Japan – The Land of Rising Sun

Japan is a country whose land encompasses islands. Do you think of Japan as the place of ancient temples or revolutionary technologies? Do you recollect the speedy bullet trains or the suit-clad businessmen? Well, you have correctly outlined the country. A myriad of sights, historical places, natural wonders, diverse cultures are awaiting always to welcome visitors and serve their purpose of holiday.

Many people are of the opinion that it is quite expensive to travel to Japan and that it is among the impassable land on the planet. However, when I visited the country, I found exactly the opposite. In fact, Japan is cheaper as compared to North America and Western Europe.

Japan Tourist Attractions

• Mount Fuji:
  This is the highest mountain and most scenic natural sight. Once, this was an active volcano that last erupted in 1708. Now, it is a holy mountain of Japan together with the two other of Tateyama and Hakusan where its peak is adorned with many shrines. Nearly a million climbing each year particularly in July and August, good trails are available for climbing among which the popular ones are Gotemba, Fujinomiya, and Kawaguchiko. All the trails provide 10 halts each offering refreshments and lodging. However, if you cannot climb, take a Fuji-bound bus from Shinjuku Station in Tokyo during July and August.

• Ginza, Tokyo:
  Ginza symbolizes Tokyo that holds at a walking distance the National Diet – the center of Japan’s government and the Imperial Palace – a vast complex of buildings. Visit this place at night to view the electronic fireworks.
• Himeji Castle:
  Also called the “White Heron Castle”, it is one of the three popular castles and among the 12 that are in original state. Situated in Himeji, Hyogo prefecture near from Osaka, the castle is enclosed by pine and cheery trees that makes it picturesque during the spring. It is designated as the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its construction was marked somewhere amid 1333-1346 and other expansions in 1601-1608.

• Bomb Dome, Hiroshima:
  This is the relics of the Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall also known as the Genbaku Domu designed in 1916. It is the centre of attraction of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996. There is a museum exhibiting some photos of the effects of bombing of 1945.
• Kamakura:
  Situated nearby Tokyo and more closer from Yokohama, it offers the statue of Great Buddha that was once placed in a building damaged in the 15th century. It is made up of bronze in 1252 A.D. that is 13.35 m high and weighs 93 tons. Tourists stand in front of this Daibutsu to take photos. It is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Miyajima:
  This is famous for its ‘floating torii (shrine gate)’ built in 1874 that is the most attractive man-made masterpiece along with the Daibutsu. It is a small complex of shrines on Miyajima that literally means the Island of Shrines. Situated near Hiroshima in the Inland Sea, the island is known as Itsukushima (Strict Island). During low tide, the torii relaxes on a mud flat. Besides this, the island holds many other shrines from 6th century. At least spend a day here. Near the torii, do not miss the five storey pagoda of 1407 A.D. and Senjokaku Hall (1587). Further, you can opt to hike the Mount Misen (recommended) or reach there through a ropeway. Both the torii and shrine are UNESCO World Heritage sites.
• Kinkaku-ji, Kyoto:
  Popularly known as the Golden Pavilion, its beauty is augmented by surrounding pine trees and ponds making it the most visited destination. The temple is associated to Zen Buddhism and belongs to 1397 A.D. The current look is since 1955 and is considered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In Kyoto, do not miss visiting Heian shrine, Kiyomizu-dera, Nijo castle, To-ji, and Ginkaku-ji or the Silver Temple Pavilion. The city itself carries 17 places of World Heritage, as it was least affected at the time of World War II that maintained these sites.

• Matsumoto Castle:
  Foundation laid in 1504 and nicknamed as the “Crow Castle” due to its likeness of a bird with extended wings, this is another castle that is still surviving despite threats. The distinct feature of this castle is the water-filled moat. Considered as the national treasure of Japan, certain gates are restored. Matsumoto is located far in the interior that is also a gateway to the Kita Alps. Do not miss to view the Kaichi gakko (school) close to the castle that is designed on western style with a central cupola joining two wings.
• Nikko:
  Taking a day from Tokyo through the shinkansen or high-speed rail halting at Utsunomiya, this religious town offers many shrines amidst the mountains, forests, ravines, and streams. The popular ones include the Toshogu Shrine of 1617 A.D. adorned with a beautiful gate and Three Wise Monkeys amidst huge cryptomeria trees (a family of cedar) and the Futarasan Shrine of 767 A.D at the foot of the holy Nantai-san mountain throng with hikers. Do also visit the wonderful Sacred Bridge nearby and Rinno-ji that is the complex of Buddhist temples adorned with stunning woodwork since 766 A.D. All these are designated as the UNESCO World Heritage sites. If you want to be in the mother nature’s lap, visit the Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls that is among the three highest in the country.
• Todai-ji Hall, Nara:
  Traditionally ranked as the first city, Nara holds the largest wooden building on Earth, the Todai-ji Hall. In the hall, you can view the huge Daibutsu (Buddha) and other statues.

Japan Best Time to Visit

Spring – March to May and autumn – September to November

Japan Accommodations

• Imperial hotel – 5 star at $401

• Hyatt Regency Tokyo – $172
• Hotel New Otani Tokyo – $262
• Comfort Hotel Tokyo Kiyosumi – $133

Besides, there are dormitories that charge 1,500 to 3,000 yen per person and offer even women-only rooms found in Tokyo and other main cities. If you want to experience the Japanese lifestyle, stay in a Ryokan whose cost varies from 6,000 to 30,000 yen per person.