Top 4 Things to Do in Japan

Japan is unity in diversity. With a host of ancient and modern culture and tradition, Japan offers plethora of choices to experience unique and varied lifestyle. There are umpteenth places to go, each one of them are equally beautiful and exquisite.

So, if you are planning a tour to Japan in recent times, here is a list of activities and things that you must not miss at any cost.

Visit Kyoto’s Ancient Sites

The historical city of Kyoto was the capital of Japan from 794 to 1868. The Kinkauji temple is iconic remains of the Majestic rule in Japan. This gilded establishment was once considered as shogun’s villa but has been refurbished as a Zen Buddhist temple now. On the bank of a serene river, Kinkauji casts an amazing golden reflection in water. The Ryoanji is another attraction of Kyoto’s ancient sites. The minimalist and enigmatic dry background of garden at Ryoanji gives a feel of another world

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Altogether, Kyoto has 17 World Heritage sites, besides some 2000 temples and shrines spread across the city.

Overnight stay in a Temple

Ever since the monk Kobo Daishi was motivated to found the Shingon School of Buddhism in ninth century, Mount Koya has been a major pilgrimage spot. At the temple, besides seeing the eerie cemetery and temples built in Daishi’s honour, staying overnight with the monks at one of the temples is highlight of visit.

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Almost 50 places are open to guests; Eko-in is one of these. It offers distinctive experience of Koya and opportunity to assemble for morning prayers with monks and pilgrims.

Gallery Hop on "Art Island"

The scenic Naoshima in Seto Inland Sea is noticeable on the contemporary art scene of Japan. There are three major galleries besides several smaller art venues. Tadao Ando-designed Benesse House is considered best of the galleries that hosts the likes of large than life artists, such as David Hockney, Bruce Nauman and Frank Stella.

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The Naoshima has been dubbed as “Art Island” for obvious reasons. Even the public baths at the Island have pop-art effects.

Hot Spring in Niigata

If you have read “Yukiguni (snow country)”, you must know about Niigata prefecture. This is one of the snowiest places in Japan. The accommodation facility in the form of Ryokan is the highlight of Niigata. Most tourists go there to take hot spring bath. Besides it, there are various form of dishes served at the Ryokan accommodation. If you are going to Niigata and want to experience unique and exclusive facets of this place, you can collect information from blog about Japan.

As a whole, Japan has several places to visit. Each of these is enough to make an exceptional sojourn to the country.