The 10 most important tourist places in Japan

Japan is easily one of the most fascinating places to visit in Asia. It’s a fascinating mix of the modern and the old, a surprising mix of the familiar and the strange. Thanks to the country’s movement to boost tourism, Japan is also one of the friendliest places for tourists. But in a country where there are 4 main islands and many others, a first-time tourist can feel overwhelmed by the different offers. Where to go when you are in Japan? Here, in no particular order, are the top 10 must-see tourist spots in the land of the rising sun:

Harajuku

Harajuku is a major must-visit tourist spot in Tokyo for all anime and manga fans. Right next to the train station, the district is famous for its young locals, all dressed in costumes primarily inspired by anime characters. It is also home to numerous cafes and boutiques, so restaurants and shopping should be part of the itinerary.

Since this is Japan, expect a mix of boldness and serenity. Harajuku is also where the famous Meiji Shrine is located. Meiji Jingu is a Shinto shrine built for Emperor Meiji and his consort. First completed in 1921, it was bombed by the US during World War II, but rebuilt in 1958.

Shinjuku

The Shinjuku district is located in Tokyo, the capital of Japan. Shinjuku, a densely populated metropolis, offers tourists some of the best places to shop, dine, mingle with the locals, and enjoy the Japanese-style nightlife. Shinjuku is also home to Ginza, the huge shopping area where some of the biggest international names (think Versace, Gucci, and Fendi, among others) in the world of fashion are to be found.

When traveling to this area, don’t forget to stop by a Mikimoto store. Mikimoto cultured pearls are famous the world over for their ethereal beauty and craftsmanship.

Asakusa

To experience the ancient among the modern, head to Asakusa, also in Tokyo. This is where the Senso-ji temple from the 7th century is located. Apart from souvenirs, this old neighborhood is also the ideal place to taste Japanese cuisine, as there are many restaurants here.

Asakusa has a pretty notorious past – it used to be the place people came to have fun. Kabuki works were done in the area and it was also one of the main red light districts of the Edo era.

Kyoto

Kyoto is home to some of Japan’s best-known shrines, temples, and castles. It is also of great cultural and historical significance because it was the capital of Japan until 1868. Numerous areas here have been remarkably well preserved and recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites. Any tourist who wants to experience feudal Japan will find this city an extraordinary experience.

Osaka

Osaka is one of the most important areas in Japan, considered as an important commercial, financial and industrial center. Tourists from Tokyo can travel to Osaka in just two and a half hours by bullet train. The famous Osaka Castle can be found here, located inside the Osaka Park. It is a fascinating representative of Japanese architecture, which makes it a popular tourist spot.

Nara

Nara is close to Osaka. It was the capital of Japan for 74 years starting in 710. A must see tourist spot here is Nara Park, where you will find the 16.2m Buddha statue. There are also numerous temples in the area, including those of Todai-ji and Kasuga. Osaka is a major manufacturer of Chinese ink, toys, and fans.

Nikko

To the north of Tokyo is Nikko, a place where Japanese and international tourists travel for pilgrimage. Nikko National Park is the place to be. This is where the Toshogu shrine is located, within which the mausoleum of the first shogun of the Tokugawa era was built. The architecture in this area is impressive and a view of the park is an experience that no traveler to Japan should miss.

Ueno

Ueno Park is a huge area near the Asakusa district that caters to both tourists and locals. The National Museum, the Museum of Western Art, the Museum of Natural Sciences, the Tokyo Metropolitan Gallery of Fine Arts, and Japan’s first zoological garden can be found here. There is also an amusement park that is a favorite with young children that charges just a dollar.

The best time to visit Ueno is in spring, when Japan’s famous cherry blossoms are at their most beautiful.

Kamakura

Located just 28 miles from Tokyo, Kamakura is largely a residential district and a seaside resort. This is a very interesting must-see tourist spot due to its most famous monument, the bronze statue of the Big Buddha (called Daibutsu), which is 12.8m high. There are also several major museums here, one of which is the Kamakura Museum of Modern Art.

Mount Fuji

No trip to Japan is complete without seeing this famous landmark. Mount Fuji (Fuji-san for the locals) is Japan’s most beloved mountain. If you are in Tokyo, you can probably see this famous skyline on clear, cloudless days. If you are adventurous enough, you can join one of the many scheduled climbs. The climbs last a maximum of two days. If you want to save time, join the groups that come up at 4pm. M. So that you can reach the top at sunrise the next day.