Japan is home to many historical places worth visiting, from Kyoto’s castle ruins to Yakushima’s misty cedar forests – here are some of the top heritage sites you should see during your journey.
Nihonbashi Bridge stands as an icon of Tokyo’s historic city centre. Constructed entirely of wood, its original wooden construction endured the 1945 fire bombing that destroyed most buildings across Tokyo.
Tokyo
Tokyo, the bustling Japanese capital, boasts an incredible wealth of historical places worth seeing. Ranging from ancient ruins to castle relics and historic residences, its rich past can be found all across Tokyo.
Tokyo’s Senso-ji temple complex in Asakusa dates back to 645 CE. The Kaminarimon is a large lantern-lit structure and one of its hallmarks in Asakusa – making for an iconic landmark of Asakusa and Tokyo alike.
There are numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites across Japan. Gunkanjima Island was featured as one of these, serving as a villain’s hideout in 2012’s Skyfall film.
Nikko shrines are another must-see on any Japan tour. Zojo-ji, Kanto’s primary Jodo-shu Chinzei Buddhist temple, boasts the tombs of six Tokugawa Shoguns; additionally it features beautiful Japanese architecture in its spectacular mausoleum and stunning Shinto-style shrine. Other UNESCO World Heritage sites in this region include Toshogu Shrine and Taitoku-in Mausoleum.
Nikko
Nikko, situated in Tochigi Prefecture and famed for its mountainous region, boasts both Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines. Additionally, this picturesque town has become popular thanks to the use of it in Studio Ghibli films including Princess Mononoke.
Start your visit of Nikko with a visit to one of Japan’s most stunning bridges – Shinkyo Bridge! This vermillion-lacquered structure straddles Daiya River, marking an entranceway into Nikko’s shrines and temples.
Make your way towards Toshogu Shrine, which honors Tokugawa Ieyasu for uniting Japan after years of bloody civil war, before the crowds arrive so you can witness its beauty at first hand. Be sure to arrive before crowds descend upon this World Heritage Site so you can fully appreciate its splendor!
Next on your itinerary is Rinno-ji, an idyllic temple founded by Shodo Shonin to introduce Buddhism into Japan. Among its notable features are its 106 stone statues of Jizo Bosatsu who watch over travellers and children alike.
Hiroshima
Hiroshima has managed to overcome its devastation caused by WWII’s atomic bombing and emerge as an amazing city with a vibrant economy and inspiring historical sites that offer visitors an insight into Japan’s resilience. A visit here should be on every visitor’s itinerary!
UNESCO-designated sites range from ancient burial grounds and castle ruins, gardens and the oldest wooden structures in Japan – such as Horyu-ji Temple which has been an epicenter for Buddhist teachings since 7th century and also stands as one of the oldest wooden structures ever constructed. Horyu-ji is particularly notable due to being both the largest and oldest wooden structure worldwide.
Itsukushima Shrine is another must-visit, notable for its grand red torii gate which appears to float on the ocean at high tide and its otherworldly atmosphere. You can also visit Hypocenter Plaque which marks where Little Boy detonated in the heart of Tokyo; visitors from around the globe find this experience profoundly moving.
Horyu-ji Temple
Japan provides plenty of historic sites for you to discover, from shell mounds used for burial purposes to castle ruins and temples; home to some of the oldest structures ever created in human history.
Horyu-ji temple in Japan was one of the country’s first UNESCO World Heritage sites and features some of its oldest wooden structures in existence – such as its Kondo main hall, Five-Story Pagoda and Middle Gate which date back to when Buddhism first started taking hold in Japan during its seventh- and eight-century construction period.
These structures display cultural and architectural influences from China and Korea where Buddhism first made its debut in Japan, and can be considered a representation of Japanese Buddhist art’s development over time. Even so old, this temple has outlasted both time and World War II to remain standing as a testament to its design.
