Historical and cultural treasures, fascinating temples and revered shrines, beautiful forests and scenic gardens, mountains and sea coasts, add to this modern futuristic sights, cozy, small old-styled pubs (Izakaya), big shopping areas and much more — this is what makes Japan a traveler’s paradise. Whether this is your first visit to this unique country or tenth, you’ll discover Japan from a completely different angle.
Choosing the most unique and worth-a-visit sights from a huge list of Japan attractions is something really difficult. Yet, we have done it for you, and here are some of the sightseeing options that you shouldn’t miss out during your Japan vacations. Explore! Discover! Enjoy!
Horyuji Temple
Registered on UNESCO’s World Heritage list in 1993, Horyuji Temple – the ‘Treasure House of the Ancient Buddhist Art,’ is one of the must-see attractions in Japan that is acknowledged to house over 2,300 important cultural and historical wooden structures of different ages (from the 7th to the 19th centuries) that are concentrated and preserved in one area. Located in the fief of Prince Shotoku, Land of Ikaruga, nearly 13 km southwest of Nara city, the Horyuji Temple is composed of two main buildings: Kondo – the main temple and five-story pagoda – the world’s oldest tower at 31.5 meters height. You will see a wide range of national treasures representing Japanese Buddhist art, among which are the outstanding statues of ‘Kudara Kannon,’ Guze Kannon,’ and ‘Yumechigai Kannon.’ Unlike many other historic attractions in Japan, Horyuji is wheelchair accessible and offers international tourists pamphlets in various foreign languages.
Ogaswara Islands
Replete with spectacularly beautiful nature and rare endemic species, the isolated Ogasawara Islands, also known as the ‘Galapagos of the Orient,’ are located about 1,000 km south of Tokyo comprising 30-plus large and small islands, of which only two (Chichijima and Hajima) are populated and can be reached by a once-a-week ferry from Takeshiba pier in Tokyo. Gorgeous white sandy beaches and dunes, a large number of flora and fauna, an underwater park, a rare underwater limestone sinkhole, excellent diving and snorkeling experiences and much more are waiting adventure seekers and eco-tourism lovers in search of relaxation and enjoyment. The island chain was occupied by the United States after the war but in 1968 was returned to Japan and now it is populated by over 2,500 people. At the 35th session of the World Heritage Committee in Paris the islands were added to UNESCO’s list of World Heritage sites.
Shiretoko National Park
Ideally located on the Shiretoko Peninsula in the furthest northeast of Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan, the spectacular Shiretoko Park is another not-to-be-missed attraction with UNESCO designation. Covering some 387 sq. km, or roughly half of the Shiretoko Peninsula, Shiretoko, which means ‘end of the Earth’ in Ainu language, is one of the most pristine parts of Japan, offers visitors an experience of a different kind. What will surely dazzle you in the park include several marine and terrestrial endangered species, like the Blackston’s Fish owl and Viola Kitamiana, Steller’s sea lion; Higuma – Brown Bears; Sea Ice, Volcanoes / Thermal and a plethora of activities to indulge in. The only way to access Shiretoko is by boat or on foot. Enjoy hiking, trekking, camping, star watching, sea-kayaking, diving under drift-ice and much more. This is just the beginning…
Holidays in the authentic country of Japan are a truly unique experience, combining leisure, enjoyment and relaxation!
