovers.
5. Okinawa
Starting off by stating the fact that Okinawa is where Karate was born, which already makes it a special place to visit. Apart from this, Okinawa is a place of traditions and culture where you can learn about the Ryukyu culture. In Okinawa you can also learn about traditional crafts like pottery, weaving and woodworking.
It also is home to many beaches and coral reefs. You can explore the Emerald beach and Kerama island and participate in many activities such as snorkelling, diving, surfing and island hopping. Some top tourist attractions remain the Shurijo castle, Okinawa Churami Aquarium and Okinawa peace memorial park. Okinawa is the best place for a relaxing trip and definitely a must visit place in Japan.
Conclusion
Japan encapsulates tradition, culture, discipline, etiquette and history extremely well. We are sure everyone wants to visit Japan at least once in their lives. Japan’s beauty, atmosphere, landscape, food, and scenic views of the cherry blossom trees calls for a trip. Japan has everything one searches for. The bright and busy street life, spiritual landmarks, nature’s wonders and different cultures, there are so many must-visit places in Japan. In this article, we have listed a few of the many beautiful places that you must visit when in Japan.
