JAPAN

The top tourist attractions in Japan boast of old world and new world wonders. And they effectively bring people back to the past from the present and then introduce them to the future with its highlights. It is sad to think what most of the world would have been missing if Japan remained closed country until now. But maybe, that two and a half century of nationalism was important as it did forge what we now appreciate most about the nation. It is said that these highlights attract as many as 8.3 million foreign visitors a year. And much of it is fuelled by the state’s World Heritage Sites, which were well-preserved even after countless upheavals.

Gion Matsuri in modern Kyoto

One of the top tourist attractions in Japan that has earned such prestige are the historic monuments of ancient Kyoto, which encompasses 17 locations, extending into neighboring territory – Uji and Otsu. This collection of ancient architecture consists of one castle, 3 Shinto Shrines (Kamowakeikazuchi and Kamomoiya) and 13 Buddhist Temples (Kyoogokoku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera, Enryaku-ji, Daigo-ji, Ninna-ji, Ujigami, Byodo-in, Kozan-ji, Saiho-ji, Tenryu-ji, Rokuon-ji, Jisho-ji, Ryoan-ji, and Nishi Hongan-ji).

The most famous among them is Nijo Castle, which spans 275,000 square meters, 8000 of which occupied by buildings (the rest are gardens). Back in the Tokugawa  period, this was built to accommodate the shoguns when they are in the area as it was the home of the Imperial Court. Back in 1788, part of the palace was destroyed by a city-wide fire and was only renovated in 1893. After 1940, it was finally opened to the public. And at present people can tour it every Tuesday for a fee of 600 yen, which the local government uses to maintain the place.

Another one of the top tourist attractions in Japan that is reminiscent of its past is Mount Fuji. And although it isn’t an ancient infrastructure, per se, it is an ancient entity in the Japanese landscape. And its beauty is always a reminder of the inspiration and culture upon which the country is built on. Mount Fuji just lies 100 kilometers south-west of Tokyo, which makes it visible from the metropolis on a clear day. It is characteristically of symmetrical shape and it becomes snow-capped during the latter part of the year. It is considered a holy mountain along with Mount Tate and Mount Haku.

Mount Haku

And it accommodates 300,000 climbers per year from July to August, when the climate is manageable. Make no mistake; Mount Fuji has claimed many lives out of eruption and its unrelenting weather conditions and landscape. So see to it that you are adequately prepared and with a guide when you are climbing to its peak.

Of course, a trip to Japan would not be completed without checking out its capital, Tokyo, and the many unique sights it hosts. Yes, it does have some stunning old buildings like the Imperial Palace, which foreigners must see. But what makes it the ideal vacation destination is its commercialized environment which features towering skyscrapers with high-tech features. The Shibuya district is one of the top tourist attractions in Japan that caters to the public’s shopping whims. And it also a major nightlife area, hosting several clubs as well as recreational facilities. It is also here where you will find Harajuku (the fashion capital of the world), where you will find the famous Japanese youths dressed in a variety of styles, from decora, to gothic Lolita, visual kei as well as cosplay, and where you can buy the best of Japanese street fashion.