Tourist Attractions & Monuments Japan

This temple founded by Ieyasu Tokugawa in 1612 is best known for the tomb of the 47 rōnins, the faithful samurai who continue to populate the Japanese imagination. A museum is dedicated to them in the temple grounds. In March 1701, the lord (daimyō) Asano of Akō wounded the lord Kira Hozukenosuke in the enclosure of Edo Castle. Taking out a blade in the palace of shōgun was a serious and unforgivable offence, and the culprit was condemned to ritual suicide, seppuku. He lost his lands and possessions. The 300 samurai in his pay became rōnin or floating men, which means mercenaries. One of them, Kuranosuke Oishi, decided to avenge his master and gathered 46 other samurai. He asked them to be patient and prepare a plan of revenge for 2 years. They met on December 14, 1702, attacked the villa of daimyō Kira and beheaded him. After placing the victim's head on their master's grave, they were condemned to seppuku on their master's grave on February 4, 1703, in the Sengaku-Ji garden. Only one escaped, Kichiemon Terasaka, who was sent to the lands of daimyō to Akō, to inform the faithful of the success of their revenge. When he returned, the shōgun pardoned him. Finally, another samurai from Akō, regretting not having been part of the revenge, ritually committed suicide at Asano's grave. December 14 is still an important date and every year, pilgrims come to visit the tombs of the 47 rōnins present in the temple.

52 storey building with the centre of Design Ozone, on the 2nd floor and the Park Hyatt on the last twelve floors.

The Gokoku-Ji, temple of the Buzan sect of Shingon Buddhism is the oldest and the biggest temple of the Edo period in Tokyo. It was built in 1681 and over the years, new buildings have been added to this impressive complex. One can see a belfry dating from 1682 and a two-level pagoda built in 1938. The Zoshigaya Cemetery is adjacent to the temple. It houses the graves of the writer Lafcadio Hearn, who became a Japanese citizen at the end of the 19th century, and of the missionary John McCaleb.

Also known as "Awata Palace", this Buddhist temple was built at the end of the 13th century. It is recognizable among a thousand thanks to its camphor trees (the oldest of which is nearly 800 years old!). From the beginning, it was the residence of the imperial abbot of the headquarters of the Tendai sect. Although the current building dates from 1895, paintings from the Kanō and Tosa schools from the 16th and 17th centuries can still be seen there. The main interest of this temple lies in the beautiful gardens designed by Sōami and Enshū Kobori.

The Yakushi-ji was founded in 690 in Fujiwara-kyō, and dedicated to the Healing Buddha to cure the emperor's illness Jitō. Later transferred to Nara at Nishinokyō in 718, it represents one of the best artistic examples of the period Hakuhō. As such, it is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At the heart of the temple, which takes the form of a main building and two symmetrical pagodas, several treasures can be seen.

The main pavilion

(Kon-dō). It contains a bronze trinity representing the Yakushi Nyorai (Healing Buddha) and his attendants Nikkō and Gakkō. The latter are admirable sculptures.

The Eastern Pagoda

(Tō-tō). 35 m high, it was built in 730 in the style of wa-yō. It has only three floors, but the mokoshi in between seem to give it double that.

The Zen pavilion

(dō-dō). Dating from 1285, it exposes the statue of Kadura Kannon and other statues of guardians dating from the Muromachi period. It is the oldest zen pavilion in Japan.

Bussoku-dō. Behind the pagoda, a room preserves a stone in which the Buddha's imprint (753) is engraved. It also has a stone writing desk where one can read a Chinese text readable only in phonetic symbols called man'yō-gana, i.e. used to superimpose Japanese readings on Chinese concepts or images. They are at the origin of today's Hiragana and are called man'yō-gana in reference to the collection of poems, the man'yō shū.

Temple built in 745 by the Empress Kōmyō. It became an important monastery that would control all the female monasteries of the province. Today, the only original building still standing is the three-storey pagoda, 24 m high, the oldest of its kind in Japan. The shrine has a statue of Kannon with eleven heads, each of which is said to bear a resemblance to the empress. It can only be seen from April 20 to May 7 and October 25 to November 8. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993.

We find in this temple a palace built for the emperor Kōkō (830-887) and completed for his son. The cloistered rule was established by Go-Sanjō to counterbalance the influence of the Fujiwara clan who had made his duties hereditary. The retired emperor ruled in place of the reigning emperor from a monastery. The abbots who succeeded each other here were almost all descendants of the imperial family. Sculpted symbols, still visible on the walls of the temple, attest to his imperial affiliation. To be seen during the flowering of the cherry trees.

A pretty little shrine where Japanese women go in great numbers, because it is known for love and birth vows on the one hand, and for the "power spot", a place that confers spiritual energy, on the other hand. The princesses of Ise, named priestesses, came here to perform purification rites. A famous nō play is inspired by a part of the Tale of Genji where the action takes place at Nonomiya Jinja. The place is not a must-see, but does not lack charm. If you pass by, take a look at the amulets.

This residence located about ten kilometres northeast of the heart of Kyoto was built by order of Iemitsu Tokugawa for the retired Emperor Go-Mizuno in 1650 and completed by his daughter in 1680. It is built against the mountain and is divided into three terraces called the three tea pavilions on an area of 28 ha. The emperor undertook the construction of the 1st and 3rd terraces while his daughter had the intermediate terrace built, which became a monastery.

This park is famous for its wisteria that fill in spring and summer, its plum trees and beautiful bambouseraies.

In particular, we can see the fighting of buffalo.

This onsen is mixed, but it's wearing a bathing suit. Getting there is a bit complicated. Take a bus from the port (Sueyoshi bus), change to Kashitate Onsen Mae, then go through another bus to Nakata-Shōten Mae. Finally, walk for 20 minutes to the ocean. The second, the Sueyoshi Onsen Miharashi-noyu is open from until and closed on Tuesday. Entry: 500 yen. It offers a beautiful view of the Pacific. Take the bus from the port to the Sueyoshi stop.

Temple of the Rinzai sect, it is one of the five great temples of the city. It was founded in 1226 by Enni. The name of Tōfuku-ji takes the name of two famous temples of Nara, the Tōdai-ji and the Kōfuku-ji. Many times destroyed by the vagaries of war and climate, it was entirely rebuilt in 1347 and it is in this form that it is presented today. The current complex of Tōfuku-ji currently has 24 buildings. We note the magnificent stone and sand garden designed by one of the most famous Buddhist monks of his time: Sesshu.

Temple founded in 824 by Kūkaï. Burned several times and bombed during the World War II, it was rebuilt in the fifties. In the park of the temple, one can see the oldest tree in Tōkyō, which would have grown from the cane of the monk Shinran in the 13th century. The temple has the sacred formula of Daishi Kōbō and Buddhist paintings. The American legation was housed here for more than ten years in the late 19th century. A medallion bearing the effigy of Towsend Harris is part of the temple treasure.

The construction of the White Castle, as it is called, dates back to the th century and returns to Yoshitake Shiba, who handed it over to the Oda clan. It is Japan's oldest castle. In 1584, Nobuteru Ikeda attacked her but had to abandon him because he was beaten by Ieyasu Tokugawa himself. From the th century, he belonged to the family of Des, the vassal of the lords of Nagoya. You can marvel at its strong foundations. It is the country's last private castle.

On the second floor of Inuyama station: there are maps in English and you can book accommodation there.

Three kilometers north of the station, one can stroll in this park built in 1888, at the foot of a group of hills and small mountains bordered by the Nagara gawa river. One can appreciate there the sanctuary of Inaba-jinja, the museum of the insects of Nawa, the museum of history of the town of Gifu, as well as a pagoda with three floors. The park is dominated by Mount Kinka. Oda Nobunaga, master of Gifu Castle, built his residence here. The cable car to Mount Kinka takes four minutes to reach the top, from which there are walking trails.

This shrine is dedicated to Amaterasu - the sun goddess in Shintoism, from whom it is said that all the emperors of Japan are descended. This spiritual shrine is the second most revered shrine in Japan after Ise Shrine. It is located in a park to which the beauty of the trees and the rarity of the species confer a great majesty. The shrine was built in the year 86 to house the sacred sword Kusanagi no tsurugi (the two-edged sword that mows grass), which unfortunately is not on public display. This sword represents one of the three imperial attributes (which are the mirror, the great ring of eight elements and the two-edged sword). It was given by Amaterasu Ōmikami to a clan leader of Japan, Takeru Yamato, who is considered the first federator of Japan. The latter escaped an ambush after cutting the flaming grass with the sacred sword. The shrine has the same architectural features as the shrines of Ise. A sacred compound, Nakanoe, surrounds the main building, the Hon-gū, and a secondary shrine. In the park are arranged several tea pavilions.

To the east of the park is the Bunka den (open from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm, except the last Wednesday and Thursday of the month. Entrance fee: 300 ¥) where the treasure of the shrine is displayed. There is a beautiful collection of bugaku masks. On the other side of Hori-kawa river is the pleasant traditional Shirotori garden with a teahouse (open from 9am to 4:30pm, except on Monday. Entrance fee).

You can also get information.

Learn more about the numerous festivals that take place in the region.

First, you will be given a number of information about the peninsula: hotels, recommended sites and different means of transport.

House of Governor Kita whose administration managed a good hundred villages.

Majestic Zen Temple (sect Sōtō) founded in 1321 in Monzen. He was destroyed by a fire in 1898. Now the main temple is in Yokohama while the temple restored after the fire is no longer working as an appendix. From Anamizu station, take a bus to the stop Sōji-ji-mae (40 minutes). Buses go to Monzen every hour or every 2 hours (640 ¥).

It is part of the coast formed by impressive rock formations and cliffs. The most amazing part is between Fukura and Sekinohana. Around Ganmon, a breathtaking view of a few precipices.

A small, pleasant fisherman village with a white sandy beach and a walk to follow the coast.

Created in the th century, it was probably rebuilt in the th century. Bus stop in Ichinomiya, 10 minutes from Hakui.

No need to go to Okinawa to enjoy beautiful beaches in Japan. Katsurahama is the proof. This pretty white sand beach, surrounded by many pine trees, will delight the amateurs. From the beach, you can also, from time to time, see fishing boats and fishermen coming back to the port with their nets full of fish. The place is highly recommended for contemplating the full moon. There is a cute little shrine at the tip of the beach. From here there is a beautiful view of the sea and the horizon.

Here (4 km northeast of Dōgo) is the Jungle Onsen (open 6 h to 22 h 30, 500 ¥). If the crowd of Dōgo Onsen stunned you, choose this quiet and modern onsen, the numerous baths immersed in the greenery.

Located 1 km northeast of the railway station, the park is home to the former dungeon of the Ogasawara clan. It was called the Bukaku-jō or castle of the flying stork, because the drawing of the two beaches evoked a bird with its wings deployed.

The gorges, carved by the Abu River, are among the most beautiful in Japan. It is located about 20 km northeast of Yamaguchi. With a total length of 12 km, the canyon is located in the central part of the prefecture. The gorge has also been selected as one of the 100 most famous sights in Japan. Along the Abugawa River there is a hiking trail with a total length of 5.5 km. The starting point is about a 5-minute walk from the station, making it an easy and accessible excursion.

You can see wild monkeys in a park located in the Choshi-kei valley.

The Kanka-kei Gorge can be reached with the Kanka-kei cable car, from which you can also see the sea. It is considered one of the three most beautiful valleys in Japan. They offer a landscape of cliffs, some of which are over 100 meters high. The lush vegetation of the valley becomes even more beautiful in autumn. At the top, there are several observatories as well as starting points for walks. In addition to the cable car, there are two hiking trails that lead to both stations.

Temple built in the style of.

They speak English.

You can also rent bicycles.

It is rumored to be the purest lake in Japan, after the Akan National Park. The color of the water becomes a deep blue on sunny days. The lake was formed in a caldera and its water is exceptionally cold, making it impossible to swim. The lake is renowned for its sockeye salmon fishing and is also home to freshwater crayfish and salamanders. The absolute clarity of the water makes it easy to see them. In addition to the beautiful surrounding hikes, you can also take a boat ride on the lake.

The name of this valley is explained by its volcanic activity. And the valley of the Inferno bears its name well. Count on several hours of hiking to make the tour. At the end, the reward is rather original: to contemplate the free macaques which splash in hot springs to warm up. This monkey paradise opened its doors in 1964. It is advisable to go there in winter so that you can also experience the onsen in the open air.

It is possible to take a shuttle bus that takes you directly to the waterfall, but only for a short period between July and August. The rest of the year, you have to walk for several hours. The bathing in this rotenburo is memorable. You have to cross a waterfall for almost half an hour to enjoy the three natural hot water baths. Bring a bathing suit and shoes with non-slip soles. You can also rent straw sandals before starting the climb.

The nature-loving traveller can circumnavigate these five lakes in about an hour via small hiking trails through the forest. During the peak season in summer, the first two lakes can be relatively crowded. An 800-metre-long elevated wooden walkway has recently been built between the car park and the first lake, allowing visitors to enjoy views of the lake, the Sea of Okhotsk and the surrounding mountains without damaging the fragile ecosystem. The walk is free of charge.

Wakkanai-Kōen Park is dedicated to the victims of the Sakhalin earthquake. The view is unobstructed and you can look out over the coast and Sakhalin Island from a tower (with questionable architecture). There is also a monument to the first Japanese explorer of Hokkaidō, the surveyor Rinzō Mamiya (1780-1844). One of the symbols is the Hyosetsu-no-Mon, an eight-meter-high doorway with a statue of a woman on top. It is a symbol of the city's history and culture, as well as a symbol of the city's identity and culture. The park covers about 45 hectares.

There are maps and brochures on the national park.

It is the largest volcanic lake in Japan and the 6th largest lake in the country by area. Like the famous Loch Ness, it has its own mythical monster, the Kusshie. It is a popular place for camping, swimming and onsen. The Suna-yu onsen is on the east bank and the Wakoto onsen on the south. There is also a beach with sand that is naturally heated by hot groundwater. The local fauna and flora will delight nature lovers and photography aficionados.

The "Lake of Mystery" is located 12 km southeast of Kawayu-Onsen. This impressive volcanic lake is surrounded by walls nearly 300 m high. It is a unique feature in Japan. It can be seen and contemplated from two observatories. The Japanese particularly appreciate the seasons when the small island in the middle is hidden in the mists that cover the area. You can see it for a short time if you are lucky. It is also common to go there to enjoy the starry sky.

Major objectives for hikers, thanks to their waterfalls, Ryūsei-no-taki and Ginga-no-taki are the two gorges that lead to Kobako and Obako. They drop into a canyon over 170m deep. You can rent bicycles to enjoy the beautiful views around. You can also reach Mt. Kuro-Dake by taking the cable car and the ski lift in succession, but the most popular hike is to Mt.

The highest point (2,568 metres) of a volcanic chain oriented east-west, Asama-yama is made up of three superimposed volcanoes. This volcano is one of the most active and violent in Japan. It is not possible to climb it, but you will be able to contemplate, in the north of the mountain, the Onioshidashi rocks, solidified lava forming an extraordinary landscape. The latter was formed in 1783 by the last violent eruption of the Asama-yama.

The road to Agematsu runs along the gorge of the Kiso River, called Nezamenotoko. The river has been eroding the granite bedrock since ancient times, so it flows between the vertical walls of the rock. The length of the gorge is about 1.5 km. The most beautiful views are between Kiso Fukushima and Suhara. The cherry trees bloom around the park in spring and the surrounding mountains are decorated with warm colors in autumn.

This sacred explosive volcano, which is forbidden to descend into its crater, was the site of a large number of pilgrimages during the Middle Ages. At 3,067 meters, Mount Ontake is the second highest volcano in the archipelago and the sixteenth highest peak. The ascent can be done by different ways. For example, you can start the ascent from Tanohara Nature Park, which is located 1.5 hours by bus from Kiso-Fukushima. The climb takes about 3 hours. A volcanic eruption took place on September 27, 2014, resulting in the death of 57 people.

The employees speak English a little.

The first gorge, Genbikei-Kyo, can be easily surveyed on foot. Buses leave from Ichinoseki station stop #9 (20 minutes). The second gorge, Geibikei-Kyo, is much more impressive than the first. In summer, boat guides will take you down to the gorge on the Satetsu River for about two kilometers (1.5 hours), to enjoy the breathtaking view of the rocks that rise between 50 and 100 meters. You can reach Geibikei-Kyo by bus from Ichinoseki Station No. 7 (40 minutes), or by kaisoku train (25 minutes). The gorge is located just outside the town of Ichinoseki. It has been shaped by the river's rapids over thousands of years, and this phenomenon has created a beautiful landscape of smooth, intertwined rock faces with colorful vegetation along the bank, especially in spring and fall. A trail allows visitors to walk under thick foliage on one side and through jagged rocks on the other. At the eastern end of the gorge, the Goramba Swing Bridge offers visitors a chance to enjoy calmer, emerald-coloured waters. Genbikei Gorge has been designated a National Scenic Beauty Spot as well as a natural monument. In 1927, Geibikei-Kyo was chosen to be included in the list of 100 landscapes in Japan. A great nature getaway to plan.

This museum dedicated to the folklore legends of Tōno consists of several buildings, including the inns in which the Écrivain Écrivain writer.