One visit is all it takes to start an enduring relationship with Japan where antiquity and modernity exist in harmony. Japan has a modern outlook anchored in technological innovation. A rich culture, profound Buddhist and Shinto spiritual traditions and picture-perfect natural attractions make it appealing to travellers of all hues. We look at some iconic sights in four of Japan’s famous cities – Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Shizuoko.
Tokyo: Modern meet classic
Tokyo, a compelling mix of the past and the present, is unlike any other city you have visited. The cityscape is a dense panorama of both old and modern design. From a tour of the capital’s sensational ancient temple to the magnificent Sky Tree, Tokyo is a treasure trove for the avid explorer.
Tokyo Tower is a 333-metre-tall communications tower that stands as a symbol of Japan’s historic economic growth. The contrasting red and white of its frame adds a touch of sophistication to one of the world’s greatest metropolises
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Tokyo Skytree boasts a height of 634 metres and is recognised as the highest freestanding radio tower by the Guiness World Records. Experience breathtaking views of Tokyo from atop the tower
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Ginza is dotted with well-established department stores and leading brands, and visitors can access the shopping paradise from Yurakucho Station and Ginza Station, near Tokyo Station
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Odaiba (Digital Art Museum), located on an artificial island in Tokyo Bay, is home to the latest hi-tech entertainment
Image Credit: teamLab | Exhibition view of MORI Building DIGITAL ART MUSEUM: teamLab Borderless, 2018, Odaiba, Tokyo. © teamLab | teamLab is represented by Pace Gallery
The Imperial Palace, located in Tokyo’s central Chiyoda, is on every visitor’s bucket list. Formerly Edo Castle, the outer garden of the Imperial Palace is located in the outer harbour, and it is dotted with historical heritage
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Kabuki is one of Japan’s most famous traditional performing arts, known for its showmanship that seamlessly integrates singing, dancing and acting. UNESCO has recognised Kabuki, with its 400-year history, as an item of intangible cultural heritage
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Sumo, a traditional Japanese ritual and part of martial arts, sees giant wrestlers in loincloths fighting each other in a round ring. The tension and power of the wrestlers praying for a good harvest are exciting and impressive, as they’re cheered on by enthusiastic crowds
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Osaka: A perfect blend of entertainment and culture
Osaka is a multifaceted city full of delicious food, boisterous locals and a friendly atmosphere. It is also a major financial and industrial centre. With easy, central access to Kyoto, Kobe and Nara, it also serves as a convenient and popular tourist hub. Wander the alleys and you’re sure to find people talking and laughing, enjoying Osaka’s world-famous soul food.
Families should head to the Universal Studios Japan (USJ) theme park, which houses a wide range of Hollywood and Japanese anime and movie-themed attractions and events
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The Nakaza Kuidaore Building, located on Dotonbori Street in the centre of Osaka, has gathered tourist attention with its exciting and unique appearance and mascots
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Kaiyukan is an aquarium, which challenges creating a small scale of the Pacific Sea in Osaka. Located in the bay area of the city, it is about 20 minutes away from Osaka Station by train and walk
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Takoyaki (octopus balls) is one of the Osaka-ites’ favourite foods, and you will find many roadside stalls
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Kyoto: What dreams are made of
With its tranquil temples and traditions, this Japanese city beautifully balances the preservation of its past with modern conveniences and access to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine, one of Japan’s most famous Shinto shrines, is a mere 5-minute train ride south from Kyoto Station. In Japan, it is sacred to the deity Inari, the god of agriculture, industry, general prosperity, and worldly success. The messenger of Inari is a fox, so shrines devoted to Inari usually feature foxes
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The kimono has long been recognised as one of the most beautiful of the world’s traditional garbs, and even today, it is the preferred clothing for Japanese celebrations and special occasions
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Kyoto’s most famous bamboo grove is situated in Arashiyama, approximately 40 minutes by train – and another world away – from Kyoto Station
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If you’re looking for the perfect getaway from the bustling crowds in Kyoto, Rurikoin Temple is a remarkably calm and peaceful choice. It is only open to the public for two periods each year, from April to June and October to December
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If you are a fan of Japanese history, the Nijo Castle in Kyoto is a must-see. A short 15-minute bus ride from Kyoto Station, the entire castle’s premise has been designated as a World Heritage Site, and the elegant Ninomaru Palace is a National Treasure
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Wagashi, or Japanese confectionary, is the sweet side of Kyoto’s culinary offerings. As pretty as they are delicious, wagashi are often presented as gifts, and reflect the current season, either in colour, shape, flavour or ingredients
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Twists and traditions in Shizuoka
What else would you expect of the region that’s home to the most iconic of Japanese sights, Mount Fuji? Scenic but often overlooked Shizuoka, boasts all the sightseeing and sensory mainstays of a Japanese sojourn.
Nihondaira Yume Terrace, located around 40 minutes by bus from Shizuoka Station, is built on a hilly altitude of 300 metres and comprises a three-storey observation facility, 200 metre-long observation corridor and 1,200 square metres garden
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Shinkansen (bullet train) is a national railway that connects major cities in Japan. No trip to Japan is complete without a ride on Shinkansen, which shoots travellers around the country at over speeds of 270 kilometres per hour
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An off-shoot of Yamaha Corporation, the now independent Yamaha Motor Company, boasts the second-largest sales of motorcycles in the world.
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