[Nationwide ] If you're lost, here's where to go! 8 fascinating sightseeing spots in Japan
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2022-11-24
Japan is a wonderful country with countless fascinating tourist destinations. Traveling abroad is a hurdle, but if you were to travel somewhere in Japan, you would probably have quite a bit of trouble finding the right place. This article introduces eight sightseeing spots selected from all over Japan. Please take a look at them as a reference for your next travel destination.
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Table of Contents
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Otaru Canal
Otaru City is located about 30 minutes from Sapporo, the prefectural capital of Hokkaido, on the Sea of Japan side. The Port of Otaru there developed as the gateway to Hokkaido's pioneer settlements. As the volume of cargo handled increased over time, it became necessary to improve the efficiency of transport operations. The Otaru Canal was built to meet this need. The canal is an unusual structure built by reclaiming the offshore water, and now that it has completed its role, it has become a famous sightseeing spot that attracts many visitors as a representative tourist attraction of Hokkaido.Popular for cruising that can be enjoyed in about 40 minutes.
To fully enjoy the Otaru Canal, strolling along the embankment is a good idea, but cruising is recommended. The departing boat will once leave Otaru Port and then return to the North Canal. It is reminiscent of its former active days before it was developed as a tourist attraction. The ship then turns around and returns to the South Canal, lined with historical warehouses. The canal is characterized by its slight curvature throughout, and every inch of the structure can be closely observed during the 40-minute cruise.Different attractions during the day and at night
In the daytime, the brick buildings reflected on the calm water, along with the beautiful scenery, remind us of the prosperous times when the port was once a port. When the weather is fine, they will be reflected in the blue sky. In winter, you can enjoy the snowy scenery. The Otaru Canal is also a popular place to visit at night to enjoy the night view. The warm colored gas lamps create a romantic atmosphere different from that during the daytime. It is a perfect date spot.
"Facility Information "
Facility Name: Otaru Canal
Address: 〒047-0007 Otaru Canal, Minato-cho 5, Otaru City, Hokkaido
Access: 10 min. walk from JR Otaru Station
Official website: https://otaru.gr.jp/shop/otarucanalSunlight East Shine Palace
Tokugawa Ieyasu, a historical figure known as the first Tokugawa shogun. Nikko Toshogu Shrine, known as the shrine dedicated to him, is one of the most famous tourist attractions of the World Heritage "" sites of Nikko's shrines and temples. The group of buildings that are integrated with nature in the precincts of the shrine are truly majestic and create a special atmosphere.A mass of national treasures and important cultural properties
The beautiful gate representing Japan "The Yangmyongmon Gate "is designated as a National Treasure and is so magnificent and delicately crafted that you will never get tired of looking at it. In addition, there is a parade of national treasures and important cultural properties, including "the five-story pagoda ", "the Karamon Gate ", and "the Sleeping Cat ". If you take the time to appreciate each of the animal sculptures, you will find that a one-day visit is not enough time.The adjoining treasure house and museum are also highlights.
If you are a history buff, it is recommended that you visit the Toshogu Treasure House along with the shrine grounds to learn more. The museum houses many of Tokugawa Ieyasu's personal belongings and votive gifts from influential figures of the time, so you can learn more about his taste and personality. The Toshogu Museum of Art has 100 Japanese paintings on display, including cedar doors, barrier paintings, and hanging scrolls. Visitors can admire some of Japan's most iconic and traditional works of art.
"Facility Information "
Facility name: Nikko Toshogu Shrine
Residence：2301 Yamauchi, Nikko-shi, Tochigi-ken, 321-1431
Fee: Adults and high school students: 1,300 yen, elementary and junior high school students: 450 yen
Phone number: 0288-54-0560
Opening hours: April 1 to October 31: 9:00 to 17:00, November 1 to March 31: 9:00 to 16:00 (final payment: before closing 30 minutes)
Official website: http://www.toshogu.jp/
Upper Highlands
""The mountain scenic area "is located at an altitude of about 1500 meters and has been granted two titles of special scenic beauty "and special natural monument "" . Not only serious climbers, but also various styles of visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the Japanese Alps. It is off-season during the winter months, and sightseeing is only available during a limited period from mid-April to mid-November.The feeling of leaving your body in the great outdoors
Kamikochi is home to a number of spectacular scenic spots woven into the richness of nature. Unspoiled nature spreads out before your eyes, including the majestic Hotaka mountain range, Yake-dake and other mountains, murmuring rivers, ponds, and wetlands. In particular, "Kappa Bridge "is famous as the symbol of Kamikochi, and from the bridge you can enjoy a spectacular 360-degree view.Attractive in any weather and at any time of the day
When you travel, you hope for good weather. However, except for serious mountain climbing, there is almost no bad weather to enjoy Kamikochi. For example, after it rains, Taisho Pond offers a fantastic and precious view. At night, the sky is clear and star-filled with stars. Nature changes its expression with the passage of time, and every moment is a shutterbug opportunity.
"Facility Information "
Official website: https://www.kamikochi.or.jp/
Kurobe Dam
The Kurobe Dam "is one of the largest hydroelectric dams in Japan and a famous tourist attraction. " The imposing form of the huge dam, built after a century of difficult construction work, and the majestic mountains of the Northern Alps that surround it captivate the hearts of many tourists. Like Kamikochi, it is not open all year round, but the tourist season is from mid-April to late November.Powerful sightseeing water discharge
The sightseeing water discharge, which releases more than 10 tons of water per second, is the biggest attraction of the Kurobe Dam. If conditions are right, a rainbow can be seen in the misty water discharge. You can view the water slowly from several points, including the dam observatory and the dam embankment, so you can compare different angles and enjoy the powerful water discharge.Enjoy the Northern Alps on the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
If you are planning to visit Kurobe Dam, we recommend that you take the "Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route ", which runs through the Nagano and Toyama Prefecture sides, to enjoy the scenery along the route. The route is 37.2 kilometers long, with the highest point at 2,450 meters, and is traveled by a variety of vehicles. Along the way, the "trolley bus ", the only transportation system of its kind in Japan, and the newly introduced electric buses are also noteworthy.
"Facility Information "
Facility name: Kurobe Dam
Official website: https://www.kurobe-dam.com/
Watarizukibashi Bridge (between Tokyo and Yokohama)
Kyoto is an overwhelmingly popular and well-known tourist destination in Japan and abroad. Among them, the "Togetsu Bridge "in the Saga-Arashiyama area is crowded with many tourists. This bridge over the Katsura River is said to have been named after Emperor Kameyama's comment "that it resembles the crossing of the moon without bears ". It is no exaggeration to say that it is one of the most representative landscapes in Japan.Embodies the Japanese aesthetic sense
The charm of the Wataratsukibashi Bridge that attracts many people is its simple design that blends in with the surrounding landscape as much as possible. The bridge, stretching straight and level with the surface of the river, is neither too assertive nor too buried, but rather brings about an exquisite harmony. The more one gazes at it, the more it conveys the traditional Japanese temperament.Seasonal lighting
Before the Corona Disaster, the bridge was usually illuminated at night for a limited time in spring and fall. The contrast created by the dark illumination of the bridge and the colored trees is fantastic, as is the view during the daytime. We are waiting for the announcement of the reopening of the bridge.Himeji Castle
Himeji Castle is a national treasure and a World Heritage site. "It is also known by the nickname "Hakuro-jo" (White Egret Castle) "because of its resemblance to a white egret. Its beautiful bright white color against the blue sky looks just like an egret about to spread its wings and take flight.The situation as it was at the time.
In addition to the beauty of the exterior, as you stroll around the castle, you will observe many details and innovations unique to castles of the Warring States period. The maze-like structure of the passageways and stairways is just one example. You will feel as if you have entered the world of a period drama.
Even more beautiful after conservation and repair work was completed.
The scale of the building is so large and powerful that it stands out among wooden structures, and it is truly worthy of being called a masterpiece. In 2015, the 6-year conservation and repair work was completed. It is now one of the most famous castles worth visiting. The Todai Pillar, which remains largely unchanged from the time the castle was built, is also a highlight.
"Facility Information "
Facility name: Himeji Castle
Address: North side of Himeji Castle San-no-Maru Plaza, 68 Honmachi, Himeji, 670-0012
Phone number: 079-285-1146
Opening hours: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm (gates close at 5:00 pm)
Closed City Day: December 29th and 30th
Official website: https://www.city.himeji.lg.jp/castle/
Warship Island
There are so many islands in Japan, but it is rare to find one with such a unique background as "Gunkanjima ". Located 18.5 kilometers from Nagasaki Port, about 40 minutes by boat, "Hashima Island "is commonly called "Gunkanjima "because of its appearance of reinforced concrete surroundings. In 2015, it was registered as a World Cultural Heritage site.Semi-artificial island that supported the heyday of coal
Hashima Island was transformed from a natural reef to a semi-artificial island by reclamation work that began in 1893. The purpose was to mine coal, which was the main source of energy used in industry at that time. The island produced high-quality coal until the mine closed in 1974. If you go overland to the southernmost tip of Nagasaki Peninsula and look at the island, it looks just like a warship. Visitors can also take a cruise ashore to get a closer look at what the island looked like in those days.Too unique living environment and history
Being an island with special circumstances developed as a coal mine, it had unique towns and facilities that could never be seen elsewhere in Japan. At its peak, more than 5,200 people lived on the island, a population density rarely seen anywhere else in the world. It was also a place with unique features such as high-rise reinforced concrete apartment buildings, submarine water supply, and the early spread of television.
"Facility Information "
Facility Name: Gunkanjima
Operator: Gunkanjima Concierge
Address: 5-6 Matsugae-cho, Nagasaki 850-0921, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture
Phone number: 095-895-9300
Official website: https://www.gunkanjima-concierge.com/
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
Okinawa's beautiful ocean can be enjoyed year-round. There are many ways to enjoy the Okinawan sea, one of which is to visit "Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium ". Enjoy the tropical ocean while surrounded by a wide variety of marine life.Up close and personal with Okinawa's marine life
Leading the list of attractions are whale sharks, the largest fish species, and the world's first successfully bred southern manta ray. The sight of them swimming in the giant aquarium "Kuroshio Sea "is truly impressive. Another highlight is "Coral Sea ", which has been cultivated for more than 10 years. Visitors can observe coral reefs reproduced in their natural state and lively fish swimming around.enrichment program (i.e. for high-performing students)
There are also a variety of programs that allow visitors to experience a wide range of things. Among them, we recommend "Kuroshio Exploration (Water Viewing Course) "where you can see the large tank "Kuroshio Sea "from directly above. It is a rare opportunity to see whale sharks swimming from above. Reservations are not required, so be sure to check it out when you visit the museum.
"Facility Information "
Facility name: Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
Address: 424 Aza-Ishikawa, Motobu-cho, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa 905-0206, Japan
Phone number: 0980-48-3748
Official website: https://churaumi.okinawa/
summary
These are eight of the most attractive sightseeing spots in Japan from a variety of areas. Wherever you go, the important thing is what kind of valuable experiences you can have there. Please try to imagine how you and your loved ones will feel when you get there, and try to choose the destination for your next trip.
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