Tourist Attractions & Monuments Japan

Located 11 km from Tōno, gives an idea of the life of a rich family of Tōno two centuries ago.

The bike ride from the water mill to the outdoor museum Takamuro Suikōen is particularly pleasant.

This outdoor museum, the largest in the region, is 3,5 km from Fukusen-ji. You can see magariyas (houses in L and Thatched Roof that farmers shared with their horses), of course, a water mill and a craft gallery.

A small island where the goddess Amamikiyo, the creator of Okinawa myths, would have donated some seeds to the people of the island. It is also on this island that the festival of Izaihō takes place. Worship is only organized by women.

The most revered sanctuary on the island of which there are only a few stones but whose legend is tenacious. Kings came to pray here, but did not have the right to cross the first steps.

This cave contains several underground rivers, waterfalls and one of Japan's largest caves. You can cross this small underground world over 800 m. The exit is planned to go directly to the park Gyokuse-dō Habu Kōen, where you can see the famous battles of snakes against mongooses (entry: 500 ¥).

Near the cave on the east coast some beaches like La and Hayakuna Beach. On the offshore you will see corail of coral. By continuing, you will reach the Chinsen Peninsula, especially for its landscape of sugar cane fields. Some okinawaïens myths are circulating on foreigners who come beyond the seas and who have brought new agricultural techniques.

A memorial dedicated to all the dead, American and Japanese, who participated in the fighting. The names of 235 000 people are engraved on white granite tables.

Memorial located on a cliff and dedicated to 350 000 unknown dead.

The village of Nakadomari, with its Moon Beach, is one of the biggest tourist destinations in Okinawa. A white sandy cove, bathed by turquoise waters, with the added bonus of a mishmash of Japanese and Americans who come to sunbathe and play like crazy. The American teenagers of the base are everywhere, in a very Californian atmosphere. From the beach, you can reach the Maeda Misaki cape, its cliffs and its surfers who tame the waves. You can also go snorkeling there.

This cave has been used as a burial space for over 2,000 years. Although this space is considered sacred, one can nevertheless enter and walk for more than a kilometre. A number of clay pots can be seen, many of which are broken. A number of them contain human remains. In Okinawan culture, it is common for bodies to be cremated or buried in ohaka. Some residents offer money to the spirits to pray for them. It is more than advisable, if not mandatory, to carry a flashlight.

The most beautiful beach in Taketomi is in the west. It is littered with skeletons of small marine animals.

Located to the east, this beach has very fine white sand. The width of the beach is ideal. Of course, there are all the tourist facilities you need to enjoy the place: windsurfing boards, masks, diving tanks, etc. From Eef Beach, you can access the "end of the world" island (Hate no Shima), a very fine white sand reef in the middle of the coral reef. From there, you can observe a myriad of tropical fish, each more colorful than the next.

The still active volcano erupted in April 1990, while in 1958 another eruption killed twelve people. In 1979, the cable car was damaged. In short, Naka-dake is a still dangerous volcano. The cable car will take you to the top in a few minutes. You can walk for 1 hour around a crater, the width of which varies constantly.

This large natural park, built on the ancient site of Taishoji, is home to several mausoleums, some of which are very famous. Among the main mausoleums is the tomb of Gracia Hosokawa (1563-1600), wife of Tadaoki. She converted to Christianity and was killed by her husband in order not to be taken hostage by the military commander Mitsunari Ishida. Gracia is a heroic figure in the eyes of many Japanese. The park invites you to take a peaceful stroll through its lush nature, which is at its most beautiful in autumn.

The most popular onsen in the city is the Takegawara Onsen, which dates back to the Meiji Empire. It has the particularity of having sand baths, as in Ibusuki. The Hamawaki Onsen is the second famous spring. Renovated over 20 years ago, Hamawaki is divided into two buildings, the classic onsen and the more sophisticated Hamawaki yu-tō-pia(yu = hot water, tō = bath). Onsen can also be found in the Kannawa, Shibaseki, and Kamegawa areas, and in the hills northwest of the city, the Myōban Onsen area.

He is known for his pink flamingos.

This is one of the most popular beaches in Miyazaki, famous for its small island connected to the land by a causeway. People also flock here for the ridged, combed-like rock formation discovered at low tide(Oni no sentaku ita, the ogre's washboard). The warm currents allow you to bathe there like in the tropics. Aoshima is also known for its betel trees(biro) and many subtropical plants. It is definitely a nice day trip to make from Miyazaki.

It consists of two natural caves, one of which is over 400 metres long. Inside the first cave are 40 statues of Hoki Buddhas, some of which date back to the^5th century. Some of these statues are surrounded by their disciples. Others even have traces of paintings. In the second cave, the visitor can take time to contemplate Sannousan Buddhas, statues 3 meters high as well as Furuzono Buddhas. The stone Buddhas of Usuki are classified as a national treasure.

From the sanctuary, a 15-minute walk is necessary to reach the cave. This little walk is an enchantment. In an environment of streams and trees, you will be able to reach the cave located at the east of the sanctuary.

Bathed by the Iwato River, the pretty shrine comprises a number of buildings, the main one, the Nishi hongū, being on the western bank. The Higashi hongū, as its name suggests, is on the east. It is exactly there, a fifteen-minute walk away, that the goddess Amaterasu Ōmikami, a mythical deity of the Shintō, took refuge. The environment of the shrine is truly wild, which gives the place a very appreciable mystical touch.

Located 1 km from the center, this shrine stands in the middle of an environment where cryptomerias, the Japanese cedars, reign supreme. Established over 12 centuries ago, the shrine is highly respected and revered as it is located on the land where the sun goddess descended to earth. The Iwato kagura is danced there every night at 8pm. If you are staying at a hotel in the village, you can usually book a shuttle bus and the session to participate in the dance.

It is the largest archaeological site in Japan, with 329 megalithic kofun dating from the^5th and 6th centuries. These tumuli, of different shapes - round, square or keyhole - were probably built by a very powerful local clan, perhaps close to the Yamato imperial lineage. Some of them can be as long as 220m. They are scattered in a park with a mysterious atmosphere. In some kofuns were found the famous haniwa that can be seen in the Saitobaru Shiryōkan Museum.

This park plunges us into the world of the Harry Potter films, through various emblematic settings: Platform 9 3/4, the Forbidden Forest and Chemin de Traverse. You can go behind the scenes of the production, take a look at the costumes or pose in famous scenes. Several cafés and restaurants serve dishes and drinks inspired by the work, such as beer-butter orafternoon tea. You may well become a fan of the bespectacled wizard after this visit.

The two buildings designed by Minoru Takeyama were built in 1969 and 1970, and have become symbols of architectural post-modernism. The facade of the Ichibankan, which was renovated a few years ago, is clad with white and black stripes. Originally, 49 bars occupied the 8 floors of the building. As for Nibankan, it used to host bars and saunas, but is now falling into disrepair. It can be recognized by the large, colourful graphic signs on its façade.

There is a rather curious mixture of alpine and tropical plants.

This shrine is dedicated to General Nogi, hero of the Russo-Japanese war. He was raised in 1923 on the site of the house where the general and his wife made seppuku (harakiri) in 1912, out of attachment to the recently deceased Meiji Emperor and their ethic of fidelity. The house is sometimes open to the public, but the sanctuary is open to visitors all year round. It is a pretty green oasis, where you can also see an alley of red torii. A flea market is held there on the 4th Sunday of each month, where you can find both clothes and dishes.

Built in 1603 to protect the city from fires and disasters, this sanctuary perched on a hill was rebuilt in 1958. A double stone staircase (Otoko zaka, the men's slope, and Onna zaka, the women's slope) provides access to the sanctuary. In the past, poets used to climb it to admire the snow at the time of the full moon. Legend has it that a young samurai climbed to the top on horseback to pick plum blossoms and offer them to the shogun. The steep stairs then became a symbol of success in life.

This Shinto shrine was founded in 730, in Otemachi, in the Gongen style of the Momoyama period. In 1616, it was moved to the present site by Ieyasu Tokugawa and declared guardian of Edo City. The first sanctuary having been burned down, this one is a fairly faithful concrete replica that resists time and earthquakes. In recent years, it has adopted the codes of pop culture from the neighbouring Akihabara district, particularly during festivals in mid-May and August. It is consecrated to 3 of the 7 gods of fortune, and is much appreciated by the Tokyo inhabitants.

The Rainbow Line is an 11.2 km scenic drive from Mihama to Wakasa. The Summit Park allows visitors to enjoy a breathtaking view from the summit of the five Mikata lakes, the Sea of Japan and the surrounding mountains. The 360° view is remarkable. Access to the summit is by funicular or chairlift. Several activities are offered, from a foot bath to a panoramic café with relaxing armchairs in front of the view.

A series of interconnected rooms are discovered in the cave, some of which display large statues of ogres depicting scenes from the history of Momotarō. The cave, which covers an area of 4,000 square meters, is located at a depth of 400 meters. The atmosphere there is very mysterious. The cave is said to have been created in 100 BC and was discovered by Sentaro Hashimoto in 1914. The souvenir shop next to the cave serves millet dumplings, a favorite of the hero of the legend. An impressive visit.

This magnificent beach is best admired when the sea recedes: fine pools of water form on the sand, creating a mirror effect, in which the light, the surrounding nature or your silhouette are reflected. At sunset, the spectacle is absolutely breathtaking! It is one of the 100 best places in Japan to enjoy it. In fact, many Japanese people come here to take pictures for the memory... and for social networks of course. You won't be able to resist the urge to immortalize the moment either.

Under this intriguing name lies a small strip of sand that connects the coast to three pretty little islands. This one appears only twice a day, at low tide. It is a place where couples traditionally come for a walk, as legend has it that walking together along this sandy path is the promise of a happy and prosperous relationship. But the scenery is really worth it, whether you are alone, with friends or family of course. You should check the tide times at the tourist information office in Tonosho harbour.

To appreciate the famous whirlpools of Naruto, resulting from strong tidal currents in the eponymous strait, a boat cruise is a great option. But there is also another way by taking a little bit of height. Uzu-no-michi is an observation platform, located under the Onaruto Bridge, which allows you to observe the eddies through the transparent glass at floor level. A breathtaking and vertiginous experience.

Located in Ikaruga, about ten kilometers from Nara, and founded in 607 by Prince Shōtoku Taishi, this temple has the oldest wooden structure in the world and claims with strength and determination to be the national masterpiece of Asuka culture. It remains the oldest temple in Japan. To show his gratitude to Buddha for the healing of his father, the Emperor Yōmei (540-587), the prince Shōtoku had the temple built next to the Ikaruga no Miya Palace which he had built in 601. The Hōryū-ji consists of about 40 buildings divided into two areas: the western part, or Sai-in, and the eastern part, or Tōin. There is also a northern part, Kitamuro-in. The treasure is located between the eastern and western parts. It became the first Japanese site to be inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List in December 1993 as an exceptional home to the richness of Buddhist culture. More than 15 major events take place every year. Remember to check the programme on the Internet.

Saiin. The western part (saiin) contains the main buildings of the Asuka period (7th and 8th centuries): Chūmon, Kondō and the five-storey pagoda Gojū-no-tō.

Chūmon. The middle gate is topped by a single storey and opens onto the courtyard which contains the other buildings. The two guardian kings Nio, dating from 711, face each other. They are the two oldest earthen statues in Japan.

Kondō. Golden pavilion. Main building erected on a stone base and consisting of two storeys with a four-sloped roof and two gables, the roof being made of a gabled roof. It features the Four Guardians of the World (shi-Tennō), who are among the oldest wooden statues in the world. It contains the Buddhist statues to which the temple is dedicated.

Gojū-no-tō. Five-storey pagoda, 32.50 metres high. Built according to the laws of perspective, it gives an impression of great stability due to its magnificent proportions, but also of height, enhanced by the subtle narrowing of each floor.

Daikōdō (reading room). To the north of the courtyard, closed by the gallery. The original building burnt down in 925 and a building from Kyōto was transferred to this site in 990. Inside, three statues. That of Yakushi Nyorai (this representation of Buddha called Yakushi) is supposed to cure all suffering and diseases.

Tothe west of Daikōdō, the Kyōzō dating from the 8th century and to the east, the belfry (Shōrō) from the 9th century. Back to the west, the Saiendō, built in memory of the wife of the prince Shōtoku, Princess Tachibana. A statue of Yakushi dating from the 8th century can be seen there.

Shōryōin (temple of the soul of Shōtoku). Located east of the court, this building was built in 1121 in memory of the prince Shōtoku and houses several statues of the prince, his sons and the monk Eji.

Daihōzōin (Great Treasure Room). Contemporary double concrete construction dating from 1941. The works of the temple as well as pieces from kūfu (the treasure shop) are exhibited there (the others can be found in the National Museum at Tōkyō).

Tōin. The central part is occupied by the Yumedono (Dreams Pavilion). This octagonal religious building is said to be the oldest in Japan. It dates from the Nara period (8th century). It is in this building that the prince Shōtoku Taishi received in his dreams the answer to his philosophical questions.

Former studio of Japanese artist Taro Okamoto, one of the most emblematic figures of modern Japanese art in the ^20th century. His fresco The Myth of Tomorrow is on display in Shibuya station. This attractive little museum draws on the artist's documents, photos and sketches to provide an overview of his prolific oeuvre. Regular exhibitions unveil different aspects of his work. An adept of gigantism, Okamoto Taro designed the Sun Tower, the symbol of the 1970 Osaka World Expo.

The "giant 3D cat", located at Shinjuku's eastern exit, suddenly appeared in July 2021. His adorable silhouette spread around the world via videos on social networks. He is the main character of Cross Shinjuku Vision, a sophisticated video content that makes skilful use of 3D illusion. This fictional character has been picked up by foreign media as a typically Japanese line of humor, and is filmed daily by many people. The giant 3D cat can be seen on the official YouTube website.

This handicraft center aims to showcase the traditional crafts of the Taito district. Walking around Asakusa, you will still find some of these workshops open. The objects on display are the work of contemporary craftsmen. Specialists in wood, paper, blades, weaving and other materials, every Saturday they offer a workshop open to all where they showcase their art. Mr. Tanaka warmly welcomes and translates into English (better inquire beforehand). Interesting for the workshops, very affordable.

In the concrete forest that is Tokyo, we sometimes forget that we are on an island. The small beach of Odaiba reminds us of the wide expanses of sand, ice, games on the beach in summer. In the evening, it's a great place to admire the view of Tokyo and the Rainbow Bridge. This bridge, completed in 1993, is 798 meters long and crosses the north side of Tokyo Bay. Its structure illuminated with red, green and blue at night has become representative of contemporary Tokyo.

This cave, which can only be visited with a guide, is accessible by a path, but also by a very picturesque motorized monorail that winds its way through the trees on the mountainside. This option is recommended for the pleasure it provides. Once inside the limestone cave, you can make your way through the rocks. The stroll, which is very playful, is illuminated by coloured lights. This excursion is simple even if it is better to wear comfortable shoes. In bad weather, the activity is cancelled.

Founded in 816 in Kudoyama by Kōbō-Daishi, at the foot of Mount Kôya, this temple marks the beginning of the pilgrimage paths to Koyasan. It is thus part of the Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountains listed by Unesco. Until 1800, women could not go to Koyasan to pray. This temple, on the road, was therefore a key stop for women wishing to pray. Today, there are many offerings in the shape of breasts. It is a recognized temple for pregnant women and those who wish to be cured of an illness.

Okuiya Niju Kazurabashi Bridges are two suspension bridges located in the heart of the wilderness of Tokushima Prefecture. They were built using kiwai lianas, a very vigorous climbing plant native to Japan. The Kazurabashi Bridge, the most impressive, is 45 meters long and two meters wide, 14 meters above the water. It was for a long time the only way to travel through the Iya Valley. These bridges are said to be more than 800 years old.

A few kilometers from Okayama is Inujima. Today dedicated to art, this island was for decades dedicated to industry. Its foundry chimneys are still visible. With its galleries occupied by the Inujima Art House Project, as well as numerous art objects and other attractions, the island offers a unique artistic journey. The Seirensho Art Museum, housed in the ruins of an old foundry built a century ago, is the jewel in the crown. Every three years, the island hosts the triennial Setouchi Art Festival.

The Kyoto National Museum of Modern Art, also known as MOMAK, is a modern art museum located in the city of Kyoto. The museum houses a varied collection of modern Japanese art, with regular temporary exhibitions featuring contemporary artists. The museum also features a gift store where visitors can purchase reproductions of works of art and other items related to modern art, as well as a café where they can relax and enjoy a drink or snack.