Beautiful places in Japan that will blow your mind. It's worth seeing: stunningly beautiful places in Japan Unusual places in Japan
Japan is often called the Land of the Rising Sun, and the Japanese themselves call it Nippon, which literally means "the origin of the sun." It is an island country that attracts tourists with its unique traditions and beautiful places.
Hokkaido
Hokkaido is rich in beautiful places, one of which is national park Japan. Its flora and fauna differ little from the Far Eastern Russian nature: here you can meet a brown bear, a deer, as well as a pika (an unusual rodent). On the territory of the reserve is the highest point of the island - Asahi volcano.
In the southwestern part of the island is the Kushiro swamp, where you can watch such a delightful spectacle as crane dances all year round. The tribes that once lived here worshiped the crane-god that lived in this swamp.
Fujiyama
Mount Fuji is not only the most beautiful place in Japan, it is also a symbol of the country. All mountains are sacred to the Japanese, but it is Fuji, the highest of them, that is revered more than others. It is considered the link between earth and heaven. Many legends and myths associated with this mountain go back to ancient times, one of which says that Fujiyama was formed in one night. Almost at its very top is the Shinto shrine, a place of pilgrimage for Japanese believers.
Yakushima
Yakushima Island is famous for its ancient atmosphere. This island is the only one on Earth where trees grow that are over 1000 years old. They say that if you approach the oldest of them, whose age is approximately 7000 years, life will be filled with happiness and peace.
Himeji Castle
Japan is famous not only amazing nature but also magnificent architectural structures. If you ask those who have seen Himeji Castle with their own eyes, they will probably agree that it is one of the most beautiful places in Japan. Built over 400 years ago, Himeji has survived to this day in its original form. Now this castle, which impresses tourists with its luxury and beauty of decoration, is a national treasure of the country.
Nara
Almost every country has a city-museum, where there is a huge number of historical and cultural monuments. In Japan, this city is Nara. Once it was the capital and had a high political significance, so it is here that unique buildings of historical value are located.
Kyoto
Kyoto is famous for its large number of Buddhist and Shinto temples, the most famous of which are Kinkakuji and Ginkakuji - the Golden and Silver Pavilion respectively.
Kinkakuji Temple is one of the most visited places in the city by tourists. It is called the Golden Pavilion not by chance, but because the decoration of the temple is mostly made of pure gold. At first glance, this building dazzles with its beauty and magnificent structure. In the entire history of its existence, Kinkakuji was burned twice, and each time carefully restored.
The Silver Pavilion, like the Golden Pavilion, was built for the shogun's recreation. It got its name due to the fact that the walls of this building are covered with the thinnest silver plates.
But the most beautiful place in Kyoto, perhaps, is the "Rock Garden", located in the courtyard of the Buddhist temple of Reanji. It is a platform covered with fine gravel, on which 15 stones are located. All of them are organized into 5 groups surrounded by moss. Rock Garden inexplicably makes people concentrate and focus. It was created by the master specifically for the meditations of the monks. It is difficult to break away from the contemplation of these stones: depending on the consecration and thoughts, the stones form certain images and associations.
Miyajima
Miyajima Island is one of the favorite and most beautiful places in Japan. The main attraction of the island is Itsukushima Shrine, a monastery built right in the water on stilts. The main temple of this complex is dedicated to the goddesses of the three elements. A grandiose impression is made by the Torii Itsukushima gate. Made of wood, they rise out of the water and rise above the bay, and although such buildings are typical of Japanese culture, Torii gates are unique due to their huge size.
Mount Fuji is a volcano located on the border of Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures. it highest point Japan, the height of the mountain is 3776 meters.
The sight of Mount Fuji towering against the backdrop of a bright blue sky inspires and fills the heart of any Japanese. In 2013, Mount Fuji was named the site world heritage which confirms its global value. In summer, many people climb Mount Fuji to enjoy the views from its summit, especially the beautiful sunrise.
On lakes Yamanaka and Kawaguchi at the foot of Mount Fuji, there are campsites and cottages for everyone who wants to spend time in the fresh air. In addition, it is worth seeing the waters from the melting snow that pass through the lava. Oshino-Hakkai Springs, Fugasu Wind Cave, and Fuji Spring Aquarium are just a few other interesting places to visit.
2. Miyajima
Miyajima is an island owned by the city of Hatsukaiti in Hiroshima Prefecture. The area of the island is 30.2 sq. km and its population is less than 2000 people.
Miyajima's most famous landmark is the Itsukushima Jinja Shrine. This elaborate shrine, which the temple is today, was built in the 12th century by the ruler of this region, whose name was Taira-no-Kiyomori. At high tide, the temple seems to be floating in the sea - such beauty is not to be missed.
The nearby Treasure Room of the Itsukushima Shrine contains about 4,500 valuable pieces of art that were dedicated to the Heike Shrine and people in power. Part of this collection is available to all visitors, and these historical materials, which are several hundred years old, are worth a look.
The street between the ferry pier and Itsukushima-jinja Temple is full of restaurants, cafes, souvenir shops and hotels. Particularly attractive are the rice paddles that are used to serve rice - they can be found in almost every souvenir shop. This is due to the fact that Miyajima is the birthplace of rice paddles, which are called "shamoji" in Japanese.
3. Shirakawa-go
At any time of the year, Shirakawa-go offers many classic Japanese landscapes: rice planting in spring, fresh summer foliage, bright fall foliage, and snowy landscapes in winter. When you find yourself in the village, walking will be the main way to get around. Walking around the village you will find many souvenir shops, hotels, cafes and bars, as well as onsen. Despite the many tourist attractions, you should remember that many houses remain private and inhabited by people, so do not go inside the houses without permission. It is worth noting that several houses here have been named important cultural values of Japan - they are open to the public. Among them are the house of Wada-ke and the house of Kanda-ke. If you are interested in gassho houses, we recommend visiting the museum of gassho houses under open sky Shirakawago. In this museum, you can see about 20 different gassho style houses and learn a lot of interesting things about how they were built and how they lived.
4. Matsuyama
Matsuyama is an area in Ehime Prefecture that includes the cities of Matsuyama and Iyo. Matsuyama City is the capital of Ehime Prefecture and is the most populated city in Shikoku.
The main tourist attraction is hot spring Dogo Onsen. It is believed that Dolgo is the oldest onsen in Japan, which was used even by the imperial family. This place is also associated with Soseki Natsume, a Japanese writer who wrote Yours truly the cat (Wagahai wa neodearu). Soseki Natsume worked as a teacher of English language in Matsuyama, and later wrote the novel "The Boy" (Botchan), the events of which unfold in this city.
A tram runs around the city, which is called the Botchan train. He received this name thanks to the work of Soseki Natsume. The tram runs from Matsuyama Station to Dogo Onsen Station. From one of the stops you can take a cable car to Matsuyama Castle. Near the exit from the station "Ookaido" is a large shopping arcade. You can enjoy walking along it all the way to Matsuyama-shi Station.
5. Izumo
Izumo is an area covering the city of Izumo and its surrounding lands in Shimane Prefecture.
One of Japan's main temples, Izumo-taisha Shrine, is located in Izumo. The main deity here is Okuninushi no Okami. According to the historical writings "Kojiki" and "Nihon Shoki", in Japanese mythology "Kuniyuzuri Shinwa", Okuninushi no Okami made Japan habitable and gave it to Amaterasu Omikami (Sun Goddess).
Here, many places are associated with these myths, including Inasa Beach, Susa-jinja Temple, and Hinomisaki-jinja. There are also other places related to the history of Izumo such as the Museum cultural heritage Izumo, Izumo Shimane Museum of Antiquities - we recommend visiting them to all lovers of history and culture.
6. Shiretoko
Shiretoko is an area located in the eastern part of Hokkaido Prefecture. This is a peninsula that protrudes into the territory of Hokkaido in the shape of a horn. The average winter temperature drops below zero, and drifting ice floes appear in the sea. Although the air temperature can exceed 30℃ in summer, it is perceived as comfortable due to the low humidity.
The Shiretoko Peninsula was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007. Its natural diversity is the main feature that attracts tourists. Shiretoko Nature Cruise and Shiretoko Landmarks Cruise are especially popular. There are also various cruises that allow tourists to watch wild animals, or visit the onsen - a hot Kamuiwakka waterfall that falls from a height of 130 m.
7. Zao
Zao is a region that includes the Zao mountain range, located between Yamagata and Miyagi prefectures. He is known in Japan as excellent ski resort.
As for the tourist sites in the region, the Zao cable car deserves special attention, where you can enjoy the view of the icy trees of Zao in winter period. There is also a wide variety of popular skiing destinations. If you are interested in natural sites, be sure to visit the Okama Crater, Zao Onsen hot spring, a large outdoor spa resort, and Kotori House, a center for the study of wild birds in nature reserve where you can learn about natural conditions and wild birds of Zao. Another popular place is Kitsune Miyagi-Zao Village, where you can see over 100 foxes of 6 different breeds living in freedom.
8. Hiraizumi
Hiraizumi is located in the southwestern part of Iwate Prefecture. Hiraizumi has a rich history and deep connection with the Ōshū-Fujiwara (Northern Fujiwara) family who ruled the entire Tohoku region. This story begins in the second half of the 11th century, when Fujiwara no Kiyohira moved his base from Esashi, in the southwestern part of Iwate Prefecture, to Hiraizumi, because that city had better transport links.
In numerous battles, Kiyohira lost many relatives, which is why, in the hope of peace, he built the Chuson-ji Temple, which is today a World Heritage Site. The golden hall "Konjiki-do", which was built in 1124, has a sophisticated interior created by the best craftsmen of that time. Inside and outside the temple is decorated with golden leaves. The concept of Chuson-ji is based on Kiyohira's idea of a peaceful Buddhist community, an idea that has evolved into Hiraizumi's modern philosophy.
Motsu-ji Temple, located a 25-minute walk from Chuson-ji, is also a World Heritage Site. The Fujiwara Festival is held here every May, where people dress up as members of the Ōshū Fujiwara clan and parade from Motsu-ji Temple to Chūson-ji Temple. The Kyokusui-no-Utage water song festival in Motsu-ji is also very popular, with people dressed in aristocratic Heian period costumes, reciting poetry and performing traditional dances.
9. Hakone
Hakone is a hot spring area located in Kanagawa Prefecture. it tourist place, popular for its proximity to central Tokyo.
Hakone is located in the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, rich in nature. The most popular among tourists is the Owakudani Valley, which was formed during a volcanic eruption about 3,000 years ago. Anyone can take the Hakone cable car and go up to a height of 1044 meters, from where you can watch the volcanic activity. A popular souvenir are black eggs - these are ordinary eggs that have reacted with volcanic gas.
Lake Ashinoko is also a hallmark of Hakone. You can go sightseeing on the lake or visit Hakone-jinja Shrine, known as the place of power. In the summer there is a fireworks festival.
If you want to enjoy the hot springs, we recommend going to Hakone Yumoto Onsen, which is very close to JR Hakone Yumoto Station. There are many hotels and hotels here, so you can easily find where to spend the night. However, you can visit the hot springs during the day without staying at the hotel. Hakone-Yumoto is full of souvenir shops and cafes, so you can take a pleasant and rewarding walk through the onsen.
10. Beppu
Beppu has many unique hot springs that are worth a separate mention and tour of them. For example, one such place where you can see the hot springs is Jigoku, which means "hell" in Japanese. There are 9 hot springs, including Umi-Jigoku ("sea hell"), whose water is cobalt blue, Kamado-Jigoku ("hellish oven"), Chi-no-ike Jigoku ("bloody hell"), whose water is red colors, because they are rich in iron, Oniishi-Bozu Jigoku ("mud hell") and Tatsumaki Jigoku ("hell tornado"), which hits from the ground.
Due to the large elevation differences in this region, we recommend getting here by bus or car. You can buy a one-day ticket from the Beppu Tourism Association at Beppu Station. The closest airport to Beppu is Oita Airport, from there you can get to Beppu in 50 minutes. From downtown Fukuoka, Kyushu can be reached in about 2.5 hours by train or bus.
Landmarks of Japan. The most important and interesting sights of the cities of Japan: photos and videos, descriptions and reviews, location, sites.
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Nijo Castle
Kyoto, Nakagyo-ku, Nijo-dori Horikawa Nishi iru, Nijojo-cho, 41
The National Treasure of Japan, the UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the most beautiful castle complexes in the "Land of the Rising Sun" - all this is about the surprisingly powerful and at the same time elegant Nijo Castle (Nijō-jō), located in the very "heart" of the city of Kyoto.
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Imperial Palace in Tokyo
Tokyo, 1-1 Chiyoda
In the center of Tokyo, in the dense greenery of trees, the palace of the emperor of Japan is hidden surrounded by canals, moats and ancient walls. The entire palace complex is spread over an area of almost 7.5 square meters. km. Access to it is limited, but since 1968 its East Park has been open to the public on certain days.
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Shinjuku
Tokyo, Shinjuku
One of the most popular and lively areas of Tokyo is Shinjuku. Once a small town near the post office, today Shinjuku is teeming with black suits of disciplined office workers during the daytime, and at night it burns with billions of lights that literally ripple in the eyes of vacationers.
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Kabuki-za theater
Tokyo, Chuo-ku, Ginza, 4-12-15
Kabuki-za, located in the "heart" of Ginza, the main theater in Tokyo. This is not just one of the most unusual temples of Melpomene in the world; for the Japanese, it is an object of national pride and reckless adoration. It's hard to say what is so catchy for an extremely smart nation: rich costumes or crazy makeup.
The sights of Japan are also diverse, so everyone will find something of their own in the Land of the Rising Sun and take away only the best memories.
Temples of Japan
First of all, Japan is known for its unique temples, some of them literally amaze with their beauty even those who are not very fond of temple architecture. The city of Kyoto was especially distinguished in this regard, where only Buddhist temples that survived the Second world war, there are about 1600 left. Of course, it is unlikely that there will be an opportunity to explore everything in one visit; so it makes sense to first of all see those temples, the external decoration of which is legendary. For example, Ginkaku-ji (another unofficial name is "Silver Pavilion"). At first it was assumed that the whole of it would be covered with silver in honor of the goddess Kannon, but the outbreak of war prevented this plan. The pavilion was conceived for the rest of the shogun. This is a quiet, unusually harmonious place, and in its present form the temple is beautiful without any silver.
When visiting temples in Japan, you should follow the rules of decency: do not speak loudly either in the temple building or on its territory, take off your shoes at the entrance (sometimes temples give out special slippers), and also pay attention to prohibition signs. As a rule, you can take pictures, but it is better to check with the ministers.
But if you happen to visit Osaka, then remember: south of this city is the Koya-san shrine. It was built in the 9th century BC, and from the temple itself to the foot of the mountain departs the famous pilgrimage trail, which is already many hundreds of years old.
However, it is not necessary to carry out the entire ascent on your own two feet - you can climb the mountain by cable road in a few minutes. The views are worth it!
Castles of Japan
In addition to shrines, numerous Japanese castles are also open to tourists. In total, about 50 ancient castles; some of them, such as the castle in Hiroshima, were destroyed during World War II and subsequently rebuilt. Others have been preserved since the 17th century in their original form. These include, in particular, the legendary Kochi Castle, which is located in the prefecture of the same name. It cannot be said that any high-profile military dates are associated with the castle: Koti is known for being the only intact inner ring of fortifications preserved in it.
Japanese architecture
In modern Japan, there are many buildings erected in a variety of eras - from temples that were created long before the advent of our era, to "high-tech" skyscrapers. Cities are therefore very eclectic, but something always subtly connects new and old buildings. A distinctive feature of Japan is that here, in the most outwardly incongruous things, inner harmony is almost always felt.
If you want to see Japan through the eyes of the captain of the first Russian round-the-world trip Ivan Kruzenshtern, who visited it in 1804-1805, you should go to the countryside: real traditional Japanese houses - “minka” - have been preserved in the form of continuous buildings only there.
Monuments of Japan
Japanese monuments are not at all like the large-scale sculptures we are accustomed to that adorn squares and parks in the CIS. Some of them are about a thousand years old or more; this is a unique cultural heritage that has come down to the present from the ancient representatives of Buddhism. In Nara Prefecture, in the well-known Horyu-ji area, for example, you can see Buddhist statues that have survived many centuries. Believers still come to them to pray and ask for help in enlightenment.
In the same prefecture, there is an ancient city with the same name - Nara, also full of wonderful ancient monuments. In particular, there are many examples of such art in the magnificent Heijo Palace.
In Japan, there are many monuments related to wartime, but they do not really resemble our stelae of military glory. In Hiroshima, there is a monument in the form of the skeleton of a stone house destroyed by bombing, and higher, on the mountain, there is a sculpture depicting the bomb itself dropped on the city. In the city of Urawa there is a pumpkin and sweet potato monument - despite all its outward comicality, it reminds the Japanese of how hard life was during the years of wars and disasters and that they were saved from inevitable death. In Tokyo, tourists are attracted by the monument to the Akito dog breed, much loved by the Japanese, as well as to one of the actors of the famous kabuki theater, who played countless samurai during his career.
Theater of Japan
Having seen enough of the static objects of art and culture, you will probably want to observe something in dynamics. Well, then it will be a high time to visit the classical Japanese theater. Of course, in this context, the tradition of kabuki comes to mind first: all these rich costumes, bright makeup, unearthly fantasy wigs and exaggerated, exaggerated behavior of actors on stage. The stage itself in such a theater is usually dynamic, with many rotating platforms and secret hatches. All this allows you to quickly change the scenery, the actors are able to disappear and appear almost instantly in these conditions. Dramatic and vibrant.
But, of course, Japanese theatrical art is known not only for kabuki. The cultural importance of the puppet show tradition, bunraku, should not be underestimated. "Puppets" in such a theater are about half the height of a person, each is controlled by three: the main puppeteer and two assistants. The puppets have all the possibilities for rich facial expressions, so they give a very realistic impression.
And another important trend in the theatrical life of Japan is the Noh tradition, which is very ancient: it first appeared somewhere in the 14th century. Actors play a variety of roles, using large painted masks instead of make-up, which can change during the course of the performance. Talking and singing proceed at a very monotonous even pace, accompanied by a choir and traditional orchestral instruments for this country. The stage for plays performed in the Noh style is usually located on a plot of land under the open sky.
Islands of Japan
Hokkaido is the northernmost and second largest island in Japan, one third of which is covered with forests. Once upon a time, the island was inhabited by the Ainu tribes - judging by the descriptions of travelers, immigrants from Eastern Siberia. Later, when the Japanese began to move north, the Ainu suffered the same fate as the American Indians. However, like the Indians, the Ainu partially survived. Now there are several Ainu settlements in Hokkaido, which are supported by the Japanese authorities - both for scientific purposes and to attract tourists.
But Hokkaido is interesting not only for its anthropological features. The unique nature has been preserved in 6 national parks, which are also nature reserves. There are also about 10 lakes with hot mineral springs of volcanic origin.
The Land of the Rising Sun is a unique combination of various values of antiquity, revered centuries-old holy of holies and progressive techniques. The Japanese are in awe of their past, while not stopping and not looking back, they go towards the future, possessing one-of-a-kind natural phenomena and creative heritage. Tourists are attracted by the originality and mystery of Japan, the ultramodern capital and the inimitable Fujiyama volcano, phenomenal temples and pagodas. Having been here, you will never be able to forget the beauties you saw, which gave you unforgettable emotions.
We offer a small informative excursion to this amazing country, which will definitely become the beginning of your journey, which can be realized in real life thanks to the Tour Operator in Japan "VOYAGEJAPAN", which offers exclusive and author's tours to Japan.
1.Fuji Hakone Izu
For nature lovers, the national park will give nice excursions, surprise with its hot water springs, Mount Fuji, Lake Ashi. It will amaze you with ancient ruins on Mount Kintoki. The Izu Islands, surrounded by the ocean, are a wonderful place to spend your holidays.
2. Sagano Bamboo Forest
There are many places on our planet that I would like to see, while in Japan you need to visit places that are worth hearing. One such place is the beautiful bamboo grove created by the monarch. The peculiar sounds of the plant soothe and relax. And the pacified melody will help to realize the grandiose content of the ancient philosophy of Zen, which consists in the ability to accept what is given by life.
3.White Heron Castle
The majestic and at the same time exquisite Himeji Castle is proof that a building perfect from a defensive point of view can be no less perfect from an architectural point of view. A feature of this building is the tiled roof, each tile of which is decorated with the coat of arms of the family that owned the castle at different times. By the way, each owner considered it his duty to correct the ensemble of architecture he inherited. The roof is crowned with an unusual fish - a magical amulet of the configuration from fire. And he justified himself - during the Second World War, the town, spread out at its foot, was completely destroyed. And the castle stands intact and continues to fascinate tourists with grace.
4. Blooming phloxes
In Japan, springtime is famous for the shiba zakura flowers. The Fuji Shibazakura Festival is held annually at this time. The dense carpet, iridescent with incredible shades of pink, purple and white, is charming against the green background of the surrounding nature. And the contrast with sacred mountain incredible. It is simply impossible to forget such a spectacle.
5. Fushimi Inari Taisha
This Zionist shrine is one of the many holy places of the rice god Inari. Around the temple are statues of foxes, which are the messengers of God. The place is one of the most popular in Kyoto and loved by tourists. The views of the temple and thousands of torii gates attract. The color of cinnabar, in which the gates are painted, fascinates.
6. Natadera in winter
The temple, repeatedly rebuilt for over a thousand years, is beautiful and unique. However, only covered with snow conveys the spirit of purity and the search for this holy place. The shrine was built by a Buddhist monk who repeatedly visited the nearby mountain looking for the goddess.
7. Seigantoji Pagoda
The ensemble of a hundred and thirteen-meter waterfall and Seigantoji is unique. Various services and rituals are held in this temple. A stunning combination of ancient history and amazing landscapes.
8. Taketa Bamboo Lantern Festival
The Japanese have always used this cereal in construction, eaten, used in various crafts. Due to its rapid growth, capable of filling any available space, it fell out of favor with farmers. Residents of the town, combine business with pleasure, in an original way solved the bamboo problem. It is cut into pieces of different sizes, a candle is inserted inside and structures are placed throughout the city. In the evening they are lit, and the city turns into a starry sky.
9. Glowing squids
An amazing creature can be found in Toyama Bay. It hides from human eyes at great depths. On the surface of the reservoir, a squid - a firefly appears in the spring, and then a miracle happens. The fact is that the body of these mollusks is capable of generating extremely bright blue light. During the day, these are ordinary squids, but at night, tourists witness an unusual optical show. In no corner of the world will you see a sparkling ultramarine sea.
It is impossible to tell about all the unique places in such a peculiar country as Japan. It is better to be here, to see everything with your own eyes and hear with your own ears. Experts advise:
Watch the sunrise from the top of the sacred mountain;
- inhale the aroma of Japanese cherry blossoms;
- visit the museum of the latest technologies and communicate with the ASIMO robot;
- if possible, purchase electronics at Akihabara;
- be sure to spend one night in a capsule in a unique hotel;
- Become a guest and enjoy the amazing taste of tea in a tea house in Kyoto;
- visit the Tokyo TV tower;
- enjoy the views of Tokyo from the windows of the bar located on the fifty-second floor;
- be sure to taste the bliss in the thermal baths;
- of course, try sushi from Japanese professionals.
Happy travels.
Japan is one of the most developed countries in the world. This state has its own thousand-year history, traditions, original culture. The country is located in East Asia on the Japanese archipelago, consisting of 6,852 islands. The largest islands of the country:
- Hokkaido
- Honshu
- Shikoku
Despite the relatively small area, the population density of the country is high. Japan has a population of 126,225,000. The state is also called the Land of the Rising Sun. The Japanese themselves often refer to the homeland as Nihon (homeland of the sun). In 1945, the country was attacked by nuclear weapons from the United States. The tragedy claimed thousands of lives, today Japan is the only state in the world against which such weapons were used. But it was able to recover, building a strong economy over the years, and today ranks 10th in terms of living standards.
Only here to this day the ruler is called emperor. Modern Japanese are very successful not only in the economy, but also in science, biomedicine, robotics, and high technologies. Japanese scientists have been awarded various prestigious awards, the Nobel Prize, the Fields Prize.
The Japanese care about the environment, carefully preserve the rich heritage of the country, represented by castles, temples, palaces, monuments. All of them have come down to our days almost in their original form. More than a million tourists visit the state every year.
TOP 10 most beautiful cities in Japan
- Osaka is an interesting tourist metropolis.
- Kyoto is the guardian of the country's cultural heritage.
- Nara is the oldest Japanese city.
- Ise is a popular home for the Ise Jingu Shrine.
- Tokyo is an ultra-modern metropolis.
- Matsumoto is the charm of historical places.
- Sapporo is a famous ski resort.
- Kanazawa is a walled city in Japan.
- Nagano is the most mountainous prefecture on the island of Honshu.
- Kobe is the exotic atmosphere of Japan.
Osaka - national entertainment and theater center
Osaka is the third largest city in Japan. The metropolis is full of life, energy, where there is everything you need for a great pastime. The city is more imbued with Japanese culture than the capital, the atmosphere and character of Japan are very noticeable. Residents here, according to tourists, are friendly, spontaneous, sincere. Throughout the country they are famous for their great love of food, business acumen. The culinary center of the country is concentrated here, guests can try a variety of dishes, national delicacies, restaurant and street food.
There are many sights, Osaka is called the Venice of Japan, there are many lakes, streams, canals, bridges in various architectural styles on the territory of the metropolis. Ancient temples have been preserved, which are located next to modern skyscrapers, amusement parks. Must-see places of interest in Osaka:
- Bunraku National Theatre;
- national art museum;
- ramen museum (instant noodle museum);
- chess park;
- Osaka Kaiyukan Aquarium;
- Japanese Disneyland;
- Umeda sky building;
- museum of science;
- Organic Building;
- Sumiyoshi-taisha temple;
- kingdom of crabs;
- poisonous puffer fish restaurant.
Kyoto is synonymous with traditional Japanese culture
For more than a thousand years, the historical center of the country has been concentrated here. Kyoto was the capital of Japan from 794 to 1869. The metropolis is located in the center of the island of Honshu, the old name of the city is Heian. Kyoto is based in the form of an elongated rectangle, the layout of streets, quarters, squares is correct and symmetrical. World-famous poets, artists and writers were born here. Many ancient buildings, cultural heritage sites, in particular, have been preserved in Kyoto Imperial Palace which can be visited as part of the tour. Some city streets are listed as World Heritage Sites.
The national center of traditional practices of chado (tea ceremony), ikebana (flower arrangement) is concentrated here. This is the birthplace of kabuki, the leading center of calligraphy, sculpture, and painting.
You should definitely visit such historically memorable places as the Kyoto Gosho Imperial Palace, where the coronation ceremony of the new emperor of Japan is held, rituals, important state ceremonies, the Kyoto Imperial Residence, the Shugakuin Imperial Villa, Katsura. They can only be visited by people over the age of 18, at the entrance it is obligatory to present a passport.
Other noteworthy places in the city:
- Nijo Castle;
- Ryoanji Temple;
- Sanjusangendo Temple;
- Fushimi Inari Taisha Temple;
- bamboo forest;
- temple of Diakaku-ji;
- Gion area;
- philosophical path;
- Buddhist temple of Pure Water;
- Silver pavilion;
- Golden pavilion;
- Gardens of Kyoto.
Nara - the famous center of Buddhist culture
The city is closely associated with Buddhism, some of the temples located here have been awarded the status of World Heritage Sites and are the hallmark of Nara. There are places where tourists can learn about the history of the town. The architectural objects of the Seven Great Temples deserve special attention. Almost all of them are active Buddhist temples and occupy a very important position in the religious life of Japan.
Nara is also called a deer paradise, more than 1000 spotted deer live here, they calmly walk through the park and city streets. To get to know this ancient city and its culture better, it is recommended to visit the National Museum, which houses works of art related to Buddhism, the Prefectural Folklore Museum, Yamato Folk Park. The Memorial Museum presents photographs of the town, cultural monuments. It will be interesting to visit the Kasuga-taisha Shinto shrine, Toshodai-ji, Isui-en garden in the Japanese traditional style, Yoshikien garden, Nara-machi quarter.
Ise - the most important religious center of the country
The town is located 300 km from the capital of the state. Here is the most important religious center of the country, an object of mass pilgrimage, a repository of Shinto treasures, represented by ancient, great shrines, closely connected with the history, cultural, and spiritual life of the Japanese people. The local nature, dense landscaped hills, forests are striking.
Ise Jingu Temple is a very popular shrine all over the world. In Japan, every resident knows about it. It consists of two groups of temples - external Nike and internal Geku, dedicated to the goddess Amaterasu. In addition to the temple, guests and tourists visit the museum of fine arts, historical, agricultural museum, library. All of them are part of the sanctuary.
A famous place is the historical district of the town - Kawasaki, located along the Setagawa River. Once the area was the most important trading place, receiving more than a million pilgrims a year to the Ise-Jingu shrine. Ships entered the town along the river. Today, only the central street has survived, where you can buy various souvenirs and much more.
Tokyo is the famous capital of Japan
A huge, ultra-modern metropolis - the center of various cultures of the country, the capital of Japan. Large-scale events are held here, for example, one of the largest Kanda Matsuri festivals, the Hanami Flower Admiring Festival in Ueno Park, and the fireworks festival. Exhibitions are held in museums, musical events and musicals are held at the venues. Tokyo has several hundred art galleries, dozens of public and private museums. The Tokyo National Museum has more than 85,000 works of painting, art, and sculpture.
Life here does not stop day or night, at rush hour people seem to merge into one stream. It is easy to get lost in the city if you lose your attention even for a while. To get acquainted with the sights, feel the amazing atmosphere, you need to stay in Tokyo for at least a few months. Here, ancient Japanese traditions and modernity harmoniously merge. The oldest universities are located in the metropolis:
- Waseda
- Hosei
- Tokyo
One of the most important memorial places in the city is the Palace of the Emperor of Japan. Other noteworthy places in Tokyo:
- Edo-Tokyo Museum;
- the busiest district of Ginza in the city;
- tokyo skytree tower ;
- the Kabuki-za theatre;
- automobile museum Toyota Mega Web;
- Disneyland;
- Tokyo National Museum;
- temple Kotoku-in;
- geisha street;
- Asakusa quarter;
- Buddhist temple Senso-ji;
- Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ;
- Center Guy;
- Akasaka Palace;
- Tokyo Dome City.
Matsumoto - Gateway to the Japanese Alps
The town is located in the central part of Honshu, enchants historical places. It is also called Chubu, the gate of the Japanese Alps. Kusama Yayoi, a representative of modern Japanese art, was born here. Matsumoto is divided into two parts by the Metoba River. In the south is the area of ancient traditional buildings Nakamachi. Many houses have been turned into hotels, shops and restaurants. The sake distillery will be interesting for the guests of the town.
The Ukiyo-e Museum houses a stunning collection of 100,000 woodblock prints, including works by Hokusai and Hiroshige. Other objects and places of interest for tourists will be:
- Tenjin Matsumoto Fukashi Jinja Temple;
- Kaichi Gakko Elementary School;
- Museum of Folk Crafts Matsumoto.
Sapporo is a paradise for Japanese food lovers
A large metropolis located on the island of Hokkaido, is the capital of Hokkaido Prefecture. The city is young enough for the country, was founded in 1868. Sapporro is known worldwide for hosting the 1972 Winter Olympics. It is important for tourists to know that smoking is prohibited in the center of the metropolis. For this, there are specially designated places where you can get only after presenting your passport.
In February, the Odori Park Snow Festival is held here, which is attended by about 2 million people. Everyone participates in a display of sculptures, a snowball fight, and ice skating. If you ask what to try in Sapporo from food, the answer is simple - ramen. The dish, like its name, originated in this city.
Most of the sights belong to the modern era of Japan. Interesting places for excursions:
- boulevard Odori;
- confectionery factory "Isia";
- Niihama airport;
- brewery museum;
- sapporo botanical garden.
Entertainment for the whole family for every taste can be found in the Susukino quarter.
Kanazawa - the city of museums
The ancient walled city is located in the west of Honshu. The name translates as "golden swamp". Kanazawa is surrounded by the Japanese Alps, two rivers flow here:
- Asano - feminine, gentle river;
- The Saigawa is the only male river (it is believed).
The city is popular for tea ceremonies, traditional crafts, especially Wajima-nuri lacquerware, Kutana-Yaki pottery. Interesting museums:
- Museum of the Honda family, which presents dishes, weapons, art objects of the family;
- the art museum presents to visitors a collection of special Kutani ceramics;
- Nakamura Memorial Museum, collections for the tea ceremony, handicrafts are stored here;
- museum of handicrafts and traditional products, which exhibits interesting collections of Yuzen silk, ceramics, lacquerware, musical instruments.
Nagano - beautiful rivers and mountains
The city has many mountains, rivers, lakes, springs. Nagano is famous for its natural beauty. A very popular dish that a visitor should try is buckwheat soba noodles. The Tokakushi-Soba Museum even hosts master classes in cooking and tasting noodles. The museum exhibits exhibits that were previously used to make soba noodles.