Top 10 Must-Visit Places in Japan

Japan is one of the most famous destinations in the world. Although Japan is advanced in technology and architecture, tourists still can see their well-kept unique culture. Almost all their historical sites are still used for purposes, while the rest of it open to public. Japan is good to visit all year. Tourists are safer in this country as the crime rates are one of the lowest. Though there are so many places to go in Japan, here are top 10 must-visit places when you go to Japan.

10. Jigokudani Monkey Park

Do you like to see monkeys? If yes, then you should go to Jigokudani monkey park, a famous hot spring area near Nagano. In Japanese, Jigokudani means "Hell's Valley", named for its steam and boiling water bubbles out the frozen ground. Surrounding the area is steep cliffs and cold forests. The kind of monkeys you will see here is snow monkeys, which always comes to sit in the warm hot springs. When the sun sets, they are back to the forests, for their own security.

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9. Himeji Castle

Himeji Castle is one of the best existing Japanese-style castle. It used to defend against enemis during feudal period, has been rebuilt many times and even survived the bombings of World War II. Himeji Castle has been seen in domestic and foreign films. One of the most famous ones is James Bond's "You Only Live Twice".

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8. Hiroshima Peace Memorial

A reminder to what happened in Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, Hiroshima Peace Memorial is a place where you see Genbaku Dome, the only building left standing in the vicinity after the bombing happened.

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7. Todaiji Temple

Visit Todaiji Temple, the largest wooden building in the world where you can see the largest bronze Buddha statue. The place is so beautiful as it's surrounded by beautiful garden and wildlife. Not only that, there is also the Kegon school of Buddhism in the center of the area where you can see many Japanese artifacts and buddhist history.

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6. Kiyomizudera

Kiyomizudera (literally means "Pure Water Temple") is a Buddhist temple located in Eastern Kyoto, was founded in 798 in the early Heian period (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heian_period). The temple is best known for its wooden stage that juts out from its main hall, 13 meters above the hillside below. The stage is where visitors can see amazing views of maple and cherry trees below that is mostly beautiful in spring and fall, as well as the city of Kyoto in the distance.The main hall and the stage were built without the use of nails.  Kiyomizudera was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1994.

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5. Tokyo Tower

The Tokyo Tower is a tower inspired by the design of Eiffel tower in Paris. This tower is the second tallest in Japan, functioning as a means for communications and observation tower. The most amazing thing to visit it is that you can climb the tower to see amazing views of the city of Tokyo!

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4. Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji is not only of the most popular attractions but also the highest mountain  in Japan. Numerous of climbers have already seen the beauty of this volcanic mountain  There are about 200,000 people climbing Mount Fuji every year. if you are not a climber, then you can still see this beautiful mountain from distance.

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3. Tokyo Imperial Palace

Tokyp Imperial Palace used to be a home to the Emperor of Japan. The palace is built on the ruins of older castles that were destoryed by fire of war. Now the new palace has traditional Japanese gardens and many reception rooms as well as function rooms to receive guests and welcome the public.

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2. Great Buddha of Kamakura

Great Buddha of Kamakura is a dolossal outdoor representation of Amida Buddha, famous Buddhist figure in Japan. The Great Buddha is 13 meters (40 feet) high and weights nearly 93 tons. The statue is cast in bronze, created in 1252. The statue used to be housed in a small wooden temple but because of the tsunami in the 15th century, the temple was washed away leaving the statue now put in the open air.

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1. The Temple of Golden Pavilion

The Temple of Golden Pavilion, or Kinkaku-ji, is the most popular attraction in Japan, overlooking a large pond. This pavilion was built in the late 14th century, to serve Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu as a retirement villa. The pavilion has burnt down numerous times, and recently in 1950 by a young monk who was so fanatic to it. The present structure was rebuilt in 1955. The pavilion is covered in gold leaf which highlights the reflection of the pavilion in the pond and the pond's reflection on the building.

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