Unmissable Sights When Visiting Japan

Japan is best known for having a wide range of sights and attractions. You can choose to explore Kyoto’s culture by wandering inside the many Buddhist temples or walk the streets of Tokyo to see the unique fashion and visit the many themed cafés.

Here we’ve recommended a few sights to see and activities to do while in Japan, ranging from calm walks in the park to exciting go-karting races.

Mount Fuji

When travellers think of Japan, one of the first things that may spring to mind is Mount Fuji, the country’s highest peak. This active volcano towers 3,776 metres over the surrounding landscape. Tourists can choose whether to climb from its base or from the halfway point, to make the ascent a little bit more manageable.

Most hikers choose to reach the summit at sunrise to have the perfect view of the beautiful spectacle. However, some people just observe this iconic mountain from a distance, whether it be from a viewing platform or from the Shinkansen bullet train, which should also be on your list of things to do.

Arashiyama

This district is located on the outskirts of Kyoto and is a very popular tourist destination during the cherry blossom and autumn seasons, due to the magnificent warm colours bursting between the green foliage. The Togetsu-kyō Bridge is seen as an iconic landmark as it stretches over the Katsura River, connecting the island that’s home to the Arashiyama Mountain to the mainland. This wooden walkway allows tourists to explore the natural landscape and take some stunning photographs of the views.

The Bamboo Groves also make for great photographs, especially when you can see the sun peeking through the gaps in between. You can choose to walk or cycle through these tall stalks – just make sure to stop and watch them swaying in the wind, something that’s said to be very calming and almost therapeutic.

Go Karting

If you’re looking for a more exhilarating activity when in Japan, why not join in a costume go-karting race around Tokyo, Osaka or Kyoto? You get to dress up as a Mario kart character or your favourite superhero for the journey and stop off at certain photo points to grab a snap with your fellow racers.

Each city offers a different track that’ll take you around the different tourist attractions, so try to choose a soundtrack that suits your terrain. There are different tours within each city, ranging from one-hour rides to three, so you can choose the one which features the attractions you so desperately want to see.

Tōshō-gū

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is situated in an idyllic natural forest where tourists can come and observe the ornate structure that’s dedicated to the Japanese religion, Shintō, and Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate. When you come up to the main gate, you’ll be wowed by a five-storey pagoda with the main pillar that sits 10cm above ground level.

There are plenty of charming buildings to look out for too, whether it be the storehouses that feature many colourful and unique wooden carvings, including the famous three wise monkeys, or the other shrine buildings that showcase gold leaf aspects that you won’t find anywhere else in Japan. Every corner you turn, you’ll be faced with a different architectural building that’ll amaze you with its rich history and intricate details.

Himeji Castle

Himeji-jō is Japan’s most significant castle as it is one of the last remaining castles from the 1500s. It features a white plaster façade that helped provide its nickname, the White Heron Castle. When entering this magnificent structure, you’ll see four towers, one being the main tower that’s five storeys high and the other three being a lot smaller.

If you can, try to reach the top of the main tower for spectacular views of the nearby city. Tourists are also encouraged to wander the well-preserved grounds to see the striking castle from all angles, as well as the surrounding moats and defensive walls.

If, after reading this blog post, you wish to book a trip to Japan, don’t hesitate to contact us via our website or call us on 0800 021 3237.