Top Places to Go in Japan

Many strangers to Japan can feel like they have suddenly arrived on another planet. The natural beauty and enchanting traditional society does however make this a great destination for exploring a foreign and surprising culture. It is a good idea to have a plan of what you want to see and do before you arrive, because the culture shock can be quite overwhelming, especially for westerners.

Nagasaki and Hiroshima are both names you have probably heard in relation to the events surrounding the end of the Second World War, when they were both hit by atomic bombs. Each site houses a museum in which you can learn more about these bombs and the effect they had on the local people. There is also a Peace Park in both cities, which is dedicated to remembrance of these terrible events.

There is a great deal of historical interest from other periods in Japan’s past to be found in Nagasaki. Perhaps the most famous- and most photographed- spot is the Spectacle bridge. If you position yourself so that you get a good look at the bridge and it’s reflection in the water below, you will see how it got it’s name- it looks just like a pair of spectacles!

Many different cultures have played a part in the history of Nagasaki. There is a vibrant Chinatown, established here in the 17th century, where adventurous tourists can seek some of the varied restaurants. In the Natural History museum you will find many interesting objects of importance to the history of China that have been borrowed from museums in Beijing. You can also visit the famous Confucius Shrine, which is a stunning glimpse into the melting pot of Asian traditions. If you are interested in history, you will also find Dejima island to be worth a visit. This artificial piece of land was once the home of workers from the Netherlands who were restricted to this part of Nagasaki. Many interesting buildings still remain, and there is also an informative museum. A monument on Nishizaka, a hill overlooking the city, is dedicated to 26 Christian martyrs of the 17th century who were killed for their beliefs- by crucifixion. The Glover park and mansion is a great place to visit when the weather is good. Situated around the park are 9 houses built in various western styles.

Tourists in Hiroshima may also like to visit the Castle and the Atomic Dome.

Tokyo offers all the culture and variety that you would expect from a thriving capital city. The National and Mori museums house vast collections. Items in the National Museum have to be rotated as there is not enough room for them all to be shown at once. It is an essential place to visit for anyone with an interest in the history of Japan. Many contemporary artist’s are represented in the art museum. Edo Museum has many exhibits that are more specifically related to Tokyo’s past. If you are unable to attend a Kabuki performance while you are here, or your interest has been piqued by the experience, then you will find an excellent replica of an ancient performance theater here, among other intriguing items. Kabuki is the famous traditional performing art of Japan, and it is well worth taking the chance to see it if you can. The main theater can be found in Ginza.

The massive Torii gate which guards the way into the Imperial Palace is a monument to those who have been killed in defense of the country. If you are in Tokyo on the 15th of August you may witness the annual ceremony of remembrance held here to mark the end of World War II. This is usually attended by many important officials.

Nearby are some peaceful gardens where you can relax on a sunny day. There is another beautiful park, called Hama Rikyo, down by the bay.

If you enjoy your food then you will find Tokyo to be a great vacation destination. The vast fish market offers excellent choice if you are looking for sushi, or even if you just want an interesting day out. One of the best districts for eating out is Asakusa, where you can relax with an excellent meal after visiting the enchanting temple, Senso.

Great Places to Visit While in Tokyo

One of the most popular tourist spots for performing arts fanciers in the Japanese capital of Tokyo, is Kabuki. Located in Ginza, which is the part of the urban center recognized for its shopping amenities, classic theatre is provided, with explanations and narrations in English in a video format. The presentations in Kabuki last for several hours and are designed to be savored in an unhurried and leisurely manner. Taking in just a portion of a production is not feasible.

Rising early for a visit to Tsukiji Fish Market will allow you to witness the catch of the day. The fish are immediately provided to an assortment of restaurants to provide sushi meals. The most beneficial times to visit are between five and eight a.m.

Japanese royalty can be seen at the Imperial Palace, but solely on the single public visitation day of January 1st. The exquisite grounds of the palace however,are open for taking in year round. The Imperial Palace is likewise home to the East Garden providing a tea pavilion with open lawns to unwind and rejuvenate in.

Constructed in honor of two celebrated personalities, Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, Meiji-Jingu Shrine is a frequent tourist attraction. Originally constructed in 1920, the Meiji-Jingu Shrine was damaged severely during World War 2 and had to be restored using local cypress wood.. After visiting the Meiji-Jingu Shrine Yoyogi Park and Harajuku District are nearby.

The spiritual side of the city may be experienced in Kamakura. There are a variety of Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples making up that of Daibutsu which stands 11.4 meters tall and is constituted of 850 tons of bronze. The Kannon Statue, geological dating back to the eighth century is housed in the Hase-dera Temple in Kamakura. Just twenty minutes outside of Kamakura tourists can travel to a beach to decompress.

What to See in Tokyo

Tokyo offers tourists many interesting and exciting things to do and see. Listed below are just a few.

Located in Ginza, one of Tokyo’s most popular shopping districts, Kabuki is something every visitor should see. The production offers narration in English as well as the classic theater format. Just make sure you have enough time to take it in. The full Kabuki experiences last for three or four hours, and there are no tickets for shorter periods.

If you are an early riser, you will certain enjoy a visit to the famous Tsukiji Fish Market. You can watch while the fishermen bring in amazing creatures from the sea that will then be taken to local restaurants. As a visitor, you cannot be involved in handling or throwing the fish, but you are free to wander around the stalls and observe the workers. The best time to go is from five to eight in the morning.

A visit to the Imperial Palace will let you catch a glimpse of Japanese royalty. However, you should know that the Imperial Palace is different from the other royal houses around the city. The public is only allowed to once a year on January 1. So if you are in Tokyo at this time, this is a chance you should not pass up. The tours are on a tight schedule, so you cannot just wander around. But the Palace also has a tea pavilion in the East Garden where the public can spend time and relax.

There are many tourist spots in Tokyo that are open to the public all the time. The Meiji-Jingu Shrine is a beautiful structure that was constructed to honor Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Work on the shrine was completed in 1920. However, during the Second World War, the Shrine was badly damaged. Some years later it was renovated and returned to its original condition. After a short tour, you can go to the nearby Yoyogi Park and walk around.

Kamakura is a favorite spot were visitors can see the spiritual and religious side of the great city. Here you can view a number of impressive Shinto shrines and great Buddhist temples. The great Daibutsu temple, which is made of bronze and stands over eleven meters tall, can be seen at Kamakura. If you are looking for a little color or just a stroll by the water, there is a nice beach just a few minutes walk from Kamakura.

The Tokyo Tower

The Tokyo Tower is one of Japan’s most famous structures. It is also one of the tallest towers in the world, the tallest in all of Japan. Although the tower’s design was based on the famous Eiffel Tower, the Tokyo tower differs significantly. Not only is it nine meters taller than the Eiffel, it is also far lighter. The Tokyo tower is only four thousand tons, while the Eiffel tower is over seven thousand tons. This weight discrepancy is due mostly to advances in steel technology.

Unlike the Eiffel Tower, the Tokyo tower has color. It is said to have taken over twenty-eight thousand liters of paint to cover the tower in the international air safety colors of orange and white. These colors even change. Starting at sundown, the tower illuminates in orange during the winter months, and white during the summer months. On special occasions the tower can even illuminate other colors like green or red.

Since low-rise buildings surround the Tokyo Tower, it can be seen from most spots in central Tokyo, such as Roppongi Hills, Tokyo Bay, Shinjuku Station’s promenade, and the Imperial Palace. The Tower’s original purpose was to broadcast signals for television and FM radio.

The special observatory on the Tower’s top floor, which is 250 meters above the ground, lets guests see as far as Mount Fuji and Mount Tsukuba. Most visitors enjoy the late night view of the spectacular neon lights of the city. The tower’s main observatory, about one hundred and fifty meters above the ground, offers guests a 360-degree view of the Kanto region just outside of Tokyo. Guests may also relax in the café or browse the many gift shops and stores on this level.

Even though the Tokyo Tower’s intended purpose is as a radio and television antenna, it is primarily known as a tourist stop. And the Tower’s management has done everything possible to accommodate its many guests. The tower’s first floor houses an aquarium with fifty thousand fish. On the third floor there is a wax museum and a historic tour. On the tower’s fourth floor there is even an Art gallery.

The Tokyo Tower is a symbol of the Japan’s emergence as an economic superpower. It is one of the world’s top tourist attractions and an experience you won’t soon forget.