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The culture and traditions of Japan attract with their calm beauty and balance. There is a deep meaning in every detail of architectural monuments and amazing buildings. The sights of Japan are enchanting! Millions of tourists come to this amazing country every year to contemplate the wonderful landscapes and enjoy the local attractions. Like a delicate cherry blossom, curious corners of nature, architecture and cultural values of the East are revealed to travelers. Subtlety, grace and elegance of lines and shapes – this is Japan. If you do not know what to see in Japan, then be sure to read this review of the most interesting places in the Land of the Rising Sun.
What to see in Japan first
For a European, any Japanese city is an attraction in itself, but in all its diversity there are those objects that every traveler should see. Practice shows that guides in Japan are indispensable, because without them it will not be possible to understand complex local traditions and learn ancient secrets hidden by advanced technologies.
1. Fushimi-inari Temple (Kyoto)
Scarlet torii
One of the historical symbols of Japan is the Fushimi-Inari Shrine or the Sanctuary of a thousand scarlet gates, dedicated to the goddess of rice fertility. Grandiose tunnels with portals intended for the gods were created according to Shinto beliefs. The Japanese believe that visiting Fushimi Inari Shrine brings success and prosperity. Do not doubt what to see in Japan. Features of the sacred complex in Kyoto Prefecture will leave a lasting impression:
- The central gate of the sanctuary is decorated with two foxes. They are the most revered animals in Japanese folklore and mythology. When visiting the Temple, one must follow a clear ritual, the first condition of which is a mandatory donation. It is left in the offertory – a box for coins. The sacred complex consists of five main chapels, interconnected by tunnels of torii gates. They are people's donations to the Temple.
It is better to visit Fushimi-Inari at night to enjoy the mysterious and mystical atmosphere of a thousand scarlet gates. The pilgrimage through a long tunnel lasts a couple of hours, then travelers enter the main sanctuary. On the way you can see many statues of foxes, small chapels and graves. Halfway there is an observation platform with a beautiful view of the city of Kyoto.
Official website: www. inari.jp/en/
2. Sky tree (Tokyo)
The beauty of Tokyo in spring
The Tokyo Sky Tree is the second tallest TV tower in the world. This graceful architectural structure of glass, concrete and metal shot up thanks to the efforts of experienced designers and engineers. The height of the building is 634 meters. Half a million people worked on this project. The grandiose Tokyo sky tree is worthy of admiration:
- Tour guides in Tokyo make sure to arrange a visit to the Tokyo Sky Tree, which boggles the imagination with its height. Tourists will be able to contemplate the capital of Japan, which is spread out in full view at the foot of a huge TV tower. There are no open areas and balconies here, so panoramic shots can only be taken through glass. It is noteworthy that the roof of the TV tower is located at a height of 470 meters, and the rest of the footage is the antenna. The first observation deck is located at a 350-meter height and can accommodate up to 2,000 people, while the second one spirals around the spire, taking up to 900 visitors.
A breathtaking sight opens from the grandiose height of the Tokyo Sky Tree. Excursions in Tokyo necessarily include a visit to the capital's TV tower, which is one of the three tallest buildings in the world.
Official website: http://www.tokyo-skytree.jp
3. Trash Island (Tokyo)
Rainbow Bridge and a miniature Statue of Liberty on Odaiba Island
The futuristic city of the future is located on Odaiba Island in Tokyo Harbor. It is a walker's paradise, a holiday city glowing with thousands of lights. Why is the island called Garbage? In 1979, it was merged with a garbage dump, which did not prevent the original site from developing at a rapid pace. Garbage Island is connected to Tokyo by the Rainbow Bridge. You can get to the island by a monorail that meanders over Tokyo Harbor in an intricate loop, as well as by river trams or by a special ship resembling a space shuttle. Impressions from the tour are simply unreal! In this city of the future, the headquarters of the largest corporations are located.
The attention of travelers is attracted by the Fuji-TV titanium ball, the Aqua City shopping center, the Tokyo Joypolis attractions and the 100-meter Ferris wheel. Garbage Island has a lot to see in Japan. These are a skyscraper robot, a copy of the Statue of Liberty, exhibits of the Toyota automobile brand, and a museum ship. But the island is especially beautiful at night in the light of bright lights. A wonderful view of the Rainbow Bridge at night opens from the Telecom Center site.
4. Asakusa District (Tokyo)
Sensoji Buddhist Temple
The sights of Japan are unique and unrepeatable. These include the Asakusa district in central Tokyo with an old city vibe. It is here that the Japanese flavor dominates the urbanization of a huge metropolis. Interesting places and architectural monuments are within walking distance, but you can use the services of a rickshaw.
What to see in Japan in the Asakusa area:
- Sensoji Temple Complex. Asakusa Buddhist Temple. Souvenir street “Nakamise-dori”.
Japanese traditions are sacredly revered in the Asakusa area, there is absolutely no transport on the streets, but there are many cozy restaurants and cafes with Japanese cuisine, there are souvenir shops and shops where you can buy original jewelry, sweets, magic amulets and fragrant incense.
< p>Asakusa Kannon Temple attracts the largest number of tourists. A popular national festival, the Sanja Matsuri, is held on the territory of the shrine in May. On the approaches to the temple there are small chapels, and in front of the entrance to the main hall there is an incense burner. It is the Asakusa area that reflects the originality of Japanese culture and traditions.
5. Tsukiji Fish Market (Tokyo)
National Japanese Cuisine
Tourists have a question “What to do in the fish market?”. Indeed, fish markets are rarely referred to as attractions, but are perceived as retail outlets, but not the Tsukiji market, located in the heart of Tokyo. It has gained immense popularity with tourists who know what to visit in Japan. Every day, up to two thousand tons of fresh fish and seafood are processed here.
At three o'clock in the morning, the first workers appear in the Tsukiji Inner Market, and throughout the morning there is a brisk trade and lucrative deals. Most of the fish ends up in local restaurants, where delicious dishes are prepared from it. The main “attraction” in the market is tuna, or rather, a tuna auction. What it means:
- Sellers carefully select the best fish products. The selected carcasses are numbered and put up for sale. The tails are cut off the carcasses and a longitudinal incision is made. Buyers carefully examine the fish pulp. Bidding starts on a signal, and the fish is sent to customers.
When the Tokyo offices first open, the Tsukiji market is already closing. In local restaurants you can taste delicious sushi prepared strictly according to the traditional recipe.
Official website: http://www.tsukiji-market.or.jp
Look at the beautiful places of Japan in this wonderful video!
6. Sagano Bamboo Forest (Kyoto)
Path in the bamboo forest
A picturesque bamboo grove of thousands of tall evergreen trees is the hallmark of Kyoto Prefecture. It is amazing to see such a green miracle among the urban infrastructure. The smooth tree trunks of the Sagano Forest cover an area of 16 square kilometers. The Arashiyama tourist area is protected by UNESCO. Bamboo forest is a must-see in Japan. Sagano Forest Features:
- To explore the forest in its entirety, a bicycle is rented at the entrance to the park. When the wind blows, bamboo stalks make musical sounds. The bamboo grove is crossed by hundreds of alleys and footpaths. The largest bamboo stalks in the Sagano forest reach 40 m in height. There is a Sojen pond in the forest, on the banks of which temple buildings are located.
In Japan, they believe that bamboo protects from evil spirits, so many temples are surrounded by tree stems. In the Sagano area, baskets, boxes and some utensils are woven from durable bamboo. The natural attractions of Japan amaze with their beauty, and in this list the bamboo grove occupies one of the first places. All tourists who are in search of harmony and peace of mind should visit the Sagano Forest in Arashiyama Park. This attraction of Kyoto can be safely included in the list of the most beautiful places on Earth.
7. Snow monkeys in hot springs (Nagano)
Hot Spring Monkeys
In the Yokoyu River Valley, at an altitude of 850 meters above sea level, there is a unique Jigokudani snow monkey park, famous among travelers. Japanese macaques show original behavior. The area is covered with snow for a third of the year, but thanks to the presence of hot springs, snow monkeys can live in Nagano. They soak in the pools like in hot baths.
Jigokudani Park officially opened in 1964. Very soon, this unique area gained worldwide fame and popularity. What to see in Japan if not a bizarre natural area inhabited by smart monkeys? Tourists have the opportunity to take beautiful pictures of macaques and observe their behavior. Monkeys calmly withstand air temperatures down to -15 ° C. Since the species of northern macaques is on the verge of extinction, the animals are taken under the protection of the relevant organizations.
In summer and spring, snow monkeys travel through the forest, jumping from tree to tree, and in the cold season they bask in the waters of thermal springs. Whole families of Japanese macaques splash in warm baths, getting real pleasure. It is interesting that monkeys with dry hair bring their relatives food directly into the pools.
Since the springs of the park do not have fences, visitors to the protected area can freely observe the macaques. Monkeys can be filmed and photographed, but it must be done carefully so as not to frighten.
Official website: http://en.jigokudani-yaenkoen.co.jp/
8. Golden Pavilion (Kyoto)
The Golden Pavilion on the shore of Mirror Lake
The pearl of the architectural collection of Japan is the Golden Pavilion – Kinkakuji. The palace, covered with gold, strikes with beauty and luxury. Other attractions in Japan cannot be compared with it. The beautiful palace was built in 1397. Its walls sparkle in the sun with inconceivable beauty. Kinkakuji is part of the Rokuonji temple complex and is considered the best example of national culture. What is remarkable about the Golden Pavilion?
The architecture of the palace harmoniously combines various styles: the aristocracy of the Heian era, the simplicity of the samurai and the asceticism of the monastic cell. The unconnected architectural directions were tied together by the general design of the palace with the thinnest sheets of gold leaf.
The top of the Golden Pavilion is crowned with a figurine of a phoenix made of pure gold. She symbolizes rebirth. The three-tiered palace impresses with the symmetry of curved lines and is fully consistent with the architectural style of karae.
Particularly striking is how harmoniously the Golden Pavilion blends with the surrounding nature. The lower supports look spectacular against the background of the trunks of neighboring trees, and the building itself is located on the shore of a man-made lake. The weightless and light Golden Palace is included in the architectural landmarks of Japan.
9. Mount Fuji (Honshu Island)
Fuji-san – Japanese sacred mountain
Mount Fuji is the symbol of the Land of the Rising Sun. What to visit in Japan outside the capital? You should definitely see the young Fujiyama volcano up close. The Japanese believe that the mountain was created by the gods out of chaos. This is the country's most recognizable landmark. The majestic mountain peak rises to the heavens at a height of 3776 meters. Many pilgrims climb Mount Fuji. There are stations along the way where tourists can rest. There are many entertainments in the vicinity of the mountain. Five lakes encircle Mount Fuji in a bizarre arc:
- Yamanaka-ko is the largest lake at the foot. Kawaguchi-ko is famous for walking along its shore. Sai-ko is great trout fishing. Shoji-ko is a small beautiful lake. Motosu-ko is the clearest and deepest lake.
In clear waters in calm and clear weather, the majestic lonely Peak Fuji is reflected, as if in a mirror. Between the lakes lies the gloomy forest of Jukai, which is easy to enter, but difficult to exit, because you can get lost. Nearby there is a pleasant place for a picnic – Shiraito waterfall with a height of 26 meters. Mount Fuji is a great place to get to know Japan's natural attractions.
Official website: http://www.fujisan-climb.jp/en/
< h3> 10. Himeji (Honshu Island)
White Heron Castle
Japan's oldest castle is Himeji, or White Heron Castle. The complex includes 83 buildings, and almost all of the buildings are wooden. Himeji is located in Hyogo Prefecture at the foot of Mount Hime. The picturesque area is complemented by a beautiful white castle – a masterpiece of Japanese architecture. The age of the castle dates back to the fourteenth century. Now it is included in the UNESCO heritage list. After crossing the wooden bridge, tourists enter the territory of the castle complex, based on a high stone foundation.
It is noteworthy that Himeji was built as a defensive structure, but the architectural features of the castle did not lose from this at all. Graceful smooth lines of the white walls of the Heron Castle are in perfect harmony with the beauty of the surrounding nature. On the territory of the complex there are several defensive towers, a garden with beautiful trees and a deep protective moat.
On the roof, lined with tiles of natural tiles, the coats of arms of the families that owned the White Heron Castle in different eras are engraved. In the heart of the Castle on the highest point is the central tower. Entangled courtyard passages, gates and defensive posts lead to it. The castle captivates tourists with its beauty and graceful lines.
Official website: http://www.city.himeji.lg.jp/guide/castle/
Japan Attractions: What else to visit while in Japan
A great convenience of rest here is regular transport between the islands, that is, you can, living in one part of the country, go on excursions in Japan to any city. Information about attractions in different prefectures will help you make a list of priority places to visit.
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Deer in Nara Park < p> The sights of Japan are not only temples and castles, but also entire cities. One of them is Nara or the City of Deer – a storehouse of architectural monuments and masterpieces of culture and art.
About 1600 deer roam freely through the streets of the beautiful city. The first emperor of Japan is said to have descended from heaven on a reindeer sleigh. In the 6th-7th centuries, the city of Nara was the first capital of the country. The main attractions of Japan in the Deer City:
- Todai-ji temple, Buddha statue, Isueen garden, Kofuku-ji temple, Sarusawa-ike pond, Kasuga Taisha shrine, Ara-ike pond, statues of heavenly generals.
Walking around the city of Nara is a real pleasure. Hundreds of deer roam the streets at ease, they are loved and revered. On every corner you can buy deer food and treat meek animals. And at the Sarusawa-ike pond, you can see a lot of turtles. They crawl ashore and bask in the sun. A trip to Nara is sure to appeal to art lovers. Todai-ji Temple features a giant Buddha statue, and the building itself is perhaps the oldest wooden temple.
Official website: https://www.visitnara.jp/< /p>
12. Toshogu Shrine (Nikko City)
Carvings at Toshogu Shinto Shrine
Toshogu Shinto Shrine is the main architectural monument in Nikko. The shrine is dedicated to the shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. This is the most striking figure in Japanese history, since under him the unification of Japan into a single state was actually completed. Toshogu Shrine impresses with the beauty of the lines and magnificent carvings, the authorship of which is attributed to the famous sculptor Hidari Jingoro. The sights of Japan would lose a lot without this picturesque temple. Its main features:
- Sculpture of a sleeping cat nemuri-neko. Lush colored carvings decorating the temple. Figures of outlandish elephants with claws. The building of the sacred stable, which alone is not varnished. Symbolic image of monkeys – patrons of horses.
Fine carvings made by a skilled craftsman to decorate the Toshogu Shrine attract the attention of tourists from all over the world. The shrine is located 130 km from Tokyo. Often the Japanese themselves come to see the famous temple. In addition, the city of Nikko is a national natural park covering a vast area.
To get to the Toshogu shrine, pilgrims must pass under a nine-meter granite gate, then under a bronze gate 6 meters high. After bathing in a sacred spring, guests can visit a beautiful temple. The legendary shrine is also the burial place of the shogun. You should definitely visit here.
Official website: http://www.toshogu.jp/english/shrine/
13. Hiroshima Peace Park ( Nakajima County, razed to the ground)
The Genbaku Dome after the nuclear bombing
The Land of the Rising Sun in the post-war period is the new sights of Japan. The most famous among them is the Peace Park in Hiroshima, dedicated to the memory of the victims of the atomic bomb. A memorial ensemble is located on a vast territory, which includes the Museum of the World, monuments, a ritual bell and a cenotaph. At the memorial site, demonstrations are held in memory of the tragedy of Hiroshima. The cenotaph is a symbolic grave of the victims of a nuclear strike, whose names are imprinted on the memorial plaque.
In the middle of the 20th century, the ensemble of the Peace Park added a pedestal of the Japanese girl Sadako Sasaki with a paper crane in her hand. This is a kind of cry of despair of the Japanese, who suffered from the impact of the atomic bomb. The girl died of radiation sickness ten years after the terrible tragedy. She dreamed of making a thousand cranes and making a wish, but did not have time …
The fountain of prayer on the territory of the Peace Park appeared a little later. It symbolizes the desire of people who are thirsty to live after an atomic explosion, and embodies the suffering of thousands of people who were not given water. And on the Flame of Peace monument, an eternal flame burns, lit back in 1964. The sad monument of architecture is a tribute to the memory of all the Japanese who suffered from the explosion of the atomic bomb.
Official website: http://hpmmuseum.jp/
14. Itsukushima-jinja Shrine (Hiroshima Prefecture, Miyajima Island)
Red torii in the water
One of the brightest examples of temple architecture in Japan is Itsukushima-jinja, located above the sea. The gate of the shrine, which is included in the sights of Japan, is located at Mount Misen. Their height is 16 meters. The bright gates expressively emphasize the surrounding landscape, and it is simply impossible to confuse them with anything else.
The Itsukushima-jinja complex consists of several shrines, each dedicated to a different deity. The main temple of the complex was built in honor of the goddess Mikoto, who patronizes navigation. Most of the temple buildings are located right on the water on wooden piles. The Hall of Thousand Mats is impressive. It is believed that it was built from only one camphor tree trunk.
A treasury is located on the shore of the bay protected from the wind. It contains antiques, art pieces and ancient scrolls donated to Itsukushima-jinja Shrine. Every tourist can experience the validity of the statement that passing under the temple gate will bring good luck and wealth.
Official website: http://www.en.itsukushimajinja.jp/
15. Imperial Palace (Tokyo)
The Imperial Palace in the park area of Tokyo
What could be more luxurious and richer than the Imperial Palace? The sights of Japan are amazing, but the Imperial Castle cannot be compared with anything else. It is located in the park area of Tokyo, in general, palace buildings occupy an area of 740 hectares. Government offices of the country are located near the Imperial Palace. But the modern neighborhood does not in the least disturb the beautiful palace architecture.
A snow-white building with a gabled roof, the castle consists of two floors and one underground. The interiors of the Palace are made in the Japanese style. The castle is surrounded by protective ditches filled with water. A picturesque natural oasis is located around the palace.
The residence of the Japanese emperor is located in the Castle. Much to the regret of tourists, one can admire the palace architecture only from a distance – walks around the territory of the Castle are not allowed. However, twice a year, those wishing to visit the Imperial Palace can take advantage of a unique chance – after the celebration of the New Year and on the Emperor's Birthday, access to the internal gardens of the complex is open.
Official website: http://sankan.kunaicho.go.jp/
16. Hakone
Mount Fuji and Lake Ashi in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park
Panorama of the Owakudani Volcanic Valley in Hakone
Honshu Island is one of the main islands of the Japanese archipelago, it is here that most of the population lives and the main attractions of the country are concentrated. And one of the interesting places located in Kanagawa Prefecture is the village of Hakone, which is famous for its hot springs. It is also one of the best Japanese resorts where you can feel the national spirit, visit a number of historical buildings, open-air museums, relax in super-equipped hotels and spa complexes. And most importantly, it is from here that you will have the opportunity to see with your own eyes the familiar peak of Mount Fuji, covered with a snow-white cap of snow.
Official website: http://www.env .go.jp/en
17. Todaiji Temple
Main Hall of Todai-ji Temple in Nara City
Nara, Japan's national heritage city, is home to a plethora of Buddhist temples, the key of which is Todaiji Temple. This is the most important symbol of the city, a sacred place of multi-million pilgrimage, where daily services began in the 8th century and continue to this day. In addition, the temple is also interesting in that it is the world's largest wooden structure, and also keeps the world's largest bronze statue of Buddha within its walls. In order to get inside the temple, you need to go through the ancient wooden Nandaimon gate, through a hall filled with clubs of smoking incense, and only then the Big Buddha Hall opens up to your gaze, where a majestic statue of a deity looks from its 15-meter height.
Official website: http://www.todaiji.or.jp
18. Shibuya District
Top view of the diagonal crosswalk in Shibuya at dusk
Sakura has long faded, but is Japan still far from golden autumn? The scorching July heat and high humidity are extremely difficult conditions for active travel, but locking yourself up in the walls of a hotel is not an option for active guests of the country. If you're looking for things to see in Japan in July, we recommend visiting the Shibuya quarter – a place of entertainment for Japanese youth, packed with fashion boutiques and department stores. The fact is that this summer month, sales start in the most prestigious Shibuya stores, and the area turns into a real paradise for shopaholics and just those who have managed to get bored with the standard set of consumer goods, and leaving a tidy sum in expensive boutiques is an unaffordable luxury.
19. Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Kiyomizu-dera Temple on a scenic mountainside
On the slope of Mount Otova in Kyoto, there is an extensive temple complex that has become a symbol of the city. This is the Temple of Pure Water, or Kiyomizu-dera, erected in the name of the goddess of fortune. The buildings of the complex, which have survived to this day, date back to the 30s of the 17th century. Today, the temple is a place of millions of pilgrimages – about 3 million people visit it a year. In addition to the building of the temple itself, on its territory there are: a 3-tier pagoda, a library of sutras, several pavilions, as well as a number of small temples. There is also an observation platform, from where you can enjoy beautiful views of Kyoto from above. A notable feature of this site is that it was built using 139 supports, but without a single nail.
Official website: https://www.kiyomizudera.
20. Matsumoto Castle
The beautiful medieval Matsumoto Castle in eastern Honshu
On the island of Honshu, in the city of Matsumoto, it is recommended to visit the ancient Crow Castle, so named because of the black facade and side towers resembling outstretched wings. The unusual architecture of the building is in extraordinary harmony with the beauty of the surrounding nature. The area of all the buildings of the castle and the adjacent territories is grandiose – it is 39 hectares. This includes the citadel itself, ditches filled with water and a fortress wall surrounding the entire territory. A notable feature of the complex is a series of chaotically arranged steep staircases and a confusing arrangement of rooms – all of which were erected in such a way as to disorient enemies who raided during the Middle Ages during the period of provincial feuds.
Official site:< /em> http://www.matsumoto-castle.
21. Kamakura
Long sandy beach in Kamakura
One of the oldest Japanese cities is located south of the Japanese capital, on the island of Honshu. This place attracts numerous tourists with countless attractions, coupled with a comfortable climate – there is no sweltering heat or severe frosts. It seems that the ancient city has seen everything in its lifetime – from tsunamis and typhoons to earthquakes and wars. And yet, today, about 170 ancient monuments of great historical value have been preserved here. Among them are temples with numerous Buddhist relics, ancient sculptures and statues of Buddha, as well as museums, hotels, restaurants and even beaches with white sand, perfectly equipped for a comfortable stay.
22. Kegon Falls
Kegon Falls and Chuzenji Lake in Nikko National Park
August is another month of hot heat in Japan, not the best time for active trips to museums, theaters and other cultural sites, the heat very quickly deprives you of strength. When choosing what to see in Japan in August, we recommend paying attention to natural attractions, such as the Kegon Falls, whose crystal waters give visitors life-giving coolness. And the walk itself through the most beautiful Nikko National Park, in which the waterfall is located, will give you a boost of vivacity and indelible impressions from the dizzying views. The height of the waterfall reaches hundreds of meters, and there are several observation platforms for its observation. As a bonus of an impressive walk, there are 12 more small waterfalls that rush nearby, through numerous mountain crevices.
Official website: http://nikko-travel.
< h3> 23. Naruto Whirlpool
Tidal whirlpools in the Naruto Strait
One of the extraordinary natural phenomena of Japan periodically occurs in the Naruto Strait, which connects two prefectures – Tokushima and Hyogo. The strait itself, connecting the Indian Ocean with the Inland Sea of Japan, has a small width – just over a kilometer. Twice a day, the current first raises and then lowers the level of the Inland Sea, thereby creating a difference between the levels of the outer ocean and the sea. At the same time, the speed of the current increases to 15-20 km/h, and an amazing phenomenon arises – whirlpools, the diameter of which reaches 20 meters. Usually in summer the whirlpools are larger than in winter. Regular cruises are made to the strait, allowing you to see the whirlpool in all its beauty.
24. Okinawa Island
Okinawa Island is an attractive vacation spot
Going to the south of Japan, the sights of which are not so numerous, you should definitely include a visit to Okinawa, an island that is part of the Ryukyu archipelago, in your travel plan. It is the warmest prefecture in Japan, and the only one located in the subtropical zone. That is why the island is so attractive for recreation all year round, and even in the coldest January period, the average daily air temperature here does not fall below +17 degrees. The restored Shurijo Palace reminds of the greatness of the medieval kingdom of Ryukyu on the island. There are also ruins of World Heritage fortifications scattered throughout the island.
25. Sapporo Snow Festival
Handmade snow and ice sculptures at the Sapporo Snow Festival Akinori YAMADA
Japanese culture is extremely rich and extraordinary, and many traditions of Japan were formed under the influence of some important historical events. Some traditions are thousands of years old, while others are quite recent. A living example for the latter is the Sapporo Snow Festival. In 1950, several high school students from one of the city's schools erected 6 animal sculptures in Odori Park. Since then, every year at the end of winter, the townspeople arrange a grandiose modeling of figures from snow and ice. Since the 2000s, the festival has become the largest winter event in the country, it is included in the attractions of Japan for children when compiling travel programs.
Official website: http://www.snowfes .com
26. Kusatsu Hot Springs Town
Kusatsu Hot Springs at Yubatake Central Plaza
The Land of the Rising Sun is located on lands of volcanic origin, so hot springs are a common phenomenon here. Since time immemorial, the inhabitants of the country have used the beneficial properties of volcanic waters to heal the soul and body. Kusatsu is one of the most famous resorts of international importance, based on the treatment of thermal waters. There are a lot of groundwater outlets here, and the central place is occupied by Yubatake – the largest of the sources. The water leaving here crosses the city square along specially laid channels, and at the end of the path it overthrows in a small waterfall – the flow rate in this place reaches 4 thousand liters per minute.
27. Kumano-kodo pilgrim trail
< p>
One of the ancient Kumano-kodo pilgrimage trails
Kumano-Kodo is a large system of branching pilgrimage trails on the island of Kii. Arriving here, pilgrims have the opportunity to visit places of ancient power, periodically stopping at guest houses located along the route. For centuries, pilgrims of the Shinto religion moved along these paths, and it was believed that the forests of the peninsula were inhabited by Shinto deities – kami. Over time, with the spread of Buddhism, kami began to be presented as incarnations of the Buddha. All trails are famous for their fabulous beauty, they lead through mountain forests, rivers and along the ocean coast. Almost all the routes of the famous trail converge in the city of Hongu, where the most important sacred temple – Taisha is located.
28. Sankei-en Garden
Cozy green corner in Sankei-en garden naitokz
One of the most beautiful, quiet and cozy places in Yokohama can be called Sankei-en Garden. This is a spacious park area of about 180 square meters. kilometers. Here you can relax from the bustle of the city, admire the amazing beauty of nature, see a lush variety of plants collected from different parts of the world, as well as visit a number of historical buildings – there are 17 of them in total. In particular, this is a 3-story pagoda of the 16th century, brought from Kyoto , Chosyukaku Tea House, a medieval peasant house from Gifu Prefecture, introducing visitors to the life of ordinary people. The impression is complemented by picturesque ponds and fragrant flowers – sakura, azaleas, chrysanthemums, lotuses.
29. Minato Mirai (Yokohama)
Aerial view of Minato Mirai District 21 of Yokohama City
The central area in the city of Yokohama is the business district of Minato Mirai, the most attractive for visitors to Greater Tokyo. Those who come here have the opportunity to do shopping, various types of recreation and entertainment, visit cultural monuments and a number of thematic exhibitions. Notable places include the 70-story Landmark Tower, the Sky Garden observation deck with breathtaking views of the harbour, museums of art, toys, industry, history, as well as the Silk Museum and the Nipon Maru Maritime Museum. The area continues to develop rapidly, and the list of its attractions is constantly updated with interesting new items.
Official website: http://goyokohama
30. Dotonbori Street
Dotonbori Dotonbori JKT-c
Another major business district in Osaka is Dotonbori, located on the river of the same name. The quarter is famous for its large selection of shops and boutiques, as well as an impressive number of restaurants, due to which the area acquired a second name – Kuydaore, or “city of gourmet dishes.” In addition to shopping and visiting restaurants, here you can have fun in karaoke centers, relax in saunas, visit comedy shows, kabuki theaters, visit galleries showing various types of art. With the onset of dusk, the quarter is especially transformed, this is facilitated by the original lighting of buildings and neon illumination of shop windows.
Official website: http://www.dotonbori.or.
Next to Japan is another technologically advanced country-Singapore. While in Japan, consider visiting this country as well. Read about the sights of Singapore and get inspired for your next trip to Asia!