Unique Sights and Festivals of Japan
Japan has always been at the top of the mind of people who are planning to visit Asia. Its long history of the imperial dynasty, military clans and foreign influence across the Japanese archipelago has cultivated various time eras of architecture, lifestyle, culture and diverse language and dialect used by the locals. The country is especially beautiful during the Spring and Autumn season; Cherry Blossom (Sakura) is the exclusive highlight of Spring in Japan while Autumn Foliage enchants the land from November to early December.
Japan is also a country with a mix of advanced technology and modernisation such as electronics and robotics. This diversity brings about colours of life in which many foreigners will be excited to learn and experience.
As Japan is exploring the gradual relaxation of border restrictions, visitors can now take on package tours to explore the scenic views of unique sites in natural charm, where legendary castles and temples can be found; and not forgetting the people with their distinctive culture, cuisine, delicacies, and festivities.
Ready to Explore?
There are plenty of unique places in Japan to explore, as the list goes on, we will introduce a few of the distinctive sights and areas of interest to focus on in planning a tour.
Takeda Castle
Takeda Castle, Asago City, Hyogo – Known as the Machu Picchu of Japan at 353 metres above sea level, at times can be seen as a castle floating in a sea of clouds. Located on Mount Shiroyama in Hyogo Prefecture, the ruined castle was once the stronghold of the Tokugawa clan, one of the most powerful samurai lineages in Japan. The best time to view the floating castle is around sunrise (6:00 am to 6:30 am) in October and November.
Kurobe Gorge Railway
The Kurobe Gorge Railway train operates along a 20 km winding track cutting across the beautiful Kurobe Gorge at Toyama. The sensational 80-minute open-carriage train journey crossing more than 20 bridges and traversing through over 40 tunnels provides unforgettable panoramic views (especially in the autumn colours) of the deep V-share gorge, which is the deepest gorge in Japan. Along the way, there are Japanese hot spring baths (onsen), hiking trails, and many awe-spiring observation points.
Shōdo Island
Shōdoshima, “Island of Small Beans”, is in Seto Inland Sea, Kagawa, Shikoku. It is known for its soy sauce, olive plantations, wild monkeys, and beaches. Shōdoshima offers visitors an idyllic spot to have leisure walks, relax and enjoy nature and explore some of its interesting attractions, such as Dobuchi Strait, Olive Park and the Kankakei Gorge. The Angel Road sandbar connects 3 tiny islets to the main island during low tide. The island is famous as the setting of the anti-war novel - ”Twenty-Four Eyes”.
Yamadera Temple
Yamadera temple is located high up on a steep mountainside in the northeast of Yamagata City in Tohoku area. It was founded more than 1,000 years ago and provides a great scenic view down into the valley. There is a trail for visitors to hike up in around 30 minutes to reach the upper area of the temple grounds from the main hall at the base of the mountain. The stone path has about 1,000 steps and there are many stone lanterns, small statues, and temple buildings at various points along the mountainside which make it a fascinating hike.
Matsumoto Castle
Matsumoto Castle is one of the key historical castles in Japan built in the 16th century. It is considered a National Treasure of Japan. Matsumoto Castle is in Nagano Prefecture and has a black exterior and is constructed on a flatland which distinguishes it from many other castles that normally sit on a hill or are surrounded by rivers. This fortress consists of a series of moats, a complex system of walls and gatehouses. It is vital to include some visits to castles if you want to learn about the era of Samurais and regional lords in Japan.
Tenjin Matsuri
Tenjin Culture Festival in Osaka is one of the top three festivals. It is held in July and celebrated with breathtaking fireworks, boats bearing bonfires and its dual land and river processions. Japan has more than 1,000 matsuri (which means festivals in Japanese) yearly and they feature delicious food and delicacies, colourful parades and costumes, enchanting songs, music and dances of enormous spirituality and historical significance. They are held to show gratitude to the ritual of Nature or Deity, regional revitalization or seasonal celebration, etc. Each culture festival is unique, so find the matsuri of your choice and join in the fun.
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