Nikko and Kanto area
Nikko Toshogu is a monument dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate, created by his grandson, Tokugawa lemitsu. Built in 1636, this is one of the most popular sites in Japan, so much so that there is a saying the derives from the town’s name: “Don’t stay kekko (wonderful) without having seen Nikko.” The monument itself is famous for the carvings of three monkeys referred to “See no Evil, Hear no Evil, Speak no Evil.”
Lake Chuzenji is a site formed by a dam of lava from the nearby Mt. Nantai. Surrounded by thickly wooded hills, this oval lake is known for its extraordinary depth of 161.5m. This is also a popular summer destination, as the temperature lake-side seldom exceeds 25oC in the summer, and the lake makes for great fishing, yachting and boating.
Kegonnotaki Waterfall, at 96.3m in height, measures as one of Japan’s tallest waterfalls. Tumbling down a precipice of quartz rock and lava created by an eruption of Mount Nantai (the same one that created Lake Chuzenji) the waterfall usually runs full from June to September and freezes from December to April. Since the frozen waterfall is also a spectacular view, this site is a great destination for summer or winter.
Irohazaka winds up the mountain and ends on the eastern shores of Lake Chuzenji. Including both uphill and downhill sides, the road has a total of 48 hairpin curves, which is the same number as the amount of symbols in the Japanese hiragana syllabary, so the road was named for the first 3 syllables: I, ro, ha.
Tokyo Tower claims the title of the world’s highest self supporting structure at 333m high, edging out the Eiffel Tower by 13m. Completed in 1958 as a broadcast tower, and with an abservation deck offering views of Ginza, Tokyo Bay, Yokohama and even Mt. Fuji in clear weather.
Imperial Palace Plaza denotes the spacious area between the east side of the Imperial Palace and Marunouchi Office district and a vast lawn with pine groves on the other. You will find a fountain commemorating the marriage of the current Emperor and Express at the north while on the south a bronze statue of the famous 14th century feudal lord Kusunoki Masashige can be found.
Asakusa is famous for its Sensoji Temple (Asakusa Kannon Temple) & Nakamise shopping street. Nakamise comprise the 300m approach to the temple, and are one of the oldest shopping districts in Japan, dating back to the late 17th century. Their wares included toys, sweets, snacks and souvenirs. Also some shops sell traditional knick-knacks, festival foods and rice crackers known as senbei.
Meiji Jingu Shrine is a Shinto Shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Dowager Shoken, who passed away in 1912 and 1914 respectively. The Shrine was completed in 1920, covers 700m2 and has three separate areas: the Naien (Inner Precinct) with a focus on the shrine buildings, the Gaien (Otter Precinct) that includes sports facilities and a Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery, and the Meiji Memorial Hall. The forest covering the Shrine’s grounds boasts 120,000 trees of 365 different species.
Sumida River Cruises provide a fascinating glimpse of the Tokyo lost history as well as showcasing the modern skyline of the city. A variety of cruises are available, the most popular being a shuttle boat between Asakusa and Hinode Pier terminal of Tokyo Port, which takes about 40 minutes one-way.
Tea Ceremony at Happoen is a chance to take part in the ritual way of preparing and drinking green tea, a custom strongly influenced by Zen Buddhism. Nowadays, tea ceremony remains a popular hobby among people of all ages, and ceremonies are held anywhere from traditional Japanese rooms at cultural community centers to private homes.
At Tokyo Bay Cruises, you can enjoy a variety of cruises with trips starting at Hinode Pier, going under Rainbow Bridge and passing by Odaiba, the Museum of Maritime Science and Shinagawa Terminal. Classic boats are known for their structural magnificence and grace, as well as their tasteful modernity.
The National Diet Building can be seen on Kasumigaseki Hill and serves as Japan’s central government building. Taking 18 years to build and finally completed in 1936, the building stand at 65.5m high with a tall, central tower and is a well-known Tokyo landmark. The right hall is used by the house of Councillors while the left hall is used by the House of Representatives.
Ginza literally means “Silver Place” and its name derives from the mint for silver that was located in this area during the Edo Period. Extending from Kyobashi to Shimbashi, it is a leading shopping district of Tokyo. Many of the finest stores, from designer to department to specialty, can be found here. Ginza is also known for its tea houses, restaurants, bars and cabarets. While many new shopping and business centers crop up in Tokyo, Ginza has kept its reputation for a reason.
Boso no-mura boasts a fully restored Edo and Meiji Era (17th-19th) street, where you can experience various crafts, as well as attempt to put on a Japanese samurai helmet. As soon as you enter, you feel as though you’ve stepped into the Edo Period, and will enjoy a street lined with traditional merchant homes, warriors’ houses and farm buildings stretching over 19ha.
Mt. Fuji, the highest and most popular mountain in Japan, rises 3,776m above the sea. Considered as one of the most beautiful conical volcanoes in the world, the base of Mt. Fuji forms almost a perfect circle, stretching 35 to 40 km from east to west and north to south. The volcano has been inactive for over 250 years, and you can go up to the 5th station of Mt. Fuji by bus.
Lake Ashi is a typical caldera lake formed between the outer and inner crater ridge of volcanoes, and a cruise on this beautiful lake is quite ideal. The lake abounds in fish such as black bass and rainbow trout. The inverted reflection of Mt. Fuji in also stunning.
Hakone Ropeway crosses the Ashinoko Lake, taking about 30 minutes once way to cross. With its highest point at 1000m sea level, the Tramway offers great view of Mt. Fuji.
Central Japan Area
Imyyama Castle was originally constructed in 1537, and was declared a National Treasure in 1952-only one of the four castles in Japan to hold that title. Easily distinguished by its white feudal architecture, the castle sits atop a hill overlooking the rapids and is also known as the Hakuteiji, or White Emperor’s Castle, inspired from an ancient Chinese poem. While the castle looks as if it has three stories, it houses four floors within its exquisite constructions.
Cormorant Fishing at Kiso River is a unique and historical method of fishing with birds. First signs of its practice are recorded in the old census registration dating back to 702. A ring is fastened at the base of each cormorant bird’s neck to ensure that the birds do not swallow the fish. This custom is still kept up today, and only takes place at night by torch light.
Nagoya Castle was built in 1612 by Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Era, and is famous for the golden dolphins that sit atop the castle tower roof. Before the Tokugawa Shogunate was overthrown in 1867 the Owari branch of the Tokugawa family lived in the castle. Most of the castle was burnt down by air raids during World War II, but the main tower was rebuilt in 1959 with new concrete reinforcements. Now, the tower houses historical exhibits in its five floors, introducing the history of Nagoya to visitors.
The Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology was co-founded by 13 companies within the Toyota group. It was originally established to hand down the “research and spirit of creation” to future generations and also to educate visitors about the “conservation and application of industrial remains.” True to its goals, the museum features easy-to-understand exhibits that depict the mechanics of the industry, from textiles to automobiles, through actual equipment.
The Ise Jingu Shrine consists of an inner and outer shrine. The inner shrine worships the Sun Goddess, while the latter outer shrine is dedicated to the Goddess of Harvest and Sericulture. According to historical records, the inner shrine was founded in 4 B.C., while the outer was built in 478. Since the 7th century with such a long history, visitors to this shrine can deeply feel the ancient, solemn atmosphere of Japan’s traditional religion.
Mikimoto Pearl Island is the starting point of Japan’s renowned pearl-brand, Mikimoto, as this was where the company’s founder first succeeded in culturing pearls. The Mikimoto Pearl Museum displays pearl-related tools, utensils and crafts in its four exhibition rooms, in addition to different stages of pearls, from its raw, natural state, to cultivation, to designing and selling. Here you can also watch lady pearl divers, also know as “ama (Ocean lady),” dive and buy pearl goods fresh from the ocean.
Kyoto, Nara and Osaka Area
Sanjuusangendo is a national treasure with 1,030 life-sized Buddhist statues posing in its serene main hall. The most prized statue is of a seated Thousand-handed Kannon, which was carved by the famed Japanese sculptor, Tankei. All of the 29 Kannon statues are designated national treasures, while other 1,001 smaller statues are recognized as important cultural properties. The Temple takes its name from the 33 spaces in between the pillars that hold up the main alter, in Buddhism, the number 33 is one of symbolic importance, as the Bodhisattva Kannon is said to incarnate 33 different shapes during the missions of mercy.
Kiyomizudera Temple is famous for its Main Hall and a wide, wooden veranda atop a cliff that offers a panoramic view of Kyoto city. The veranda is supported by a wooden scaffold that is somewhat camouflaged by the hillside of trees it is built on, so the veranda appears to be floating in midair. The veranda overlooks and extremely deep valley and has even inspired the common Japanese expression, “Jumping from Kiyomizudera Temple’s veranda,” which means to do something daring. The present temple building was built in 1633, and its main hall has been designated as a national treasure.
Heian Shrine is a famous building established to commemorate the 1,100th anniversary of the founding of Kyoto in 1895. The shrine is further dedicated to the founder of Kyoto, Emperor Kammu, and the last emperor of Kyoto, Emperor Komei. As a commemoration building, all the structures inside the shrine, except for the ferroconcrete torii gate, are miniature replicas of Kyoto’s first Imperial Palace, which was completed in 794.
Nijo Castle was built in 1603 as the Kyoto residence for Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Era. The castle’s main court was burnt down in 1788, so only the second court is left untouched as it was built. The present main gate was reconstructed in 1827, with designs inspired by the Kyoto Imperial Palace. The castle also currently houses many cultural treasures, including the Chinese Gate and buildings dating back to the Momoyama Era (16th century). Aside from its eventful history, the splendid architecture and rich interior decorations further merit the castle’s designation as a national treasure.
Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion), a famous Muromachi Ear building, is located at the foot of Kinugasa Hill. It was originally designed as a villa for a court noble, but when the third Shogun, Yoshimitsu Ashikaga took over, he greatly improved the structure, and even chose it as his personal home after retiring from politics. Ashikaga laid out an adjacent garden in 1394, but by his will, his successor converted the villa into a Buddhist Temple, under the name of Rokuonji Temple, Rokuonji Temple was then burned down in 1950 and later reconstructed in 1955.
Kyoto Imperial Palace, renowned for its elegant simplicity, served as the official Emperor’s palace until the country’s capital moved to Tokyo during the Meiji Restoration of 1867. The Palace was originally located in the southwest part of the city, but was destroyed by fire in 1788, and hence rebuilt in the same style at the present location. However, this new palace was again burnt down in 1854 and rebuilt the following year. Since then, buildings dating back to the 1855 rebuild are the Hall for State Ceremonies, the Study Hall, and the Seiryoden.
Gion has twon main spots of interest for visitors: the Gion Ancient Capital Conservation district and Gion Corner. The Conservation District covers the area from the Yosh-Ima Japanese Inn up to the Gion Corner, a reference building. The two spots are linked by narrow pathways that lead to tea houses and other traditional buildings. Gion Corner was established in 1962 and has been popular among international tourists because visitors can learn about and enjoy an overview of Japanese traditional arts, including puppet and comic plays. There is a Maiko Gallery on the first floor of the building that displays interesting maiko related goods and items.
Todaiji Temple was completed in 752 and houses one of the largest bronze statues in the world. Guests are welcomed into the temple by an imposing gate that is 25m high. Todaiji Temple’s Great Buddha is recognized as a national treasure. The striking statue is 16.2m tall, with a face that measures 4.8m long and 3m wide, eyes that measure 1.2m wide, and a nose that is 48cm long. The statue is made of 437 tons of bronze, 75kg of mercury, 130kg of pure gold and other materials.
Kasuga Taisha Shrine makes the most of its lush surroundings to create a soothing atmosphere of peace and holiness unmatched by any other shrine. Since its first construction in 710, the shrine’s Kasuga-styled vermillion-colored buildings have been repaired every 20 years to maintain upkeep. Visitors walking in from the east are greeted with a path lined with nearly 3,000 lanterns that leads to the spacious temple precincts. Inside, the Main Hall is surrounded by an impressive gallery, and four other buildings that have all been named national treasures.
Nara Park is popularly called “Deer Park” because of the many deer which roam the park freely alongside visitors. The park is a natural woodland of fine turf and features various tree species, including the Japanese cedar, Wisteria, Japanese andromeda, and Japanese yew trees.
Western Japan, Shikoku, Kyushu area
Naoshima Island is the small island on Setouchi Inland Sea with the population of 1,500 people. However it has become the center for the art activities that extend throughout the area. Benesse Foundation deploys three major art museums and projects, Benesse House, Chichu Art Museum and Art House Project at which you will enjoy various modern art harmonizing the local scenery.
At Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, you will find the A-Bomb Dome, where the atomic bomb was first dropped in Japan and the Peace Memorial Museum. Ruins of the Industrial Promotional Hall have been preserved as opposed to rebuilt, in order to show the raw destructions of war and remind people of the tragedy. The A-Bomb Dome was recognized as an UNESCO World Heritage Site in December 1996.
Miyajima is located in the island sea, and is home to the Itsukushima Jinja Shrine, which is represented by its famous torii gate that appears to float on water. The shrine was first built in 593, and in the 12th century, Taira Kiyomori, the Heian Era warlord, funded the remodelling of the main building into shinden-zukuri styled structure. The corridors of the shrine, with beautiful vermillion hand rails, stretch into the calm island sea. There, the famed torii gate rises 16 meters above sea level. Its columns are 10 meters in circumference and are made from sturdy camphor wood. It is further supported by small pillars buried in the seabed. This area was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996.
Iya is the area surrounded by precipitous mountains and deep valleys and called as the hidden scenic spot of Japan. The main attraction in this area is Kazurabashi, the bridge that is made of vines and crosses over deep Iya valley, Biwa waterfall that has the height of 50m2. Also you will be able to experience the atmosphere of local residence at Chiiori, the site where old residence was reconstructed, Ryugu-Gate Park, the park and the camping site along the gorge, and the Manikin Piss that looks over the gorge from the height of 200m.
Wakimachi is located in Mima city, the eastern part of Shikoku. In this town you will be able to enjoy walking along Udatsu Street where traditional local residences are reconstructed. They are registered as the preserved area of traditional important buildings.
Naruto City is the eastern edge of Shikoku, and famous for Naruto Ohashi bridge and the whirlpool. You will be able to enjoy watching the whirlpool in the boat.
Aizumi Historical Museum exhibits equipments used for indigo dyeing, and cloths. Indigo dyeing used to be the major industry in Eastern Shikoku area, and this museum aims to preserve the history and the techniques of dyeing.
