Japan’s Top Attractions: Temples, History & Modern Marvels

Explore Japan's iconic landmarks: Osaka Castle, shrines, Hiroshima's history, vibrant districts & modern wonders like Shibuya Crossing. Discover temples, culture, and historical sites.

Initially built in 1583 by warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Osaka Castle came to be an icon of power and strength. The existing structure, reconstructed in 1931, houses a gallery with samurai shield, maps, and dioramas. Admission is ¥ 600 (~$4 USD).

Osaka Castle: A Symbol of Power

This Shinto shrine is dedicated to Emperor Meiji, that ruled Japan from 1867 to 1912. He’s still one of the nation’s most adored historical numbers, bore in mind for changing Japan from a feudal culture into an industrial state.

Meiji Shrine: Honoring an Emperor

Each hall is a large light installation that responds to touch, appear, or movement– created by a team of designers, designers, and musicians. Tickets vary from ¥ 3,600– ¥ 4,600 ($24–$31 USD), depending on the day.

This legendary Shinto shrine, very first built in 1168, shows up to “float” on water throughout high trend. The round-trip ferryboat ticket from Hiroshima sets you back about ¥ 1,300 (~$9 USD).

Floating Shrine: A Unique View

Founded in 779, “Kiyomizu-dera” implies “Temple of Distilled Water.” The present structure days to 1633 and remains Japan’s most well-known Buddhist holy place. Premises are cost-free to go into; interior accessibility costs ¥ 300 (~$2 USD).

Kiyomizu-dera Temple: Sacred Waters

Given that the 1970s, Amerikamura (“American Village”) has actually been a hotspot for vintage and American-style purchasing. You’ll discover every little thing from 1990s track coats and 1960s playthings to military safety helmets, retro phones, and collectible Bearbrick numbers.

Amerikamura: American Style

Hiroshima will certainly permanently be linked with the tragic occasion of August 6, 1945, when the U.S. dropped the first atomic bomb– codenamed “Little Boy.” Around 80,000 people died instantaneously. Today, Hiroshima is a thriving modern-day city and a worldwide sign of tranquility.

Hiroshima: Remembrance and Peace

The most popular observation deck in Shibuya is “Shibuya Sky”. Admission prices 2,500 yen (regarding $16.50 USD), and bookings must be made in breakthrough. Go inside, take the lift to the R flooring, purchase a beverage for 700 yen (concerning $4.60 USD), and you’ll obtain access to a smaller sized monitoring deck that’s normally a lot less crowded.

Shibuya Sky: Observation Deck

Japan is a country of amazing order and precision. From the very first moment, you really feel exactly how much individuals appreciate each other– no one pushes in the train, everybody stands nicely in line.

Download and install the Pasmo or Suica application for public transportation (works with Apple Pay or Google Pay). Physical IC cards cost ¥ 2,000 (~$13 USD)– including a refundable down payment– and can be topped up at 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson, or train stations.

Integrated in 1601 as the Kyoto residence of shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu (the inspiration for Yoshii Toranaga from the Shōgun collection), Nijo Castle is a UNESCO site. Admission varieties from ¥ 1,300– ¥ 2,300 ($9–$15 USD).

Nijo Castle: Kyoto Residence

The round-trip ferry ticket from Hiroshima costs concerning ¥ 1,300 (~$9 USD).

Japan’s history is split and abundant. The imperial empire mores than 2,600 years old. The country endured the era of shoguns, American occupation, royal aspirations, and war. It was here that the first atomic bomb was dropped. There have to do with 80,000 Shinto temples and 75,000 Buddhist holy places throughout Japan– a mix of old custom and futuristic innovation.

Among the world’s busiest crossways, Shibuya Crossing is popular for the means hundreds of people go across in every direction at the same time. The arranged disorder ended up being a renowned picture of modern-day Tokyo– it even showed up in Transformers: Vengeance of the Fallen (2009 ).

Shibuya Crossing: Organized Chaos

Admission: ¥ 200 (~$1.30 USD).

The Kyoto Imperial Palace functioned as the emperor’s home until 1868. Contrasted to Tokyo’s, it keeps a stronger sense of history and typical landscape. Entrance is totally free; English trips can be reserved online.

Grounds are totally free to get in; interior access expenses ¥ 300 (~$2 USD).

Tickets range from ¥ 3,600– ¥ 4,600 ($24–$31 USD), depending on the day. Admission is ¥ 600 (~$4 USD).

The museum preserves the memory of 1945 with survivors’ images, illustrations, and personal possessions. It documents both the instant influence and long-lasting radiation results. Admission: ¥ 200 (~$1.30 USD).