Regardless of being a well-known and respected country all around the world, unfortunately few Western tourists visit Japan. Maybe that is thanks to the misconception that Japan is an extremely expensive country, a concept that stems from the bubble era in Japan when things were expensive relative to Western nations. But these days costs in Japan are on par with those of north America and Western Europe. Another excuse few travellers come to Japan is that there is no standout visitor attraction. China has the Great Wall, Paris has the Eiffel Tower, Italy has the Coliseum, but what does Japan have? The reality is that Japan has lots of value to offer the visitor, but that value is not to be found in any single site. It is to be found in the final experience and cultural richness of Japan.
Kyoto is Japan's cultural capital, and previous imperial capital, and contains
UNESCO declared the "Historic Monuments of ancient Kyoto" as a World Heritage site. That is not a single site, but rather 17 sites within the Kyoto area. Maybe the most well-known around the planet is Kinkakuji, the Golden Pavillion, but truly the cultural
Cost of Kyoto is to be found across a selection of sites. None of these sites individually will blow you away, but you'll be overpowered by the actual number of cultural and historic sites, temples, shrines, and gardens. Kyoto as a whole is Japan's cultural
Treasure, and one of the planet's treasures.
approximately an hour away from Kyoto lies Nara, another of Japan's ancient capital towns. Like Kyoto, Nara is saturated with cultural sites, especially the Nara Park area. It's a beautiful green town in which you can calmly amble and encounter deer while
Heading towards the subsequent cultural site. The most exciting site for tourists is maybe Todaiji temple, the largest wooden building in the world. Inside lies the Great Buddha statue, a towering and provoking figure suitable for such as impressively mammoth building. There are many other temples and museums in Nara, and it is easily worth spending a day in Nara when you are in the Kansai region. Nara is more relaxed and more walkable than Kyoto, which is a fairly large town.
In the Kanto region near Tokyo you can find 2 more splendid historical towns full of cultural and religious relics. They are Nikko and Kamakura. Kamakura features many well-known Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines. One of the most famed is Kotoku-in temple. Like Nara's Todaiji temple it features a giant Buddha statue, which was once located inside the church hall. But in the fifteenth century a powerful typhoon annihilated the church
Hall, leaving the statue in tact but out of doors.
Nikko lies in the pretty mountains of Tochigi Prefecture, 2 hours north of Tokyo. The natural surroundings of Nikko and its wildlife are beautiful enough to warrant an excursion, but its cultural sites mix with the stunning views to form something wholely electrifying. Among its temples and shrines is Rinnoji temple, established in the year 766. It's a lovely and classy church to go to. Much more showy and colourful is Tosho-gu shrine, home of the 3 smart Monkeys. This shrine
Contains the crypt of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founding father of the Tokugawa shogunate. There are more pretty and historically critical sites in Nikko, and you can explore amidst the gorgeous natural environment and wandering monkeys.
even though it is just a city, Tokyo is a city like no other and is a total must see, at least for 2 days to get a feel for this massive metropolis. The sheer size and scale of Tokyo are amazing. From the free observation deck of the Tokyo community
Building in Shinjuku, you can look out over the town and literally see no end to the sprawl of buildings. Every street and each corner is totally full of something new to see, and while there are not many famous holiday maker sites, Tokyo is brim-full of engaging neighbourhoods
With different tastes, full of great eateries of all varieties, and full of overpowering sites, sounds, and smells that attack you from each angle. For those seeking some culture and a relaxing escape from the urban insanity, the Imperial Palace and the massive park surrounding it supply a glimpse into the life of the japanese royal family. If you visit on New Year's Day ( January initial ) or the Emperor's birthday ( December 23rd ) you can join a crowd of gatherers to see the royal family, who come out of their
Palace to greet the group with waves and a short speech from the emperor. This is open to the public, but be prepared for tight security.
Japan is a thrilling destination to visit for people with a little more cultural depth than the average tourist. If you simplyjust want a big and flashy tourist site that you've seen on tv a zillion times, then you may not be impressed. But those with a taste for culture, religious heritage, and history will be impressed and moved by the wonders of Japan.
Billy Bobb is an enthusiastic traveler and citizen of the world. He's a geography nerd and can study maps for hours on end. His blog Free Printable Maps features maps and travel destination profiles such as an ancient map of Japan
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