Top 10 Must-See Landmarks in Japan

Japan is an interesting country that has an interesting combination of a long history and progress of the latest years. Religious shrines and stunning natural beauty, nightlife, and high-tech innovations are waiting for tourists in Japan. If it is the majestic view of Mount Fuji, the serenity of Kyoto’s temples, or the energy-filled neon streets of Tokyo, Japan’s landmarks are both varied and impressive. For people who are aspiring to visit this wonderful tourist attraction, one important factor that they have to undertake is to get a Japan Visa.

A Japan visa is an opportunity to taste the peculiarities of Japanese culture, making it the key to the incredible journey. Regardless of whether you are visiting for leisure, for business, or for cultural interchange, getting a visa can be as easy as pie if done right. If you have your Japan visa in your hand then it is time to explore the country’s excellence, which has a combination of ancient and modern touch in its top 10 landmarks.

Below are the ten stunning structures that you cannot afford to miss in Japan.

1. Mount Fuji (Fujisan)

It is impossible to come to Japan and not take a glimpse at Mount Fuji. Yonger than Mount Fuji, which is the tallest mountain in Japan, this mountain rises to a height of 3,776 meters and is a UNESCO heritage site. Its form is perfect for art, and many have painted, photographed and sketched it; many climb its slopes while many others marvel at it from afar. Fuji Five Lakes which are nearby are equally beautiful especially when cherry blossoms are in season or when the whole surrounding is auburn.

2. Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) – Kyto.

Kinkaku-ji or the Golden Pavilion is a temple that belongs to the Zen Buddhism and is one of the most beautiful attractions in Japan. Located in Kyoto it is a building from 1350 which is now completely gilded in gold leaf, which glitters in front of the nearby pond. As a result, the gardens and the building are great for photographers and people who want to take a break in a historical place.

3. Tokyo Tower

Tokyo Tower is named after the Eiffel Tower in Paris and is emblematic of the city’s active pulse. It originally rose 333 meters into the sky, making it the tallest structure in Japan until 2010. Tourists have a chance to get to the observation terraces where people can enjoy the view of Tokyo and on the good weather – Mount Fuji. The tower is also lit up at night in a variety of colors, and provides a beautiful view of the city.

4. Fushimi Inari Taisha - Kyoto

Such a place as Fushimi Inari Taisha is one of the most famous and exceptional landmarks of Japan – it is a shrine, which is tens of thousands of red torii gates. This Shinto shrine is actually the shrine of Inari, the god of rice; the shrine is situated at the southern base of Mount Inari. The shrines with thousands of torii gates are built along the way up the mountain where visitors are allowed to pass through the gates, which were erected by people and companies.

5. Himeji Castle

With regard to this, Himeji Castle is one of the most beautiful castles in Japan characterized by Japanese feudal architecture. Himeji’s white exterior walls and complex fortifications make this 17th-century fortress and UNESCO World Heritage site one of the best preserved in Japan. There are magnificent gardens around the castle and the construction and features of the castle are considered the best of Japanese castle architecture.

6. The Imperial Palace - Tokyo

The Imperial Palace is situated in Tokyo and is actually the imperial palace of Japan and the residence of the Emperor of Japan. Located in a large park, the palace shed light on the Royal history of Japan. The East Gardens are accessible to the public which offer nice strolling areas and great scenery with the palace. Despite the fact that the entry to the Imperial Palace is prohibited, tourists will be happy to take pictures of the building from the nearby Nijubashi Bridge.

7. Itsukushima Shrine – Miyajima Island

The Itsukushima Shrine is famous for its floating torii gate which stands from the sea during the high tides and is situated on the island of Miyajima. This shrine is related to the Shinto gods of sea and storms and is in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Site and ranks high in the list of most photographed sites in Japan. Tourists can take a ferry to this island and move around in the religious area and even the natural environment.

8. Shibuya Crossing - Tokyo

For a modern and busy environment visit the Shibuya crossing in Tokyo. This junction is perhaps one of the most commonly featured in movies and other forms of media, and it is one of the most active junctions in the entire world; hundreds of people cross the road in all directions whenever the traffic light turns red. The surroundings are rich in the opportunities for shopping, dining, and entertainment – guests will be able to meet the Japanese urbanism.

9. Nara Park and Todai-ji Temple

Nara Park is the largest park in Japan with more than 1,000 sika deer roaming in the park, and many other attractions that include Todai-ji Temple. Inside it there is the Great Buddha, a larger than life bronze sculpture of Buddha, that is 15 meters high. Nara Park in itself is a quiet park where tourists can go for a walk and touch the friendly deer that are free-ranging in this area and give an amusing and historical atmosphere to the place.

10. Odaiba - Tokyo Bay

Odaiba is an artificial island in Tokyo Bay that is fully equipped with modern technology and is for recreation. Where the teamLab Borderless digital art museum, shopping complexes, and entertainment facilities are located, visitors can explore the advance in Japanese technology. Rainbow Bridge which connects the island to central Tokyo has a great view of the Tokyo skyline at sunset.

Conclusion

In this article, the author is going to focus on the most famous landmarks of Japan which are interesting to visit for their natural, historical and cultural beauty. These listed places will give you an unforgettable experience of Japan’s cultural heritage when you visit the temples, or its modernity when you tour the cities. Here is a list of the most famous places to visit and get a truly magical experience in Japan!