What comes to your mind when you hear the name of the country “Japan”? Chances are high that you will say ‘Robots and Anime’. Of course, Robots and Anime are tremendously popular in Japan. However, there is much more to this Island country than just quirky Anime and outlandish Robots. Japan, as a country, has a worldwide recognition and admiration for its majestic landscape, excellent education system, extra safety environment especially for women, varied cuisine and last but not the least super fast moving transport system.
According to the latest Global Peace Index 2018, Japan, aptly also known as the land of the Rising Sun, is the only country in the Asia continent to have secured a spot (9th) within the top 10 safest countries in the entire world to live in. Women travelers can maneuver the whole country without a male companion. That’s the level of safety and security entrusted to both its citizens and travelers alike. It is no wonder that this island country has been attracting a lot of visitors especially women across the globe.
To make it easy for you to choose which tourist places to visit in Japan, I’m listing out some must-visit cities/town/sites in the country.
Best Tourist Places To Visit In Japan
- Tokyo
Tokyo, being the capital of Japan, is also the most populous metropolis in the world. If you are a fan of shopping Electronics items, Tokyo Central is the best place for you. Akhihabara- a prominent district in the Central Tokyo hosts a chain of Electronics Stores including the famous Sofmap and Laox Storesthat spread across the main street. A lucrative benefit of shopping here is that you don’t have to pay foreign tourists tax. How cool and pocket friendly Tokyo is, right?
- Hiroshima
Who would have thought that this small island that also happens to be relatively younger than many other islands in the whole Japan will have an indelible chapter in the human history but unfortunately in the dark chapter of Human civilization? The dropping of the Atomic Bomb on Hiroshima during the Second World War and its aftermath disastrous effect has opened our eyes that how destructive and violent nuclear power can be if the button of the nuclear bomb are controlled by a few powerful yet irresponsible leaders in the world. The 3 P’s Centre – Peace Park, Peace Memorial and Peace Memorial Museum are among the most frequently visited tourist destinations in Hiroshima. Do visit them. Who knows? You might see a new perspective about war and will even begin to appreciate the kind of efforts that many International Non-governmental organization put in to pacify international military conflagration and hostility as such we see currently in different parts of the world.
Hiroshima (Photo Credit: Madcultureblog.wordpress.com)
- Kyoto
Kyoto, once being served as the capital of Japan, is another historically significant place in Japan and is one of the top tourist places to visit in Japan. The Island is famous for its tofu, and its sublime kaiseki cuisine. It’s also a suitable place to try almost all the main classics of Japanese cuisine. Apart from these, you will find innumerable temples and shrines in Kyoto. The Kyoto Railway Museum is one of Japan’s three amazing railway museums along with JR Central’s SCMAGLEV and JR East’s Railway Museum in Saitama and Railway Park in Nagoya.
Tokyo Railway Museum (Image Credit: japan-guide.com)
Interesting trivia about Kyoto: Kyoto was, actually included as one of the military target areas when the US was planning to drop Atomic Bombs during the Second World War. However, at the last minute the US Army changed its strategy because of what many historians opined that since the Island served as the residence of the Emperor of the country until 1868 and the Island also had a remarkable historical importance despite the devastation caused by hundreds of wars that the Emperor fought, The US perhaps had a second thought about bombing the city.
Monastery in Tokyo (Image Credit: japan-guide.com)
- Takayama
If you are thinking to take a break from the loud and hustling sound of the metropolitan cities in Japan, Takayama is the perfect choice for you and is one of the best tourist attractions in Japan. This small city situated around the exquisitely maintained Sanmachi Suji district in Gufi, is the epicenter of Japan’s incredible inland mountain culture.
Takayama Matsuri Festival
Takayama Matsuri Festival which is held twice in a year, one in the spring and another in the autumn is one of the famous festivals of Japan. The festival involves four of beautifully decorated floats being pulled through the town. The lavishly decorated floats are several hundred years old and they represent the beautiful Takayama’s legendary craftsmanship.
Takayama Matsuri Festival (Image Credit: Ana-cooljapan.com)
Yoshijima Heritage House
Yoshijima Heritage House (Image Credit: Japanhoppers.com)
Yoshijima Heritage House is the apt place for you if you have a fetish for the world’s renowned Japanese carpentry traditions. The house which was basically meant for a family of moneylenders and shake brewer was commissioned in 1907. The quality of the construction of the house and the sheer size of the beams of the house is beyond incredible. At this modern age, it will be extremely difficult to find such giant trees in order to build a similar sized house. So, don’t hesitate to give it a shot while you are in Japan. You won’t regret your time there 🙂 Drop your comment if the wonderful island is one of your top tourist places to visit this year.
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