Sayonara, Regular Tourist Destinations! Say Hello to Exciting Japan

If you want to explore beyond the usual tourism hotspots that the world offers, Japan – The Land of the Cherry Blossom is without a doubt the best country to travel to for a holiday. First, the mix of antiquated traditions with shrines and temples, and high modernity with skyscrapers and bustling shopping arcades would give you a glimpse into its unique culture. Second, its natural attractions and heritage-listed sites cannot be missed. Third, you have an added advantage of seamless transportation services where travelling from one part of the country to the next for sightseeing is a breeze.

Read on to find out the best places to see in Japan…

Extravaganza in Tokyo

Previously known as Edo, Tokyo is now the world’s most densely inhabited metropolis. Amidst such bustle, the pristine Imperial Palace right in the city’s heart is a remarkable historic attraction in Japan. Currently the official residence of the Imperial Family, this palace stands where the 15^th-century Edo Castle stood. While you cannot enter the inner grounds of this castle, the surrounding areas including the Garden Plaza in Kokyogaien National Gardens and the East Garden of the Imperial Palace are accessible. The Garden Plaza is a tranquil spot filled with around 2000 black pine trees where you can stroll around with your loved ones. You cannot miss the striking view of the Nijubashi Bridge, serving as the entrance to the castle. Taking some photographs here will not be disappointing!

After spending some quiet time, visit Ginza. This historic neighbourhood in Japan is one of the top spots to enjoy shopping. Head to its main street, Chuo-Dori, filled with high-end stores. At this massive 7-storey departmental store, you will also find renowned designer labels including Pleats Please, Issey Miyake, Balenciaga and many other brands. Another high-end shopping complex in the area that recently opened is Ginza Six. Housing over 250 stores spread across 14 storeys. When you wish to take a brief break from shopping, head to Ginza Grand Premium Food Hall to enjoy some authentic Japanese, Chinese and Western delicacies. Then go up to the massive rooftop garden to relax. Can’t do without authentic Indian food? The Chuo-ku area in this neighborhood houses fantastic Indian dine-outs. One such is the Dharmasāgara restaurant offering traditional South Indian delicacies and recommended as Michelin’s Bib Gourmand. You will enjoy the warm ambience set right with fantastic music here.

Next, take a 2-hour scenic drive from the capital to Japan’s most visited natural attraction and a heritage-listed site – Mount Fuji. Standing at a staggering altitude of 3,776 metres above sea level, this sacred mountain is also a volcano that erupted 3 centuries ago. If you are not thinking about climbing up the mountain, you can still take a drive up to Fuji Subaru Line 5^th Station, about 2300 metres above sea level. The breathtaking view of the surroundings with the mountain looming over you is something you will never forget. Don’t forget to take your camera along and pose for photographs with the mountains as the backdrop. To sate your appetite, head to Mount Fuji Miharashi, and try out their amazing ramen and hot tea. Your day does not end here though, as the enchanting Lake Ashi - situated about 50 km away from Mount Fuji - invites you to witness another natural wonder. Get prepared to take a lovely cruise on a boat through the lake surrounded by greenery. This half-an-hour’s cruise is one of the best things to do while in Japan, as the remarkable sight of Mount Fuji will spellbind you on a cloudless day.

Read More: 7 Reasons Why Indians Must Travel To Tokyo

A Taste of Culture in Osaka

Another city in Japan to add to your sightseeing list is Osaka. With its second busiest international airport in Japan and a variety of shopping, historic and modern attractions, you are offered more than you can possibly imagine here! Popularly dubbed as Tenka no Daidokoro, or, better translated to The Nation’s Kitchen – this historic port city’s cosmopolitan magnetism will surely entice you.

If history and architecture are your primary interests, you shouldn’t miss out on visiting Osaka Castle. Easily one of the top attractions of Japan, this historic castle has been restored a couple of times after it was initially built more than 400 years ago. While the main castle tower stands at a height of 55 metres above ground, do explore the museum inside containing eight different floors with various exhibits including screen paintings of wars held 300 years ago along with samurai costumes. Go up to the observation deck on the top floor and enjoy some panoramic views of the entire city. Apart from the surrounding gates and massive stone walls, this castle is bound by the famed Osaka Castle Park. Filled with greenery stretching for about 2 km, the Nishinomaru Garden is a must-visit. This garden is home to over 600 cherry trees and tea ceremony house Hoshoan is an excellent place to give your sightseeing a short break.

If you are looking for recreational options, head to Minami in the southern part of the city. This neighborhood is famous for the colourful Dotonbori area and is best visited during the evenings. When you are here, do take some pics in front of the iconic Glico Running Man that was first put up around 1935. While there are several street food stalls serving delicious Japanese pancakes known as okonomiyaki, you should also try out some kebabs at Kushikatsu Daruma.

Tranquility in Nara

While you are in Osaka, you can even opt for a sightseeing tour to Kyoto and Nara that will last for a day. You may have come across the beautiful Zen Gardens and the sacred Shinto Shrines numerous times in the pictures of Japan, but this is all Kyoto. Considered as the cultural heart of the country, this city is home to 400 Shinto shrines and one of the most important and oldest is the Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine. The well-maintained Torii gates here built around the 8^th century are its main attraction. You will need to spend 2-3 hours here, as the entire trail would require 2-3 hours to complete. Once you reach the top of Mount Inari that is 233 metres high, you will surely enjoy the sweeping views of the entire region. After you descend, head to the souvenir shops nearby and do buy the ceramic Fox Fortunes, silk crepe fox straps and fox dolls for your little ones.

Nara, another important cultural centre of the country, is popular for the heritage-listed Todai-ji Temple. To visit the temple, you would first need to head to the beautiful Nara Park covering around 660 hectares of sheer greenery. This ancient temple is at the northern end of the park. You will be amazed when you see the 16-metre tall bronze statue of Buddha Vairocana enclosed inside the Great Buddha Hall. If you didn’t know, this hall, also known as Daibutsuden, is also one of the world’s largest wooden buildings. The calming ambience of this temple with the friendly Sika Deer roaming freely around the park would transport you to a different plane of existence.

With this Japan travel guide, you can visit numerous places to and do endless things during a single holiday. From mind numbing natural wonders, well-landscaped parks around ancient and medieval attractions to endless eating and shopping destinations within each city, your holiday would be extraordinary. When you are travelling to Japan for the first time, just pick any of the Japan holiday packages from MakeMyTrip and get a first-hand experience of its attractions that you have always seen in postcards.

Read More: Don’t Be Surprised For You Are Now In Japan

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