With so many shrines, temples, zen gardens, and castles, strewn across the islands of Japan, where do you start?
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10. Hiroshima Peace Park
Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial (A-Bomb dome) and learn about the history in the peace park, where you’ll find exhibits of Hibakusha and monuments to pay your respects.
9. Sensoji Temple
Visit Tokyo’s oldest temple in the Asakusa district. On the way there, stop off at the street stalls and grab some handmade maneki neko – traditional good luck charms.
8. Kiyomizudera Temple
Perched on the edge of a cliff overlooking the city of Kyoto, this temple is renowned for its cherry blossoms in the spring, and of course its impressive architecture.
7. Osaka Castle
Visit the grounds of Osaka Castle, and walk among over 600 cherry blossom trees, a popular walking spot for travelers and locals alike. Discover the history of the building and head inside to explore an eight-storey museum.
6. Kinkakuji
A spectacular sight to see is the three-storey gold-leafed Zen Buddhist temple, overlooking a mirror pond in north-west Kyoto. While there, stop off at Hojo, the former residence of the head-priest’s, and Fudo Hall, a small temple housing a statue of a Buddhist wisdom king.
5. Meiji Shrine
In western Tokyo, adjacent to Harijuku Station, you will find Tokyo’s most famous shrine, Meiji Jungu. This Imperial shrine is dedicated to the enshrined spirits of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken.
4. Tsutenkaku Tower
Visit Shinsekai district in Osaka at night to enjoy the view of Tsutenkaku Tower. The 320ft (100m) tall octagonal construction was modeled after the Eiffel Tower, and comes alive at night. If you get lost while walking around the district, keep looking to see the tower and maybe you can navigate your way back safely.
3. Ginkakuji
Visit the Silver Temple of Ginkakuji in Kyoto’s eastern mountains, enjoy the serenity of the moss gardens and Zen of the grounds as you walk along the circular route.
2. Itsukushima Shrine
Catch a ferry over to Miyajima island in Hiroshima to see Itsukushima shrine and its famous red torii gate. At high tide they appear to float on the sea. While there, you’ll see deer roaming the streets. These guys are known for stealing food when you aren’t looking – so watch your snacks closely.
1. Onsen Snow Monkeys
Head to Jigokudani Park, in Nagano, where you can see monkeys relax in the onsen. Useful tip: Keep your clothes on, this is for viewing only.
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