8 Best Places To Visit In Japan
I believe that most people have listed Japan on their travel bucket list. Of course, that's
not surprising, though. After all, Japan offers numerous picturesque attractions and scenery.
At the same time, it showcases highly modern cities filled with skyscrapers, high-speed
bullet trains, and neon-lit streets.
Of course, it is a blunder, not to mention the iconic sakura or cherry blossom that makes
the country enchanted during March to mid-April. It is a heavenly sighting that can captivate
any tourist.
It has to be mentioned that Japan is a relatively small country in the Orient. Despite this
fact, it boasts a powerful economy and affluent culture. It is a prominent global power and
has been adored by other countries due to its steady progress and growth.
Hello everyone. This is Ann from Pack And Go. And in this video, I've listed down all
the best places to visit in Japan. If you are planning to tour this country, then watch
this video until the end. Also, don't forget to hit the like and subscribe buttons for
updates.
Without further ado, let's get started. 8. Imperial Palace
If you are in Tokyo, you should never miss the Imperial Palace. Inarguably, this is the
metropolitan's most popular landmark. Millions of tourists and locals visit this place every
year. It features 17th-century architecture, which includes walled parks and moats.
What's more amazing about the Imperial Palace is that it remains active to this day. This
means that significant parts of the palace are closed from the public since they are
being used by the reigning royal family of Japan. But that should not discourage you.
Despite the no-trespassing zones, there is still a lot to see in the Imperial Palace.
One attraction in the Imperial Palace that is open to the public is the East Higashi-Gyoen
Gardens, which is part of the inner palace. Organized tours are conducted in the area
that allows visitors to see impeccably beautiful seasonal flowers and tranquil woodlands. Well-preserved
entrance gates, walls, and guardhouses are also ubiquitous inside the ruins.
Don't forget to stroll on the Nijubashi Bridge, as well. The bridge, which literally translates
to "double bridge" due to the water's mirror-like reflection, is a romantic spot within the
Imperial Palace. 7. Nara
Before Tokyo, Nara was the first permanent capital of Japan. It is a city famous for
being the home of the Great Buddha. The latter is a towering 50-foot-tall bronze statue of
the hallow Japanese deity. You can find this national treasure within the Todai-Ji Temple.
Of course, the said temple is also striking in its own right. After all, it is the biggest
wooden building in the entire world.
Around the temple grounds, you have the opportunity to explore Nara Park, which is filled with
deer and other unique wildlife. The peaceful ambiance of Nara is also felt once you are
inside the ornate-filled Kasuga Taisha Shrine.
Keep in mind that Todai-Ji is not the only temple that you can visit in Nara. Other equally
majestic temples include the Horyuji Temple (the world's oldest wooden building), Toshodaiji
Temple, Yakushiji Temple, and Kofukuji Temple.
If these properly preserved traditional attractions aren't enough for you, then I highly recommend
that you go to Isuien Garden, which is near Todai-ki. You should also take a tour of Nara's
most popular Shinto shrine--the Kasuga Taisha! 6. Hiroshima
Hiroshima is no longer stuck in the past. Visit this place today, and you'll experience
first-hand its progressive and forward-thinking ambiance. It has a surging economy with lots
of things going on wherever you head. Despite being a busy city, Hiroshima still preserved
some green attractions. It still has plenty of leafy spaces where you can remain idle
and enjoy its scenery.
One of the known attractions in this place is the Peace Memorial Museum. The latter is
a collection of relics, structures, and museums that would remind you about the harrowing
repercussions of nuclear weapons. Most of the buildings and parks in the Peace Memorial
Museum are designed by Tange Kenzo, who is a known modernist designer in Japan.
There are also other attractions that you should visit in Hiroshima, such as the Children's
Peace Monument and the Atomic Bomb Dome, which is a recognized site by UNESCO. If you are
into contemporary art, the Hiroshima City Museum is definitely a spot you should visit.
You should never miss the opportunity to stroll around the Shukkeien Garden or hike through
the trails and caves of the Sandakyo Gorge. Local cuisines in Hiroshima, such as the Hiroshima
okonomiyaki and tsukemen are treats you shouldn't miss.
5. Takayama If you want to have a peaceful escapade in
Japan, then I suggest that you visit Takayama. This one is a charming little town located
on the extremities of the Japan Alps. It is an extremely beautiful place, but surprisingly
enough, it doesn't get the number of visitors it deserves.
Tourists would certainly get lost in the allure of its historical center, which is filled
with vibrant shrines, towering trees, and traditional Japanese architecture. You'll
also find a lot of red bridges hovering above the town's river.
There are a lot of things that you can do in Takayama. A simple pleasure would be able
to wander the town during early mornings before it gets crowded. You might also want to buy
fresh fruits on its ever-lively morning markets. A particular street stall in the area also
offers delicious mitarashi-dango, or rice balls that have been grilled in soy.
Meanwhile, the Festival Floats Exhibition Hall of Takayama can give you eye-catching
floats. You should also visit the Hida Folk Village to see authentic thatched Japanese
houses. 4. Mount Fuji
Surely enough, Mount Fuji tops this list. After all, it is Japan's most celebrated and
notable landmark. This towering natural structure is the country's tallest peak. It rises 3,776
meters from the ground and amidst a visibly flat landscape. Interestingly, Mount Fuji
is also close to the Pacific Ocean coasts of Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures of Honshu.
You don't need to venture far just to get a view of this majestic volcano. The Honshu
central is sixty miles to the west of Tokyo-Yokohama, which is a major metropolitan area in Japan.
Hence, even if you are just settling in the urban sprawl, you can still see Mount Fuji.
This natural wonder in Japan has been depicted countless times in various forms of literature.
It has a grandeur that led to its acknowledgment of UNESCO due to its world cultural significance.
Millions of people climb the mountain as a tradition. This act enables them to see the
magnificent rising sun from the summit. 3. Osaka
Another must-visit destination in Japan is Osaka. You can consider it as the little brother
of Tokyo when it comes to economic vibrancy and people's liveliness. You'll certainly
love a lot of things here, from the wild Dotonuri down to the low prices of its commodities.
And hey, the food served in Osaka is ultra appealing to the tongue!
Situated roughly 35 miles to the southwest of Kyoto, Osaka is known as one of the port
cities of Japan. Aside from its magnificent attractions, such as the Universal Studios
Japan, Osaka is also known for the quality of its food. Popular local dishes such as
okonomiyaki, which literally translates to "grilled as you like it," are a highly recommended
delicacy for tourists.
After you have your fill, you can already explore some of the notable attractions in
the city, such as the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, Osaka Castle, Shitennoji, and the nerve-wracking
Umeda Sky Building. 2. Kyoto
Kyoto is one of Japan's most visited cities. It is among the few areas in the country that
got spared from the damages of World War II.
Every year, there are at least ten million tourists that go to this lovely city. Compared
to Tokyo, this one rests on the traditional side of things. It features groves of bamboo
forests, shrines, and temples brimming in scarlet, silver, and gold. The wooden tea
houses here will welcome you with geishas clad with vibrant and aesthetically pleasing
kimonos. Majestic tea ceremonies are also being held all over the city.
I am pretty sure that the downtown towers of Kyoto are not the best that the city can
offer. Hence, it is always recommended that you go to the peripheries and up to the mountains.
There, you'll find interesting sights such as preserved traditional Japanese houses,
stone streets, and monks on their graceful ropes.
There are many recommended places to visit in Kyoto, such as the Fushimi Inari Shrine,
Kiyomizu-Dera Temple, Ryoanji Temple, and Nijo Castle.
1. Tokyo Japan's capital is more than just a bustling
metropolis. By all means, the place can provide a myriad of delights for your senses. Buzzing
places like Akihabara and Ginza are excellent places for a shopping spree. On the other
hand, the Imperial Palace and Meiji Shrine are the direct opposite of the city's ecstatic
atmosphere. These relics will remind you that Japan is a country colored with iridescent
history.
Tokyo also boasts a plethora of green spaces, such as the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden.
This is a haven if you want to have a breather from the erratic urban jungle that is Tokyo.
Moreover, the city is also the place where you can taste a number of authentic Japanese
dishes without spending too much. But if you have the money, then you'll be happy to know
that Tokyo is the city that has the most Michelin-starred restaurants in the entire world.
There are a lot of things to do in Tokyo. You can visit the mini island of Odaiba for
unlimited entertainment and architecture. You are also recommended to visit the Sensoji
Temple, Edo-Tokyo Museum, and the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation.
Even a week's stay here might not be enough before you can experience the best that Tokyo
can offer.
Thank you for watching this video. If you want to see more videos like this, just hit
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