Best Places to Visit in Japan

Japan is an island nation in the Pacific Ocean with high-rise-filled cities, imperial palaces, mountainous national parks and thousands of shrines and temples. Tokyo, the crowded capital, is known for its neon skyscrapers and pop culture. In contrast, Kyoto offers Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, gardens and cherry blossoms. Sushi, the national dish, is served everywhere from casual pubs to gourmet restaurants.

What you need to know

Capital: Tokyo

Dialing Code: +81

ISO Code: JPN

Currency: Japanese Yen

Official Languages: Japanese

Meiji Shrine

Meiji Shrine, located in Shibuya, Tokyo, is the Shinto shrine that is dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shōken.

Info:

Address: 1-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya, Tokyo 151-8557, Japan
Dedicated to: Emperor Meiji, Empress Shōken

Phone: +81 3-3379-5511
Nearby hotel: Not Available

Mount Fuji

Japan’s Mt. Fuji is an active volcano about 100 kilometers southwest of Tokyo. Commonly called “Fuji-san,” it’s the country’s tallest peak, at 3,776 meters. A pilgrimage site for centuries, it’s considered one of Japan’s 3 sacred mountains, and summit hikes remain a popular activity. Its iconic profile is the subject of numerous works of art, notably Edo Period prints by Hokusai and Hiroshige.

Info:

Address: Mount Fuji
Elevation: 3,776 m 
Last eruption: December 16, 1707 
Prominence: 3,776 m 
First ascent: 663 AD 
Easiest route: Hiking

Nearby hotel: Hotel Mount Fuji | 4-star hotel | Japan, 〒401-0501 Yamanashi Prefecture, Minamitsuru District, 山中湖村山中1360-83 | +81 555-62-2111

Sensō-ji

Sensō-ji is an ancient Buddhist temple located in Asakusa, Tokyo, Japan. It is Tokyo's oldest temple, and one of its most significant. Formerly associated with the Tendai sect of Buddhism, it became independent after World War II.

Info:

Address: 2 Chome-3-1 Asakusa, Taito, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan 
Opened: 645 AD 
Phone: +81 3-3842-0181 
Architectural style: Japanese Buddhist architecture

Nearby hotel: Hotel Keihan Asakusa | 3-star hotel | 2-12-4 Asakusa, Taito, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan | +81 3-5830-0321

Kinkaku-ji

Kinkaku-ji, officially named Rokuon-ji, is a Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan. It is one of the most popular buildings in Japan, attracting a large number of visitors annually.

Info:

Address: 1 Kinkakujicho, Kita Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 603-8361, Japan Opened: 1955
Architectural style: Japanese architecture 
Phone: +81 75-461-0013 
Founders: Ashikaga Yoshimitsu 
Function: Temple, Villa

Nearby hotel: Kyoto Brighton Hotel | 5-star hotel | Japan, 〒602-8071 京都府京都市上京区新町通中立売 (御所西) | +81 75-441-4411

Kiyomizu-dera

Kiyomizu-dera, officially Otowa-san Kiyomizu-dera is an independent Buddhist temple in eastern Kyoto. The temple is part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto UNESCO World Heritage site.

Info:

Address: 294 Kiyomizu 1-chome, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 605-0862, Japan 
Opened: 778 AD 
Architectural style: Japanese Buddhist architecture 
Phone: +81 75-551-1234 
Founders: Tokugawa Iemitsu

Nearby hotel: Not Available

Shinjuku Gyoen

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is a large park with an eminent garden in Shinjuku and Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan. It was originally a residence of the Naitō family in the Edo period.

Info:

Address: 11 Naitomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-0014, Japan 
Phone: +81 3-3350-0151

Nearby hotel: Hotel Park Inn Shinjuku | Budget hotel | 1-36-5 Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-0022, Japan | +81 3-3354-9000

Tokyo Imperial Palace

The Tokyo Imperial Palace is the primary residence of the Emperor of Japan. It is a large park-like area located in the Chiyoda ward of Tokyo and contains buildings including the main palace.

Info:

Address: 1-1 Chiyoda, Tokyo 100-8111, Japan

Phone: +81 3-3213-1111

Nearby hotel: Palace Hotel Tokyo | 5-star hotel | 1 Chome-1-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda, Tokyo 100-0005, Japan | +81 3-3211-5211

Universal Studios Japan

Universal Studios Japan, located in Osaka, is one of four Universal Studios theme parks, owned and operated by USJ Co., Ltd. with a license from NBCUniversal.

Info:

Address: 2 Chome-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture 554-0031, Japan 
Opened: March 31, 2001 
Phone: +81 570-200-606

Nearby hotel: Hilton Osaka | 3-star hotel | 1 Chome-8-8 Umeda, Kita Ward, Osaka Prefecture 530-0001, Japan | +81 6-6347-7111

Tōdai-ji

Tōdai-ji, is a Buddhist temple complex, that was once one of the powerful Seven Great Temples, located in the city of Nara, Japan.

Info:

Address: 406-1 Zoshicho, Nara, Nara Prefecture 630-8211, Japan 
Construction started: 728 AD 
Opened: 752 AD
Architectural style: Japanese Buddhist architecture 
Phone: +81 742-22-5511 
Founders: Emperor Shōmu 
Architect: Emperor Shōmu

Nearby hotel: Nara Hotel | 5-star hotel | Japan, 〒630-8301 Nara Prefecture, Nara, 高畑町1096 | +81 742-26-3300

Fushimi Inari-taisha

Fushimi Inari Taisha is the head shrine of Inari, located in Fushimi-ku, Kyoto, Japan. The shrine sits at the base of a mountain also named Inari which is 233 metres above sea level.

Info:

Address: 68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 612-0882, Japan

Phone: +81 75-641-7331

Nearby hotel: Hotel Urban Kyoto | 3-star hotel | Japan, 〒612-0029 Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto, Fushimi Ward, 深草西浦町４丁目５９番地 | +81 75-647-0606

Did You Know?

• Late-night dancing was illegal in Japan until 2015.
• Japan suffers 1,500 earthquakes every year.
• Japan has more than 50,000 people who are over 100 years old.
• Japan has just 2 gun-related homicides per year.
• The World's Oldest Company operated in Japan from 578 AD to 2006.
• Japan consists of over 6,800 islands.
• Japanese Trains are among the world's most punctual: their average delay is just 18 seconds.
• Square Watermelons are grown by japanese farmers for easier stack and store.
• Japan's birth rate is so low that adult diapers are sold more than baby diapers.

References

• Wikipedia
• Google
• Fact Slides