Japan is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. Japan is unique in that it intertwines ancient traditions with the modern world. Here you can visit unique temples and castles of the last century and see modern and original architectural structures. When you go to Japan you expect to see technological wonders, you will be greatly disappointed. Japan's golden age was a few decades ago, but it's still a wonderful country. I think it's obligatory for everyone to go there at least once. When describing the most interesting places in Japan, I will not follow the ratings of travel agencies, I will describe what I liked best. If you decide you don't like my top ten when you return from Japan, I'd be happy to read your comments in the comment 🙂
The introduction is a little bit about Japan. Tokyo is 600 years old, but it doesn't find anything old. 1923 the city was destroyed by an earthquake in 1945. - American bombing. Then Japan lost to World War II. Thus ended the era of deified emperor, reckless warfare, samurai swords and honor suicides. Rising from the ashes in the post-war period, Tokyo is the face of the new Japan of technology and modernity.
Instead of military technology, the post-war rebuilding Japanese industry started producing TVs and cars. The Japanese have produced such high-quality and high-quality household and electronic appliances that in the 1960s reached the golden age. But like all golden ages, it did not last long, until about 2000 years.
The Japanese have changed their kimonos into costumes (to this day, office workers go to work solemnly). While ancient temples and castles are visited by most Japanese dressed in kimonos. Most weddings are also dressed in kimonos, as one Japanese said, the cost of a good kimono is tens of thousands of euros.
Also, most engagement parties are dressed in kimono.
So, if you decide to travel to Japan, check out our 10 attractions.
10 Hiroshima Memorial Museum.
It was in Hiroshima in 1945. Americans used the atomic bomb for the first time in the war, killing over 100,000 people. But today, it is a modern shining million-city, with no radiation. Only the ruins of the Exhibition Hall (the "atomic bomb dome") and the museum remain in the center.
9 Tokyo Tower
The Tokyo Tower is a clear demonstration of advanced Japanese technology and the modern world. It was inspired by the Eiffel Tower and is the second tallest man-made structure in Japan. This building is an observation tower where visitors can climb the top to admire the magnificent skyline of Tokyo.
8 Fujian or Mount Fuji
Fujiya, or Mount Fuji, is Japan's tallest mountain on Honshu Island, on the Pacific Ocean, 96 km from the capital Tokyo. In good weather, Fujjama volcano can be seen from many places around Tokyo. Mount Fujiya is a symbol of Japan. This mountain was considered sacred by ancient Japanese people and is believed to have come from the word fuchi meaning "fire". The eight peaks protrude from the crater ring, making it look jagged. The 700 m wide crater known as Nain (shrine) is also worshiped.
Mount Fujiyama, 3776 meters high, is a volcano that has not yet extinguished. Constantly erupting lava and ash flooded this mountain.
7 Robotic Hotel in Henn-na
When setting up the hotel, its owners tried to collect as many and varied specimens as possible. They were so confident in robotics that they abandoned phones in the rooms that Churi, a personal assistant, would be able to perform all their functions. But this still failed: for example, the snoring of a sleeping guest was often regarded by Churi as a question asked, prompting the guest to ask what he was asking. Finally, a receptionist had to be hired to take care of the guests. The hotel has 140 rooms and now employs 7 people. In my opinion, those robots are cruel, but still fun 🙂
You can book your hotel here https://join.booking.com/a/1348364
6 The famous intersection of Japan - Shibuya junction and Hachiko stall
This is the story of Hachiko, the beloved Akita who, every day for nine years until his death, came to the same place at the same time to wait for his dear master, not knowing that he died at work unexpectedly and will never return.
5 Japanese Gardens
Japanese Garden is one of many manifestations of Japanese aesthetics, philosophy and lifestyle. According to the Japanese, the function of gardens is unequivocal - to improve people's quality of life, to help to feel the balance between spiritual and material life, and the harmony of nature. Japanese gardens are inspired by people's perception that they are part of nature. The ideas of Shintoism, Buddhism and Taoism were used to create a variety of garden styles. I will not mention a particular garden, they are all similar but very intrusive. If you have the time and desire, I suggest visiting several and at least one garden to drink tea, a traditional Japanese tea house. One of the gardens is even in the center of Tokyo, a truly oasis of tranquility among the skyscrapers nearby.
4 See the real Geisha
Geisha (geisha - "artist", more precisely gay - art + sha - man) - Japanese traditional artist, entertaining her guests with dance, singing, tea ceremony, taught beautiful behavior, foreign languages. A geisha student in Tokyo is called han'gyoku, and Kyoto is a Maiko dancer. The largest number of geishas can be found in Kyoto, where there are also most geisha schools. If you think of calling a geisha, the price is really impressive. One hour costs $ 1,000. By the way, you won't call one geisha, two geishas will arrive. If you're staying in a cheap hotel, geisha won't come to you. Geishas use only taxis with clover leaves, other taxis do not.
3 The Golden Pavilion or Kinkaku is a Buddhist temple in Kyoto
The Golden Pavilion or Kinkaku is a Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan. This pavilion, built in 1397. as a holiday villa for shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, is considered the first three-story building in Japan. The Golden Pavilion is called because the second and third floors are covered with sheets of pure gold inside and out. After the death of Yoshimitsu, the pavilion was transformed into a Zen Buddhist temple and survived until the 1950s. one monk, captured by the beauty of the pavilion, did not burn it. It was rebuilt several years after the fire that destroyed the building. Kinkaku is one of the most beautiful sights in Japan, where many Buddhist relics are preserved.
2 Himedji Castle
Himedji Castle, also known as the White Heron Castle, is one of the most visited castles in Japan. Like most of the country, it was built in the 17th century. BC, during the Edo period, during the reign of the Tokugawa feudal lords. It has been raised in the city of Himedie and has never been destroyed in its history, which is why the castle's authentic architecture has survived to this day.
The building was named "White Heron Castle" by the Japanese because of the high white-plastered castle walls associated with this bird. The roofs and double-roofed roofs of its main tower, expressing the traditional Japanese style, rise high above the castle and look out over the city of Himmi and the surrounding area of Kansas City. In reality, however, Himedji Castle was built purely for defense purposes, and the white brooch was used for its excellent fire-resistant properties. There is an impassioned celebration of Sakurai flowering near Himjiji Castle.
1 Todaidji Temple
The Todaidji Temple (the "Great Eastern Temple") is one of Japan's most famous and historically important temples. The work of this temple, located in Nara Prefecture, was completed in 752. The temple was built to unite all Buddhist temples in the provinces, with Todaidji being the main and most important of them. The temple, in its size and various decorations, represents the climax of imperial Buddhist architecture. The Todaidji complex is also famous for other objects on its territory. The area of the temple is surrounded by gardens and the most attractive, famous Buddha of the Great Buddha.
And top charts - Sakura Flowering Celebration in Japan.
The sakura blossom for the Japanese symbolizes a short human life and a new beginning, and the sakura blossom is one of Japan's most important symbols. Perhaps this is why the flowering of sakura is gaining tremendous attention in this country, and the new fiscal and school year begins on April 1, when the sakura blossoms in many places.
The main flowering season for sakura is from late March to mid April. These trees bloom in Japan for about 10 days, the earliest in the southern Okinawa (February) and the latest in northern Hawaii (April). In major cities (Kyoto, Tokyo, Osaka) hanami is celebrated in late March, early April. The beginning of the sakura flowering season is announced when at least five pink sakura flowers appear on one of the control trees.
Blossoming sakura blossoms persist for only one to two weeks. Therefore, the flowering of sakura, viewed from above in Japan, resembles a blossom journey - from the warmer southern part of the country to the northern one. Hanami is celebrated not only during the day but also at night. However, now that old traditions are slowly disappearing, it is often not enough to admire the rings, but simply to eat and drink. Such festival-goers are ironically referred to by the Japanese themselves as "hana yori dango" - "first cutlets and rings will not go anywhere". So, if opportunities allow, plan your trip to get to the Sakura Flowering Festival. It is true that air tickets and hotels are about 20% more expensive during the Sakurai Blossom Festival.
For a rejuvenated 7 year old, be sure to visit the Owakudani Valley in Japan and eat some magical eggs. According to legend, every black egg eaten in the waters of the Owakudani Valley can extend a person's life for 7 years. The eggs are constantly boiled in large quantities in the springs at the top of the mountain. These black eggs may look mystical, but in reality, they are just plain hen eggs. The black hue comes from boiling them in sulfur-rich hot springs. Sulfur reacts with egg shells in water to make them black and gives boiled eggs a specific spice and odor.
And some tips for going to Japan.
If you travel to Japan without a travel agency and want to be in one city instead of traveling all over Japan, buy a jrailpass, which costs € 245 a week, which will allow you to travel by high-speed trains across Japan (up to 250 km / h) . Just remember that even in Tokyo, there are several companies at the time, so make sure the subway line is owned by a company. You can also purchase Jrailpass online https://www.jrailpass.com/
Do not leave any tips. They offend the Japanese and are unacceptable in taxis, restaurants or anywhere else.
Individualism is not typical of Japan. Whereas Western culture is based on individualism, the Japanese community is group. Therefore, do not try to pay attention to yourself while staying in Japan. In my opinion, Japan is therefore lagging behind the Western or Asian tigers.
Be sure to visit the ONSENO baths. Onsen - Hot Springs, which is a very popular weekend getaway destination. And remember that you can climb into the pools after a good bath.
In Japan, it is uncomfortable to enter the house with shoes, so it is imperative to take off your shoes and only socks at the entrance.
Do not hug Japanese, although it is becoming very popular in Lithuania, it is not acceptable in Japan.
Although you will find virtually no bin in Japan, it is unacceptable to throw garbage, bring everything to the hotel and dispose of it.
Smoking in public places is prohibited in Japan and special places are provided. Penalty for smoking in a public place. Extreme fines will come if you smoke at a station or airport. Although smoking is possible in almost all cafes (inside).
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