Japan Tourist Attractions
Vacation Ideas

Osaka's Shinsaibashi district is just as lively and as neon-lit as the Las Vegas Strip. As one of the top Japan tourist attractions it's absolutely swarming with people.Osaka's also known for their takoyaki--octopus dumplings--and their okonomiyake--a kind of omelette.

Both were delicious, hot, and savory, just the kind of thing to eat on a chilly April evening. Finally, the cherry blossoms were in full bloom, so I took the train from Osaka to Kyoto and went to Arashiyama, a mountain famous in and around that part of Japan. The slopes are thick with white and pale-pink cherry trees. I rented a canoe to paddle down the river and look at the blossoms. What a hectically lovely trip it was. I’d go again.

I went with a tour agency that helped to book the hotels and travel bus. Meals were also settled for me. There were two different types of hotel rooms, the standard ones with beds and carpeted flooring, and the traditional ones with tatami flooring and sleeping mats.

Tatami was reported to be able to help people sleep better and it also smells nice in my opinion. The aroma lingers in your clothes even until the next day. In the hotels which provide traditional rooms, there are also hot spring baths where the spring water comes from natural underground hot spots.

The food served was delicious. Sashimi is a must-try! It’s fresh, succulent and sweet! The scallops are also mouth-watering! The food is usually boiled or steamed, thus, the cooking method is very healthy. Condiments are separated from the food and thus, it’s optional for those who prefer to taste the original flavors of the food.

Japonica rice is very rich in texture and taste. Enjoy the food there as you can't find it anywhere else in the world. The shopping in Japan is also fantastic.

There is no need to bargain as the things there are value-for-money. Similar items would be priced at the same price throughout the whole of Japan, so there's no need to worry about comparing prices or bargaining. If you're paying a higher price for a product, it means that it’s of higher quality than the cheaper one. On the whole, Japan is a fun and exciting place to go. Will look forward to going again!

Here are some of the Japanese World Heritage Sites.

• Shrines and Temples of Nikko - Shogun era architecture, sculptures and carvings located in Nikko City, Tochigi prefecture.
• The Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama - Gassho-style houses in traditional farm villages located among the beautiful and remote mountains of Gifu and Toyama prefecture.
• Shirakami-sanchi – Beech forest covered mountain range offering a truly primeval environment to experience.
• Shiretoko - Wilderness area in Japan offering world-class unique wild life viewing.
• The Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara – Features the The Great Buddha of Todaiji, Emperor’s royal palace, temples and primeval forest.
• Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities) - Nijo Castle, temples and shrines from the 1,000 year long reign of Kyoto as the capital of Japan.
• Buddhist Monuments in the Horyu-ji Area - Horyu-ji Temple, oldest wooden structure in the world, national cultural treasures.
• Kii Mountain Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes – Three sacred sites in the Nara, Wakayama and Mie prefectures connected by pilgrimage routes.
• Himeji-jo Castle – Warlord castle dating from 1346 and incredibly well preserved.
• Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine – World class silver mine for 400 years open to explore the passages and shafts.
• Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome) and Itsukushima Shinto Shrine – Site of the World War II atomic bomb attack.
• Yakushima – Island of unspoiled ancient natural mystery.

I visited the Golden and Silver Pavilions, several shrines and temples - including Kiyomizu-dera (where the cherry blossoms were absolutely gorgeous), Heian Jingu, and the Daisen-In where Japanese tea ceremony has its roots. The weather was good, if a little chilly, and it was wonderful to see such a beautiful city during such a beautiful time of year.

In Kyoto all the sites you could want to see are almost literally packed in one next to the other, yet the city feels open and spacious rather than crowded. Most sites are within easy walking distance of one another, and those that aren’t close to one another are simple to navigate by bus or subway.

The best part was that the city is very tourist friendly, and signs were often available in English for those who don’t speak Japanese. Also a special treat: the hotel hired a maiko (geisha in training) to dance at the hotel, and it was a beautiful performance under the moonlight. I wish I’d had longer to stay – Kyoto was a dream.

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