8 Top Tourist Attractions in Japan

Japan is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. It is a unique blend of traditional and modern, with many temples and buildings from the past co-existing with modern achievements in architecture and technology. Visitors can be immersed in Japanese history and culture one day and get a glimpse of the future through technological developments the next. Having only an area of 377,835 square kilometers, Japan is not short of numbers of attractions to see. Almost all of the historical sites are still used for their original purposes while remaining open to the public. The natural beauty of Japan can be seen all year.

1. Himeji Castle
Himeji Castle
The Himeji Castle is considered the best existing example of Japanese castle architecture. It was fortified to defend against enemies during the feudal period, but it has been rebuilt many times throughout the centuries and reflects the different design periods.  This castle is well known for its finest architecture, comprising of 83 buildings that are epitome of the advanced defense systems from feudal period. This castle is also known as the Hakuro-jo (white Egret castle) or Sirasagi-jo (white heron castle) because the stunning white exterior resembles a great bird about to take flight.

2. Kiyomizu Temple
Kiyomizu Temple
Officially known as Otowa-san Kiyomizu-dera, this Buddhist temple in east Kyoto is part of the Historic Monuments of ancient Kyoto UNESCO World Heritage site. Among them this is the most popular temple due to its architecture. Kiyomizu temple, founded in early Heian period and finally constructed in 1633 by the Tokugawa Iemitsu, does not a single nail used in the entire temple structure. The name which means clear/pure water is derived from the waterfall that runs off the nearby hills inside the temple complex

3. Tokyo Tower
Tokyo Tower
The Tokyo Tower is a testament to the advancement of technology and modern life. Inspired by the Eiffel tower design, it is the second tallest man-made structure in Japan and functions as a communications and observation tower. Visitors can climb the tower for unparalleled views of Tokyo and the surrounding areas as well as visit shops and restaurants.

4. Mount Fuji
Mount Fuji
Mount Fuji is Japan’s highest peak, standing at 3,776 meters. It is one of Japan’s most iconic symbols, inspiring many artists and travellers with its almost perfect symmetrical shape. This dormant volcano is situated between Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures. During the good weather, Mount Fuji can be seen from as far as Tokyo and Yokohama. Many travelers and locals trek and hike up the mountain during summer. The ascent can take anywhere between three and eight hours while the descent can take from two to five hours.

5. Hiroshima Peace Memorial
Hiroshima Peace Memorial
The Hiroshima Peace Memorial is a haunting tribute to the lives lost when the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945. Set in a park, the memorial features Genbaku Dome, the only building left standing in the vicinity after the bomb dropped. This harsh reminder of a world at war reminds visitors of the importance of human life and honors the victims so they will never be forgotten.

6. Todaiji Temple
Todaiji Temple
The Todaiji Temple in Nara is a feat of engineering. It is not only the world’s largest wooden building, it is home to the world’s largest bronze Buddha statue. Surrounded by beautiful gardens and wildlife, the Kegon school of Buddhism is centered here and the grounds hold many artifacts of Japanese and Buddhist history. Deer are allowed to freely roam the grounds as messengers of the Shinto gods.

7. Tsuki Fish Market in Tokyo
Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo
This open air Fish Market in Tokyo is the largest in the world. Come here in the wee hours of the morning to see the fishermen bringing the freshest catch of the day. Then sit down for an early breakfast of the freshest sashimi and sushi in Japan. This is market seem like the unlikely place to be a tourist attraction but it definitely top to the list for being authentic in local and culture with fresh seafood to boost.

8. Fushimi Inari taisha
Fushimi Inari taisha
This outworldly line ups of thousands of torii temple gates nearby Kyoto is definitely one experience to be had. Imagine walking down thousands of torii that seems to run for infinity which makes you start to wonder if it will ever end at all. The head shrine of Inari sits at the base of the mountain which is also named Inari at 233 m above sea level. The trails up the mountain will pass through various smaller shrines.

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