Interesting Places In Japan To Visit On A Short Trip
So, you are heading to Japan for a visit. Excellent! Whether this is your first trip to Japan or you have been there before, it is likely that there is much you have not seen of this great and (to many Westerners) mysterious country.
A trip that will only last a day or two - such when you are just passing through Japan on your way to another destination - will probably not allow you enough time to see very much. In that case, do your best to make a couple of day trips near the place you are staying.
However, if you plan to be in Japan for at least 5-10 days and will have time on your hands, you are probably trying to figure out how to best spend your short time there. Fortunately, there are many great things to see in Japan. While your guidebook is no doubt packed with hundreds of things to see and do, you obviously will not be able to see even a fraction of them on such a short trip. Still, you will want to make the best of your time in Japan.
If you are going to Japan for a short trip, you are likely interested in narrowing your choices down to the most interesting places to visit. Here are 5 such places to consider visiting during your trip:
Visit Kyoto and Nara: The majority of visitors to Japan fly into and out of Narita Airport in Eastern Japan, which is essentially Tokyo and its surrounding cities. However, many tourists also fly into and out of Osaka, the third-largest city in Japan. While Osaka is an impressive place to see in and of itself, if you only have a few days in the area, it is recommended that you visit the nearby cities of Kyoto and Nara.
Both Kyoto and Nara are treasures of Japan's past full of temples, shrines and other traditional structures. When you visit certain special areas in both of these cities, you will be transported back through time to old Japan. Both cities are definitely worth a day trip from Osaka.
See Mt. Fuji: You have probably heard of Mt. Fuji, but did you know that it is the highest mountain in Japan at 3,776 meters (12,388 ft.)? Its symmetrical and conical shape is symbolic of Japan and can be seen from Tokyo (just to the East) on a clear day. If you are visiting Mt. Fuji from Eastern Japan (the Tokyo area), you can visit this famous mountain by train, bus, car or taxi. You can take a bus to the 5th station starting on July 1 through August 27. About 200,000 people climb this mountain each year.
Check out Kamakura: Kamakura is a former de facto capital of Japan Today it is a city of about 175,000 people situated not far from Tokyo. It features a beach and several very old historical Buddhist temples that are very much worth visiting.
Go see Yokohama Bay: The city of Yokohama is the second largest city in Japan. It lies along Tokyo bay, just south of Tokyo. The bay surrounding this prominent Japanese port city is a lot of fun to explore. Also, be sure to check out the very large Chinatown area and Yokohama Marine Tower, the tallest inland lighthouse in the world.
Ride the shinkansen or bullet train: Your visit to Japan would not be complete without a ride on the bullet train, or shinkansen. There are actually several different train routes around the country. One of the most popular is the Tokaido shinkansen, which connects the cities of Tokyo and Osaka.
Discover The Top Things To See In Japan
Are you planning a trip to the beautiful country of Japan? There are so many things to do, see and taste there that you can actually have a hard time just thinking about where you should start. That is why I have listed here some of the top things to see in Japan when you visit there.
Japan has always been one of the most culturally unique and diverse of all countries in the world. In fact whenever you hear the word Japan you probably already have stereotyped images that quickly flash through your mind. You Think of Mt. Fuji, of sushi and other delectable dishes, and of the art of origami. There are just so many wonderful things that the country has shared to the rest of the world.
So if you want to learn about the top things to see in Japan, here is a short list that is worth going over.
If there is any other country in the world other than the United States of America where baseball is a major hit then it would be Japan. You might say that what is so special baseball especially if you have been to one or two matches before? Well, it is the experience to watch Japanese players and with the Japanese fans all hyped up with the excitement they are feeling for this game. It would be fun to watch players other than the Americans to play this game.
Go to this Land of the Rising Sun from the months of March and April and you will surely be in awe of the majestic beauty of the cherry blossoms. These months correspond to the spring season and is actually the perfect time of the year to visit this country because the weather is just right, not too hot and not too cold. And with the blossoming of the cherry blossoms also signals the start of festivals held all over the country.
There is also the iconic snow-topped volcano which is the Mt. Fuji. If there is any scenery of Japan which almost every foreigner is familiar with it would be the picturesque Mt. Fuji. You can see it while traveling in a train or you may opt to climb it. Every year thousands of tourists both local and foreign trek to the top of this great mountain. Just do not forget to hire a guide so you can ensure your trip's safety.
Some of the finest snow that are perfect for skiing and snowboarding can be found in the snow-covered mountains of Japan. The country is famous for its many ski resorts that many foreigners visit all year round just to experience the exhilaration that only the Japanese slopes can offer to them. Just make sure you book in advance for your ski resort accommodations so there will be less hassle for you to experience.
This article is not long enough to enlist all the wonderful things to see in Japan but the ones mentioned above should be a great start. So the next time you plan a major vacation, include this country in your destination list and you will not be disappointed.
Things to See When You Travel to Japan
Chances are, your Japan vacation will be a once in a lifetime opportunity. It is understandable that you will want to do and see as much as you can in the short time you're there. Here are some of the top attractions that you will want to include in your itinerary.
Mount Fuji: This is one of Japan's most famous mountains, and the most photographed. Considered one of the "Three Holy Mountains" its peak is 3776 metres and is Japan's highest. It is a popular climbing spot for visitors and Japanese alike. July and August are the best months of the year to go; it is strongly discouraged to climb in the winter months, due to inclement weather.
Hot Springs Resort: Japan is famous for its hot springs and there are many springs and resorts located throughout the country. Whether you want an indoor or outdoor bath, you'll be able to find a resort that fits your tastes.
Imperial Palace: This is the Emperor's main residence and the grounds are open to the public. Lush gardens await you as take a stroll or visit the other museums and buildings onsite.
Nijo Castle: This historical castle dates back to the 1600's and is a must for any history buff. Complete with moat, surrounding concrete and lush gardens.
Osaka Castle: This is one of Japan's most famous landmarks. The castle itself sits on one square kilometre of land; the grounds are over 15 kilometres. There are many gardens, and a few museums onsite.
Togetsu-kyo Bridge: The literal translation is "Crossing Moon Bridge," and is a picturesque scene with the Hozu River underneath.
Tokyo DisneyLand and Tokyo DisneySea: Fun for the whole family; visit with your favourite Disney characters, take in a sea show, ride on a coaster or watch a parade.
Miyajima Island: It is only 12 square miles, but this small island is rich with history and lush with ancient forests. Visit the Gumonjido Temple, which was founded in the early part of the 9th century. The island is considered a sacred site of both Buddhism and Shintoism.
Japan is rich with culture and history, and you will gain much better knowledge of its people by visiting some of the sights above. Talk to your travel agent and find out if any of the destinations can be included as part of a package.
Of course, with the recent problems occuring in Japan, it would be best to wait a while before going on vacation there. Relief money would be a great help as well.