5 Most Interesting Japanese Attractions

Japan is a treasure trove of places to visit. Everything from historic landmarks, arts, religion, and entertainment can be found there. Most travelers tend to get overwhelmed with the available options, so we have compiled a shortlist of some of the exciting places to visit while in Japan. If you’re looking for exotic holidays or a simple Japan holidays all inclusive, then Japan is the place to be.

 

Jigokudani Yaen-Koen snow monkeys

Mount Fuji

No trip to Japan would ever be deemed complete without a visit to Mount Fuji. Rising at 3,776 meters over an otherwise flat landscape. Visible enough from Tokyo which is some 100 kilometers away, the mountain is a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site. Scaled by over a million people in the summer months alone, this pilgrimage to the summit culminates to view the sunrise. Climbers can start at either the base of the mountain or at the halfway mark for an ascent that’s roughly 6 hours long.

Fuji

Samurai Museum

Learn the ways of the samurai or at least some basic Japanese sword handling. The Samurai Museum in Shinjuku offers a workshop on sword handling techniques as well as access to areas where guests can put on samurai costumes and take photographs. The museum also contains various samurai related items and equipment. Guests will be happy to know the guided tours are free and available in English.

Samurai Museum Shinjuku

Kyoto

Noted as one of Japan’s most highly city, Kyoto attracts over 10 million visitors each year. Favored for its old architecture and ancient streets, much of Kyoto has remained untouched since the Imperial family came into power some 1,000 years ago. A large percentage of the architecture derives from architecture influenced heavily by Buddhism. Aside from the countless museums filled with various art forms and paintings, Kyoto has 30 temples, well preserved, and are still in use. Some prominent structures to note are the Nijo Castle, Golden Pavilion, and Kyoto Imperial Palace. Another famous spot is the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove which has graced the cover of magazines, websites, and a multitude of social media uploaded images.

kiyomizu-dera-Kyoto

Shinyokohama Raumen Museum

This one of a kind tourist destination takes guests on a tour of a museum that focuses solely on the very popular Japanese noodle dish — the ramen. Found all over Japan, ramen is a staple that can be acquired in convenience stores as well as actual ramen shops. At the museum, an in-depth history of the ramen is presented. Along with this, a variety of fake food displays can be found throughout the building.

To make it even more interesting, one basement level is a replica of old town Tokyo in the late 50s. It was said that the era brought about the rapid growth of the ramen’s popularity. To complete the visit, there are ramen stores that sell mini portions of ramen dishes.

Shinyokohama Raumen Museum Tokyo

Jigokudani Yaen-Koen

Deep in a remote mountain area, Japanese macaques can be found in their natural habitat. These wild monkeys have been featured countless times due to their onsen soaking practices. The onsen or hot spring is a popular attraction during the winter months. Tourists from all over the world would come in droves to see the amusing sight of these macaques serenely relaxing in the warm waters. From the park entrance of Kanbayashi Onsen, it takes a good 30 minutes to reach the park. The brisk exercise is hardly noticed thanks to the welcoming sight of the bathing monkeys.

Jigokudani Yaen-Koen