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Enjoy the view of Mount Fuji while riding the bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto.
Traveling throughout Japan is no longer difficult thanks to the Shinkansen bullet train network. With speeds up to 300 km/h, it only takes a little over two hours to travel from Tokyo to southern cities like Kyoto and Osaka. Choose a window seat to enjoy the beautiful views of Mount Fuji along the way.
Attend the Cherry Blossom Festival in the spring.
Cherry blossoms (sakura) are a revered flower in Japan. Their delicate and fragile petals are seen as a symbol of life, so many Japanese families gather and hold hanami (outdoor gatherings under cherry blossom trees) when they bloom in the spring.
During this time, cherry blossom festivals also take place throughout the country, especially in the central parks of cities. Among them, the most famous is the cherry blossom festival in the southern city of Matsuyama, where cherry blossoms bloom against the historical backdrop of Matsuyama Castle.
Tashirojima - The "Kingdom" of Cats
Tashirojima is a small, rural island off the coast of central Ishinomaki City in Miyagi Prefecture. It's also known as "Cat Island" because it's home to hundreds of cats, cared for and revered by the island's residents. The cats were originally brought there to help control pests around silkworm farms. Since then, their numbers have grown so rapidly that they far exceed the island's human population.
Cat lovers from all over who want to visit Tashirojima must take a one-hour ferry ride from the center of Ishinomaki. The ferry stops at two villages around the port: Odomari in the north and Nitoda in the south. The cats here roam freely in the streets and enjoy the attention of visitors. It's truly a paradise for cat enthusiasts.
The tranquil atmosphere of Sagano Bamboo Forest
Kyoto is renowned for its meticulous preservation of numerous historical temples, shrines, and gardens. Among them, the Sagano Bamboo Forest is particularly famous. If you've ever clicked on lists of "places to visit before you die" or "the most beautiful forests in the world," you've likely seen photos of Sagano.
Located in the Arashiyama district on the outskirts of the city, the forest is a wonderful destination for those who love fairytale scenery and beautiful sounds. The rustling of bamboo leaves in the wind and the fragrant scent of young bamboo stalks will surely help cleanse your soul and create unforgettable memories. This forest also has carefully manicured areas and is a short walk from Tenryū-ji Temple. Tenryū-ji is one of Kyoto's five great temples and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visit the Big Buddha statue in Kamakura.
The Great Buddha (or Daibutsu) of Kamakura is one of Japan's most fascinating historical landmarks. This colossal bronze statue, representing Amitabha Buddha, is located within the grounds of Kotoku-in Temple in Kamakura City. Dating back to 1252, the statue was originally gilded and placed inside the main temple. However, after the tsunami of September 20, 1492, the building was destroyed, leaving only the statue outdoors. Today, traces of gold can be found around the statue's ears.
The Daibutsu in Kamakura is the second largest Buddha statue in Japan, weighing approximately 121 tons and standing 13.35 meters tall. For a donation of just 20 yen, visitors can enter to see how the statue was cast. This unique experience will make your trip to Japan even more memorable.
Explore the Torii gate of Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine.
Fushimi Inari-taisha is one of Japan's most famous shrines dedicated to Inari, the god of rice. The magical path, seemingly endless, lined with over 5,000 vibrant orange torii gates winding through the hills behind Fushimi Inari-taisha, makes this shrine a must-visit destination when traveling in Japan. Because Inari's messenger is a fox, you'll see fox imagery everywhere, at the shrine and along the path. Sometimes, the foxes even hold keys in their mouths, representing the keys to the rice granary in ancient times.
Enjoy modern art and shopping at Roppongi Hills
Opened in 2003, Roppongi Hills is a cultural and residential project built to revitalize Tokyo's Roppongi neighborhood. Today, Roppongi Hills boasts numerous museums and contemporary art galleries; extensive shopping and restaurant areas; an outdoor observation deck on the rooftop of the Mori Tower offering views of the Tokyo skyline… Even amidst the high-rise buildings lies a small oasis called Mori Garden, built in the style of a traditional Japanese landscape garden with lush greenery and beautiful cherry blossoms. Roppongi Hills is one of the best examples of a "city within a city" that you should experience when visiting Tokyo.
Soak in a natural hot spring.
Natural hot springs are scattered throughout the Japanese countryside and are considered an integral part of the local culture. Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan, the world's oldest hotel, is located in Yamanashi Prefecture and has operated a private hot spring for over 1,300 years. The hotel catered to affluent guests such as samurai, members of the Shogunate, or former Japanese military rulers.
Immerse yourself in nature at Meiji Shrine.
Also in the Harajuku area, near Takeshita Street, is Meiji Shrine. Meiji Jingu is a shrine where the Emperor of the Meiji Dynasty worships the Goddess of Heaven. Built in 1920, it consistently ranks first in the number of visitors at the beginning of the year. It boasts the largest wooden torii gate in Japan, standing 12 meters high and 17 meters wide.
Just stepping through the gate, you'll feel like you've left the city behind to enjoy the quiet, fresh air thanks to the lush green trees stretching all the way to Omotesando. There are approximately 100,000 trees planted here, all gifts from other regions of Japan.
Praying for good fortune at Tōdai-Ji Temple
As the former capital of Japan, Nara is home to many important Buddhist and Shinto relics. Among them, Tōdai-ji (Eastern Great Temple) is the most famous temple of the Huayan sect. Its main hall (Daibutsuden – Great Buddha Hall) is the world's largest wooden structure, built in 752. It houses a bronze statue of the Vairocana Buddha, also a record-breaking 500 tons.
Here, you might also encounter domesticated deer from the nearby Nara National Park that frequently roam the temple grounds. Deer are protected animals in Japan's two main religions. In Shintoism, they are used as messengers and means of transportation for the gods. In Buddhist history, the Buddha's first sermon took place at Sarnath Deer Park. The peaceful atmosphere of Tōdai-ji makes anyone who visits feel serene and relaxed.
