The most interesting sights of Japan - list, description and interesting facts. Sights of Japan briefly: photos with names What you can visit in Japan
Japan is a very popular tourist destination today. And completely deserved! Here tourists will find a unique combination of buildings and monuments of the past with modern achievements of beautiful and unique architecture. No matter what time of year you decide to travel, there is always something to see in Japan. In this article we will provide a brief overview of those places that are definitely worth seeing with your own eyes and appreciating all their beauty.
tree of heaven
The sights of Tokyo are sometimes simply amazing in their scale. For example, the Sky Tree is a large-scale television tower, the tallest in the world, built several years ago. Its height is 634 meters. Where did this name come from? The Japanese love symbolism, and such a huge technological achievement simply could not have an ordinary name. As a result, a competition was announced, more than 18,000 options were received, of which 6 were ultimately selected. We already know which option won. By the way, the design is dominated by national motifs of Japan. The cross-section of the base of the tower is an equilateral triangle, which gradually transforms into an absolutely perfect circle (as the height increases). There are 2 special viewing platforms for tourists. One of them is at an altitude of 350 m, the other - 450 m. Is there any doubt that such sights of Japan are definitely worth visiting?
Aquarium "Churaumi"
This creation is located in the city of Motobu. In just one month in 2010, more than 20,000,000 people visited this aquarium! The building includes 4 floors, equipped with glass walls on all sides. Behind them, tourists can see many inhabitants of the seas and oceans. In order for you to understand how large-scale and unique the sights of Japan are, we will give a few more figures. Thus, the aquarium covers an area of 19,000 square meters and holds 77 water containers, each 10,000 cubic meters in size! Be sure to visit this giant aquarium if you have the opportunity.
Disneyland
Many people associate the word “Disneyland” with America. However, the attractions of Tokyo also include such an entertainment complex. The park was opened back in 1983, and at the moment it is a real Disney Resort, which occupies more than 47 hectares of land! Here you can visit the Disneyland park, the DisneySea aquatic leisure center, and the Ikspiari shopping and entertainment area. There are hotels and shops, and there is even a railway between the facilities of this unique resort. Well, how can you not see such miracles created by man?
Jigokudani Monkey Park
What other places does Japan offer tourists to visit? The sights, photos of which you can see in the article, are located almost everywhere, everything is so symbolic and unusual. However, be sure to visit the town of Yamanouchi, where the monkey park is located. “What makes him unusual?” - you might think. The name of this place can be translated as “Hell Valley”. And all because of the steam and constantly boiling water that splashes out of small cracks in the frozen ground. Such sights in Japan are simply amazing, aren’t they? The park is surrounded on all sides by cold, hostile forests and steep cliffs. There is a huge population of wild macaques that come to the warm springs in winter. They emerge from the forest, climb down steep cliffs and enjoy the thermal baths. Despite the fact that you can get here along a rather dangerous narrow path, there are always a lot of tourists in these places.
Meiji Shrine and Imperial Palace
These majestic places are not just the sights of Tokyo, but its culture and history. The Meiji Shrine shows all tourists how much the Japanese love and revere their history. The building was built at the beginning of the 20th century; it is located in a magnificent park, which delights everyone with a colorful flower carpet all year round. And old trees create shade, which gives the place a kind of mystery. The monastery is surrounded on all sides by a beautiful huge fence made with skillful carvings. And the entrance to the sanctuary is represented by the largest wooden gate in the country. The temple houses things and objects of the imperial family. This is the beauty of Tokyo.
Japan, whose sights we continue to look at, brings to the attention of tourists the Imperial Palace. The magnificent residence of the imperial family is surrounded everywhere by a massive fence, the walls of which are more than 2 m thick. On the territory there are stables, a hospital, tennis courts, and a cemetery. This ensemble is beautiful not only inside, but also outside.
Tottori Museum
The peculiarity of this museum is that all the figures are made of sand, and skilled craftsmen make them right in front of tourists. This place is located in the desert, so there are no problems with materials for work. The themes of the exhibitions change all the time. The first of them took place in 2006, when the museum delighted people with its opening, and was dedicated to the Renaissance era in Italy. Sculptors from many countries amaze tourists with their skills. When visiting the sights of Japan, you simply cannot help but look into this museum.
Geysers of Beppu
The town of Beppu in Japan is visited by millions of tourists every year for an unforgettable spectacle. There are about 3,000 hot geysers in the city, each of which is so beautiful that it is hard to believe that such a thing could actually exist. Would the existence of a geyser with an incredibly saturated blue color of water and constantly releasing steam seem real? But there is even a so-called Bloody Pond with bright red water (due to iron-containing minerals). Of course, you won’t be able to swim here, because the water temperature reaches 90 degrees, but it’s definitely worth admiring the beauty!
Sagano Forest
This is a natural attraction that not only tourists, but also the Japanese themselves love to visit. The alley consists of thousands of bamboos lined up in neat rows. And the whole point is that the forest has an unusually calming effect on a person. The wind that “walks” between the trunks creates something like a kind of music that evokes a feeling of peace and relaxation. By the way, the sounds of this forest are protected by the Japanese government!
Chiba Tunnels
This is truly a unique and fabulous place in Japan. In Chiba Prefecture (Honshu Island), almost everywhere you will find small tunnels of different designs, guarded very carefully by the residents of these places. Designed like short trails, they are decorated with interesting lighting and other unique details. Together they create a unique and stunning underground system.
Tsukiji Market
The sights of Japan, photos and descriptions of which you can see above, are not only historical monuments or places created by nature itself. Tsukiji Market is a real cornucopia, this is the place where your eyes really run wild. An incredible amount of all kinds of products are sold here every day. For example, 2000 tons of fish leave the shelves per day, and in total you will find more than 400 types of seafood here. There are seaweed, caviar, sardines, and tuna weighing more than 300 kg! There are also cafes and restaurants on site where you can taste delicious seafood dishes. Hurry to visit Japan and plunge into its rich history!
If you've ever been to Japan, you probably already know how amazing the country is. And those who are just planning to visit the land of the rising sun can be envied - a lot of unforgettable impressions await them. In our selection today you will find the most interesting and beautiful places in Japan. Some are considered popular attractions, others are off the beaten track, but each is a unique gem of the country.
15 PHOTOS
The Sagano Bamboo Forest seems to transport tourists to a completely different reality. In addition to the fact that the tall bamboo stalks themselves look impressive, when the wind picks up, they also make sounds, “beginning to sing,” as the locals say.
Hitachi Park is located in the northeastern part of Tokyo Prefecture, on the island of Honshu. The ideal time to visit Hitachi Park is September, when 4.5 million nemophila (American forget-me-nots) bloom here, turning the ground into an amazing blue blanket of flowers.
The Kawachi Fuji Japanese Garden is located in the northern part of the island of Kyushu, near Fukuoka. It is best to visit this place at the end of April, at which time the garden reaches its brightest and most luxuriant flowering.
Shibazakura is a rare pink and white-purple moss that grows in the Fuji Five Lakes area. Every year, from April to June, the Fuji Shibazakura Festival is held in honor of this extraordinary phenomenon.
The city of Kawagoe is famous for its beautiful rivers, floating along which you can feel the atmosphere of ancient Japan that has been preserved here. It was Kawagoe that in the 17th century was a fortress and the official residence of the head of the shogun's guard.
One of the main Shinto shrines in Kyoto, the main attraction here is the thousands of red ritual gates that line both sides of the road, which is more than 4 km long.
An old bypass trail leading from Kyoto to Edo, which was important for trade in the 17th century. The trail passes through very picturesque countryside.
Buddhist temple founded in 717 by a wandering monk. This structure looks especially beautiful in winter, against the backdrop of snow cover.
The three-story building is designed in a traditional Japanese style that blends perfectly with the breathtaking scenery. Near the pagoda is the tallest waterfall in Japan, its height is as much as 133 meters.
During this festival, 20 thousand bamboo lamps are made, which burn for three nights. The Tucket Bamboo Lantern Festival begins on the third Friday in November.
The delightful blue pond, located at the foot of Mount Tokachi, on the island of Hokkaido, owes its color to natural minerals.
The spring cherry blossom festival in Japan lasts about a couple of weeks, turning the country's modern capital into a fragrant garden.
Kureito Pagoda is a Japanese anti-war memorial established in 1963. The pagoda is located on a hill, and to get to it you have to climb as many as 400 steps. However, the architectural beauty of the pagoda and the magnificent view of Mount Fuji are worth any effort.
15. Tea garden overlooking Mount Fuji An amazingly beautiful tea plantation located in Shizuoka Prefecture. Here you can drink a cup of delicious green tea, brought to Japan from China more than 1,300 years ago, and admire the beautiful natural scenery.
The culture of Japan is fascinating and multifaceted: on the one hand, it is immersed in deep traditions that are thousands of years old, and on the other hand, it is a society that is constantly evolving, open to new things and pushing the boundaries of what is possible. What attractions in Japan best demonstrate this diversity? Read on.
Fuji, or Mount Fuji
If we talk about the most recognizable sights of Japan, then first of all it is worth mentioning Mount Fuji, which is the highest mountain in the Land of the Rising Sun. In addition, Fuji is a real volcano, which, however, has not erupted for more than three hundred years.
It is the most popular attraction not only among tourists from other countries, but also among the Japanese themselves. Climbing Mount Fuji is very common, but magnificent views of the sacred mountain can also be enjoyed from the outside - for example, from the nearby resort of Fujigoko.
Kinkakuji Temple, or Golden Pavilion
The pavilion is a three-story building whose columns, walls and cornices are covered with gold. It was originally built as a residence for a Japanese military ruler named Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, who ruled one of the periods into which Japanese civilization is divided - the Muromachi. After his death, the building became a Buddhist temple.
Although it was set on fire by a young fanatical monk in 1950, the temple was rebuilt on the same site five years later and continued to exist as a repository for various sacred relics.
Great Buddha statue in Kamakura
This majestic Buddha statue is located in the Japanese city of Kamakura. It is cast from bronze and weighs about 93 tons, and the height of the statue is more than 13 meters. This makes it the second tallest Buddha statue in Japan, surpassed by the Great Buddha of Kamakura by another nearly 15-meter-tall statue located at Todai-ji Temple in Nara.
Initially, the Great Buddha in Kamakura was made of wood, but in the end it was decided to create a statue of bronze so that it would not be afraid of natural disasters. The bronze Buddha was also located inside a large temple, but the building was destroyed by typhoons and tsunamis, and the statue remained in the open air.
Kiyomizu-dera, or Temple of Pure Water
When thinking about the sights of Japan, you probably remember the characteristic architecture of Buddhist temples, built in the form of pagodas - buildings with cyclical tiers and a roof, with edges curved upward. One of these pagodas is the Kiyomizu-dera Temple, translated as “Temple of Pure Water”: it stands on the Otowa Falls, the water in which was indeed very clean and transparent.
The Kiyomizu-dera veranda was built without the use of nails at all. It is also noteworthy that people of any religious affiliation can come to pray at the temple.
Himeji Castle, or White Heron Castle
The city of Himeji is famous for being home to such an impressive landmark of Japan as this castle. It is located on Himeyama Hill and is a complex of 83 buildings. It received the nickname “Castle of the White Heron” because its sophisticated forms resembled this bird.
Himeji Castle is especially notable for being one of the few Japanese castles that has survived to this day in its original form, having survived wars, fires and earthquakes. It earned even more popularity in the eyes of tourists by repeatedly becoming a location for the filming of many films.
Torii of Itsukushima Shrine
Itsukushima Shrine is a traditional Shinto religious center. This sanctuary has a long history of more than 1400 years. And although the Itsukushima Shrine is the very holy place where services are held, it became famous in Japan and throughout the world thanks to a separate attraction, namely the torii - a large red ritual gate.
They are located in front of the entrance to the sanctuary, right in the bay of the Inland Sea, and are found in the water at high tide. This gate was built here seven years after Shinto was recognized as the official religion of the state. Today, Japanese culture and Shintoism are inseparable. And the torii of the Itsukushima Shrine is an unofficial symbol of the state.
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
The activities of the memorial museum in Hiroshima, like its twin in Nagasaki, are aimed at preserving the memory of the victims of the atomic bomb attack dropped on the city in August 1945.
Tokyo Tower
This television tower is located in Minato, one of the districts of Tokyo. It is built on the principle of the Eiffel Tower and even exceeds its height by thirteen meters (the height of the TV tower is 332.6 meters). According to aviation safety regulations, the tower is painted white and international orange. At the time of construction, that is, in 1958, Tokyo Tower was the tallest steel tower in the world.
Recently, all Tokyo television switched to digital format, and the tower was not tall enough to transmit the signal into wooded areas and tall skyscrapers. Now it performs the function of maintaining radio and telecommunications. It also has a special center for tourists, with shops, cafes, museums and observation decks.
In 2012, the functions of the main television tower were taken over by the 634-meter-high Tokyo Skytree tower, built in the Sumida area. It is also included in the modern sights of Japan.
Oceanarium "Okinawa Churaumi"
The four-story oceanarium called Okinawa Churaumi, opened in 2002, has become a world-famous modern landmark of Japan. This is a huge complex containing 77 aquariums of different sizes with various “aquarium fish”: from tiny fish to sharks.
In general, the aquarium is divided into three stepwise zones: a zone with coral reefs, then a zone with inhabitants of the warm Kuroshio Current and a deep-water zone. For a long time, Okinawa Churaumi housed the largest observation panel (22.5 m by 8.2 m, plexiglass thickness 60 cm), before its record was broken by a new aquarium in Dubai, UAE (32.8 m by 8 ,3 m, acrylic panel thickness - 75 cm). Visitors to the aquarium can observe marine inhabitants by looking in any direction around them - all this creates an incredible effect of immersion in the underwater world.
Monkey Park in Jigokudani
From Japanese, “jigokudani” translates as “valley of hell,” but the only thing that can be called hellish in this park is the steam and bubbles of hot water that come up from underground under the influence of hot springs. But the main feature that attracts tourists to this attraction is the Japanese macaques, which spend time in the hot water during the daytime and return home to the forest in the evening.
You can see the monkeys in Jigokudani Park in the following video:
Thousands of tourists visit Japan every year. Here you will see an interesting combination of centuries-old traditional architecture with ultra-modern buildings. Travelers return from this country not only with a baggage of valuable knowledge about the history and culture of the East, but also with a confident look into the future of new technologies, because Japan is a country of innovation. Most historically significant monuments are open to visitors all year round.
Our short guide to the sights of Japan will help you choose the places to go first.
1. Hiroshima
Here you will visit the Peace Memorial. The sights of Japan can be tragic. The memorial was created in memory of those affected by the dropping of the atomic bomb at the end of the war. The explosion claimed the lives of many people, completely destroying the city. Only the Gembaku Dome survived, around which the memorial was founded.
2. Jigokudani Monkey Park
There are hot springs in Jigokudani, so hot that the name itself means “Hell Valley”. The tourist sees a fantastic sight: boiling water flows from the ice-covered ground, steam billows over the park. The amazing nature that has formed around this place has sheltered a large population of Japanese monkeys. Wild macaques have chosen steep cliffs and shady forests, from which they retreat to the valley for the winter. Animals warm themselves at warm springs and return to the tree cover in the evening. Tourists from all over the world come to see this interesting attraction.
3. Kiyomizu-Dera Temple
Buddhists have lived in the temple, located in the east of the country, since the 8th century. The place meets all the criteria of the ancient religion: complete unity with nature and the absence of metal parts in the structure. The landscape around Kiyomizu-Dera Temple puts you in a meditative spirit. Nearby there are waterfalls that carry their waters into deep rivers with steep cliffs. Buddhists jump into these ponds to test their spirit, but about 15% of brave monks do not survive.
4. Himeji - the heritage of Japanese architecture
Himeji Castle is one of Japan's classic landmarks. This powerful structure, created in the feudal era, served to protect against enemies. The castle was often reconstructed and rebuilt over several centuries. It withstood the shelling of World War II. The castle is an eclectic mix of architecture of different styles.
5. Kamakura Buddha Statue
The huge monument is a place of pilgrimage for foreigners. The statue is made of bronze and weighs 93 tons. The Kamakura Buddha towers over the square at a height of 13 meters. The ancient Japanese erected it in the middle of the 13th century. Previously, the location of the Buddha was different, but the small wooden temple in which it was located was washed away by the tsunami.
6. Todaiji - the main temple of Asia
Todaiji is a true work of art. It is made entirely of wood, and also houses the largest Buddha statue in the world. On the list of attractions in Japan, Todaiji is listed as the most famous temple in modern Asia.
7. Tokyo Tower
Tokyo Tower is a step into the future world of new technologies. It was made according to sketches of the Eiffel Tower. A high-speed elevator will take you to the top of the tower and take photos of the panorama of Tokyo and nearby settlements. There are many restaurants and shops here.
8. Imperial Palace in Tokyo
Two activities are concentrated in this room. There is a local government center and a museum of Japanese art here. The Imperial Palace stands on the site of an ancient castle that burned down. In the palace, senior management receives guests. The surrounding garden is designed in a traditional style.
9. Fuji
Mount Fuji is one of those attractions in Japan that every tourist should visit. It reaches a height of 3776 meters. Climbing Mount Fuji means experiencing Japan. The journey will take you the whole day - 8 hours up, five hours down, but it's worth it. This is the main symbol of the country, against which any tourist wants to take a photo.
Everything about Volcanic Mount Fuji
10. Temple of the Golden Pavilion
Kinkaku-ji was built in the Middle Ages. The amazingly beautiful room was burned down by a crazy monk in the middle of the last century. Now it has been restored, and the Temple of the Golden Pavilion exactly matches the ancient images. The building is called golden because its walls are covered with gold leaf.
These are just some of the attractions of Japan. The further journey through interesting places of the country is only in your hands.
the site is a site for those who are interested in getting new experiences from exciting travels. Buy flight tickets, look at hotel ratings and choose the best tour for yourself!
Japan is proud of its abundance of ancient sites. Tourists from all over the world come here to discover the original culture and look at the unique architectural masterpieces, the history of which has been going on for thousands of years! Picturesque mountain landscapes, luxurious sea beaches combined with a huge number of different significant places: museums, galleries, parks and other attractions make Japan the dream of any tourist.
Where is White Heron Castle located?
Himeji Castle or as it is often called "White Heron Castle" is one of the three most beautiful and impressive buildings in Japan. Throughout its centuries-old history, the landmark has survived several wars, fires and even strong earthquakes, which Japan have already become common occurrences. The construction of this masterpiece was completed in the 14th century, but the modern appearance of the Himeji complex was created in 1609. The fact is that the ruling dynasties of Japan gradually completed construction of the castle and increased its area.
It is interesting to know that the area of the castle is 220,000 m2. At the moment, this beautiful attraction is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered a National Treasure of Japan. The best time for tourists to come here is in early April, as this is when the beautiful cherry blossoms bloom here! By the way, sakura is the unofficial symbol of Japan. Be sure to include "White Heron Castle" in your tour of sights of Japan.
Mount Fuji - the symbol of Japan
Fuji is the highest point in Japan (3776 m). It is also a weakly active volcano, the last eruptions of which were at the beginning of the 18th century. For the Japanese, the mountain is considered sacred, so a Shinto shrine was built on its top 2000 years ago, which is still functioning! It is interesting to know that Shintoism is the official religion of Japan and is based on the worship of the forces of nature. Fuji also holds a special place in Buddhism: it is believed that the path at an altitude of 2500 m leads to an exit to another world. For centuries, this Japanese landmark has been a popular subject in art and poetry. Basho and Katsushika Hokusai, like many other poets, immortalized the sacred Mount Fuji in their work. They all called her the link between the heavenly and earthly worlds.
Bronze statue of the Great Buddha - 1000 years of history
Attraction The Great Buddha or Daibutsu, as the Japanese themselves call it, has been a symbol of Japan for many centuries. The bronze statue of a seated Buddha was cast back in 1252 in the city of Kamakura, a popular tourist center in the Land of the Rising Sun. This important monument was originally placed inside the temple, but a huge tsunami washed away the wooden structure at the end of the 15th century. Since then, there have been no attempts to build a new temple around the statue.
The Daibutsu weighs more than 93 tons and its height is 13.35 m. Landmark The Great Buddha is the second tallest statue in Japan.
Toyota Mega Web - a new generation automobile museum
Toyota Mega Web is one of the most technologically advanced places on the Japan tour. There are several pavilions with thousands of cars of various ages and brands. Anyone can watch the evolution of the company's lineup from the very beginnings to the most modern models and even concept cars!
But the main feature of this attraction is the “Ride One” pavilion - a place where everyone can ride in an ultra-modern car, or rather “the mobile mobility device of the future”! In the historical hall of the museum you can enjoy the best cars of the 20th century.
Toyota Mega Web is a great place for family recreation and entertainment!
Attraction Kiyomizu-dera - temple of pure water in Japan
Kiyomizu-dera is one of the most famous temples in Japan. It was founded in the mountains in the east of Kyoto in 780, but only the buildings from 1633 have survived to this day. They were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1994. In the Kiyomizu Temple, at a height of 13 meters, there is a veranda from which people... jumped to the ground! If you jumped and survived, then your wish made before the jump will certainly be fulfilled. Oddly enough, after these jumps, 85% of people survived. In Japan, the catchphrase “jumping from the stage in Kiyomizu” even appeared, that is, taking a decisive step. In our time, jumping is prohibited at the legislative level.
At the heart of this attraction is a real healing waterfall of Japan. Its waters are divided into three separate streams, each of which represents the most important things in a person’s life: health, wisdom and longevity. Anyone who comes to see the Kiyomizu-dera attraction can drink water from these streams. True, there is one condition here: you can drink water only from two streams - then you will have goodness and healing, but if you want to drink water from all three streams, then this will show your greed and will not help you in any way. Kiyomizu-dera Temple recently became one of the 21 finalists for the New Seven Wonders of the World.
It is interesting to know that the temple was originally associated with the Hosso sect - one of the oldest schools of Buddhism in Japan.
Did you like fascinating stories about the sights of Japan? Then I propose to complement the impressions with wonderful ones!