Top 10 Must See Sights in Japan

Japan is one of the most beautiful and dynamic countries in the world. Its many cities offer urban appeal, natural beauty, and architectural wonders. In fact, there is something for every type of traveler in Japan and each of its islands holds something awe inspiring. While it's difficult to fit all of the wonders of Japan, into one trip, there are 10 sites in Japan which every visitor should see at least once in a lifetime.

Tokyo

When most vacationers plan a Japanese vacation, Tokyo is on the top of their list. Not only is it the pop culture capital of Japan, but it's one of the most populous cities in the world and just experiencing the bustle of the city is an attraction in and of itself. But, Tokyo has much more to offer its visitors.

For instance, The Kabukicho district is one of Japan's largest red light districts and its sparkling lights, endless pachinko parlors, restaurants, bars and love hotels have made up the dazzling scenery of many action films set in Japan. The Harajuku district is perhaps Tokyo's second most famous and photographed area. This is the home of cutting edge teen fashion and culture and on Sunday's thousands of teens gather for cosplay (costume play: they dress up as their favorite anime characters). When they tire of the glow of neon lights, and the bustle of people, they head to Asakusa or "Old Tokyo" which retains some of the city's original atmosphere and has an amusement park, a riverside park that is perfect for cherry blossom viewing, as well as many famous temples and shrines.

Kyoto

Central Japan is also home to Kyoto, the country's seventh largest city and second most popular tourist destination. As a matter of fact, the city is home to so many beautiful shrines, temples and castles, it was spared the atomic bomb in WWII because it was simply too beautiful to destroy. The problem that most tourists have when visiting this area is what to see first, and how to fit it all in.

Northern Kyoto is home to the Kinkakuji Golden Pavilion. In the center of famously beautiful zen gardens, parks and hot springs sits the unimaginably beautiful Zen temple, completely covered in gold. Eastern Kyoto is home to the romantic Kiyomizudera site, built in 780AD and declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1994. Its beautiful wooded terrace is built over sparkling spring water which is believed to have healing powers. Its Jishu Shrine is dedicated to the deity of love, and successfully making your way between the two stones in front of the temple is said to bring a lifetime's worth of luck in love. And Eastern Kyoto is home to the Sanjusangendo Temple, which features 1001 human sized statues of the goddess Kannon and is Japan's longest wooden structure. And that is just the beginning. Kyoto is also home to hundreds more temples, shrines and castles, one of the world's most futuristic railway station buildings, a Manga Museum and fresh food market that is one of the best in the world.

Nikko

Located near Tokyo in the Kanto province of Japan, Nikko is the center of Shinto and Buddhist worship in Japan, made a famously popular tourist destination because of the Toshugo shrine, the final resting place of the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate, and perhaps the world's most unique architectural beauty. The Toshugo shrine sets itself apart from the minimalist design of similar shrines with its lavish decorations. The shrine is covered with elaborate wood and gold leaf carvings, the only of their kind in Japan or anywhere else in the world. While in the area, tourists to this shrine typically buy a combination ticket so they can gain entrance to the other shrines in the area. The city of Nikko is also the entrance to Nikko National park. Its beautiful mountainous landscapes, and waterfalls that tumble into clear, sparkling lakes, hot springs and wild monkeys have inspired the Shinto and Buddhist mountain worship which thrives in this region.

Nara

Also in Central Japan, and comfortably close to Kyoto, is the city of Nara, home to what some say is the most wondrous park in all of Japan. Nara Park is certainly naturally breathtaking, but its crowned jewel is the Todaiji temple, one of Japan's most famous and historically significant temples. It is the largest wooden building in the world, despite being only tow-thrids of its original size, and is home to Japan's largest Buddha statue. Todaiji temple is also famous for the multitude of bronze and stone lanterns that are so beautiful, they inspired the Lantern Festivals that take place from February to August.

Mount Fuji

Japan's most iconic natural beauty is a popular vacation site for international as well as Japanese tourists. The mountainous Chubu region is home to hot springs, castles and many ski resorts, but the Fuji Five Lakes resort is one of the most popular travel destinations in the area. Located directly at the foot of Mount Fuji, at 3000 feet, this beautiful resort is the best place in the area to view Mount Fuji and the surrounding beauty of the landscape or make a day long trip up the mountain. After a day of hiking, or perhaps during a break, the nearby amusement park (home to one of the world's highest roller coasters), five lakes, and the Fujikyu Highlands draw outdoor lovers and thrill seekers alike.

Okinawa

Japan's southernmost prefecture is a favorite vacation spot amongst Japanese and international tourists alike because of its tropical weather that rarely falls below 65 degrees, even in the summertime. The Okinawa district is a chain of dozens of small islands that stretch all the way to Taiwan, and is traditionally divided into three island groups: Okinawa, Mikayo and Yaeyama.

Because of its proximity to Taiwan, the Okinawa area is culturally distinctive from the rest of Japan, and tourists come to experience its unique culture, art and food. The Yaeyama Islands are a particular favorite. The Iriomote Islands are covered by dense Jungle and mangrove forests, making them one of the most naturally beautiful locations in Japan. There are breathtaking waterfalls, winding and calm rivers that can be canoed along, and lots of opportunities for snorkeling and diving along the coast. Ishigaki Island is home to a traditional Ryuku village that has been untouched by modern times. Its traditional, red roof, one story houses have been in use since the village was founded.

Rishiri and Rebun Islands

Hokkaido is the northernmost region of Japan, and is the least developed of Japan's four major islands. This area is full of national parks which have preserved the natural beauty of the area, making it a favored travel destination for nature lovers. Together, Rishiri and Rebun make up Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu, one of Japan's most beautiful natural parks and coastal paradises. In the summer months, campers, hikers and cyclists flock here for the endless hiking trails, spectacular mountains, beautiful coastal scenery. And in the spring and summer, the area is blanketed with rare and beautiful alpine flowers that can't be found anywhere else in the world.

Osaka

Not too far from Kyoto, and also in central Japan, is Osaka, Japan's third largest city. While this city has all the neon glitz and shopping glamor of Tokyo and Kyoto, thousands of tourists flock here every year to see its beautiful seaside castle. The castle is surrounded by beautiful stone walls, gates, turrets, moats and a network of citadel's making it one of the most architecturally stimulating castles in Japan. The castle complex is surrounded by the Nishinomaru Garden, home to 600 cherry trees, making it one of the popular hanami spots during the cherry blossom season. The city also has a lot to offer tourists, and is home to a spectacular entertainment district, lots of fashionable shopping, and one of Japan's most impressive aquariums.