Tourist Attractions & Monuments Japan

Right in the center, this public park of nearly 500 hectares is simply impossible to miss. Between the deer and the many temples it houses, one is bound to cross it at some point. Within this vast area that stretches 4 kilometers from east to west and 2 kilometers from north to south, sacred deer roam freely among picnic tables, long walkways and architectural wonders. If this is the heart of Nara city, it is almost the heart of the entire trip!

Gunma prefecture is famous for its hot springs, mountains and natural landscapes. It is home to Kusatsu Onsen, considered one of the three best hot springs in the archipelago.

The five lakes are located on the north slope of Fuji-san. The region, very forested, is particularly beautiful in the autumn. Throughout the year, the five lakes accumulate tourist potential: fishing on line or in ice (wakasagi), skating, canoeing, etc. Those who would like to hike will be able to take a card with tourist information offices.

The five lakes (Stayokay, Kawaguchi, Sai, Shoji and Motosu) each have their own charm and vie for their view on Fuji-san. For this, the most famous is Kawaguchi lake.

Yet many Japanese agree that the most beautiful lakes are small, including Lake Shōji. The ténébreuse beauty of its waters gives it a poetic atmosphere. Motosu Lake is the only one not to freeze in winter because of the depth of its waters. It is appreciated des in summer. It is also possible to visit caves of volcanic origin (Narusawa and Fugaku), northwest of Sai-Ko Lake. D'Eboshi-san (a good hour and a half walk from the road), a beautiful sea view of the Tree of Fuji (Aokigahara-jukai) is available to all those who come to this point.

The most important Shinto shrine of Kamakura, it is dedicated to the god Hachiman, patron saint of the Minamoto family and warriors in general. It was built in 1063 not far from the bay of Kamakura by Yorioshi Minamoto, as a replica of the Iwashimizu Hachiman-gū shrine in Kyoto, the tutelary sanctuary of his clan and dedicated to the emperor Ōjin. For more than 700 years, the shrine was also a Buddhist temple, until the separation of the two religions was decided in 1868.

The sanctuary is located in the middle of a beautiful garden on one of the city's hills. After crossing the red arch, you pass over the Akabashi, a half-moon bridge that divides the Gempei pond, which is composed of two rooms where impressive lotuses grow. We then arrive in front of the Maidono dance pavilion. It is here that Shizuka, Yoshitsune Minamoto's mistress, danced at Yoritomo's request to betray her brother's hiding place. She didn't reveal anything and narrowly escaped death. Her bravery is commemorated with plays nō and dances at the Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gū festival, September 14-16. Legend has it that one of the two ponds contains three islands and the other four, "san" and "shi" symbolizing the numbers of birth and death respectively. The white and red lotuses also symbolize the beginning and end of life. Past the Maidono, a high staircase leads to the main building of the temple. There, the treasures of the sanctuary such as swords and masks are displayed.

Within the temple Sensō-ji enclosure stands one of the city's best-known shrines, Asakusa jinja, also known as Sanja-sama. Located east of the main building, it is marked by the stone torii. It was built in 1649 in honour of the 3 founders of Sensō-ji, and unlike the latter, it resisted the air raids of World War II. The sanctuary is at the heart of the Sanja-matsuri festivities in mid-May, when the o-mikoshi are carried in procession through the neighbourhood. With a bit of luck, you will also come across married couples there.

With its thirty-eight floors, this building dominates the north-western part of the station. Built by the architect Hiroshi Hara, the two towers are joined by the Rotating Sky Window (a window made in such a way that it rotates and allows different pieces of sky to be seen). The view is breathtaking on a clear day. It is possible to reach the top with a transparent elevator and even eat at the restaurant or have a drink at the bar. You can get there by taking the underpass that leaves from the station of Ōsaka or from the Umeda station.

Unquestionably one of the most spectacular temples in Kyoto. It is known for the 1001 wooden statues of the goddess Kannon lined up in the main pavilion, drowned in incense fumes.
Originally built in 1164 for Emperor Go-Shirakawa by Kiyonomori no Taira before they became enemies. The temple burned down in 1249 and was rebuilt as it was in 1266. It consists of a huge hall 119 m long and 18 m wide, divided into thirty-three bays. They represent the thirty-three forms of reincarnation of Kannon Bosatsu, which gave rise to the 33 western pilgrimages and the 33 eastern pilgrimages. In the center of the hall is the famous 3-meter-high statue of Kannon with ten heads and the statue of Amida, executed by Tankei (1254), son of Unkei. Another must-see is the incredible series of 1,001 statues of Kannon, arranged in staggered rows, which were carved using the so-called yosegi technique: hollow pieces of wood were assembled and loosely carved, then other craftsmen worked on the details, before lacquering the statues. At the back are the Nijūhachi Bushū, or 28 statues of Senju Bosatsu's acolytes, which symbolize the twenty-eight constellations in esoteric Buddhism.

Myoho-in. This is the main temple of the Sanjūsangen-dō located north of the Chishaku-in. The temple is open only on rare occasions. It was originally built on the slopes of Mount Hiei. It still houses paintings by Shoei and Eitoku Kanō.

On the slopes of Mount Otowa, the Kiyomizu-dera, is dedicated to the Kannon goddess of compassion. It is one of the most visited sites in the city, especially for the superb view of Kyōto as the sun sets. It is also classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was built in 778. According to legend, the monk Enshin, guided by a vision, met a hermit near the waterfall and realized that he was an incarnation of Kannon. He decides to protect this sacred area. Two years later, Tamuramarō Sakanoe (758-811), general of the armies who had subdued the rebel tribes in 776 and received the distinction of Sei-i-Tai shōgun, was hunting in the vicinity. Enshin rebuked him and taught him the virtues of Kannon. Touched, the general decided to build the temple of pure water on the spot and to preserve an eleven-headed statue of Kannon, which Enshin is said to have executed. This would only be visible every thirty-three years.
Most of the buildings were destroyed by fire and rebuilt many times. The present pavilions date mostly from the 16th century. They were rebuilt in 1633 under Iemitsu Tokugawa. The platform of the Kiyomizu, about 190 square metres, is supported by an imposing 13-metre-high scaffolding made of 18 cypress wood pillars attached to each other without the use of nails, using a traditional construction method. By heading east, we can see the Shaka-dō, the Amida-dō and finally the Okuno-in, built on the site of the Enchin hermitage. It is here that the sacred triple waterfall (Otowa no Taki), which is the object of pilgrimages, rises. Priests come to pray under the waterfall.

Stroll at the exit of the temple. When you leave the Kiyomizu-dera temple, you walk for several hundred meters on the right side of the small road to Shichimiya Honpo. After climbing a staircase, we reach a street called Sannen-zaka, lined with wooden houses and whose main activity is selling pottery. There are also a few tea houses with their gardens. Going down a little bit, you first turn left and then right to reach another zigzag street called Ninen-Zaka ("two-year climbing") which leads to the temple Kōdai-ji. In this neighbourhood, there is a street considered to be one of the most charming streets in Kyoto, Ishibei Kōji. It is a paved alley lined with old Japanese inns where you can have a drink or a snack. The Maruyama-kōen park is only a few steps away.

Opened to the public in May 2012, this magnificent tower reaches a height of 634 m, making it one of the tallest buildings on the planet. There are shops, cafes and two observation points, at 350 and 450 m. In 2018, a gallery of explanations and information about the tower opened on the first floor. What attracts visitors above all is the beauty of the structure, not forgetting of course the impressive view. Although off-centre in relation to Asakusa, a visit of the Sky Tree can be combined with a stroll in this area.

You reach the interior of the castle walls by way of a bridge over the moat and moat. When the Hongan-ji Temple of Kyōto burned down, the sect Jōdo-shinshū was established here and the moat and moat were built to defend the temple. It was first besieged by Nobunaga Oda in 1574 and taken in 1580, and Hideyoshi Toyotomi decided to build the castle in 1583 on the ruins of Ishiyama Hongan-ji Temple. To do this, he asked his daimyō for financial assistance and the participation of more than one hundred thousand workers. Within three years, the castle became the largest fortress in Japan. In 1598, the widow and son of Hideyoshi Toyotomi retreated there in an attempt to preserve their power, and it was not until 1615 that the Tokugawa clan succeeded in taking it over. After restoring it, the Tokugawa clan entrusted the responsibility to the governor: Masanobu Naitō. In 1868, the castle was destroyed in the war between the supporters of shōgun and the Emperor's supporters. The ramparts resisted, but the keep had to be rebuilt in 1931. The castle was restored again in 1996. The walls are built of stone, the largest of which, 5 m high and over 11 m long, was a gift from General Kiyomasa Katō (Higo ishi). The Nishino Maru Garden is located between the gates Kyōbashi-my and Ōte-my. The Cherry Trees Gate, Sakura-mon, opens onto the Hon-Maru courtyard where the dungeon stands, containing a fine collection of armour and weapons. The castle is best appreciated from the outside.

The residence of a nobleman, Yorimichi Fujiwara, was converted into a temple in 1052, and although rebuilt in 1336 following a fire, it has become, by the grace of time, one of the most beautiful buildings in Japan.

Ho' o-do. The Phoenix Hall was built in 1053. Its name was probably Amida-dō. The Phoenix had always been Buddha's protector in China, so an architectural structure was chosen that allowed the Phoenix to fly and spread its wings with its symmetrical reflection reflected in the waters of a pond. All this represents the image of the true pure earth, dear to Amida. Two other bronze phoenixes face him at the ends of the roof. This is a perfect illustration of the great architecture of the Heian period. Through this building, you can also realize what Kyōto looked like and its architectural richness, partly destroyed by civil war and accidental fires. The statue of Amida meditates in true pure earth. It is the only authenticated work in Japan by the sculptor Jōchō.

Kannon-do. This room, which stands on the site of the fishing pavilion (tsuridono) of the first residence on the banks of the river, was rebuilt in the Kamakura period. In the hall, Kannon is depicted surrounded by Jiz Bosatsu and Fud My- who were executed during the Fujiwara clan period.

Homotsukan. It is the treasure of the temple. It is closed all year round except from April1 to May 31 and September 15 to November 30. It contains the original ornaments of the Phoenix roof and the bell, which is among the most beautiful in Japan, with its carved bestiary and creatures of paradise.

The shrine is located between the Gion and Higashiyama districts and dominates the main avenue Shijō-dōri.It is said to have been founded in 876. It is called Gion-san, as it is considered by the inhabitants of Kyoto as the real guardian of the Gion district. It is very popular during Hatsumode, i.e. visits to the shrine for New Year's greetings. The shrine is also at the heart of the great Gion Matsuri festival which takes place in July and is undoubtedly one of the most famous festivals in all of Japan.

It is the largest cemetery in Kōya-san. Along the aisles, more than two hundred thousand tombs of daimyō, religious (including Daishonin and Shinran), samurai or simple people were built. The best thing is to enter the Niveau-hashi bridge and follow the driveway that goes into the forest. The driveway is all the more impressive in the morning or evening, when it is lit in the glow of the lanterns. At the north end of the cemetery is the Tōrō-dō where you can burn thousands of lanterns. Two of them are supposed to burn since the th century. Immediately afterwards, the Mizumuke Jizo, of the rows of statuettes of Jizo, standing at the foot of the Gobyo-no-hashi bridge. By crossing the bridge, you don't need to talk anymore. At the end of the road, you will reach the mausoleum of Kūkai, also known as Ereader Daishi. According to the tradition Shingon, Kūkai is a very important character because he must help the Buddha of the Future, during his coming, to salvation of souls.

One of the most beautiful waterfalls in Japan, 88 metres high. It has a basin at its feet, also classified as one of the most beautiful natural basins in the archipelago. 

Kawaii, bizarre, spectacular: all the originality of Harajuku can be found inside. Since 1998, the Design Festa gallery has supported freedom of expression in all its forms. Regardless of nationality, language or technique, artists gather and exhibit in this teeming place of expression. The visit continues to the adjacent café, where you can enjoy a cup of tea or a beer in the open air, and ends at the okonomiyaki restaurant Sakura-tei, whose walls are covered with frescoes.

Here is the war of stars! You're going to be able to enter George Lucas'imagination for a hectic adventure in a flight simulator. Outside, a cinema décor recreates the film forest and a huge metal monster in full attack. After the waiting queue that allows you to visit the space vessels garage, you can take a seat in a futuristic boarding hall. By luck, you fall into Captain Rex's ship, which is the first flight! Fasten your belts, and on the way for an adventure of about 7 minutes across the galaxy. An attraction that combines action and humour not to be missed.

This very popular 2km walking path goes from Ginkaku-ji to the surroundings of Nanzen-ji. It is perfectly marked and follows a small canal through a peaceful landscape. In spring, beautiful cherry trees bloom along the path. It is named after the philosopher and professor at Kyoto University Kitarō Nishida (1870-1945), who used to take contemplative walks there on his way to the university. One of the most influential philosophers of the 20th century in Japan, Kitarō Nishida had founded the "Kyoto School" and much of his philosophy was about reconciling Western thought with Eastern thought.
Philosophers' Path has gained a reputation as the most beautiful viewpoint in Kyoto during hanami, the period of cherry blossom contemplation in March and April. At that time, the path is crowded and crowded. Even so, the walk retains a contemplative feel as it passes close to a number of temples and shrines such as the Hōnen-in, Ōtoyo-jinja and Eikan-dō Zenrin-ji.
Walking at one's own pace, it takes nearly half an hour, but one can easily stay for an entire afternoon strolling along the path and the small stalls in the area.
The canal that the path follows was built during the Meiji era to revitalize the economy of the region. It extends for 20km to Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture. A beautiful aqueduct can be seen not far from Nanzen-ji.

Here is a real complex with whirlpool baths, waterfalls… A free shuttle service allows you to get there from the bridge, one minute from the station.

The evidence will be found: photographs, relics, objects that belonged to the combatants.

Located 4 km from the city, Sakurajima is one of the most active volcanoes in the world. As proof, its last eruption was on April 29, 2017. The most violent one was in 1914. Although you can't climb the volcano, you can enjoy a beautiful panoramic view from the observatories in Yunohira and Arimura. The northern coast is the most picturesque. To the east emerges the Kurokami torii, half buried under the volcanic ash. To the south are some onsen and rotenburo. Do not miss the Sakurajima Visitor Center and the foot spa in Nagisa Park.

This magical place is famous throughout Japan and beyond for the beauty of its waterfalls, its natural depth, the color of its water, the lush nature, all enhanced by the position of the overhanging rocks and the smoothness of the steep walls. The view of the Manai waterfall, which rises 17 meters high, from the gorge is breathtaking. Hiring a boat is an almost unavoidable step to make the most of the gorge. It is impossible to book one in advance, so you know what you have to do!

Omotesandō Boulevard and its extension to Aoyama are similar to the Champs-Élysées and Avenue Montaigne in Paris, but much more crowded. This is where the big brands set up shop to test their fame and value. They compete for attention with masterpieces of contemporary architecture (Louis Vuitton, Prada, Miu Miu). The district also reflects all the new trends in Tokyo, in terms of food (organic, bio, vegan), aspirations (terraces, gardens, coworking spaces) and fashion.

This is the old geisha district. A chaya was a type of restaurant where customers were entertained by geisha. During the Edo period, chaya were located in designated entertainment districts. Kanazawa has three of them (but this is the largest and most interesting). This walk is a must for any visit to Kanazawa. You will stroll from shop to shop, enjoy old chaya still open to the public (Shima and Kaikaro) and feel the atmosphere of the old days most exhilarating.

A must-see for anyone who stops in the city of Nagoya. Originally, a fortress stood on the site of the present castle. It was built by and for the Oda clan. Then Ieyasu Tokugawa built the famous Nagoya Castle for his 9th son, Yoshinao, in 1610, so that he could control the whole central part of Honshū and keep an eye on his opponents, who were still loyal to the Toyotomi. The Tokugawa of Owari remained in possession of the castle until the Meiji restoration. Located on the Tokaido road, it allowed to secure the access to Edo. In 1930, it became the property of the Nagoya municipality. It was bombed at the end of the Second World War in 1945 and rebuilt in 1959 with a reinforced concrete structure.

The foundations of the pre-war Hon Maru can be seen, some parts of which have been collected in the spared keep and now set up as a museum. One can admire the shachihoko (mythical orca-like animals) found on the roof ridge of the castle, and also the fusuma, the painted sliding doors, which are quite remarkable. The visit to Nagoya-jo is particularly spectacular and magical in spring when the cherry trees in the park are in bloom. The foundations of the castle are currently undergoing a restoration which should be completed soon, and which aims at restoring its authentic architecture. This long-term work does not alter the quality of the visit.

This museum exhibits contemporary artworks of an experimental nature. The famous "Swimming Pool" by Leandro Erlich, "The Origin of the World" by Anish Kapoor and "The Man Who Measures the Clouds" by Jan Fabre are all on display. It is a must-see for contemporary art enthusiasts. Visitors can enter the free zone from 9am to 10pm every day, including Monday. The shop also offers a wide selection of accessories and gadgets in the spirit of the place.

If the Golden and Silver Pavilions are among the most visited and known monuments in Japan, the Ryōan-ji (Temple of the Peaceful Dragon) is probably the most admired Zen garden. It is also classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The monastery Ryōan was founded in 1450 by Katsumoto (1430-1473). The temple was burned during the Onin Civil War and rebuilt by Masamoto Hosokawa, son of Katsumoto, from 1488 to 1499. It is assumed that it was between this date and 1507, the date of Masamoto's death, that Sōami (1455-1525) designed the garden in the kare-sansui (dried mountain water) style. This garden is now considered one of the masterpieces of the Japanese Zen period.

The garden. With a surface area of 200^m2

, it is a rectangular garden enclosed by a wall on three sides, the last being open to a corridor. The entire surface area of the garden is an ocean of gravel on which fifteen rocks of different sizes are arranged and placed in such a way that, whatever your position in the corridor, you may only see fourteen of them. This ocean of gravel is carefully raked every day by the monk in charge of the temple. Behind the wall, tombs are lined up, including those of Emperor Go Shujaku (1009-1045).

The lake Oshidōri. In the center of the temple, there is a large lake in the middle of which a small island can be seen. It is a bucolic scenery that leads to contemplation. A walk around the lake in the lush nature is a real treat.

This park has an immense reputation in Japan. He belonged to the Maeda family, which led the Kaga area, known nowadays as Ishikawa and Toyama, from the feudal days and for several generations. Built in 1676 and enlarged 1875 years later, the park was opened to the public in. Its name comes from kenroku, which means the combination of six elements: vastness, solemnity, vénérabilité, consciousness, freshness and abundance of water. It is considered one of Japan's three most beautiful landscaped gardens with Kairaku in Mito and Kōraku in Okayama. It has a large artificial pond in its centre and is dotted with hills and pavilions. The large basin named «Kasumigaike» was built as a sea, and the island placed in its centre symbolizes the hope of longevity and prosperity. On the edge of the pond is a lantern of stone and a beautiful fountain. The park is very flowery, with many species like azaleas and iris. But it's in the spring and autumn that the park has its most beautiful assets, with in April the cherry trees and plum in bloom and in October, the leaves that become red.

Built between the arms of the Ota-gawa River, the Heiwa Kinen Kōen (Peace Memorial Park) was designed by architect Kenzō Tange, while the two bridges are the works of Japanese-American sculptor Noguchi Isamu. The Cenotaph and the Flame monument feature an inscription, "Remain in peace so that the mistake will not be made again." The lists of the victims are kept in the stone coffin in the cenotaph monument.

It is one of the most beautiful and impressive aquariums in Japan, and probably in the world. It is home to hundreds of species, thousands of fish but also sharks, rays and other invertebrates, such as multicolored anemones and phosphorescent jellyfish. The visit of this magical place is highly recommended for families. More than 15 large aquariums specifically illustrate the different regions of the Pacific coast.

The large Inca temple in ruins reflects the entrance of this attraction. You must face Crystal Skull which protects the path to the Fountain of Youth. Fortunately for you, Indiana Newspaper has already mapped the way for your jeep… But this adventure gives you many surprises!

The 500 species of animals present occupy the oldest zoo in Japan. The gardens of the park are pleasant. A fun step for children, but come to Tōkyō to find themselves in a middle zoo…

Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful temples in Nara, Kōfuku-ji has been a Unesco World Heritage Site since 1998. It was the headquarters of the Hossō sect, which professes that all phenomena are projections of the spirit. Tutelary temple of the Fujiwara, a dynasty founded in 669 in Yamashina by Kamatari Fujiwara (614-669), patriarch of the Fujiwara dynasty that ruled Japan until the 12th century. The son, Fuhitōfujiwara, with the support of the empress Genshō (681-748) and the emperor Shōmu (689-756), had the temple dismantled and moved to Nara in 710. It was, at the time, one of the first religious establishments in the new capital. It belonged to what was called the Nanto Shichi Daiji, that is to say the "seven great temples", which included the following Buddhist temples spread in the ancient city of Nara: Daian-ji, Gango-ji, Horyu-ji, Kofuku-ji, Saidai-ji, Todai-ji and Yakushi-ji. Many of them are still visible today and reveal the splendor of the capital. Originally, the temple consisted of 175 buildings. Its present appearance is what remained of the original temple after the fire of 1717. When you visit this huge complex, you can see the following buildings:

The mainGolden Pavilion burned seven times. It was only recently rebuilt to its original proportions, and reopened in October 2018. It houses, among other things, Boddisattva statues from the Kamakura period, and the Hossō pillar with portraits of all the patriarchs of the sect.

Hokuendō. Small octagonal hall, built in memory of Fuhitōfujiwara in 1143 and restored in 1208.

Sanjū-no-tō. A famous 3-story pagoda, symbolic of Nara, it houses beautifully painted Buddhas.

Tō-kon-dō (Eastern Golden Pavilion). Dedicated to Empress Genshō and built in 726, it was restored in 1415 for the last time.

Other buildings: On the other side, the Western Golden Pavilion, the Sai-Kon-dō.

Opposite the Gojūnotō Pagoda is the Nan En-dō, another octagonal building founded in 843 by Fuyutsugu Fujiwara and which was restored in 1741. Of note is a statue of Kannon executed by Kokei in 1189. As for the pagoda, it is five stories high. It is one of the highest in the country.

Kokuho-kan. National Treasures Museum, it is the most recent building of the site which was built in 1959 to house and protect the wonders of Nara temples.

Sarusawa Pond reflects the five-story pagoda on full moon nights.

These hot springs, whose waters have very pronounced colors (orange, turquoise, gray ...), are very photogenic. But we do not bathe there. The grand tour includes eight hells (Jigoku Meguri). The Kannawa group, located about ten kilometers from the city, includes the Umi jigoku (sea hell) and Yama jigoku (mountain hell). The small group proposes Chi-No-Ike Jigoku (hell of the blood pond), Tatsumaki jigoku (hell of the tornado), Kamado...

Located to the east of Tokyo Tower, Shiba Park was home, until the ^17th century, to over a hundred shrines built around the Zōzō-Ji temple. The temple was the Kantō headquarters of the Jōdō-shū (Pure Land Sect), whose masters were all Chinese. It was founded by Shūei (809-884), a disciple of Kūkai. Initially dependent on the Shingon-shū, it then passed to the Jōdō-shū by the monk Shōsō, at the end of the ^14th century. Ieyasu Tokugawa made it a family temple in 1590, and the temple accumulated wealth donated by daimyō and merchants, as it was on the edge of the Tōkaido road. At the height of its glory, the temple comprised over 120 buildings. The mausoleums of 6 of the 15 Tokugawa shoguns are located here.

After the Meiji Restoration and the decline of Buddhism, the estate was transformed into a park. Destroyed during the Second World War, it was rebuilt in 1974, but posed many problems for the development of the Shiba district. The two-storey main gate dates back to 1622. It is the oldest wooden building in the city and the only temple structure to have survived the bombardments of the Second World War. Many stone statuettes (jizō) of children can be seen here, serving as prayer supports for parents who have lost a child before or shortly after birth.

Throughout the year, numerous events and ceremonies bring this religious site to life. Sutra writing sessions are held every 14th of the month, except July and August.

According to the texts, it is the oldest baths in Japan. History has it that the thermal waters of Dōgo date back to Mikoto Okuni-nushi, son of Susano'o, an important figure in Shintō mythology who became both the benefactor of agriculture, but also the power of war (8,000 spears). Then, various emperors came to relax at the Dōgo and enjoy the benefits of the waters gushing out at 43°C. The public bath, itself, dates from 1894 and a private bath was built in 1899, in the shoin style, for the emperor's rest. One can see the Botchan Hall, where the action of Sōseki Natsume's novel Botchan, The Young Gentile, is set. This novel chronicles the life of a young mathematics teacher caught up in the tug of war in a provincial society, Matsuyama, as Japan's doors open to the West. This novel is one of the classics of Japanese literature. In another register, the Dogo Onsen inspired Miyazaki for his famous Journey of Chihiro, whose Yubaba baths look strangely like Dogo Onsen. The director worked there for a long time on his sketches. The atmosphere around the baths reminds the scenes of the cartoon. At 6:30 am, the drum is beaten to announce the opening of the baths. There are small rest rooms on the third level. Be careful, the entrance fee does not include towels, soap, and even a hair dryer (try to come with shampoo, soap and towel in addition to your yukata). A restoration of the place has been started in 2019.

This park is located within walking distance of the funicular that leads to Mount Sōunzan. There is a rather curious mixture of alpine and tropical plants.

You will discover the ruthless world of pirates. Ship boarding, looting of cities, market for women, everything is representé, even Captain Jack Sparrow! Audio-animatronics are surprising in reality and the whole is of such a wealth of detail that several passages will be necessary if you want not to lose one miette of animated scenes. The attraction is entirely inside as well as the queue.

In the red mountains of the U.S. West, a small mine train leads you into a chaotic, chaotic journey of almost 4 minutes. At all speed, you sail on the slopes of the mountains, in the midst of the worrying geysers or bones! The equipment has been recovered in old abandoned mines and the many audio-animatronics give life to the decor… The sensations are not very strong, but it is a attraction where one takes pleasure all the long to be buffet from one side to the other.

This Shinto shrine celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2019. Linked to the national construction of the 19th century, it is dedicated to the spirits of the Japanese who died for their homeland, from the Boshin War to the present day. It is currently a controversial place as it houses the remains of war criminals (notably that of General Tōjō who orchestrated many massacres, including the infamous Nanking massacre in 1937). Each of the Japanese Prime Minister's visits to this holy place immediately triggers a wave of protest from Beijing and Seoul.

It seems rather curious for a tourist to go to a cemetery, but in noisy Tokyo, cemeteries are not inconsiderable spaces of peace. There are some graves or memorials of famous people, such as the tomb of General Nogi, winner of the Russian-Japanese war, or novelists like Naoya Shiga, or Kabuki actors, like Danjurō Ichikawa. The crossing of the cemetery leads to Aoyama Palace. It is also a picnic spot for the Japanese at the time of the cherry blossoms.

On the edge of a vehicle, you are very much guided by the main paintings in the history of White Snow for just under 5 minutes…

Smart Council. The passage through the forest is quite frightening for the smaller ones. Sets and special effects are very worked. If you have time before 11 p. m. or after 18 p. m., there is a crowd…

Flying Carpets. A dive in the world of Aladdin, ideal for small ones. The big ones may find the experience a little disappointing…

A film recounts the glory hours of the castle.

On 19 June 1945, 190 young girls and 14 professors were captured by the Americans and decided to commit suicide together after all singing in choir. Place very visited by Japanese tourists.

The name of this temple appears in The Tale of Genji, a famous work of Japanese literature written by Murasaki Shikibu, a court lady of the Heian period. Kanzeon-ji was built in memory of Empress Saimei by her son, Emperor Tenji. It became the most important Buddhist temple in Kyushu, exerting great influence on all other temples in the region. A bronze Bonsho bell, the oldest in Japan, can be seen here.

Not far from the great Buddha of Kamakura, this luminous temple of the Jodo sect overlooks the ocean. Probably founded around the 11th century, it is known for the eleven-headed wooden statue of Kannon, housed in the main pavilion. The entrance is at the foot of Mount Kamakura. On the way up, you can see the rows of jizō commemorating the stillborn children. Near the main pavilion, a cave is dedicated to the Benzaiten goddess of femininity and beauty. The temple is the ^4th stop of the pilgrimage of the 33 temples.

Classified as remarkable landscapes, these gorges are located in Nishi Park, only 1 hour drive from Hiroshima. Renowned for their beauty, they are also famous for their glowing maples in autumn. Powerful streams, deep pools, steep walls and waterfalls follow one another. This 13 km long area stretches from the entrance of Sandankyo to Lake Hijiri. The five beautiful views of Kurobuchi include the cliff and primary forest, Sarutobi, the narrow passage between the rocks and the waterfalls Nidan-daki, Sandan-daki and Mitsu-daki.