Japan is the center of traditionalism and modernism, a true reflection of the beauty of life. From skyscrapers to the Virgin Islands, pop culture, and the monarchy; Japan has something for everyone. Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is the most visited city in the world. Here’s a look at Japan’s top 10 tourist attractions.
1. Golden Pavilion Temple
Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) is one of the most popular tourist attractions. The three-story building with two floors of pure gold foil built by Ashikaga Yoshimitsu Shogun in 1397 was burned down over the years, but it was later restored to its original appearance and is majestic.
Architecture from that time. The first floor is in Shinden style, the second floor is in Bukke style, and the second floor is in Chinese Zen hall style. Kinkakuji is reflected in the pond, which is reflected in the building’s gold leaf.
2. Mount Fuji
At 12,389 feet above sea level, Mount Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan. Located 100 kilometers southwest of Tokyo, Mount Fuji is actually three separate volcanoes, one above the other. The volcanic mountain is considered a spiritual landscape and has been the inspiration for numerous works of art.
Mount Fuji is famous for hiking. The climbing season starts on the first day of July and ends in August. The symmetrically shaped peaks are visible from Tokyo on any clear day. The volcano last erupted in 1707.
3. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
The barbaric act of the atomic bomb (LittleBoy) explosion on September 6, 1945, during World War II destroyed 90% of the city of Hiroshima. The dark hour not only killed many people but caused countless others to suffer for decades to come. On the east side of Motoyasu Segawa is the Atomic Bomb Dome (formerly the Hiroshima Prefecture Industrial Promotion Museum).
The building, once used for art and educational exhibitions, survived humanity’s first use of nuclear weapons. It was the only intact structure near the bomb’s hypocenter. In 1999, Hyunbu Dome was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO as it symbolizes peace and remains an integral part of the Peace Memorial Park. Hiroshima is one of the best Japanese tourist attractions.
4. Tokyo Tower
Built in 1958, Tokyo Tower is 1,092 feet (333 meters) tall and is one of Japan’s top tourist attractions. Made from prefabricated steel, it is the world’s tallest self-supporting steel structure, weighing just 4,000 tonnes. Originally set up as a broadcast tower, it quickly became a tourist attraction. There are two mascots on the tower named Japan.
Visitors can climb the tower to see the entire city. The tower’s open design frame can withstand natural disasters. The Tokyo Tower Aquarium, souvenir shops, and Asia’s largest wax museum also attract visitors. The lights at night make the tower dazzling and make it look charming.
5. Himeji Castle
National treasure and world heritage Himeji Castle is one of twelve original castles in Japan that have never been destroyed. It is also known as the White Heron Castle due to its white appearance. This 400-year-old architectural marvel consists of over 80 buildings spread across several Baileys. The main building is a six-story wooden structure located in the center of the complex.
Visitors enter it through an entrance with steep stairs and loopholes that were once used by archers to defend the castle. In late April and early September, cherry blossom viewing becomes an important attraction. It is also ranked as one of the most beautiful castles in Japan.
6. Aso Kuju National Park
Kyushu’s Aso Kuju National Park is the embodiment of natural beauty and diverse wildlife. Mount Aso is the largest active volcano in Japan and the largest caldera basin in the world, of which Mount Nakatake is a part. Zhongshan is the rarest of rare volcanoes, and visitors can walk right up to the edge of the crater and take a peek.
Kokonoe Flower Park features stunning flowers that change with the seasons. Uchimaki Onsen in Aso Kuju National Park consists of approximately 80 springs and is a major attraction. Hirosaki Park in Japan is one of the best places to see cherry blossoms around the world.
7. Kamakura Great Buddha
The Great Buddha of Kamakura is 13.35 meters tall and is the second-largest Buddha statue in Japan. The bronze statue cast in 1252 during the Kamakura period was gilded and placed inside the temple until a tsunami washed away the wooden structure, leaving only traces of gold leaf around the ears.
The statue represents Amitabha Buddha. The meditative pose symbolizes sincerity and tranquility. Since the statue is hollow, visitors can actually go inside.
8. Todaiji Temple
Nara Todaiji Temple was built in 752 and is an integral part of Japanese culture. Daibutsuben (Big Buddha Hall) is the world’s largest wooden building and houses the world’s largest 15-meter bronze Buddha statue. The Todaiji complex once covered much of the city, but was partially destroyed during the Genpei War. Today, the temple is home to the Kevin Buddhist School.
9. Kiyomizudera Temple
Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was built in 778 at the beginning of the Heian period. There is not a single nail in this temple and it is a masterpiece. The waterfall inside the complex is designed as a waterfall within a pond from which visitors can drink in the belief that their wishes will come true. Early locals used to jump off the edge of the temple to make wishes (85.4% survival rate).
10. Jigokudani Monkey Park
Jigokudani Monkey Park is located in the Yokogawa River Valley at the source of the Shiga Plateau. It is the only place in the world where monkeys can bathe in hot springs. The steep cliffs and steam from the springs justify the name “Jigokudani” (Hell Valley). This part is covered with snow for one-third of the year. But wild Japanese macaques can be seen throughout the day in spring. It can be reached from Shibu Onsen, which is 2.5 kilometers away. It is one of the most beautiful tourist spots in Japan.