The most beautiful sights in Japan. amazing places in japan most interesting places in japan

Today we will go to the Land of the Rising Sun! But not to meet the dawn, but to look at the strangest places and sights you have ever seen. If you still thought that Japan is only megacities with skyscrapers and imperial palaces, then you are in for a lot of surprises.

10. Cat Island

Let's start with one of the most unusual places. Located on the island of Tashiro (), Cat Island, as the name suggests, is inhabited by a huge number of cats! No cat lover should miss a trip to Cat Island during their trip to Japan!

9. Yoro Park


Created by New York-based artist, designer and architect Shusaku Arakawa, who calls his brainchild "The Place of Reversible Fate", this park will bring you the most unexpected!

8. Okunoshima Island


We have already visited the island of cats, and now it's time to visit! Home to over 300 adorable creatures!

7. Nagoro Village


Nagoro Village was once home to thousands of people, but over time, more and more residents left the area in search of a better life, making the village a quiet and creepy place.

So some locals have decided to turn the empty village into a popular tourist attraction by replacing empty spaces and houses with hundreds of stuffed animals. Because so far, this place hasn't been weird and scary enough!

6. Hitachi Seaside Park


This 1.9 km², located in the city of Hitachinaka in Ibaraki Prefecture, is one of the largest flower gardens in the world, with literally millions of flowers of all kinds and colors.

5. Fox Village


Just if you thought that you had already visited all the strange places in Japan where animals live, then go ahead - to the Fox Village, where you can feed these animals from your hands and stroke them!

4. Robot Gundam (Gundam Robot)


And what else did you want from a tour of the strangest places in Japan, if not a giant weighing 35 tons?!

3. Lake Yamanaka


If a trip on a swan-shaped steamboat with an observation tower in its "head" is exactly what you like, then this post is definitely for you!

2. Tokyo Anti-Flood Collector (G-CANS)


There are only a few "sewer tours" around the world. But the special feature of the G-Cans project is almost 65-meter tanks and a huge underground system with powerful hydraulic pumps capable of pumping 200 m³ of water per second!

1 Ice Aquarium (Kori no Suizokukan)


Are you aware of the problem of blurry shots when trying to photograph fish and other underwater creatures swimming in aquariums? The Japanese seem to have solved this little problem by freezing them and immobilizing them.

Take a look at the list compiled by the site, you will find some of the best attractions in this amazing land of the rising sun. Some places are quite famous tourist places, but some are completely remote and little known. There are even a couple of places that are not listed on any map, but believe me, they are no less amazing than the rest of the amazing places.

#1 Sagan Bamboo Forest, Arashiyama

The Sagano Bamboo Forest, a beautiful forest located in Arashiyama, is the second most popular tourist area in Kyoto. Passing through the tall bamboo groves, you seem to be transported to another world, and despite the fact that it can be quite crowded, especially during the high season, there is no doubt that this amazing place is a must-see!

№2 Fields with blooming shiba-zakura (Shibazakura)

The Fuji Shibazakura Festival is an annual event celebrating the flowering of colorful moss growing in the Fuji Five Lakes area. Festival goers will be greeted with an amazing spectacle of over 800,000 stalks of pink, white and purple moss covering the field with an equally magnificent view of Mount Fuji. Bloom time varies every year, but the festival is usually held between April and June. It is best to observe this miracle of nature in the early morning - it is at this time that visibility is best.

No. 3 4.5 Million Nemophila Flowers at Hitachi Seaside Park

Hitachi seaside park, located northeast of Tokyo, is an ideal place to visit at any time of the year due to its abundance of flowers that turn the local landscape into a colorful canvas. September is the best time to visit, as most varieties of flowers bloom at this time, but if you want to see Nemophila (Baby Blue Eyes) in full bloom, then the best time to visit the park is between April and May.

#4 Autumn at Hitachi Seaside Park

Autumn is the best time to visit Hitachi Seaside Park, a popular park on the east coast of Honshu, Japan's largest island. It takes about two hours by public transport from Tokyo to get there, making the park an ideal day trip destination for those looking for a little respite from the hustle and bustle of the metropolis.

No. 5 Wisteria (Wisteria) Tunnel at Kawachi Fuji Flower Garden

Have you ever wanted to go through the Wisteria Tunnel? Then you're in luck, because the Kawachi Fuji Garden is exactly what you're looking for. The garden is located in the northern part of Kyushu, about an hour from Fukuoka by public transport. The Japanese love Wisteria (But what about all of us?) And this flower is even narrated in Waka - classical Japanese poetry. The best time to visit the garden is at the end of April, when Wisteria is at its most colorful.

No. 6 Fushimi Inari Shrine

Fushimi Inari Shine Shrine is one of the most important Shinto shrines in southern Kyoto. It is also the most important shrine dedicated to Inari, the god of Shinto rice. Foxes are believed to be Inari's messengers, so you will find many fox statues around the temple. The main tourist attraction here are the thousands of cinnabar-colored torii gates (vermilion torii gates) that circle the various winding paths around the main buildings. This is an amazing place for photography lovers, as long as the crowds of tourists just won't let you take a good picture.

No. 7 Nathadera Temple in Winter

Temple Natadera (Natadera) is magnificent at any time of the year, but only in winter this shrine appears to you in a different light, it is then that the whole mood and the whole spirit of this holy place is conveyed. The temple is over 1300 years old, having been founded in 717 by a Buddhist monk visiting a nearby mountain in search of the goddess. Both the mountain (Mount Hakusan) and the temple remain the region's most popular tourist destinations to this day.

No. 8 River in Kawagoe

If you are in the Tokyo area, be sure to take a day to visit the city of Kawagoe. The city can be reached in just half an hour by train, making it the perfect place for a day trip. Kawagoe is well known for its rivers (Kawa means "river" and GE means "above") and is often referred to as "Little Edo" because the city's main street still retains the atmosphere of the Edo period (1603-1867). Try to plan your visit to coincide with the Kawagoe Festival, which takes place over two days on the 3rd Saturday and Sunday of October.

No. 9 Taketa Bamboo Lantern Festival, Oita

Taketa means bamboo and paddy field, and what better way to celebrate the city's day with the Bamboo Light Festival. The tradition began in 2000 as a way to prune the fast growing bamboo that can be found throughout the region, and the festival attracts tourists from all over the world who aspire to witness the 20,000 lanterns that burn for three nights each year. The festival starts on the third Friday of November.

No. 10 Nachi-no-taki Pagoda and Waterfall

If you're looking for ancient history combined with breathtaking scenery, then don't miss the Temple of the Blue Waves (Seiganto-ji pagoda). Located in Wakayama Prefecture, the Three-storied Pagoda is an impressive sight in itself. But the fact that it stands next to the Nachi-no-Taki waterfall makes it even more spectacular! The waterfall is 133 meters high (430 feet) and is the shrine of the area and it's easy to see why people choose to worship this amazing natural site when you see it with your own eyes.

No. 11 Chureito Pagoda and Mount Fuji

If you're planning a trip to Japan, your itinerary won't be complete without visiting some of the most famous natural wonders in the country. One of the best views of this spectacular mountain can be seen from the memorial, built in 1963. To do this, you need to climb a staircase of 400 steps, and then Chureito Pagoda will appear in front of you and trust us when we say that every step is worth it.

#12 Cherry Blossom Purple Lake in Tokyo

Cherry blossoms are one of the most spectacular seasonal attractions the country has to offer. Every spring the country turns into a huge bouquet of pastel petals, but if you want to witness it for yourself then make sure you get the timing right because the cherry blossom season only lasts a few weeks. Luckily, there are several sites dedicated to monitoring the annual bloom, so keep an eye on such sites to get to the country during the peak cherry blossom season.

No. 13 Nakasendo Trail

The Nakasendo Trail is a hiking trail that starts in Kyoto and ends in Edo. Nakasendo literally means "road through the mountains" and it was an important transportation route in the 17th century. Now largely abandoned, the Nakasendoy Way winds its way through pleasant scenic spots in the countryside and historical sites of Japan. The whole journey will take about 10 days, which is great for those who love hiking. Many tour operators offer packages including guides, meals and accommodation.

No. 14 Night Tokyo

Tokyo is like two cities in one. Tokyo by day and Tokyo by night, and if we had to choose, the second option is the most magnificent. After the sun goes down, the capital of Japan turns into a surreal, mesmerizing place full of neon lights, bustling streets, crowded bars and glowing storefronts. The same description can be applied to many cities around the world, but after visiting Tokyo at night, you will understand that there is nowhere on the planet that is more charming than the capital of Japan.

No. 15 Keage Station in Kyoto (Keage Incline)

Keage Incline is located in the Kyoto Biwako Canal. It was once an important transportation route during the Meiji period and remnants of the old railroad still remain to this day. The abandoned railway tracks near the canal are an ideal place to take a walk, especially when the cherry blossoms start to bloom, and the area is popular with tourists and locals because it is a very picturesque and quiet place. There is a free museum for anyone interested in the history of the Canal.

No. 16 Meigetsu-in Temple

Meigetsu-in Temple was built in 1160. It is also known as the Temple of the Hydrangea because it flowers nearby during the rainy season. The temple was built by a son in memory of his father, who died during a power struggle between warring clans at the end of the Heian period. It is located in Kanagawa Prefecture and is a day's journey from Tokyo.

#17 Cherry blossoms around Osaka Castle

Seeing the cherry blossoms and the majesty of Osaka Castle are two of the most amazing experiences to visit in Japan. So why not combine these two spectacles into one and time your trip to Osaka Castle for cherry blossom season? Around the castle, the cherry blossoms bloom annually in the month of March, but before you travel, be sure to check the exact flowering dates before booking your flights.

No. 18 Autumn colors in Fukushima in Osaka

When people hear about Fukushima in general, there is a misperception - Yes, in 2011 the region was hit by a devastating earthquake and a devastating tsunami and, as a result, an accident at a nuclear power plant. However, outside the exclusion zone of 20 km, the area has remained unchanged and has much to offer tourists. It is especially beautiful here in autumn, when the forests are saturated with autumn colors. Therefore, do not forget to stop here if you decide to travel to the north of Japan.

#19 Rainy day in Osaka

Whether the sun is shining or it is raining, there is always something to do in Osaka. The city is the second largest county seat after Tokyo and is well known for its striking architecture, vibrant nightlife, amazing street food and, of course, Osaka Castle. If it's overcast outside, then don't worry, in the city center there is Shinsaibashi-suji, the largest covered shopping street, where several hours will fly by unnoticed. It's a great place to walk on a cloudy day, waiting for the rain to stop.

No. 20 Daigoji Temple

Daigo-ji is a Buddhist temple located in Fushimi. Daigo literally means "ghee" and is used as a synonym for the word "cream", which in turn is a metaphor for the deep purity of Buddhist thought. The temple is an important site of the Shingon sect of Japanese Buddhism and is one of the country's many World Heritage Sites. You can reach this place in Kyoto from Tokyo in about 3-4 hours by train.

No. 21 Aogashima Island

If you are looking for adventure, then the Aogashima Islands are exactly what you need. It is located in the Philippine Sea, 350 km south of Tokyo, and the only way to get there is by helicopter or boat. The island, which covers an area of ​​less than 9 square kilometers, has several houses with less than 200 inhabitants. The island is well known for its unique geological formation. Not only does Aogashima have a volcanic crater in the center, but this very crater is actually in the middle of a second, even larger volcanic crater! The result of this miracle of nature is simply magnificent and will not leave anyone indifferent. Great place for travel and photography.

No. 22 Osaka Castle covered in snow

No trip to Osaka would be complete without a visit to this famous castle. This is one of the most famous landmarks in Japan. The castle played an important role in the unification of Japan in the 16th century. The entire area of ​​the castle covers about 60,000 square meters, and the view from the main tower will provide you with a breathtaking panoramic view of the surroundings of the city.

No. 23 Shirakawa Village

Shirikawa Village is located near Gokoyama Village (Read about it below in the article) and is one of the many other UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Japan. This place is ideal for traveling from Takayama City and Kanazawa to benefit your state of mind. But those who are looking for a different travel experience can spend the night here on one of the farms.

No. 24 Glowing Squids in Toyama Bay

There are many reasons to visit Toyama, but one of the reasons is definitely worth it, the fact is that Toyama Bay, the largest in Japan, turns into one of the most amazing natural spectacles every year when thousands of glowing squids rise from the depths to the surface, thereby making the sea glow with a blue light. Toyama Prefecture is located northwest of Tokyo and can be reached by train in 3-4 hours. But even if it takes you twice as long to travel, believe me, you won't regret it!

No. 25 Blue Pond in Hokkaido

Hokkaido, the second largest island in Japan. It is located in the north of the country, it is a vast wilderness untouched by people. The region is about 40 times larger than Tokyo, but only a third of the total population lives there. If you decide to visit this region, be sure to visit the place called the Blue Pond (Aoiike) so named because of the natural minerals that turn the water into a beautiful blue lagoon. You can find it on the outskirts of Shirogan Onsen, a hot spring in Kamikawa City.

No. 26 Kibune Shrine in Sakioku, Kyoto

Kibune Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Kyoto. Kibune means yellow boat because, according to legend, the goddess sailed here in a yellow boat from Osaka and the temple was built on the spot where her journey ended. The temple is dedicated to the god of water and rain, and visitors can leave a special type of written message that contains only the most sensitive personal information, after which the letter is dipped into the water.

No. 27 Gokoyama Historical Village

After China, Japan has more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than any other country in East Asia. There are 19 such sites in the country and the village of Gokayama is one such place. The village is located in the valley of the Shogava river. The village is famous for its "gassho-zukuri" style houses, which means "built like hands in prayer". Some of them are over 250 years old.

#28 Fireflies in the Bamboo Forest

There are many reasons to visit Nagoya, one of which is the famous Nagoya Castle. However, there is a more surprising reason to do so. The fact is that here you can observe an amazing phenomenon - dancing fireflies. Fireflies can be seen here every day, and this spectacle is also worth looking at.

No. 29 Todai-ji Temple, Nara

Todaiji means Great Oriental Temple and is one of the most famous and historically important temples in Japan. In fact, the main hall of Todai-ji, also known as Daibutsuden (Big Buddha Hall), is the largest wooden building in the world! The temple is a landmark in Nara, a city located in the south-central part of the island of Honshu, which is famous for the abundance of wild deer that roam the streets and parks at their leisure. You can feed them right off the bat with crackers that you can buy anywhere in Nara City, but be warned: once the deer know you have food, they will follow you around the park until you give them everything!

No. 30 Kabukicho Red Light District

If you are going to visit Tokyo, then one of the must-see places is the entertainment and red light district of Kabuki-cho - this is one of the largest such places in Japan. The area is located on the east side of the train station in Shinjuku and is completely safe for foreigners. Great place to explore local nightclubs, love hotels and shops. This place is known as the "sleepless city" for reasons that you can guess for yourself.

No. 31 Red Autumn in Kyoto

Kyoto needs no introduction. It was the capital of the country and the residence of the emperor from 794 to 1868, it is the city where the famous Kyoto Treaty was signed, and it is a real treasure trove of Japanese history, culture, architecture and religion. Indeed, due to its great historical significance, the city was excluded from the list of possible targets for the atomic bombing carried out by the United States in 1945. If you intend to visit only one city in Japan, that city must be Kyoto. Try to get here in autumn, when the leaves turn the city into a fabulous landscape of yellows and reds.

No. 32 Cherry Blossom

Have we mentioned cherry blossoms yet? Perhaps, but it doesn't hurt to remind you that you can't understand Japan without seeing it in purple cherry blossoms. The best time for this is March-April, but as the season changes from year to year, be sure to check the dedicated map before planning your trip.

No. 33 Spring in Japan

Not many countries look like Japan in the spring. This is the time that can offer tourists a lot! There is only one important detail before traveling to the land of the rising sun at this time of the year - Be sure to take your camera!

No. 34 Mimurotōji Temple, Uji, Kyotoi

Mimurotōji, also known as the "Temple of the Flower", is located in the northern hills of Uji City. You can get there by train from Kyoto Station. And it's definitely worth the time. The approximately 1200 year old temple and its gardens provide a fantastic selection of different colors depending on the season. Sakura in early April, Azalea in May, Hydrangea in June, and Lotus will welcome visitors in July and August.

No. 35 Tea plantations near Mount Fuji

Tea plays an important role in traditional Japanese culture. Green tea is the most consumed beverage in Japan and is often available in a powdered form known as matcha. It first arrived from China over 1300 years ago and the Japanese have been in love with it ever since! You cannot visit this country without having a cup of tea and if you are looking for a unique experience then we would suggest sitting in on a traditional tea ceremony. Better yet, why not visit one of the country's tea farms? You can find them in Shizuoka Prefecture, which is also home to Mount Fuji, and there's nothing better than enjoying a cup of Japan's favorite drink while taking in the gorgeous view of Mount Fuji.

No. 36 Terraced fields in Saga

Saga Prefecture is located in the northwest of Kyushu. It's a long drive from Tokyo and Osaka, and it's not a popular stop on the usual tourist itinerary, but those who have ventured far will be quite glad they did. The prefecture is famous for its beautiful rice terraces that cascade down the mountains to the ocean, and at sunset they glow in the moon like shards of mirrors and glass. You can fly to Saga in 2 hours from Tokyo, but if you have time, it's best to take the train and stop in Osaka, Kyoto and Hiroshima to experience the very best this part of Japan has to offer.

No. 37 Tokyu Plaza Shopping Center

There are many malls in Tokyo, but few of them can compete with Tokyu Plaza. The mall is located in the Shibuya district of the capital, and is known for its striking entrance. The escalator passes through a tunnel adorned with hundreds of mirrors that are placed at different angles to create many distorting reflections. This is a great place for a fun photo shoot. Another amazing reason to visit Tokyu Plaza is the large public park you can find on the rooftop.

Japan is an East Asian island nation bordering the Pacific Ocean. The official name of the country is "Nihon Koku" or, alternatively, "Nippon Koku", which translates as "the place where the sun rises."

During the year, Japan is visited by millions of tourists from all over the world - for example, in 2017 their number reached as much as 28.69 million people! This is due to the fact that it is here that there are many beautiful, amazing and impressive places and attractions.

On the largest island of the Japanese archipelago, Honshu, there is the town of Chichibu (Saitama Prefecture). It is here that you can find one of the most picturesque parks in the country, which is called Hitsujiyama. Its territory is part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.

An amazing feature of Khutsijiyama is that every year from April to May, its land turns into a continuous carpet of blooming purple-pink phloxes! This herbaceous plant from the cyanotic family is characterized by a strikingly beautiful flowering, which spreads a fragrant fragrant aroma in the air. 17600 m² become a single colorful canvas, which is complemented by other vegetation - about 1000 sakura, "weeping" cherries and other trees, shrubs and flowers.

Every year, the park hosts the Fuji Shibazakura themed festival, dedicated to both the grandiose flowering of plants and the arrival of spring. There really is something to admire here: florists prepare interesting compositions that are created by alternating pink, white, lilac, purple phlox, and decorate the general view of the park to enhance the impression of the landscapes that open to the eye. Hitsujiyama is located right at the foot of Mount Fuji, which reaches 3776 m in height. There are no other such high mountains in Japan. The park offers inspiring panoramic views - of flowering fields, of the snowy peak of Mount Fuji, of the blue sky ...

Another beautiful place and real national pride of the Japanese is the Sagano Bamboo Forest, located in Kyoto Prefecture. Despite the fact that there are urban buildings around the park, peace and tranquility reign on its territory - thousands of thin evergreens rise up, and next to them both locals and visiting tourists leisurely walk along the paths, alleys and hanging bridges.

The bamboo reserve occupies a very small area of ​​​​16 km². However, there is no reason to worry that sooner or later the metropolis will supplant it - Sagano is protected by law and is considered an inviolable territory. Going deeper into the forest is forbidden in the same way as cutting bamboo stems, because all this causes serious harm to plants.

For those who want to leave a souvenir for themselves, there are special shops at the entrance that sell handicrafts (dishes, baskets, figurines, etc.).

The bamboo reserve originated in the 14th century. Then a monk named Muso Soseki, a great connoisseur of poetry and gardening, ordered to equip a beautiful park from which one could admire the temples and hills of Japan. Today, right next to the Sagano forest is the Tenryu-ji Zen Buddhist temple complex, which is also a landmark and even included in the UNESCO World Heritage List due to its architectural value.

This is interesting! Apparently, it was no coincidence that Muso Soseki wished to equip a bamboo park right next to the urban settlement. In Japan, they believe that this evergreen plant can protect people from evil spirits.

The Sagano Nature Reserve is also called the "Music Grove". When the wind blows, amazing sounds arise here - thin stems begin to emit a soothing and harmonious rustling. Such a natural melody resembles the sound of wind chimes, which are especially popular in the East.

Kawagoe

Lovers of antiquity will like the city of Kawagoe (translated from Japanese - "river crossing"), located on the island of Honshu in Saitama Prefecture and having a long history of existence. This settlement appeared as early as the 15th century, but its heyday occurred only 200 years after that - it was then that an important dignitary, the head of the shogunal guard, settled in the city. Kawagoe ceased to be an inconspicuous settlement - a castle arose here with a fortress surrounding it, two-story merchant houses, temples, craft quarters, etc.

The city was on fire many times. One of the largest fires occurred here in 1893. However, even despite this, Kawagoe still retains the spirit of old, traditional Japan with its cozy streets and wooden buildings. Every year, this atmosphere is especially enhanced on the day of the Kawagoe festival, which takes place here on the third Saturday and Sunday of October. At this time, an amazing view of the surrounding landscapes opens up from the city river.

The main attraction of Kawagoe is the Buddhist temple of Kita-In, built in the distant 830. It houses furnishings from the old Edo Castle, now known as the "Tokyo Imperial Palace".

After a fire broke out in Edo Castle, entire rooms were actually moved to Kita-In in order to preserve them. These and other objects located on the temple grounds are considered important property of the Japanese Prefecture.

Not far from Kita-In is another interesting place - the garden of Five Hundred Rakans (Gohyaku Rakan). Despite the name, no vegetation grows here, but there are 538 statues of rakans - Buddha's disciples who have achieved enlightenment. Each sculpture is unique, original and unrepeatable.

Some rakans, already covered with moss, are smiling, others look thoughtful, and still others are watching the tourists with a calm look ...

Another most beautiful place in Japan that definitely deserves attention is the Hitachi National Seaside Park (which means “dawn” in translation), located in Ibaraki Prefecture on the island of Honshu.

Unlike the aforementioned Hutsijiyama, Hitachi occupies a much larger area - as much as 120 hectares! Plants grow on its territory, the Luna Park is located, cafeterias and children's play areas function, and there is also a zoo where exotic animals live. This is a great place for a solo or group vacation with friends and relatives. The flowering of some plants is replaced by the flowering of others, so the riot of colors and aromas in Hitachi does not stop at any time of the year.

And yet, American forget-me-nots, or, by another name, nemophiles, are of particular interest. There are about 4.5 million of these flowers here, so they are rightfully considered the real pride of the entire park. Nemophiles bloom from April to May, as a result of which the territories that go beyond the horizon are painted in a delicate blue-blue color. It seems as if the sky itself is temporarily descending to the ground!

Seigantoji Pagoda

The next beautiful place that can introduce the traveler to the culture of Ancient Japan is the Buddhist temple Nachisan Seiganto-ji, located in Wakayama Prefecture on the island of Honshu. One of the buildings of this complex was built in the form of a pagoda - a multi-tiered tower, which has a special cult character and sacred significance. Such a temple is characterized by the presence of cornices, bright decorations, details, etc.

This is interesting! Today, Nachisan Seiganto-ji is protected by the UNESCO organization, because. considered an important sacred and pilgrimage site. Next to it is another temple, however, already Shinto - Hiro-jinja.

The impressive view of the three-tiered crimson pagoda of Seiganto-ji is made even more beautiful by the surrounding landscape - right behind the structure is the largest Nachi waterfall in the country, falling off a cliff 133 m high! Below is a picturesque pool, which reaches 10 m in depth. You can enjoy the splendor of the whole complex at the Nachisan Seiganto-ji observation deck.

The largest number of tourists arrive here on July 14 during the celebration of Nachi-no-Ogi Matsuri - the fire festival and one of the most important days in Japan.

The priests carry 12 palanquins and 12 heavy lit torches on the way to the waterfall, which symbolize the purification of this path. The fiery flame reaches a meter height. The Japanese themselves consider Nachi Falls to be the embodiment of the sacred spirit of Hiro-gongen.

Aogashima is called immediately 2 geographical objects - it is both an island belonging to the Izu cluster and part of the Nampo archipelago, and a volcano that is located here. Under the influence of a warm current, a mild subtropical climate was established on Aogashima without sudden changes in temperature and unforeseen precipitation. The island, which is only 3.5 km long and 2.5 km wide, seems like a paradise not only for animals, birds and greenery, but also for people.

However, this is not entirely true, because the 423 m high stratovolcano located here can pose a real threat to local residents. Although not active today, Aogashima Crater could theoretically erupt at any moment. The last time this happened was in 1783 and 1785. In the first case, lava destroyed 61 structures and killed 7 people, and in the second case, 140 people died! After that, the island was abandoned for 50 years, but over time, the inhabitants returned here.

Today, people live here as if nothing had happened - they fish, do agricultural work, arrange excursions for tourists and lovers of underwater fishing. In total, there are about 200 representatives of the local population on Aogashima.

Shirakawa village

Those who appreciate the atmosphere of secluded villages will like the Japanese village of Shirakawa, located in the north of Gifu Prefecture (Honshu Island). This place with a population of 1644 people and an area of ​​356.55 km² is also included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

95.7% of the local territories are covered with forests, which become especially striking in the winter season. There is more snow here than anywhere else in Japan!

The height of snowdrifts can reach 4-5 m. A person who comes here will be able to enjoy the view of the valley with small cozy houses of local residents, as well as the unique and unlike architectural style "gassho-zukuri", which arose several centuries ago. Firstly, its peculiarity lies in the unusual structure of thatched roofs - they are connected to the rest of the buildings at an angle of 60 degrees, as if resembling hands folded in prayer. In this, the Japanese saw not so much beauty as practical use. People needed to build something strong and durable over their heads that would protect them from heavy snow and rain.

This is how the pitched roofs of the gassho-zukuri arose, which did not delay precipitation, but, on the contrary, contributed to their speedy shedding to the ground. Secondly, this style involved the rejection of nails in favor of exclusively natural materials. Despite the fact that ordinary rods were used to connect the beams, this technique proved to be simply excellent - even today houses that are 400 or more years old still stand here!

The local population, which lives as a united and friendly commune, continues to follow these ancient building methods. People together re-lay thatched roofs and repair buildings, because. they do not want to dilute the original architecture of their native village with something new, modern and high-tech. The people of Shirakawa make a living mainly from tourism income, offering travelers their homes for overnight stays, as well as introducing them to the local culture, traditions, and customs.

Japan is a country of amazing contrasts - on the one hand, an incredible technical development, on the other hand, a deep traditionalism of a society based on ancient rules. Here, glassy modern megacities and villages untouched by civilization coexist. High technologies "grow" next to centuries-old trees. Every traveler should visit Japan (at least once in a lifetime). This is one of the most unusual and interesting countries to explore. To make it easier for you to navigate, we have compiled a list of the most beautiful places in Nippon (as the Japanese themselves call their country).

1. Hokkaido

Hokkaido boasts many stunning natural attractions. So, here is the National Park of the country. Unique trees grow here, many species of animals live (a brown bear, for example) and the Asahi volcano is located. Japanese beer, popular in Russia, is named after him. In the south of the country is the amazing Kushiro swamp, where flocks of cranes live.

2. Himeji Castle

One of the country's most beautiful architectural structures is the traditional Himeji Castle (located in the city of the same name), built 400 years ago. The building has been preserved in its original form. Striking luxury attracted Hollywood here. Himeji was featured in The Last Samurai with Tom Cruise.

3. Nara

Nara is a museum city full of historical and cultural monuments of Japan. A long time ago (from 710 to 784 AD) Nara, located in the center of the country, was the capital of the state and had great influence. Currently, 365,000 people live in Nara.

4. Fujiyama

The snow-capped Mount Fuji, part of the Japanese Alps, is one of the most recognizable symbols of Japan. This is the most sacred place for any inhabitant of the country. In addition, it is the highest mountain in these places. It rises above the ground at 3776 meters. In the old days, people believed that Fujiyama connected the earth and heaven. Some people still believe in it. A huge number of myths, legends, folklore stories are associated with this place. At the top is a Shinto shrine. In addition, Fujiyama is an active volcano. However, the last eruption happened about 300 years ago.

5. Miyajima (Itsukushima)

Miyajima Island (or Itsukushima) is located in the Inland Sea of ​​Japan. On the island is the city of Hatsukaichi, which swallowed up the small Miyajima. Here is one of the most important Shinto shrines - a huge monastery built right on stilts in the water. By the way, this place was considered so sacred by the Japanese that for many centuries commoners were not allowed here.

6. Kyoto

Kyoto (the ancient capital of Japan - from 794 to 1869) is full of castles, famous temples and is one of the most visited cities in Japan by tourists. Here is the famous "Garden of Stones", which is located in the courtyard of the Ryoanji temple. Its original purpose is a place for monks to meditate. For each person at different times of the year and day, the Garden of Stones evokes a variety of associations.

7. Yakushima

Yakushima Island is famous for its trees, some over 1000 years old. So, a 7,000-year-old "old man" grows here. Most of the island is covered with rainforest. Here you can meet deer and monkeys, admire the waterfalls and low mountains.

8. Cherry Blossom and Momiji

In our top, one cannot fail to mention the cherry blossoms - a phenomenon for which many people go to Japan. Cherry blossoms in this country everywhere from late March to mid-April - from Okinawa to Hokkaido. Golden Week (Japanese holiday period) coincides with flowering. And in autumn the whole country is painted in bright red and orange colors. Colorful autumn here is called Momiji and lasts 1.5-2 months from October to the end of November.

9. Okinawa

The southernmost island of Japan is beachfront Okinawa. Here are the best seaside resorts in the country. White sand, clear blue water, animals that are found only here, the largest reef in Japan and an average annual temperature of +22. There is no better place in Nippon for a beach holiday. Be sure to visit the second largest aquarium in the world.

10. Osaka

The third largest city in Japan after Tokyo and Kyoto is famous for its restaurants, theaters, castle and shrines. Osaka Castle - the largest in the country in the 16th century - is superbly preserved.

If you have ever been to Japan, you probably already know how amazing this country is. And those who are just planning to visit the Land of the Rising Sun can be envied - they will have a lot of unforgettable impressions. In our today's selection you will find the most interesting and beautiful places in Japan. Some of them are considered popular attractions, while others are off the beaten track, but each is a unique gem of this country.

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The bamboo forest of Sagano seems to move tourists to a completely different reality. In addition to the fact that the tall bamboo stalks themselves look impressive when the wind picks up, they also make sounds, “start to sing,” as the locals say.

Hitachi Park is located in the northeastern part of Tokyo Prefecture, but on the island of Honshu. The best time to visit Hitachi Park is September, when 4.5 million nemophiles (American forget-me-nots) bloom here, turning the ground into an amazing blue blanket of flowers.

Japanese Garden Kawachi Fuji is located in the northern part of Kyushu, near Fukuoka. It is best to visit this place at the end of April, at this time the garden reaches its brightest and most lush flowering.

Shibazakura is a rare pink and white-purple moss that grows in the Fuji Five Lakes area. Every year, from April to June, the Fuji Shibazakura Festival is held in honor of this extraordinary phenomenon.

The city of Kawagoe is famous for its beautiful rivers, sailing along which you can feel the atmosphere of ancient Japan, which has been preserved here. It was Kawagoe that in the 17th century was a fortress and the official residence of the head of the shogunal guard.

One of the main Shinto shrines in Kyoto, the main attraction here is the thousands of red ritual gates that line both sides of the road, which is over 4 km long.

An old detour trail leading from Kyoto to Edo, which was of great importance for trade in the 17th century. The trail passes through very picturesque countryside.

A Buddhist temple founded in 717 by a wandering monk. This building looks especially beautiful in winter, against the backdrop of snow cover.

A three-story structure built in a traditional Japanese style that blends perfectly with the breathtaking scenery. Near the pagoda is the highest waterfall in Japan, its height is as much as 133 meters.

During this festival, 20,000 bamboo lamps are made and lit for three nights. The Taketa Bamboo Lighting Festival begins on the third Friday of November.

A delightful blue pond, located at the foot of Mount Tokachi, on the island of Hokkaido, owes its color to natural minerals.

The spring cherry blossom festival in Japan lasts about a couple of weeks, turning the modern capital of the country into a fragrant garden.

Kureito Pagoda is a Japanese anti-war memorial created in 1963. The pagoda is located on a hill, and to get to it, you have to overcome as many as 400 steps. However, the architectural beauty of the pagoda and the magnificent view of Mount Fuji are worth any effort.

An amazingly beautiful tea plantation located in Shizuoka Prefecture. Here you can drink a cup of delicious green tea brought to Japan from China over 1300 years ago and admire the beautiful natural scenery.