Japan boasts an expansive and complex history. Through time, it has refined and perfected its cultural traditions while also adapting elements from outside influences.
Japan boasts many castles, temples and parks to visit – here are a few historical spots you must see while in Japan.
Kiyomizudera Temple
Kiyomizudera Temple stands out as one of the premier landmarks in Kyoto. Renowned for its veranda that protrudes over hill sides, offering breathtaking views of Kyoto below, this temple also pays homage to Kannon, an embodiment of compassion bodhisattva.
Enchin Shonin established this temple on Mount Otowa 16 years before Heiankyo became Japan’s capital city, following what he claimed was an ethereal vision pointing him in its direction. Today it stands as a vibrant reminder.
Kiyomizudera Temple in Japan is revered as one of the most stunning sights, even by those not following Buddhism or Japanese culture. This stunning structure offers stunning views over Higashiyama, Kyoto’s historic district; people often stop here to take photos with balcony pillars as backdrops – not forgetting autumn when this location becomes one of Kyotos premier spots for autumn foliage!
Toshogu Shrine
Toshogu Shrine is an impressive complex of shrine buildings dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of Japan’s Tokugawa Dynasty of military dictators that ruled for almost seven centuries. Many structures at Toshogu are National Treasures including Yonmeimon Gate with rows of elaborate golden dragons and Hidari Jingoro’s Nemurineko Sleeping Cat Sculpture; inside is also an Ieyasu Mausoleum known as Honden where Ieyasu rests for eternity.
Ieyasu’s rear shrine can only be reached by ascending 207 steps through the forest and features intricate carvings that embody his teaching of “see no evil, speak no evil and hear no evil”. A popular feature at Toshogu is a trio of monkeys that embodies this principle – Ieyasu was a master strategist who abdicated early to strengthen family control over an united Japan; many visitors come here seeking good fortune, academic or vocational success and longevity prayers.
Kurashiki
Kurashiki was once a port for cotton trade in Edo Japan, earning it the moniker “Venice of Japan”. Today its preserved canal area is widely considered “the Venice of Japan”, while Bikan Historical District — just 10 minutes walk from Kurashiki Station — boasts old storehouses adorned with lattice windows that line a narrow canal lined by weeping willow trees – is considered its heart.
It features European-style brick buildings and traditional Japanese wooden merchant houses (kura). Many have been converted into cafes, museums, and shops; The Ohara Museum of Art stands out for exhibiting works by famous Western artists such as Monet, Renoir, and Kandinsky.
Korakuen Garden, one of Japan’s three most beautiful stroll gardens, should also be visited, especially from April to November when willow leaves reach their brightest green color. Furthermore, Korakuen boasts an extensive ceramics and kimono collection in town.
Shinjuku
Shinjuku serves as a microcosm of Tokyo itself and offers everything from cutting-edge modern architecture to traditional Japanese culture.
Naito-Shinjuku may now be one of the world’s busiest train stations, but in its former life it served as an idyllic retreat for Samurai lords passing through to Kyoto via old highway. Samurai would stay at its inns and taverns.
Today, this sprawling complex of shopping malls and office towers has evolved into an intricate maze dotted with restaurants and bars serving various forms of alcohol as well as East Asia’s largest red light district, Kabukicho.
Hanazono-jinja may seem modest from the outside, but businessmen and merchants from surrounding businesses flock here for prayerful blessings on upcoming deals. Furthermore, this temple serves as home for Don Quijote discount chain store which attracts budget travelers looking for wide selection of merchandise at very reasonable prices.
