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Japan (or Nippon, as it is known in Japanese) is called ‘the land of the rising sun’. Located between the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Japan, this country offers its visitors plenty of places to visit and things to do. Though its total land mass is 377,835 sq km (234,258 sq mi), it includes 3,091 sq km (1,916 sq mi) of territorial waters as well. Besides the four main islands of Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu, the Japanese archipelago is made up of around 3,000 smaller islands.
Some interesting places to visit in Japan include;
Daisetsuzan National Park (Hokkaido)
The Daisetsuzan National Park is Japan's largest national park covering an area of 2,309 square kilometers (1,432 sq mi). Located in central Hokkaido, the second largest of island of Japan, this park consists of several mountain groups, volcanoes, lakes and forests, as well as some of the most spectacular hiking and skiing territory in the country.
Mt Fuji (near Tokyo)
Mount Fiji is Japan's highest mountain which stands at a height of 3,776 meters (12,385 feet). Actually a dormant volcano that last spewed lava in 1707.
This mountain is a must see when in Japan. While you can climb Mt. Fuji at any time of year, an ascent in midwinter is strictly for veteran mountaineers only because the trail gets icy and treacherous.
Climbing season is from July to August with many local Japanese trekkers coming here as well. This mountain is a serious climb; it should not be taken lightly as many climbers often suffer from altitude sickness. A fantastic place to visit for those who like a bit of adventure, Mt. Fiji is visible from Tokyo and is often shrouded by cloud or by snow, especially in the winter.
Chion-in Temple (Kyoto)
The Chion-in Temple in Kyoto is the headquarters of the Buddhist (Judo-Shu) Pure Land sect, built in the year 1234 by Genchi. The temple was rebuilt by the third Shogun Tokugawa Lemitsu, after it was ruined by a fire. One of the oldest buildings standing in Japan today, the huge, two-storey San-Mon entrance gate can be dated back to the 1600s.
Located on the premises of the temple is the Daisho-Ro bell tower. It houses the largest bell of Japan which was made in the year 1636. This bell is 3.3 meters (11 ft) tall, 2.7 meters (9 ft) wide, 29 cm (15 inches) thick and weighs 67.5 tons. When you enter in the main hall of the temple building, the most stunning part is the altar that is made of gold. The main hall is called the Mie-Do. Behind this hall is the entrance to a beautiful garden. The garden was constructed by Gyokuenbo, a priest-gardener. The style of the garden was adopted from Kobori Enshu's tsukiyama-rinseny.
To go into the garden you have to go through the Uguisubari-no-roka. This corridor will squeak whenever anyone passes through it, as was meant to warn if an intruder passed through in days of old. There are also two guest houses in this temple, the Ohojo and the Kohojo. The former is famous for its Shoin architecture, and the latter was used by royal guests.
Kasuga Taisha Shrine (Nara)
This shrine was built by an influential family called the Fujiwara family. It is located in a forest at the foot of Mt. Mikasa-yama. The shrine was to be rebuilt completely every 20 years; however this custom was stopped in the 19th century. The temple has many lanterns that are lined up along the temple walls. These lanterns are lit on the festival of the ‘Big Lantern’ which takes place from February 2 - 4 and August 14 - 15.
Some other places of interest to visit in Japan include:
- Shimanto River - Taishou city
- Harimaya Hashi Bridge - Kochi city
- Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum - Kochi city
- Katsura hama Beach - Kochi city
- Tosa Bay - Saga city
- Ashizuri Cape - Tosashimizu city
- Yokonami - Tosa city, Susaki city
- Urado Bay - Kochi city
- Noto-Hanto Peninsula
- Kagami River - Kochi city
- Seagaia Ocean Dome - Miyazaki city
- Kirishima National Park - Kyushu
When visiting Japan, you should keep in mind that to experience the richness and flavor of the Japanese culture, you should eat, drink and sleep as the Japanese do.
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