Located on the eastern coast of Asia, Japan is a favorite destination for travelers worldwide. Filled with exquisite natural landscapes, historical and sacred landmarks, cultural heritage, culinary delights, to shopping paradise. It is no wonder Japan is one of the most visited countries on the continent. Here are some places you wouldn’t want to miss out on when traveling in Japan!
Tokyo– The heart of Japan
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Tokyo is Japan’s packed and busy metropolitan area filled with high rises buildings. But it is also the place for entertainment, Japanese pop culture, and of course shopping. Being the heart of Japan, Tokyo is filled with tons of famous destinations among tourists, here are some of them that you need to visit!
Head to Harajuku to see the center of Japanese pop culture and youth fashion stores. For designer boutiques, department stores, and upmarket dining places, Ginza is your go-to. A fan of figurines, manga, or anime? Find them all in Akihabara district in central Tokyo. Not keen on shopping? Visit the city’s icon, the Tokyo Tower to get the best view of Tokyo from high above.
Kyoto – Historical Gems
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Kyoto is known for its rich Japanese heritage from shrines and temples to traditional districts. One of the most popular and the most important shrines in Kyoto is the Fushimi Inari Shrine. It is famous for its pathways that are made up of countless vermilion-colored torii gates that lead to the wooded forest of the sacred Mount Inari.
Visit Kinkaku-ji Temple, to see Japan’s famous temple whose two top floors are covered in gold. You also don’t want to miss out on Kyoto’s geisha district, Gion, where you could enjoy various cultural experiences from Japanese traditional tea ceremony to experiencing geisha performances while dining at the tea houses close by.
Osaka – Culinary Heaven
We all know it is mandatory to try out local food when traveling. Well, Osaka is the right place when it comes to culinary activities. The Kuromon Market is perfect for street food hunters! Find various types of street food from Yakitori and Takoyaki to Japanese traditional sweets like Dorayaki there.
Another famous tourist destination in Osaka is Dotonbori which is best viewed at night. Take a stroll in the district and find all kinds of Japanese street food there. The district is also famous for its canal, where illustrated neon signs are displayed alongside the canal like the famous Glico Running Man sign.
Mt. Fuji – Best of Nature
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Last but not least, Mount Fuji. The astonishing landmark in Japan that will take your breath away, is without a doubt one of the best places to see in Japan. The country's highest volcano at 3,776 meters high is climbed by visitors globally during the climbing season from July to September every year.
You can also enjoy Mount Fuji's exquisite scenery from the Fuji Five Lakes which are Kawaguchiko, Saiko, Yamanakako, Shojiko, and Motosuko. Get the best view of Mount Fuji from a close distance at one of those lakes surrounding the mountain.
Japan is undoubtedly full of popular tourist attractions among international travelers. Sometimes it can get overwhelming to choose which tourist destination you’d want to visit. Now that you know Japan’s favorite and must-visit destinations, don’t forget to take a visit to these places when you travel to Japan!
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