TOP 10 TOURIST DESTINATION OF 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.
Almost all of the historical sites are still used for their original purposes while
remaining open to the public. he natural beauty of Japan can be seen all
year. In addition, Japan has one of the world!s lowest crime rates which
ma"es it ideal for travelers.
The Hiroshima Peace
Memorial is a haunting
tribute to the lives lost
when the atomic bomb
was dropped on
#iroshima on August $,
%&'(. )et in a par", the memorial features *enba"u +ome, the only building
left standing in the vicinity after the bomb dropped. his harsh reminder of a
world at war reminds visitors of the importance of human life and honors the
victims so they will never be forgotten.
Jigokua!i Mo!ke"
Park is a famous hot
spring area near
,agano,. he name
Jigo"udani -meaning
.#ell!s Valley/0, is due to
steam and boiling water that bubbles out the fro1en ground, surrounded by
steep cliffs and formidably cold forests. It is famous for its large population of
wild )now 2on"eys that go to the valley during the winter when snow covers
the par". he mon"eys descend from the steep cliffs and forest to sit in the
warm hot springs, and return to the security of the forests in the evenings.
The #i"omi$u%era &uhis' 'em(le is located in 3astern 4yoto and can
be traced bac" as far as the year 5&6. An indoor waterfall fed from the
outside river "eeps the temple in harmony with nature and not one nail was
used in construction. 7hile locals used to 8ump off the edge to have a wish
granted -with a survival rate of 6(.'90, modern visitors can en8oy the
shrines and talismans and artwor" on display without ris"ing life and limb.
The Hime)i *as'le 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. It survived the bombings of 7orld
7ar II and is frequently seen in domestic and foreign films, including the
James :ond movie .;ou <nly =ive wice/. he white exterior and design give
the castle the appearance of a bird ta"ing flight, earning the the castle the
nic"name >white egret castle!.
The +rea' &uha o, #amakura is a colossal outdoor representation of
Amida :uddha, one of Japan!s most celebrated :uddhist figures. ?ast in
bron1e, the *reat :uddha stands at over %@ meters -'A feet0 high and
weighs nearly &@ tons. he statue reportedly dates from %B(B. Although it
originally was housed in a small wooden temple, the *reat :uddha now
stands in the open air as the original temple was washed away in a tsunami
in the %(th century.
The Toai)i Tem(le in ,ara is a feat of engineering. It is not only the
world!s largest wooden building, it is home to the world!s largest bron1e
:uddha statue. )urrounded by beautiful gardens and wildlife, the 4egon
school of :uddhism is centered here and the grounds hold many artifacts of
Japanese and :uddhist history. +eer are allowed to freely roam the grounds
as messengers of the )hinto gods.
The Tok"o To-er is a testament to the advancement of technology and
modern life. Inspired by the 3iffel 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 o"yo and the
surrounding areas as well as visit shops and restaurants.
he 3mperor of Japan ma"es his home at the Tok"o Im(erial Palace. It
also functions as an administration center and museum to showcase
Japanese art and history. he palace is set on the ruins of older castles that
were destroyed by fire or war, and architects have honored the past by
incorporating design elements of the different eras into the modern palace.
he new palace is surrounded by traditional Japanese gardens and has many
reception and function rooms to receive guests and welcome the public.
Mou!' Fu)i is the highest mountain in Japan at @,55$ meters -%B,@66 ft0.
he volcano!s exceptionally symmetrical cone is a well-"nown symbol of
Japan and it is frequently depicted in art and photographs, as well as a
popular tourist attraction for sightseers and climbers. An estimated BAA,AAA
people climb 2ount Cu8i every year, @A9 of whom are foreigners. he ascent
can ta"e anywhere between three and eight hours while the descent can ta"e
from two to five hours.
#i!kaku%)i or 'he Tem(le o, 'he +ole! Pa.ilio! is the most popular
tourist attraction in Japan and 4yoto. he pavilion was originally built as a
retirement villa for )hogun Ashi"aga ;oshimitsu in the late %'th century.
Dnfortunately, the pavilion was burnt down in %&(A by a young mon" who
had become obsessed with it. Cive years later, the temple was rebuilt as an
exact copy of the original. 3mphasis is placed on the building and
surrounding gardens being in harmony with one another. he pavilion is
covered in gold leaf which highlights the reflection of the pavilion in the pond
and the pond!s reflection on the building.