The must-see places to visit in Japan 日本のベスト観光スポット
Discovering Japan: activities and places not to be missed!
What images come to mind when you imagine Japan? The immensity of the capital, Mount Fuji, the temples... We have drawn up a (non-exhaustive) list of emblematic places to see absolutely in Japan.
Japan's first must-see: The effervescence of the megalopolis of Tokyo
Obviously, it is impossible to explore Japan without spending a few days in the "eastern capital", 20 times larger than Paris! Museums, parks, shopping centers, temples, sanctuaries, observation points... There is plenty to do.
To realize Tokyo's grandeur, there's nothing like a first stop in Shibuya . The famous crossing seen and seen again always impresses, when you find yourself in the middle of the crossroads, surrounded by giant screens and Tokyoites in a hurry.
After a caress at Hachiko, the famous dog statue erected in front of the station, head for the Harajuku districts with Takeshita Street and Omotesando , where luxury boutiques, Japanese pancakes, parks and the most popular Shinto shrine in Tokyo mingle: the Meiji . Jingu .
View of Tokyo Bay from Odaiba
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The excess does not stop there, since on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge , Tokyo Bay is home to the artificial island of Odaiba , a leisure paradise for young and old, with these shopping centers, its beaches and its view. beautiful over the big city.
Immerse yourself in history and tradition by visiting Asakusa and Ueno . The impressive Senso-ji temple in the middle of pedestrian streets offers total immersion, if we ignore the many tourists. In Ueno, you can recharge your batteries in the large park by the lotus pond or in the shade of the cherry trees, then greet the pandas at the Zoo or discover the richest collection of Japanese art in the world at the National Museum .
If you want to get up high to contemplate the expanse of the capital and try to catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji, here is a list of the best observation points in Tokyo :
The Tokyo Skytree
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Kyoto: Cultural and Spiritual Capital
Thousands of temples and shrines to visit, an authentic and modern city center, Zen gardens and walks in the mountains, geikos at the bend of a street... Kyoto is a concentrate of Japan which has seduced tourists from all over the world. entire ! It's hard to choose among all these magnificent places, but here is our selection by district:
- To the East
The ascent to the famous Kiyomizu dera complex is an adventure that will guide you through the cobbled streets of the city. The path of philosophy is another walk in the Higashiyama district in eastern Kyoto, which will take you from temple to temple, including the magnificent Ginkakuji , nicknamed the Silver Pavilion.
The Kiyomizu dera
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- West
In spring or autumn, the hills of Arashiyama will offer you a breathtaking spectacle. With their trees adorned with pink flowers and then red leaves , the walking paths will transport you to the bamboo forest where you can take magnificent pictures.
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
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- South
Traversing the 10,000 red Japanese gates of the Fushimi Inari Taisha through the hills is a unique experience worth the detour. A little out of the way from the big city is the charming Daigoji , a thousand-year- old temple lost at the foot of the mountain.
Daigo-ji Temple
Patrick Vierthaler
- In the center
Finally, we must not forget the heart of the city. The last two tours we offer are Nijo Castle and Yasaka Shrine . Then all you have to do is explore the Gion district which brings together modern and traditional entertainment venues. Keep your eyes open, you may come across a geiko in the less busy streets...
Geisha
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Must-sees in Japan in the middle of nature
- nara
Don't go too far from Kyoto without going to say hello to the Nara shika deer! You will see them claiming cakes from tourists, around the beautiful sites that surround the city. Explore the park, which will take you to the huge Todaiji where you can admire a 15-meter-tall bronze Buddha statue . Then the stairs and the paths between the trees will have plenty of other surprises in store for you.
Deer in Nara
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- Mount Fuji
100 kilometers from the capital rises the symbol of Japan. From its height of 3,776 meters, Mount Fuji can be climbed, but especially admired through the region of the 5 lakes . The opportunity to discover the Japanese countryside and explore the surroundings of Japan's highest peak on foot, by bike or even by car thanks to our Mount Fuji 360° tour .
- The Japanese Alps
Right in the center of the main island of the archipelago is an extraordinary mountain range . Great sportsmen or sportswomen, even mountaineers, or simply nature lovers, the hikes and landscapes of the Japanese Alps are worth the detour. Enjoy the onsen after a long day of skiing and alternate with days of historical visits in the region.
- Miyajima
Another icon of Japan, the famous red gate of the sanctuary of Itsukushima which takes shape with its feet in the water . A small island that offers magnificent landscapes, between mountains, forest and sea. In autumn, the spectacle is all the more magical with the orange-hued maple trees of Momijidani Park.
The Miyajima Gate
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A little history
- Visit Hiroshima
Not far from Miyajima, return to the main island for a more informative visit to the city of Hiroshima. Between the Peace Memorial Park and its dome in memory of the 1945 tragedy, the Peace Memorial and the Children's Peace Monument, you will be overwhelmed by the history of this bruised city . Don't forget to stop by the castle to discover the adventures of feudal lords in Hiroshima.
- Himeji
Another castle which marked the history of Japan , but which especially marks the spirits by its beauty and its immaculate white. It has withstood all assaults, earthquakes and fires. Renovated from 2010 to 2015 , the castle of the white heron has regained all its splendour!
Himeji Castle
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Of course, there are many other sites to visit in the Land of the Rising Sun, regions to explore without limits, forgotten islands and charming villages. From the north of Hokkaido to the prefecture of Okinawa thousands of kilometers to the south, it would be a shame to stop at the most touristic sites. But everything has to start, and it's hard to know where to start in a country as wealthy as Japan.
