The world we live in is full of amazing and beautiful places, and one such place in Japan, also known as the land of the rising sun. Japan is located on the eastern side of Asia and an island country as it is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean. Japan is simply a very serene, enchanting, and wonderful country to visit. Japan may be known as quite a technologically advanced country, but the whole country has some picturesque and breathtaking landscape.
Japan has been a top tourist destination for many people as many are lured with the island country’s enchanting beauty, the delicious sushi, fascinating train rides, exciting traditions, the pop culture, the sophisticated technology, tall buildings, and amazing scenery. Sky ITL Travel Like a Local will help you to know all about the beautiful country of Japan that will make you visit it in your coming vacations. The country has something for everybody, and your tour will be one memorable one if you see get to see famous destinations. The 10 places you need to see on your travel to Japan are
- Tokyo
The capital of Japan is Tokyo, which is one of the largest metropolitan cities in the world and a place that exceptionally blends the natural landscape with modern art and architecture. You will see a constant activity in the city since dawn and quite the hustle and bustle in the city. You can visit the blossoming flowers in the traditional gardens and visit the famous fish market in Tsukiji. The places to visit include the Imperial Palace, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, the Nakamise Shopping Street and you could also go for a cruise tour around the spectacular Tokyo Bay. You can also see the tall and towering Mount Fiji in the distance.
- Kyoto
Kyoto is a splendid city that was known to be the previous capital of Japan and served as an imperial city. Kyoto is known for hundreds of shrines, temples and beautiful gardens. There is always a sense of festivity in Kyoto, particularly in July in which Gion Matsuri festival. You can get to Kyoto from Tokyo on a bullet train which will take 2 and a half hours. The places to visit in Kyoto are Nijo Castle and Kyoto International Manga Museum.
- Nara
Nara was first called Heijo, and the first capital of Japan since 710. The city is placed less than an hour from Kyoto and famous for the Todaiji Temple, which is said to be built in the 8th century. The other popular tourist destinations are Kasuga Grand Shrine and Nara Park, where deer roam freely. The city is full of lush green and manicured lawns.
- Okinawa
Okinawa is a southern Japanese island that is home to quite spectacular tropical beaches which will make you feel as if you are in Hawaii rather than Japan. The city has white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. The city is 2 hours and a 45-minute flight from Tokyo and nearly 70 minutes from Kyoto. You can visit the Shuri Castle, relax on the beach, explore the Ocean Expo Park, play water sports in Miyako and Yaeyama Islands. Kokusai Street has many amazing shops and restaurants.
- Takayama
If you want to find a quiet and serene place away from the rapid pace of city life, than Takayama is the best place for you, Takayama is a splendid old town located in the northern Alps of Japan. The most popular place is Sanmachi, which has narrow lanes with wooden buildings on each side.
- Mount Fiji
If there is one symbol of Japan, then it is got to be the iconic Mount Fiji, which is an active volcano and located 100 kilometers southwest from Tokyo. The area around the mountain has remained a pilgrimage site for centuries, and many residents and tourists even hike the tall mountain, which is 3776 meters. Mount Fuji is one of the few mountains that has a nearly perfect and balanced shape.
- Osaka
Osaka is one of Japan’s largest cities and known for its big buildings which are decorated with colorful lights at night. The city has a very modern architecture which helps to give a very active and festive nightlife. Osaka is situated on Honshu Island and famous for cherry blossom trees. One of the places to visit is the Osaka Castle.
- Nikko
Nikko is a small city in the mountains located north of Tokyo. The place is known for the iconic Nikko National Park which offers scenic views to the lakes, waterfalls, and mountainous landscapes. You can easily trek in the mountains and take in the beauty of the place.
- Hakone
Hakone is a small mountain town that is located in the Fuji-Hakone Izu National and provides some picturesque views of Mount Fiji. Hakone is famous for hot spring resort, which is best if you want to relax in calmness and serenity. The places to see in Hakone are the Hakone Shrine and Ashinoko Lake
- Aoshima or Cat Island
If you love cats, then you definitely need to visit this island, which is known all over the world as ‘Cat Island.’ The cats outnumber the people here by the ratio of 10:1. The cats were brought to control the rodent population but grew in number. Every year hundreds of tourist visit this island and cuddle with the cute felines
Author Bio:
Susan Smith travels a lot in her vacations and shares her journey by writing her experiences. She recently visited Japan through Sky ITL and she with their guide travel like a local there and visited many places.