An Insider’s Guide to Japan’s Most Famous Places

Introduction

Japan is a fascinating country. It’s the ideal fusion of cutting-edge technology. The country operates at breakneck speed with centuries-old customs. This is one of the most developed industrialized countries in the world. Japan is a relatively small Asian nation. 

In fact, Japan’s Buddhist and Shinto temples were already well-established. They attracting pilgrims and patrons. This is mainly due to their ornate designs and décor. These were built long before many of Europe’s most stunning cathedrals were constructed. Simultaneously, the nation was honing the crafts and abilities. This would lead it to prosperity. This ranges from exquisite ceramics and porcelains to textiles like silk.

Mount Fuji

Japan’s highest mountain peak, the beautiful Mount Fuji (Fuji-san), is unquestionably the country’s most iconic feature. Standing at 3,776 meters above a mainly level terrain to the south and east, this magnificent and legendary peak can be viewed from Tokyo, which is located over 100 kilometres away.

For ages, literature and art have praised Mount Fuji, which is today regarded as such a significant symbol that UNESCO acknowledged its global cultural relevance in 2013. Each summer, over a million people climb Mount Fuji, which is a part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, as a pilgrimage that culminates in a dawn view from the summit.

Although some climbers still prefer to start at the base, most now start above the halfway point, at the 5th Station, making the ascent a more reasonable six or so hours. It is recommended that those who choose to try the entire climb leave in the afternoon, capping the ascent with an overnight stay at one of the “Mountain Huts” explicitly built for this purpose. 

Imperial Tokyo

The Imperial Palace is the most well-known monument in Tokyo. It is a must-see while travelling to the country’s capital. This is because of its exquisite parks from the 17th century. They are encircled by walls and moats. Even though the Imperial family still uses the palace, most of it is inaccessible to the public, but even so, just wandering around the grounds will show you plenty of sights.

Apart from the many beautiful vantage points in the surrounding parks that offer views of the palace, visitors are allowed entry into the East Higashi-Gyoen Garden and other public areas as part of guided tours. 

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park (Hiroshima Heiwa Kinen Kōen) is situated in the once lively core of the city. This place is visited annually by over a million people. Many of them come from abroad. The park marks the epicenter of the atomic blast. This place has numerous significant monuments, memorials, and museums. All these are pertaining to the events of that dreadful day can be found here.

The park is home to the magnificent cherry blossoms that adorn the grounds and gardens. It also has the Peace Memorial Museum. It features a plethora of exhibitions addressing global peace. The Atom Bomb Dome is the remains of an administrative structure. This was near the epicenter of the explosion. This is also located in this park. Along with that, you can find the Memorial Cenotaph and the Flame of Peace.

Historic Kyoto

Kyoto is one of the few cities in Japan that have escaped the ravages of World War II. It is one of the most visited destinations in the country. It approximately draws over 10 million tourists each year. The majority of tourists visit Kyoto to explore its charming ancient alleys and buildings. Many of them haven’t been altered much. They are standing since the Imperial dynasty moved here over a millennium ago.

The city was Japan’s most significant cultural hub even back then. In actuality, this legacy is still present today because of the numerous museums and art galleries. They brim with significant paintings, sculptures, and other works of art.

The Island Shrine of Itsukushima, Miyajima

Miyajima is often known as Japan’s Shrine Island. It is an island that is only a short ferry journey from Hiroshima’s mainland. It has the Itsukushima Shrine. This is a Shinto temple devoted to the Princess daughters of the wind god Susanoo.

Most of the shrine’s eighteenth-century structures rise out of the waters of a tiny bay that is only held up by piles. These buildings, notably the well-known Great Floating Gate (O-Torii), have an absolutely breathtaking effect during high tide, giving the impression that they are floating on water.

Temple City: Historic Nara

The beautiful, pristine city of Nara, long the centre of Japanese culture, is home to several historic structures, significant national treasures, and artwork.

The city is home to many significant ancient temples in addition to its many historic streets. Of the Seven Great Temples of Nara, the beautiful Kofuku-ji Temple from the seventh century is arguably the most well-known. Similarly, the majestic Todai-ji (Great East Temple) from the eighth century is well-known for its enormous bronze statue of the Great Buddha (Daibutsu), which was cast here in the year 749.

The Great South Gate of Todai-ji (Nandaimon) is another interesting feature. This magnificent two-story building, which stands watch at the entrance to the temple, is supported by eighteen columns and features two eight-meter-tall Nio sculptures. Not to be overlooked is the Hall of the Great Buddha, the most significant timber structure in the world.

Osaka Castle

Osaka Castle (Ōsaka-jō) was constructed in 1586. It was by the renowned Japanese warrior and politician Toyotomi Hideyoshi. It was the nation’s biggest and most significant fortification at the time. The current building was constructed in 1931. It is faithful to the original. This is despite having been destroyed and rebuilt several times subsequently.

A visit to the enormous five-story, 42-meter-tall main tower is one of the highlights. Constructed upon a commanding 14-meter-tall stone foundation, the tower houses several exhibits illustrating the chronicles of both the castle and the city. Make sure you visit the top level to take in the breathtaking views of Osaka, which are particularly lovely as the sun sets.

The Hokoku Shrine is another interesting site in Osaka Castle Park, and Shitennō-ji, the city’s most well-known temple, is well worth a visit. It was built in AD 59. Known as the first Buddhist temple in Japan, this charming shrine has several wonderfully built buildings, including a five-story pagoda. Among these are the Lecture Hall (Kōdō), the Golden Pavilion (Kondō), which features exquisite paintings and statues, and a charming covered hallway that runs between three of the site’s gates.

Documents Required

Valid passport: Verify that your passport will be valid for at least six months after the length of time you plan to spend in Japan. Rejecting a visa application could happen if your passport is about to expire or has already expired.

Completed Visa Application Form: Get the visa application form from the Japanese Embassy or Consulate General’s official website. Make sure you accurately fill all the essential fields on the form.

Photographs the size of a passport: Enclose current passport-size (2 by 2 inches) photos with a clear picture of your face and a plain white backdrop to your application form, if appropriate.

Evidence of travel plans: Present documentation of your travel plans, such as airline tickets or a thorough schedule. This will illustrate why you are visiting Japan and how long you plan to stay.

Sufficient financial resources: Prove that you have the money to pay for your costs while visiting Japan. Recent bank statements, employment verification, or any other supporting financial documentation might be used to demonstrate this.

Include a letter of explanation outlining your desired itinerary, the destinations you aim to visit, and the reason for your travel. 

Last, but not least, make sure to include travel insurance in your preparation. It secures your Japan trip from a wide range of medical and travel hurdles. 

Conclusion

Japan is a world of wonders. Japan’s main tourist destinations might get crowded in the summer months. This can be due to its abundance of fascinating sites. Plan your sightseeing so that you can take in this stunning nation during the off-season. You can make the most out of your stunning trip.

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