Attractions

Osaka:

To get your bearings, take a ride on the world’s fifth largest Ferris wheel, measuring about 370 feet. One of the indispensable tourism activities in Japan, this panoramic view of Osaka is well worth the ride. The latest in the list of the to-dos in Osaka is the Universal Studios Japan theme park at the Tempozan Harbor Area. The first Universal Studios outside the United States, this Hollywood-inspired theme park is the traveler's haven and includes the Jurassic Park, Terminator, and Jaws rides, accompanied by a score of theme restaurants. You can catch a water taxi or shuttle from the railway station.

You should set a day aside to walk around the Osaka Wan or Osaka Bay which houses the world-famous Osaka Aquarium. Also known as the Kaiyukan Aquarium, it is one of the largest in the world. Apart from the Kaiyukan, the Osaka Bay is home to the Tempozan Harbor Village and the Suntory Museum, featuring a large number of galleries with impressive collections of impressionistic, post-impressionistic, and modern art and photography.

Osaka Castle and the sprawling park adjoining it is a magnet for tourism in every season. A grove of over a thousand plum trees of different species and colors adds to the unique beauty of the castle.

Kyoto:

Central Kyoto

Kyoto Imperial Palace: The imperial family resided here from 1331 until 1868. Take one of the free, one-hour tours of the private garden and the Heian Period palace.

Nijo Castle: Built by the first Tokugawa shogun in 1603, Nijo Castle is built almost entirely of Japanese cypress, and the interior can be explored without taking a tour

Toji Temple: A World Heritage Site, the Toji Temple is a Buddhist temple and includes the tallest Pagoda in Japan.

Pontocho: One of the Geisha districts of Kyoto, Pontocho is famous for its preservation of traditional architecture and entertainment. Visit a few of the geisha houses and traditional tea houses.

Eastern Kyoto

Sanjusangendo Hall: Sanjusangendo Temple is a Buddhist temple famous for its Thousand Armed Kannon.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple: This beautiful temple surrounded by cherry blossoms was originally constructed in 798 and takes its name from the waterfall inside the complex.

Gion District: A famous Geisha district in Kyoto.

Yasaka Shrine: The Yasaka Shrine is famous for its Gion Matsuri Festival and its beautiful display of Japanese lanterns.

Northern Kyoto

Kinkakuyi Golden Pavilion: A World Heritage Site, the Golden Pavilion is adorned with gold leaf embellishments and surrounded by beautiful gardens

Ryoan-ji Zen Temple: Some say the Ryoan-ji Temple garden is one of the greatest masterpieces of Japanese culture. Surrounded by low walls, it is known as the best example of Zen architecture and for its beautiful rock garden.

Ninnaji: A World Heritage Site, this temple was completed in 888 and contains many national treasures. It is the main temple of the Omuro School of the Shingon sect.

Daitokuji: This small, understated temple complex boasts several secluded subtemples. It is the quietest of the temples in north-west Kyoto.

Western Kyoto

Arashiyama: A scenic area of the city famous for the Togetsukyo Bridge and Iwatayama Monkey Park.

Tenryuji: A World Heritage Site, Tenryuji Temple is the most important Zen temple in Kyoto.

Katsura Villa: Located in the western suburbs, this Imperial Villa is one of Japan’s most important large-scale cultural treasures.

Southern Kyoto and Uji

Tofukuji: Japan’s oldest Zen main gate, the beautiful temple is popular in autumn for its backdrop of maple trees

Byodoin: A World Heritage Site, the Byodoin Temple was originally built in 998

Tokyo:

Tokyo is home to numerous parks and gardens. You can check out the roses or the Cherry Blossom trees in the Inokashira Park or the Koishikawa Korakuen Garden. The Ueno Zoo is popular among tourists and locals, and you can also visit the beautiful fountains in the Wadakura Fountain Park.

The shrines and temples in Tokyo possess unique architecture and a calm atmosphere, making them some of the major attractions in the city. The Gokuku-ji Temple, the Meiji Shinto Shrine and the Sensoji Temple are three of the most famous temples of the city. The Yasukuni Shrine is an important memorial dedicated to the people who have lost their lives in Japan's wars.

Unsurprisingly, Tokyo’s museums and galleries are world-class. Visitors can take a look at the huge collection of Japanese artifacts and artworks in the Tokyo National Museum, Mori Art Museum, Asakura Choso Museum, and Bridgestone Museum of Art. Tourists can also take a look at the historical displays in the Fukagawa Edo Period Museum. In Tokyo, history also lives outside of museums, and visits to historic sites like the Aoyama Cemetery, Hayashi Memorial Hall, Edo Castle, and Hachiko are highly informative and boast beautiful architecture and design.

Apart from these, many other architectural monuments can be found in Tokyo. Some of the major man-made wonders of the city include Rainbow Bridge, Tokyo Tower, Kabuki Theatre, Sunshine 60 Building, and the Tsukiji Fish Market. The Sanrio Puroland theme park is a popular spot for families