Best tourist attractions in Japan?

[senseiman]

Getting away from the bitching of the other tourist attraction thread, I thought it would be worthwile to talk about some positive places to visit. Here is my list.

1. Nara Park. It is a really pleasant place to visit, hardly a trace of concrete in the whole park and a lot of well-preserved temples and shrines surrounded by nice greenery.

2. Kyoto's Higashiyama area. Lots of beautiful old buildings, gardens and nice streets to wander around.

3. Kin Osaki. This is a small town in northern Hyogo prefecture, it has a lot of great Onsens and is on the Japan sea coast with pretty beaches that actually aren't covered with garbage.

I guess my list is heavily Kansai centric because that is where I live. Anyone else have any good suggestions for places to visit?

[Mandylion]

Himeji Castle (Hyogo), Nijo Castle (Kyoto) - to very nice places to go. If you go to Himeji on a weekday in early summer before school is out (or any off peak time), you might have the entire place to yourself!

Takayama in Gifu - wonderful historic section in this high mountain town. Some nice museums too.

For the nature loving folks- I gotta push the coast of Kochi Prefecture. Out of the way and tough to get to for most tourists, it is a great place to try and get to see. Kind of like the coast of Oregon in the US, only the water is not cold, nor full of sharks. Good surfing, camping, hiking, and biking. Some great mountains inland with some national parks to boot.

There are more, but I'll stop there.

[senseiman]

Good call about Himeji Castle. I live about a 5 minute walk from it, my wife and I like to take strolls there in the afternoon when not many people are around. If you come to Himeji you should also visit Engyoji temple on Mount Shosha, its definetely worth the trip.

I'll have to check out Kochi and Takayama sometime.

[arnadstephen]

--> great topic

--> some really good ideas here

.

[Iron Chef]

Odori koen in Sapporo during the annual snow festival is my favorite. And if you're into the nightlife, Suskino in all its neon glory is a must see. Otaru (a small coastal town in Hokkaido) is another great place during the summertime to just hang out and go fishing (great food too btw). 8-) Yubari (famous for their melon) is also one of my fav "little known but spectacular getaways" and is home to the Mt. Racey ski resort as well as host of the annual Yubari Fantastic Adventure Film Festival. It's rather isolated and it's high elevation make for a spectacular drive.
:)

[mdchachi]

Perhaps it's on my mind because of another thread but Hiroshima Peace Park & Museum are highly recommended albeit maybe not the most lighthearted places to visit.

Despite being highly visited and a "top 3 scenic site", MIyajima/Itsukushima Shrine (the famous torii in the sea that everybody has seen photos of) is worth seeing. It's a neat place, very attractive and actually not that crowded usually. Though I suppose the crowds are hit or miss. It also has the Nara-like tame deer experience. If you climb (or ride up) the little mountain you can get some Japanese nature as well.

[Maciamo]

I have only been to the Kanto and Kansai regions, so that will limit my recommendations (I won't judge just from pictures and hearsays other lplaces).

Kanto

Kamakura. Best visited during the "kouyou" (autumn leaves) or cherry/ume blossom period. The Daibutsu is majestic, there are enough temples to keep you busy for a few days, good hills to hike around, easily explorable on foot. Finally the Tsuruoka Jinja is one of the best shrines I've visited, very nice with its ponds along the entrance alley and its dominant position on the top of the hill.

Nikko : The Tosho-gu is architectually interesting, as it looks more Chinese than Japanese. Being the tomb of the most famous Shogun Japan has known, it has everything to please. Other temples are also great and the park in which all o this is set is refreshing when one comes from Tokyo.

Tokyo : Whatever nature lover may say, Tokyo is a place not to give a miss, for it boasts attractions unequaled in the rest of Japan (or possibly Osaka). I will skip the shopping areas, museums and Disneyland and concentrate on the architecture and atmosphere.

The last few years have seen a dramatic architectural renewal, with glazed skyscrapers never seen before (because of earthquakes, and I still don't understand what made them change mind). For modern Japanese architecture, the must are Shinjuku (esp. the "Tocho") and the new areas of Shiodome (only 1/3 of the whole redevelopment has been completed so far) and Odaiba.

For something more historical, I recommend the already very touristical Senso-ji 浅草寺 and other lesser temples in Asakusa, Meiji Jingu 明治神宮 and Yoyogi Park around it, the impressive Imperial palace moat (and gardens in you have time), particularily during the cherry blossom "week", as most trees there are cherry trees and everything turns "white as snow" (not pink in my experience). Then if you are there, also have a look at the Yasukuni Jinja 靖国神社.

One of my favourite in Tokyo is the Matsuri 祭. The biggest are Sanja, Kanda, Torigoe and Fukagawa Matsuri, but there are dozens of smaller ones all around Tokyo.

Kansai

Kyoto : There are too many temples to list here. Just make sure to see the less well-known but incredible Fushimi Inari Taisha 伏見稲荷大社 South-East of Kyoto. The shrine itself is quite beautiful, but the best is the 8km of torii behind it creating a kind of tunnel in the forest, only interrupted by intermitent fox statues or stone lanterns. Best visited at dusk if you don't fear the spirits of the forest.

Otherwise, the most touristical places aren't popular for nothing. My favourite in Kyoto are the Heian Jingu, Kinkaku-ji and the Gion district.

[tasuki]

Although all the places mentioned above are worth a visit (Nikko was an especailly nice treat and the Higashiyama area was a real surprise), when I think back of all the places I've been during my stay in Japan, the one that will stay with me forever is definitely my weekend in the onsen town of Ginzan in mid-February, not so much a place to visit as a place to enjoy, and definitely not a place that draw the foreign tourist crowds...

http://www.ginzanonsen.jp/

[caramboo]

O WOW! this is really great! im considering visiting and was looking for some good places to visit... THANKS!

[budd]

i heard Hyogo got the prettiest women...

[senseiman]

I live in Hyogo. There are a lot of pretty woman here. Osaka has some too!

[Brooker]

The Izu Penninsula is a great weekend trip from Tokyo. The train ride from Atami to Shimoda is the most beautiful I saw while in Japan. The train snakes along the east coast of the penninsula and the seats are facing the windows. You also pass through unspoiled jungle-like terrain. Izu is a good place to relax and see the countryside. It also has the highest consentration of onsens of anywhere in Japan. I hear the west coast of the penninsula is nice too, but no trains, only buses - I haven't been there. Along the way from Tokyo is a nice castle in Odawara and some outdoor hotsprings.

[mad pierrot]

I second Fushimi Inari in Kansai. Take the Keihan train.

It's awesome, plus you can eat whole fried sparrows on a stick.

[duff_o_josh]

it will soon be me(best tourist attraction :P) in a couple months lol

[TuskCracker]

bump bump bump

[blade_bltz]

I absolutely loved Kamakura, probably because I thought the town in its entirety was beautiful - not just the temples, which of course were spectacular as well. I stayed at a youth hostel near Hase station, right next to Yuigihama beach (which was admittedly not the nicest beach) and even the cramped residential neighborhoods that run along side the incredibly "natsukashii" Enoden are far more attractive than, say, Kyoto's non-touristical areas (obviously Kyoto is a major city, but still). I guess I've always had something for the ocean, and the sort of "summer resort" feel of the place hit home with me. And yes, I realize how corny some of the beachfront bars and surf places are, but I'm a surfer, so hey!

Must-see temples/shrines in the area: Hasedera, Kenchoji, Engakuji, Hachimangu Tsuragaoka, Daibutsu (yappari ne?)

[Silverpoint]

Odori koen in Sapporo during the annual snow festival is my favorite. And if you're into the nightlife, Suskino in all its neon glory is a must see. Otaru (a small coastal town in Hokkaido) is another great place during the summertime to just hang out and go fishing (great food too btw). 8-) Yubari (famous for their melon) is also one of my fav "little known but spectacular getaways" and is home to the Mt. Racey ski resort as well as host of the annual Yubari Fantastic Adventure Film Festival. It's rather isolated and it's high elevation make for a spectacular drive.
:)

Do you live in Sapporo, sir? If so we should have a beer sometime.

Actually on the subject of alcoholic beverages, the snow festival is pretty spectacular, but most of the local drunks who inhabit this cold little island will tell you that Odori Koen is never so glorious as during the summer beer festival (now on until 10th August if anyone happens to be in these parts).

[duff_o_josh]

takao in kyoto-fu is really beautiful in the autumn

[deadhippo]

well, i like the hot weather so I have to say Ishigaki, or Taketomi to be precise . Its a very small island but paradise. I want to go back to that area again.

[Harvey]

Fushimiinari is great! Here is a little write up I did on it a while ago.
http://www.japannewbie.com/archives/000140.html

Also, I think it is important to catch the festivals!
Gion Matsuri (http://www.japannewbie.com) just ended, current update is a sight to see.

Also like September 14th is a rowdy festival in Osaka called Danjiri. Not to be missed!

Also PL Hanabi (fireworks) in Osaka is the largest firewords event in Japan. It also just ended, but seeing fireworks in Japan is really a thing to experience, because everyone comes out in their yukata and geta, and there are vendor shops to experience.

[ArmandV]

If you are a first-time visitor to Japan, here's some places that I would recommend visiting:

Tokyo Tower - spectacular views of Tokyo.
Imperial Palace - a must-see.
Asakusa - beautiful architecture and great shops for traditional Japanese goods.
Shinjuku and Shibuya - some of the best of modern Japan.
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine - beautiful.
Great Buddha of Kamakura - you don't have to be Buddhist to enjoy it.
Mt. Fuji - 5th Station. The symbol of Japan. Spectacular.
Hakone/Lake Ashii - fantastic scenery.
Kyoto Nijo Castle - check out the "Nightingale floors."
Kinkakuji Golden Pavilion - great spot for the shutter-bug.
Heian Shrine - beautiful gardens.
Kyomizu Temple - nice view of Kyoto, but there's a lot of climbing. Great architecture.
Miyajima Island - as mentioned before, a beautiful island with its famous torii gate.
Hiroshima Peace Park/Peace Museum/Atomic Dome - definitely a must-see.
Kyoto Station - this place is huge!

[celtician]

Asakusa is cool but you've got to have a little inside knowledge
Gallery ef is a friendly and interesting place

[Dutch Baka]

Kyoto is great, no words needed to explain!

Himeji castle.. Great building, world heritage.

Niko supposed to be great..

Nara.. havnt been there, but have some great temples etc

[Carlson]

OK. I have seen all things listed in Tokyo and Kamakura. on my Kyoto Trip i would like to see the various shrines and temples. and also the castle. are there any waterfalls to see?

[pipokun]

TFT Building (http://www.tokyo-bigsight.co.jp/english/tft/shops_restaurants.html) has the world highest waterfall.

http://staypunks.hp.infoseek.co.jp/upload/taki.jpg
It is much better and relaxing than my photo.

[Carlson]

lol ill take your word for it... maybe i will see it someday..

[whats up skip]

For castles you cannot go past Hemji Castle (http://www.japaneselifestyle.com.au/travel/himeji_castle.html) as it is in the best condition and orginal form. It is not far from Kyoto (http://www.japaneselifestyle.com.au/travel/kyoto.htm) and Osaka (http://www.japaneselifestyle.com.au/travel/osaka.htm).

For a month's worth of temples and shrines you go to Kyoto (http://www.japaneselifestyle.com.au/travel/kyoto.htm).

There are the three official best Japanese Gardens (http://www.japaneselifestyle.com.au/garden/japanese_garden.html): Ryoan ji Temple (http://www.japaneselifestyle.com.au/travel/kyoto_ryoan-ji_temple.htm), Korakuen Garden (http://www.japaneselifestyle.com.au/travel/okayama_korakuen_garden.htm) and Kenrokuen Garden (http://www.japaneselifestyle.com.au/travel/kanazawa_kenrokuen_garden.htm).

[Harvey]

Way off the beaten path, but NAOSHIMA, off the coast of Okayama is very interesting. It's this... art ISLAND.

http://www.japannewbie.com/index.php?s=naoshima

[Dutch Baka]

i heard Hyogo got the prettiest women...

They are known for having the Best fashion of Japan:cool:

I can know that :D

[KimchiRamen]

Have just returned from a weekend of cycling on the Ishikawa/Toyama Ken peninsula and Notoshima. If you're feeling a little more adventurous and want to escape the crowds at the usual haunts of Tokyo, Osaka etc. I suggest here. Great beaches, camping, scenary and, for a summer weekend, had very few cars.

[Dutch Baka]

2-3 days Hiroshima is good! see the A-dome, peace museum and the okonomiyaki building!!!

Second day you should go to Miyajima 40minutes by train + ferry from Hiroshima main station. See the famous Torii, take the ropeway to mt.Misen ( or walk :D) enjoy the beautiful sight of the whole island, hiroshima, etc. Visit the temples of the island, and watch the deers eat people their papers!

Great place ( have a look on my blog http://dutchbaka.blogspot.com for my trip review)

[pipokun]

Have just returned from a weekend of cycling on the Ishikawa/Toyama Ken peninsula and Notoshima.
...

Great.
Try Route 42 on the Kii peninsula from Nagoya/Mie or Osaka next.

[yamada]

tourist attractions?
How about Danjiri festival at Kishiwada city in Osaka. The middle of September is the seazon of Danjiri.

[Iron Chef]

If you're in the Kyushu area, one should make the drive to Kumamoto to check out Mt. Aso (largest active volcano in Japan and one of the biggest in the world). It's quite breathtaking to see this HUGE caldera. The drive up to the top is really nice and the caldera is easily accessible allowing for some spectacular views on a clear day.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aso

[ArmandV]

If you're in the Kyushu area, one should make the drive to Kumamoto to check out Mt. Aso (largest active volcano in Japan and one of the biggest in the world). It's quite breathtaking to see this HUGE caldera. The drive up to the top is really nice and the caldera is easily accessible allowing for some spectacular views on a clear day.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aso

Are there bus tours of Mt. Aso? Do you know what they cost and where the embarkation points are? I've been thinking about going there maybe the next time I go to Japan.

[Iron Chef]

Yes, bus tours are a regular thing at least judging from the few times i've been there. I'm not sure about how much your typical package costs and what it all entails but i'll ask around.

[ArmandV]

Yes, bus tours are a regular thing at least judging from the few times i've been there. I'm not sure about how much your typical package costs and what it all entails but i'll ask around.


Thanks. I'd appreciate the information. I like to see different things each time I go to Japan.

[Iron Chef]

Re: Aso, here is the tel.# for direct inquiries:

Aso Volcano Museum (open daily 9am to 5pm)
Telephone: (096) 734 2111

Found this site online that has a sample itinerary for a bus package that includes Aso (and some other nice places in Kyushu):

http://www.jhn-travel.com/tours2005/details.asp?TourCode=JHNONSEN1

For a cheaper alternative, you would probably be better to just take a Nishitetsu highway bus from Kumamoto. No idea how much that would run though, but I doubt it would be more than a few thousand ￥. Btw, got this little info tidbit off the following site:

http://www.worldsurface.com/browse/location.asp?locationid=7064

"Aso is in the Kumomoto-ken (Kumonoto prefecture) on Kyushu island. A small town with a few hotels and a youth hostel that caters to travelers wishing to see Mt. Nankadake, an active volcano. Aso-Kuju National Park has five mountains in it for hikers and travelers to see. From Aso, a bus goes up to the museum and viewing platform of Mt. Nankadake, with the last bus going up at 15:20 for the 40 minute ride, and the last bus coming down at 17:00."

Anyways, it's definitely worth checking out should you be in the area.

[ArmandV]

Thanks for the info. I'll check it out.

I was looking though my Lonely Planet guidebook and it is a little hazy on what's available. It does mention all those peaks and different highways to get there, but doesn't seem to mention specific tour companies. I'll have to re-read it again as I may have missed a few things.

[crazybuyer]

If you like anime don't forget about he toei animation studios, the bandai museum and above all the Island of the Queen Himika with the bronce bell...In front of tokyois the Island that inspirated Go Nagai for his faboulous Kotetsu Jeeg ;)

[ArmandV]

If you like anime don't forget about he toei animation studios, the bandai museum and above all the Island of the Queen Himika with the bronce bell...In front of tokyois the Island that inspirated Go Nagai for his faboulous Kotetsu Jeeg ;)


Unfortunately, the Bandai Museum closed down last August. I went there in October 2005.

[Han Chan]

I would say Ise Jingu. It is magical! The shrine is situated in a ancient forest with enermous trees. During this year the shrine will be rebuild according to Shinto tradition. Ise Jingu has been continually rebuilt every 20 years since year 690.

http://www.jref.com/practical/ise_jingu.shtml

[jknj]

I found that Kyoto station was amazing for a modern structure, and the Sanjusangendo temple was amazing as well. It has 1000 Bodhisattva statues in 5 rows of 200, with a Giant Buddha in the middle, all made from Bronze. The Gion Festival in July is also a not to miss if you can travel during that time. The best part of the festival is called yamahoko-junko. The various temples build large structures (floats) that are pulled through the street. Lots of street vendors, and lots of folks dressed in traditional garb. The kids in kimonos are really cute, and some of the food the vendors have for sale will shock and amaze you. Kyoto has soo many temples that after awhile it becomes a blur, but Sanjusangendo was the one I went back to. I am sure others have their favorites as well.

[David Gaeddert]

After one visit to Yokohama in August, '07, I have to recommend the famous ferris wheel--beautiful view of the bay and city. Kanegawa Museum had a special Hiroshige display which I found awesome.

[Emoni]

After one visit to Yokohama in August, '07, I have to recommend the famous ferris wheel--beautiful view of the bay and city. Kanegawa Museum had a special Hiroshige display which I found awesome.

After a year in Kanagawa, I totally agree. I really loved the whole Mnatomirai/Sakuragicho area.

[uchimizu]

So many great places to see in Japan. I personally loved the Oigawa steam railways (http://uchimizu-en.blogspot.com/2008/03/trains-from-bygone-age-in-oigawa-valley.html), the beautiful tropical Yaeyama islands (http://uchimizu-en.blogspot.com/2008/01/beautiful-islands-in-south-of-japan.html), Kyoto and Nikko under the snow, and of course the wonderful sakuras (http://uchimizu-en.blogspot.com/2008/03/party-under-cherry-blossoms.html) (cherry blossoms) and koyos (http://uchimizu-en.blogspot.com/2008/11/red-leaves-in-japan.html) (red maple leaves), all probably best enjoyed in Kyoto.

Though after a lot of travel, I think I share the view of a japanese friend who thinks Nara is the most impressive place. This is also the place my family prefered when they went to Japan

[Karuchan]

i suggest:
Kurama, not far from kyoto
Arima
Mie, especially iga-ueno (if you're a ninja-addicted it's the best for you)
Horyu-ji temple in Nara


All these places are in Kansai, and i think they're too underrated

[pretty women]

The largest and oldest Tokyo Park, Ueno was first opened to the public in 1873 and is today one of the prime attractions in Tokyo for tourists and locals alike. With cherry blossoms blooming in the spring and lotuses flowering in the summer, this Tokyo Park is the city's most beautiful spot for hanami (cherry blossom viewing parties). And with numerous temples, shrines, unparalleled art museums and a zoo, Ueno Park is one of the most cultured Japan attractions. Yet unlike the refinement of the other major Tokyo Park, Ginza, Ueno has always retained the working class roots of the merchants, laborers and rural peasants who have long enjoyed its easy style and unpretentious natural beauty.

[Dogen Z]

If you're in Tokyo this month, you should be able to see some great firework displays. They are well worth you time, if you can find a good spot for watching.

Here's a display from Kustashika. You should watch it in HD on a big screen if possible. The last part is done in sync with Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture, unfortunately it's hard to hear.


WPSm0yKS3Ek&hd=1

[Han Chan]

http://www.jref.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/3096

[Dogen Z]

http://www.jref.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/3096

That's Gorgeous! :-) But Lake Suwa is in the middle of Nagano. For those in Tokyo, the Tokyo Bay Firework Festival is tonight, Aug. 8, 2009!!

2009.8.8(Sat)
From 7 pm to 8:20 pm (12,000 fireworks). In case of rain or strong wind, it will be canceled.

Odaiba is probably the best viewing spot, but get there early, before they stop running the train due to people overload. Spend the day at Oedo Onsen, then watch the fireworks!

For other firework events, consult the JNTO events calendar.

[Dogen Z]

While there's still a bit of summer left this season, if you have the time and money, get yourself to Okinawa for some real R&R. I mean, Shonan and Kamakura have their charms but the beaches there leave something to be desired. Not so in Okinawa.

And while you're relaxing on the beach get yourself some ume chu hai, a drink I discovered this summer. It's the Japanese version of sangria.


18jE__pVd64

[Dogen Z]

http://web-japan.org/kidsweb/virtual/ukiyoe/images/17335.gif
Nihonbashi in the Edo Era

Recommended sites for history buffs looking to explore Edo-era Japan, the Tokugawa period when samurai and their nobility ruled.

In Tokyo: Edo Tokyo Museum
http://www.edo-tokyo-museum.or.jp/english/

In Saitama: Kawagoe
http://www.koedo.or.jp/foreign/english/index.html?index.html

In Hakone: Hakone Outpost
http://www.hakonesekisyo.jp/english/index.html

In Gifu: Hida Takayama
http://www.hida.jp/english/

In Okayama: Kurashiki
http://www.city.kurashiki.okayama.jp/dd.aspx?menuid=9900

In Kiso Valley: Magome
http://www.kiso-magome.com/
http://www.jnto.go.jp/tourism/en/f018.html