Japan boasts many historically important locations that date back centuries, providing visitors with a glimpse into Japan’s rich heritage and culture.
The Golden Pavilion in Kyoto (Kinkakuji) was initially constructed during the 14th century as the retirement house for Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu; upon his death it became a Zen temple.
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
Peace Memorial Park marks the site of history’s first atomic bombing and serves as an important place of remembrance and hope. The park features the Peace Memorial Museum, a monument commemorating those lost due to bombing, as well as remnants of Genbaku Dome (Atomic Bomb Dome).
The A-Bomb Dome was once known as the Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall but now stands as a stark reminder of what transpired there on August 6, 1945. Instead of rebuilding it, the city decided to keep it as is to symbolize and confront nuclear weapons’ horrors.
The Children’s Peace Monument stands in the Peace Memorial Park as a powerful memorial to all those children killed as a result of nuclear bombing. The statue depicting a young girl holding paper cranes represents their wishes. This powerful reminder underscores humankind’s potential to create both good and evil is a striking one.
Kiyomizudera Temple
Kiyomizudera (“Pure Water Temple”) was established in 778 along the Otowa waterfall in Kyoto and has become one of Kyoto’s most iconic Buddhist temples, listed on UNESCO World Heritage sites. Initially associated with Hosso sect Buddhism; however in 1965 its custodians switched over to Kita Hosso sect as its custodians.
Kiyomizudera’s centerpiece is its massive wooden stage which protrudes over the mountainside. Cherry and maple trees surrounding it offer vibrant displays during spring and fall; held up by 168 thick cypress log pillars which have been in use for centuries; all interlocked together without nails creating an engineering marvel of architectural engineering.
The main hall at this temple houses its primary object of worship: an eleven-faced, thousand-armed Kannon statue. Zuigu hall, also renowned for uterine shape, allows you to guarantee a successful love life by passing your hand between two stones representing man and woman.
Todai-ji Temple
Todai-ji Temple provides something of value for all visitors, whether seeking spiritual enlightenment, cultural preservation or simply curious about Japan’s rich history. With its striking Buddha statue, sacred deer herd and hidden treasures tucked under its floorboards, Todai-ji is an unmissable landmark and must-visit for every traveler.
The temple complex was completed between 745 and 752 by Emperor Shomu after Buddhism’s introduction into Japan, featuring its main feature – the Great Buddha Hall with 84 massive cypress pillars topped off by an incredible bronze statue of Vairocana Buddha called Daibutsu – as part of this massive undertaking.
Typically, temple Nio guardian statues – Agyo with open mouth and Ungyo with closed one – face each other directly, but those at Todai-ji’s Great South Gate stand in an unusual manner, facing away from each other instead.
As political power shifted from Heijo-kyo in Nara to Mount Hiei near Kamakura in the 12th century, Todai-ji’s role as a center of Buddhist authority declined and it was dismantled and burned down in 1567; nevertheless, it was quickly rebuilt.
The Imperial Palace
The Imperial Palace is Japan’s main residence and used for various ceremonial functions like New Year greetings. It contains several key areas such as its main palace used for ceremonies and receptions; Emperor’s Office; library, museums and archives.
While many parts of the palace grounds are accessible year-round, to enter its inner buildings is only possible through official guided tours available both online and on site – except on Mondays, Sundays, or public holidays when only advance booking can be arranged.
After the fall of Tokugawa Shogunate in 1868, this palace was constructed on the former site of Edo Castle. Unfortunately, many original and ancient structures have been lost to fire or levelled by air raids during WWII; only certain structures such as Kyuden (throne room) remain standing today. Architecturally speaking, its design blends elements from both Shinden Zukuri and Shoin Zukuri styles.
