Senso-ji is Tokyo's largest and oldest Buddhist Temple, and is one of the must-see spots in Tokyo. Leading up to the temple itself is Nakamise, an old-style shopping street where you can find Japanese art, kimonos, souvenirs, and a variety of different foods. Around the temple, there are also food stalls selling amazingly delicious street fare such as yakisoba (fried noodles), fried chicken, skewered meats, and more..
The Tokyo Imperial Palace is the primary residence of the Emperor of Japan. It is a large park-like area located in the Chiyoda ward of Tokyo and contains a series of buildings including the main palace, the private quarters of the Imperial Family, an archive, museums, and the administrative offices. It is built on the site of the old Edo Castle, and is a large space. The total area including the gardens is 1.15 square kilometres (0.44 sq mi).
Kanazawa-jo Castle is a large, partially-restored castle in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. It is located adjacent to the celebrated Kenroku-en Garden, which once formed the castle's private outer garden. It was once ruled by the powerful Maeda clan for 14 generations from the Sengoku period until the coming of the Meiji Restoration in 1871, and is a notable marker of history.
The Kenroku-en Garden has been called one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan. Complete with a pond and beautiful vegetation, the park gives off a serene, peaceful feeling. The garden is beautiful and different looking dependent upon the season, so there is never a bad time to visit.
The Higashi Chaya District features “chayas” or tea houses where geishas would entertain clients with songs and dance. Higashi Chaya District is the largest chaya in Kanazawa. Usually exclusive and private, there are two chayas that are open to the public here.
The Nagamachi Samurai District was a place where samurais and their families took up residence in the past. Located right before the Kanazawa-jo Castle, the area now has some samurai houses that have been restored serving as a museum of samurai artifacts. Going here gives you a glimpse at Japan’s feudal past.
Shirakawago is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to the Gassho-style houses in the village. The houses are a popular sight due to the unique structure, with steep roofs made out of palm. "Gassho" is the pose Japanese people assume when they bring their hands together to pray to the gods, and the houses were named "Gassho-style" houses because the shape of the large roofs resemble this pose. People still continue to reside in these historical houses.
From the Ogimachi-jo Castle Ruin Observatory area, you can look down at the beautiful view of the historical village of Shirakawago.The castle itself served as a fortress, and is a popular spot for photo opportunities as well.
Takayama has a festival that is held for two days in the spring and two days in the fall. Considered to be one of Japan’s most beautiful festival, floats are usually elaborately decorated and paraded during the festival.
At the Takayama Yatai Kaikan Exhibition Hall, people can see the beautiful floats and admire the careful detail that went into each one.
Takayama's old town is a glimpse into the past with well-preserved buildings and streets of houses dating from the Edo Period (1600-1868), when the city was thriving and busy with wealthy merchants.
There are many interesting and unique places to check out, especially in the southern half of the old town. Places like Sannomachi Street, in particular, have many old homes, shops, coffee houses and sake breweries, some of which have been in business for centuries.
Nijo-jo is a castle in Kyoto that was once the residence of the Tokugawa Shoguns. The castle is large and can be divided into three sections- the Honmaru, the Ninomaru, and the Ninomaru garden area. The Ninomaru Palace and the garden area is accessible to the public, and the garden is a popular spot to visit among visitors.
Kinkaku-ji is one of the most famous Zen Buddhist Temple in Kyoto, and possibly Japan. The temples top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf, and was built in sn extravagant style that mirrored the culture of Kyoto during that time. Beautifully nestled into a backdrop of trees, it remains a landmark of Kyoto.
Heian-jingu Shrine is dedicated to the first and last emperors of Kyoto, and as such, serve as an important nod to Kyoto’s history as the capital of Japan. There is a giant torii gate at the shrine that is used during the Jidai Festival, as well as some museums to explore. The weeping cherry trees in the garden behind the shrine are also a popular sight to see in the spring.
Gion is a place filled with history and rich culture in Kyoto, and is one of the most famous Geisha districts in Japan. Walking along the streets of Gion, people are treated to beautiful old-fashioned wooden buildings and tea houses where people can experience a traditional tea ceremony. The most famous sight of all are the elusive geishas and maikos, geisha apprentices, that are seen walking along Gion. Gion is no doubt, a perfect place to go for those who would like to experience a bit of old Japan, with traditional culture and art.
Todai-ji temple is Buddhist Temple and home to the Great Buddha Statue. The temple was considered a powerful institution that held a lot of influence in government affairs. Today it is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must see in Nara.
The Main Hall of Todai-ji Temple is the Daibutsuden, or the Great Buddha Hall. Considered the world’s largest wooden building, the temple houses one of the largest and most famous bronze Buddha Statues. The statue stands at 15 meters and is a popular sight among visitors.
Kasuga-taisha is a shrine in Nara that was dedicated as a symbol of protection for the city. The shrine is decorated with lanterns that have been dedicated by worshippers. Most of the shrine is accessible to the public, except the inner area in which there is an entry fee. The shrine is possibly Nara’s most celebrated shrine to date.
Nara Deer Park is one of the most famous destinations in Nara due to the large population of deer that roam the park and surrounding area. The deer used to be thought of as messengers of the gods in Shinto religion, but have now become a cultural symbol.
