Sapporo to Attract You with a Host of Picturesque Locations

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Japan is by all means a dream come true tourist location for the most adventurous and knowledge-seeking travellers. The country has a rich history and bizarre culture and traditions to attract and inspire people of every race, ethnicity and religion.

Whether you are interested in exploring the history of Japan or want to go around the picturesque locations, there are plentiful places of interest, where you can go and have fun with your family.

You must have read a lot about several famous tourist hot spots in Japan while planning your tour to the country. If you are planning for a vacation in winter months, Sapporo is one of the most attractive places to visit on your Japan tour. To let you know, Sapporo hosted the 1972 Winter Olympics and considered as the coldest place in Japan.

In Sapporo, you will feel as if you are in another country. You will fall in love with the tall and modern buildings on either side of wide and open streets.

Sapporo is relatively a very new city, about 200 years old, in comparison to the mainland of Japan. Similar to the cities in Western countries, the main down town area is designed on the basis of grid system, which makes it easier to find your way around. There are plenty of cheap hotels. As the city has more Western influence, do not visit this city with a hope to find too much about the Japanese culture.

Places of Interest in Sapporo

Tokeidai – One of the most frequented destinations in the city is the infamous clock tower. This is the oldest standing architecture in the city. The clock tower was built in 1870s and was Hokkaido University’s drill hall.

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Hokkaido Shrine – Located in the Maruyama Park, this is a must see place in the city. During the New Year holidays, Japanese people throng the shrine to pray and receive fortune message. As you know that Japanese religion is a blend of Buddhism and Shinto, most local people are more superstitious than religious. They follow the rituals at temple or shrine, even if majority of them do not necessarily believe in religion.

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Okurayama Ski Jump – This was the main ski jump in the Winter Olympics, which was held in the city in 1972. You must check out the ski trail and can experience the superb view of skiers taking a jump.

With several other tourist attractions, Sapporo is definitely one of the most beautiful and interesting places to visit on your Japan tour. There are many other equally beautiful and adventurous places to visit in the country.

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Experience the Delicious Food at Japanese Restaurants

While holidaying in Japan, you will come across several fascinating aspects of day to day lifestyle of Japanese people. Other than Japanese culture and tradition, beautiful landscapes and brilliant cityscapes, Japanese food is also revered all over world.

So, if you are on a holiday in Japan and looking forward to experience some of the best Japanese delicacies, there are plenty of restaurants to satisfy your taste buds. Here are some of the best restaurants in different cities of Japan.

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Kanawa, Hiroshima – This restaurant is on a floating boat and specialised in preparing delicious oyster dishes. From the restaurant, you can enjoy the beautiful view of the Motoyasu River. From fried, steamed, marinated, baked to soups and stews, you can taste different varieties of oyster dishes at this restaurant. The Kanawa has been there for decades now and is quite popular among Japanese people for lunch and dinner.

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Tempura Yoshikawa Inn, Kyoto – This decent eatery is very much popular among the residents of Kyoto. The tempura served here is light and quite delicate to taste. The tea house setting inside the restaurant radiates an incredible ambience. There are private rooms where you can enjoy evening kaiseki meals alongside having a magnificent view of a private classical garden. The setting of the restaurant adds to the delight of the food.

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Narisawa, Tokyo – Headed by Yoshihiro Narisawa, famous for preparing scrumptious Japanese food with French culinary skills, this restaurant is quite popular among the Tokyoites. The minimalist and elegant restaurant serves dishes that are prepared with the seasonal ingredients and give diners an out of the world feel. They do not shy away from experimenting with different dishes.

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Hajime Restaurant, Osaka – The main chef at this restaurant started his professional life working as a computer engineer but learned culinary skills, out of passion, at the school. This adds to the appeal of this magnificent eatery. He returned from Japan to open his own restaurant in Japan. The restaurant is popular for delicious French food.

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Sushi Mitzutani, Tokyo – If you are in Japan, you will never miss on experiencing the taste of sushi. There is no better place than this restaurant to have a stunning experience of sushi dish. Almost every exciting sushi restaurant in Tokyo is hard to locate. The Sushi Mitzutani is located on the 9th floor of a building in a Ginza back alley. In the restaurant, only the 10-seater counter could be reserved beforehand. You will fall in love with the Chef Hachiro Mizuntani’s creation of Nigiri.

In Japan, there are good restaurants almost on every street. You will have lots of options to relish your favourite Japanese dishes at these restaurants.

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Travelling in Japan is Extremely Easy and Comfortable

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While on a trip to Japan, you will love every single second spend in the country. Japan has everything that a traveller wishes for. The ancient history, incredible ancient traditions and customs, innovative architecture, striking temples, superb food, including others distinguish the Japanese lifestyle from rest of the world. Japan is eternally fascinating and amazingly weird. Besides, travelling in Japan is extremely comfortable.

Safe and Fast Transport Services

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Travelling in Japan is very comfortable because transport service in the country is very safe and fast. You will fall in love with the local transport in Japan. The rail network is spread all across Japan, making it easier for passengers to board and de-board the train at most of the popular tourist destinations. Almost every tourist spot is well connected to different transport services.

Stay in the Traditional Ryokan

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Nothing could be as better as staying in a traditional Japanese inn that is also called a ryokan, after a hectic day spent sightseeing. The existence of ryokans could be traced back to 17th century, when the travellers along the highways in Japan were served. Ryokans might be more expensive than a hotel but it is worth spending extra amount for a comfortable and luxurious stay. A night spent in a ryokan is a complete delight. Your stay in Japan also includes dinner and breakfast. You are served some of the most amazing foods in the ryokans. Other highlights of a stay in ryokan are spa therapy, onsen baths, etc.

Everything is an Art-Work

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The Japanese want everything to be perfect and have an astonishing eye for detail. They can turn everything and anything into a work of art. Whether it is a flower arrangement, sushi, or fresh cookies, they prefer to design and execute everything perfectly.

Japanese People are Humble and Helpful

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Most foreign travellers in Japan do not know how to speak Japanese and most Japanese people don’t speak and understand English. It’s because of the difficulty in understanding each other’s languages, conversations sometimes become complicated and confusing, though it does not bar them from lending a helping hand to the tourists. They are very friendly and helpful. It happens many times that someone will try to help you find your way even you do not ask for it. There are many examples of humble and courteous nature of Japanese people.

Go through a few blogs about Japan to gather all the required information on the travelling in the country.

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Don’t turn off the lights! Illuminate your Soul with Japan

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“How far that little candle throws his beams! So shines a good deed in a weary world.” – William Shakesperare, Merchant of Venice. Well, let’s explain it in this way, even a small amount of happiness put the tragedies away! And the hullabaloo regarding the Japanese Light Festival reminds of the quote. When the whole world struggling with various predicaments and it is all helplessly dark, the light festival of Japan during winters are suddenly turning heads of the explorers across the world.

Lights and Festivals go Hand in Hand

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Festivals replete with lights are quite common to the people around the world. According to the convention, light has always played a vital role in celebration. It is an essential part of the festivals around the world as it helps to boost the spirit of the people. And with Christmas coming near, the western countries are all set to shine bright with various decorative lights all over. Japan, interestingly, has an equally sparkling festival every year during winters that is no less charming than the yearly winter illuminations of the western countries. Japan in dark cold winters flicker in hope and beauty with a twinkling network of light bulbs all across the country. Well, if things have already started grabbing your attention then make sure that you don’t miss the radiant parks as you make the list of the places in Japan to visit.

Places in Japan to visit During Light Festival

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Nabana no Sato, located in Mie Prefecture is the most important names on the list. With various designer lights Nabana no Sato light up its stunning park grounds during the annual event. The event could be described as “A Recital of Winter Light Bulbs”, at least that is what the title of the event Toka no Kyoen suggests.

• Three gorgeous displays of Roppongi Hills in Tokyo is the next one you must pay a visit. The lights mainly containing the blue and white bulbs all over the Keyakizaka Street offer an impressive watch. The big Christmas Tree at 66 Plaza in Tokyo is also hugely popular among the visitors.

• The two visually enchanting light and flower walkway festivals in Kyoto popularly known as the Hanatouro during cold nights make Arashiyama district and the Higashiyama district sights of beauty to behold. The interesting thing is that these two festivals use lights traditionally designed and handmade open air lanterns to make the festival even more charming. And it is an added amusement for the visitors from foreign countries.

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• Last but not the least, displays of the Renaissance of Light in Osaka has been a thrilling experience for the visitors. Besides the impressive decoration of fashionable bulbs the holiday celebrations adds exhibition of a stunning tapestry illuminated with light bulbs displayed on the wall of Osaka Prefectural Nakanoshima Library and a musical performance kept to enhance the atmosphere is also commendable.

Rise up to revel with Japan this year. Sparkling bulbs and boisterous crowd thronging the streets and parks of the country will surely offer your eyes a pleasing break from the same old-fashioned winter illuminations every year.

5 Major Tourist Attractions in Japan by Pretzel William

Visit Japan to Check out the Nebuta Festival in Aomori

Japan is a culturally rich country and visitors are in for a treat when they go to visit the wonderful ‘land of the rising sun.’ Not only do they get to marvel at beautiful castles and be awestruck by the spiritual constructions and temples, but they can also witness the wonder of nature in spring during the cherry blossom festival.

However, this is not it. There is more to see in Japan than historical and spiritual structures or the beauty of nature. The people of Japan have some beautiful and eye-pleasing rituals they follow. For example, if you are in Japan in the beginning of August then you can witness one of the most colourful and vibrant festivals in all of Japan, the Nebuta festival that is held in the Aomori prefecture in the region called Tohoku, in Japan.

The Occurrences in the Festival

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The Aomori Nebuta festival is held on a grand scale and features huge, lighted floats that include pictures of famous warriors of Japan and Kabuki actors. These floats are seen parading along the streets of Aomori. This is almost a weeklong festival that starts on the second of August and continues till the seventh of the month. Also featuring in this festival is the sound of bamboo flutes and the beating of massive drums. The word, ‘rasseera’ is also shouted from time to time during the event by Haneto dancers. This parade is almost like a six night festival.

The Final Evening and Origin of the Festival

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In the final evening of the festival, a large lantern, called a toro, is floated out into the massive sea. Apparently, this takes along with it evil spirits that might cause any sort of harm. There is also a display of fabulous fireworks that evening. This festival is extremely energetic and visually dramatic. According to historians, the origin of the festival dates back to the 800’s, when a general made large creatures to scare away any kind of rebels in the area. Each float takes about a year to make.

Next time you visit Japan, try and plan your trip so that you can witness the true wonder of the Aomori Nebuta festival.

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Places Where You can Discover the True Essence of Japan

With plentiful ancient temples, medieval fortresses and stunning landscapes to discover, Japan’s highlights span across the major cities and exotic countryside. Travellers can get to see the life under the terrible wartime, wander around the educational sites with family and shop around the bustling shopping districts surrounding the commercials hubs in the country.

Kyoto’s Tourism Highlights

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Koinzan Saiho-ji – This place is also known as the Koke-dera Temple or Moss Temple, because of the 120 different varieties of moss found inside the gardens. This temple was originally the 6th century home of Prince Shotoku but the Buddhist monk Muso Soseki turned the site into temple in 1339 and a two-tier garden was designed around the pond. As the city has only the restricted admission, one requires requesting the temple to provide reservation for admission.

Nijo-jo Castle – The castle was completed building in 1603. A vast moat and imposing walls surround the castle and the nightingale floors, the creaky boards instantly alerting the guards to the presence of any intruder, enhance its security. There is a vast collection of screen paintings and period artwork on display. The self-guided audio tours are rented by the visitors.

Japan’s Natural Wonders

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Mount Fuji – With the height of 12, 388 feet, Mount Fuji is the Japan’s tallest mountain. This is also the primary highlight of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu Park, situated around 2.5 hours from Tokyo. According to estimates, around 200,000 mountaineers climb Mount Fuji every year. At the park, one can also see the coastline along the Izu peninsula and indulge in swimming and SCUBA diving at the coastal stretches.

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Jigokudani-Yaenkown Park – Located inside the Yokuyu River valley in Nagano and well-known for snow monkeys, the Jigokudani-Yaenkown Park is one of the popular tourist spots in the Nagano prefecture. The average temperature in the winter lingers around 5 degrees whereas snow covers the ground for almost four months every year. One can take photographs of monkeys inside the park but cannot feed them. The park officials issue the warning urging visitors to avoid physical contacts with the monkeys, otherwise they may turn aggressive.

Tokyo’s Tourism Highlights

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Ginza – This was one of the earliest cities to modernise during the period of Meiji Restoration and houses plenty of upscale boutiques and retailers. Most department stores in Ginza host their own art galleries and serve varieties of cuisines in the form of refreshments and pre-packaged meals at depachika. On every weekend, the Chuo-dori that is the main thoroughfare in Ginza for pedestrian traffic is organised.

Sensoji Temple – The oldest worship site of Tokyo, the Kannondo Hall inside the temple was built by the Buddhist priest Shokai Shonin in 645 AD. On an estimate, the annual visitors’ count at the temple is around 30 million. In the month of July, the temple hosts Hozuki-Ichi festival.

There are several other locations thronged with the tourists throughout the year. One can get to know about these tourism hot spots on Japan travel guide book. Do not forget to go through the guide books before heading to this East Asian economy giant country.

Tourist Spots in Japan that can’t be missed

Japan is an exquisite country to visit. If you are planning a trip anytime soon, you must include Japan in the list of places you should visit. The country is an amalgamation of the modern and the antique. It is the epitome of tradition, culture, art, customs and history. Japan has two sides. From one angle is an ancient city soaked in many historic tales and from another angle, it is the technological capital of the world.

If you do visit the country, make sure you plan out the places you must visit and shouldn’t miss.

The Tohoku Region

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This region that includes a place called Aomori. The Nebuta festival held here attracts tourists from all over the world. Another very popular city in this region is Sendai City. Here, attractions like the Sendai Castle and the Sendai Tanabata festival, that takes place annually, draws many tourists top this region.

The Kanto Region

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The most important city in this region is the capital of Japan, Tokyo. You will find in this region many tourist attractions like amusement parks, temples, theatres and shrines. This region is also known for its shopping district. Therefore, if you are a shopaholic, then you must visit this region. Tokyo will be the easiest city to visit for tourists who do not know any other language but English. Other places tourists visit in this region are Hakone, Kamakura, Yokohama and Nikko.

The Chubu Region

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If you want to visit Mount Fuji, the highest peak in Japan, you have to visit this region. Other places in this region that tourists frequent are Kenrokuen Park to witness Japanese gardens, Nagoya for its famous castle, Nagano for the ‘Japanese Alps, and many more.

These are some of the top places to visit in Japan. If you do go to the country for a vacation, stop by in a few particular regions to soak in the essence of Japan.

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