----Japan is a beautiful country full of wonderful things to see, both in the cities than in the countryside. Many say that the contrast between technology and tradition is the main attraction, but it seems unfair to characterize all that way. Japan is a country that should be visited and by reading this article you can understand better why.
10 most beautiful places, a quick overview:
Tokyo
Tokyo is not a city to be visited for its traditions, but is still full of wonderful places to be discovered. Popular to be explored include Ginza districts (for shopping), Akihabara (for those who like anime, or hoping to find some cheap electronics), Shibuya (for nightlife and Japanese fashion), Shinjuku (for its nightlife), Harajuku (preferably on a Sunday, for the Goths and insane mode), Asakusa (for an old atmosphere), Roppongi (if foreign miss you) and Odaiba (for fun).
Although this is common and you've probably heard before spoken, there are also some typical places in Japan. For example, the Tsukiji market (although you need to be there at 5:00) is quite impressive! You should come prepared with shoes that will not be hardened and ready to show you the smallest possible. If you put yourself in their path, the Japanese will not be happy. Keep in mind that part of the sale of tuna auction is now closed to tourists because the flash of cameras disturbed the process of auction and tourists touched the fish.
The Imperial Palace also definitely worth a visit, although for the most part, people only access to the gardens. There visits once a month, although you have to be registered in advance and give your passport details. It is almost impossible to register and you should look for other possibilities: group tours.
Tokyo also has some temples, although only three are really worth visiting: Yasukuni and Meiji Sensoji.
Yasukuni is dedicated to the victims of Japanese war of World War II and thus sanctify war criminals; This temple is highly political and politicized, head cooling times of China-Japan relations. We do ask for money to any of you if you just want to visit, so do not have the impression that you are supporting a bad cause. It is particularly impressive during the nights of Mitama festival, when it is illuminated by thousands of lanterns.
Meiji is dedicated to the Emperor and made a nice walk in Yoyogi Park. Although not so impressive, you may be lucky enough to witness a traditional wedding ceremony! You can easily combine this output with a trip to Harajuku, Yoyogi Koen or where you can see the "rockers Sunday" dressed like they are straight out of Grease.
Finally, the Sensoji temple is by far the most impressive to visit, since it constantly deal with small shops. The temple complex is huge and the main hall definitely worth a visit. Go there in May for the Sanja festival, when you are guaranteed a set of Japanese traditions (and may be able to try traditional Japanese dance).
Finally, the Ryogoku also worth a visit. The sumo stadium comes alive three times a year in Tokyo (January, May and September) and is a wonderful event. The cheap tickets can be purchased on the day, but do not guarantee a seat, although you can take any of that is vacant. It is recommended to get there early, see some struggles in the morning where you can sit right next to the stage, take a long lunch and return in the afternoon to see sumo's highest ranked and parades. The atmosphere is second to none and if you're lucky, you will meet a young sumo who practice your Japanese for lunch.
Outside the city of Tokyo are two places worth a visit both. The first is the Ghibli museum dedicated to Hayao Miyazaki, the creator of the Ghibli films (Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away ...). Tickets must be purchased one week before the entry into any neighborhood store (combini) that has a machine. However, they operate only in Japanese, but you can ask the staff to help you. The tickets include a time at which you must be if you want to enter the museum - this system was created to ensure that there would not be too many people inside the museum at the same time (and in Tokyo, museums can become very crowded).
The second place is a day trip to Takaosan (Mount Takao), which can be a nice hike in the mountains surrounding Tokyo. Only the first part is slightly uphill and the road is paved up, but the colors are gorgeous and the descent through the forest is a real pleasure.
Other convenient locations include Nikko Tokyo, Yokohama and Kamakura. Nikko and Kamakura are beautiful cities, easily accessible by train, full of temples. Nikko should preferably be visited excursion on day two, while Kamakura can be seen in one day (consider a visit to a temple, the Great Buddha (Daibutsu) and are hiking in Enoshima early morning). Yokohama is particularly famous for its Chinatown, as it is the port through which many Chinese goods came. Other popular attractions include the Ramen Museum and the village of Kirin beer.
Kyoto
Kyoto city is full of temples and it will take a lifetime to explore them all. As such, consider the following selection as a directive of the most popular and the most atmospheric views in Kyoto: the Golden Pavilion (Kinkakuji, absolutely gorgeous and should not be missed under any circumstances), Fushimi Inari Shrine (used as filming locations for Memoirs of a Geisha, this temple is a nice walk in the mountains and you get to walk through thousands of orange doors), Nijo Castle (contains beautiful paintings in his plays) Kiyomizudera (after a small meeting of climb along a steep slope, you'll have a nice view of any Kyoto), Gion (where you could take a look at a geisha, if you're lucky).
Outside Kyoto are two especially interesting places for tourists: Nara and Koyasan (Mount Koya). In Nara, Todaiji, which takes another Big Buddha, is a wonderful sight and a walk in the nearby mountains or in the park allows you to relax. You can feed the deer, and even if you do not intend, they probably will (and eat your magazine). Mount Koya is the center of Buddhism in Japan and you can go there to spend a night in a temple. The atmosphere is very conductive to reflection and we will give you the chance to experience the life of a monk for a day or more, depending on how long you want to stay.
Mount Fuji (Fujiyama)
Mount Fuji is the symbol of Japan and its peak is 3776 m above sea level. Flying over Tokyo, you'll get to admire it, as you might from certain locations in the winter when the air is clear. For two months in July and August, it is possible to hike to the top of Fuji, a typical Japanese experience (although once the volcano, you will realize that about a third of the hikers are foreign). It's not an easy hike, so make sure you come prepared with at least running shoes and many layers of sweaters.
Usually, people take a bus to the fifth station, where you then start your hike. Fuji is very wide at the base and is covered with a dense forest called Kuroi Jukai (Sea black trees) due to the high number of suicides committed there (cell phones have no signal and you can be lost very easily); For these reasons, it is perhaps best not to venture there yourselves and therefore prefer the bus. Since it's about four hours from Tokyo, it is customary to leave at 9 am and start climbing at about 13:00 to about 18:00, when you reach the 8th station. There, people stop for dinner and to sleep, getting up around midnight or 1am to finish the climb and watch the sun climbing to the top of the mountain. Although the track is very wide at the beginning, the end does not allow more than a single file and since most Japanese who try this hike are mostly older, you may find yourself stuck behind someone who is resting. The camaraderie of the volcano is impressive, but really go ahead if you do not want to miss the sunrise - one of the best views.
The Japanese have a saying - "He who climbs Fuji a foiest s wise. One who climbs twice is a fool. "And you will often hear the Japanese say, after returning downstairs that Fuji is a mountain designed to be admired from afar.
Miyajima, Matsushima, Amanohashidate
Miyajima, the most popular away from Nihon Sankei is near Hiroshima. The place of the famous torii (gate) orange in the sea, it is definitely worth a visit (if only for the photo). The shrine itself - Itsukushima is also very nice and portions of the walk is over water.
Matsushima, a bay dotted with islands of pine all sizes, is farther north, near Sendai. The walk around the larger islands relaxes undoubtedly and even in summer the temperatures are fairly cool. You can also take a boat cruise of one hour around the islands.
Amanohashidate, despite being the least famous of the three, is perhaps the most exciting. The name means "a bridge to heaven" and to understand the meaning, you need to put your head between your legs and look behind you - try it and you will realize that this is not as crazy as is think. The clouds look like the floor of heaven and the long sandbar dotted with pines, begins to look like a bridge. You can walk there or rent a bicycle. It is also possible to swim here and Amanohashidate enjoys a slightly cooler than the rest of the region microclimate undoubtedly paradise during a wet summer!
Himeji Castle
Himeji Castle, one of the largest in Japan, is quite a detour. To visit one castle, please know that Kyoto, which is nothing compared to the size and splendor of it. Himeji is perhaps the only Japanese castle that has not been destroyed in wars, earthquakes or fires and you get to see the original instead of a reconstruction of cement. Himeji is not recommended in summer, since there is little ventilation inside the castle (unless you reach the highest levels) and haze across the city slightly spoils the view.
Nyuto Onsen
Nyuto onsen is a group of public baths in a very isolated part of Japan. Although they are available almost everywhere, this group is particularly impressive. Indeed, the ryokan Tsurunoyu (inn) offers the opportunity to swim at lower cost. Bring your own towel though, since they do not give any. The public baths in Japan are divided between the sexes, so you can swim to your own advantage (usually a relief to most foreign). The proper etiquette is: do you clean first (tap or with the bath water - but not put your dirty water) before entering the bubbling hot tub. It is normal for you to turn bright red as a lobster and Japanese often go to cool off with the icy water tap.
There are also mixed bathing, although in the latter it is usual to cover you. They are mostly used by families and children can swim with both their parents.
Park Shiretoko
Hokkaido is famous for its unspoiled nature and the park Shiretoko is no exception. Indeed, the entire peninsula is boasts an impressive wildlife and beautiful flora, as well as a pretty hot waterfall - which can be quite welcome since Hokkaido summers are never so hot. This peninsula is so well preserved that no route is accessed and therefore it can only be reached on foot or by boat. You can see bears, as well as deer and other wildlife.
Izu Peninsula
The whole peninsula is a popular resort for its beautiful beaches and hot springs. Although qu'Atami is well connected with a stop shinkansen, Ito also has direct trains to Tokyo (Super-View Odoriko) not only take very little time, but also have large windows to take make the most of the view (which is absolutely amazing).
The most popular beaches are in Izu Shimoda, all covered with white sand and with access to transparent sea. The Japanese love it and they are right, it is absolutely sublime. You can also stay on the beach at night to play with fireworks before retreating to your very expensive ryokan (Japanese-style inn).
Yaeyama Islands of
The Yaeyama Islands are the southernmost and westernmost of Japan and give you the opportunity to meet people whose Japanese is absolutely not understandable. However, the islands are peaceful and beautiful enough to make you want to get settled for the rest of your life (which may be a good idea as the people of Okinawa have the longest life expectancy in the world - easily more hundred years). Think of the islands of Iriomote and Taketomi, since they are not so populated and offer good hiking trails. On Taketomi, you can also visit a traditional Ryukyu village, very well preserved. Overall diving and relaxation are the norm these islands.
Takayama & Kanazawa
Takayama and Kanazawa are two very well preserved in Gifu prefecture cities, offering the opportunity to witness what life was like before Japan. Takayama has a festival in spring and autumn and is widely consider it one of the best festivals in Japan. Kanazawa is a city that has avoided destruction by fire during the Second World War and as such, much of the old town (castle, samurai district and entertainment district) is still in very good condition . Kanazawa is famous for its garden: Kenrokuen, which is considered one of the finest in Japan.
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