Japan is an alluring Island nation in the Pacific Ocean that is known for its dense cities, cuisine, temples, national parks and mineral baths. The country currently has a population of over 127 million and is one of the most densely populated countries in the world. Japan welcomed over 29 million visitors in 2017 and is set to continue to increase its visitor numbers in the foreseeable future. We will look at some of the leading tourist destinations within Japan and highlight some of the incredible attractions that should not be missed when visiting these destinations.
Tokyo
Tokyo is the capital city of Japan and is the most populous city in the world that is always buzzing with action. This exciting city is littered with skyscrapers, massive shopping centres, countless museums and a variety of restaurants for all to enjoy. When you visit Tokyo, there will be a myriad of activities and things to do, some of the highlights that you should try not to miss are; visiting the Tokyo Skytree – this is the tallest tower in the world standing at 2080 feet providing stunning views of the great city. Another unmissable activity is taking a trip to the Tsukiji Fish Market, this market is regarded as the mother of all fish markets, you will find a wide variety of fishes, and you should definitely try the sushi that is available at many of the restaurants within the market. For the best Tokyo shopping experience, the Ginza Six shopping complex with over 240 shops inclusive of local and international designer outlets is a great option. For a break from the hustle of the city, a visit to the serene Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden should be on your agenda. This 144-acre park includes a variety of traditional Japanese flowers and also some British flowers along with beautiful ponds. This alluring garden is surely an oasis in the busy city of Tokyo. Tokyo is also a city with a long and storied cultural history and to learn more about different aspects of this, you should visit at least one of the many museums and temples in the city, some of the leading options are; the Yayoi Kusama Museum, the Senso-Ji Temple, the Tokyo National Museum and the Nezu Museum.
Kyoto
The city of Kyoto is one of the most visited destinations in Japan. Kyoto is known for its history, culture and wonderfully preserved architecture. It is the only Japanese city that was speared from World War II devastation. Visitors flock to Kyoto to experience the architecture that has mostly remained unchanged for more than 1000 years, which gives the city a nostalgic feel. There are over 30 well-preserved Temples in Kyoto, along with several museums and art galleries, Kyoto is surely the city to visit if you want to learn as much as possible about Japanese culture. Some of the attractions that you should try to experience when visiting Kyoto are the 14th century Golden Pavilion, the 17th-century Nijo Castle and the 8th century Kyoto Imperial Palace.
Nara
Nara is the oldest city in Japan, dating back to the 8th century when it was Japan’s capital. This city due to its long existence is packed with cultural landmarks such as temples and artwork that chronicles the history of the town. Some of the more popular temples are the Todai-Ji Buddhist Temple, the Kasuga – Taisha Shrine, the Kofuku-Ji Buddhist Temple, the Yakushi-Ji Buddhist Temple and Heijo Palace. To experience some of the artistic history of Nara, you should take some time out to visit the Nara National Museum, the Ninja Museum of Igaryu and the Nara Prefectural Museum of Art. You will gain a deeper understanding of this beautiful and historical town when you take a trip here and experience some of these unique attractions and landmarks.
Finally, Japan is one of the most interesting and historically stimulating destinations that you will ever visit in your lifetime. You should definitely take a trip here someday!
