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What to see in Japan

Hiroshima, also called the city of peace, is the biggest in Chugoku. On 6th August 1945, the atomic bomb completely destroyed every building in the city centre, except what is currently known as the Hiroshima Atomic Bomb Dome, declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in recognition of the destruction of nuclear warfare in the city.

An off-the-beaten-track destination, nestled between the Sea of Japan and the Japanese Alps, Kanazawa is one of the best-preserved Edo-era cities in Japan and a true hidden gem, sometimes overlooked by visitors on a tour of Japan in favour of better-known destinations. This is unfortunate as Kanazawa is the centre of traditional Japanese culture and, having escaped the destruction of World War II air raids, much of its traditional architecture and monuments remain standing in their original splendour.
Nagamachi Samurai District and the geisha district of Higashi Chaya-Gai are just a few examples of Kanazawa&rsquo;s historic neighbourhoods, the latter of which is one of the few places in Japan where you can still experience the elegant art of the geisha in all its original beauty and talent. The capital of Ishikawa Prefecture, Kanazawa&rsquo;s museums, cultural institutions, historic districts, temples and landscaped gardens collaborate to make the city an unmissable stop on a tour of Japan.
A UNESCO City of Crafts and Folk Art, preserving traditional Japanese arts is at the heart of Kanazawa and it&rsquo;s here that you can partake in gold-leaf tea ceremonies or watch artisans creating hand-dyed silks or hand-painted ceramics as their ancestors have for centuries before them. Whether you visit in the warm summer months or the snow-laden winter season, visiting Kanazawa is easier than ever, using Japan&rsquo;s Rail System to travel from Tokyo, Kyoto or Osaka. Kanazawa is known for its delicious cuisine, particularly its traditional confectionary and seafood, so it&rsquo;s one of the best places in the country to sample authentic Japanese sushi.
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<h2>Things to see in Kanazawa</h2>
The mix of old and new makes exploring Kanazawa a fascinating and fun experience. There&rsquo;s countless things to see in Kanazawa, but a few stand out as unmissable. Kenrokuen Garden is surely at the top of the list when it comes to sights in Kanazawa. One of Japan&rsquo;s &lsquo;three most beautiful landscape gardens&rsquo;, Kenrokuen, constructed almost 200 years ago, is a shining example of the ancient art of Japanese landscape theory. Plum, cherry blossom and maple trees produce a vibrant palette of colours across all seasons and following a tranquil stroll throughout the gardens, visitors can stop at a number of charming teahouses to refresh themselves with traditional teas and daifuku or mochi. Be sure to see the huge Karasaki Pine, planted from a seed in the 13th-century, and Kasumiga-Ike Pond, the largest in the garden.
If you travel to Kanazawa hoping to experience the Japan of yesteryear, the Nagamachi Samurai District is a must-visit. Located close to the former Kanazawa Castle, this charming district used to house samurai and their families. Here, you can stroll through the narrow lanes, flanked by traditional dwellings, and gain an insight into the life of a samurai at Nomura Clan House, a restored samurai residence. Continue across the Asano River and you&rsquo;ll find yourself in Higashi Chaya Geisha District, established in 1820 as a teahouse and entertainment district to accommodate wealthy nobility and merchants. Walking its streets is like strolling through the set of the movie Memoir of a Geisha. A
s well as the traditional architecture, the district is home to a number of museums, souvenir shops and two public geisha teahouses, where you can watch the traditional arts and performances of elegant real-life geishas. Another fascinating relic of Kanazawa&rsquo;s past is the Myoruji Temple, a Buddhist temple built in the 17th-century. Its nickname of &lsquo;Nija Temple&rsquo; is a product of the quirky defence systems in place within the temple, including trap doors, secrets tunnels and hidden rooms, as the temple was designed to act as a disguised military outpost for Kanazawa Castle.
If you&rsquo;re also interested in discovering the cutting-edge Japan of the future, a trip to Kanazawa would be incomplete without exploring the immense 21st Century Museum. This contemporary art museum, housed within a conceptual modern building, is home to a plethora of mind-bending interactive installations and a great number of artworks by both Japanese and international artists. After exploring the sights of Kanazawa itself, an excellent day trip idea is to visit Shirakawago Village, an idyllic mountain village and UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Shogawa River Valley, composed of traditional peak-roofed wooden farmhouses. You can even stay overnight in one of the pretty farmhouses and the village is particularly beautiful during the heavy winter snowfall. Another thing to do in Kanazawa is to spend the night at one of the city&rsquo;s traditional onsens, old-style guesthouses complete with sliding doors and cosy floor cushions. This is the ultimate Japanese experience to complete any holiday to Japan.

The imperial city and former national capital preserves some of the best temples in Japan, with its zen gardens, such as the Golden Pavillion Kinkaju-ji. The Higashiyama area still captures the atmosphere of old Tokyo, with its cobbled streets and range of pagodas, whilst in Shimbashi the traditions of geishas and tea houses are still very much alive.
If you decide to visit Kyoto, be prepared to see a side of Japan you may not expect. Unlike Tokyo, Kyoto has retained its more traditional appearance in districts such as Gion. The city boasts so many temples and is surrounded by such stunning parks and gardens that all the time you spend there will seem like too little. So take note of the essential sites we recommend at Exoticca.
<h2>What to see in Kyoto</h2>
<h3>Travelling to Kyoto to find oneself</h3>
Even if you travel in summer, Kyoto is full of places to meditate. And we are not only referring to its temples, but also to its parks and gardens. This is one of the most visited cities in Japan and you will find locals and foreigners in the streets dressed up as geishas and samurais. The good news is that the Japanese, who tend to tour around their own country a good deal, are very polite and respectful, so you can stop and meditate in any of these places:
Kiyomizudera Temple
This is an enormous wooden temple supported by hundreds of huge columns built with no nails. Join the queue at the nearby fountain and collect the water that comes directly from the spring. The walk up to the temple from the city takes you through a traditional cemetery. But don't worry, Japanese cemeteries are nothing like Western ones and the differences are worth noting. Once at the top of the hill, soak up the views of the city.
Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka
After the visit to Kiyomizudera, you'll have to descend to the centre again. The custom is to do this by walking down the narrow streets of Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka, flanked by traditional shops and houses. You'll find all kinds of gifts here and lots of people taking pictures. If you're up early enough, you can take some incredible photographs and savour the architecture as if you've travelled back in time.
<h3>The golden pavilion or Kinkaku-ji and the gardens of Ryoan-ji</h3>
If you're going to Kyoto, you mustn't miss the golden pavilion. Our advice is to get up very early so you can enter with the first group. This building, with its roofs decorated in gold leaf and surrounded by a beautiful lake which reflect it like a mirror, is one of the city's main attractions. It's not unusual to find large groups of students here taking pictures and studying the history of their country. It's worth visiting, despite the crowds.
Next to it are the Ryoan-ji gardens, a large park where you can relax and even get lost. Everywhere you go in Japan is well marked with maps, but the beauty of this garden is labyrinthine, so pay attention to where you are going.
<h3>Travelling to Kyoto to meet up with the past: the Gion district</h3>
Kyoto is one of the major Japanese cities where traditions have been best preserved. Walking around the Gion district is a delight not only because of its traditional buildings but also because of the possibility of meeting, even today, an authentic geisha. These women, in clothes and make up from the Edo period, will allow you to photograph them, but it is better to ask their permission and not keep them waiting. Remember, they're working, and may be in a hurry.
<h3>Fushimi Innari Shrine</h3>
To get here you will have to take a train, but the journey takes only five minutes and you'll never forget it. This shrine occupies an entire hill, where you pass between hundreds of red toriis marking out the path to the top. The itinerary is impressive, full of sculptures dedicated to the goddess Inari and funerary monuments that blend into the forest. Photographs are allowed, but don't forget that this is a sacred place. Respect is fundamental.
<h3>Arashiyama Bamboo Forest</h3>
Japan is known for many things, including the extensive use of bamboo to build furniture, boats and all manner of utensils. Arashiyama is a bamboo forest outside the city centre, although you can walk there if the thought of long walks does not deter you. Once there, you can go deep into the high plants, visit the many temples hidden among them, take a boat ride or have tea in one of the area's many caf&eacute;s. Mind the mosquitoes, though! These humid areas are their favourite place.
<h3>How to get around if you decide to visit Kyoto</h3>
Unlike Osaka or Tokyo, where the metro is recommended, one of the best ways to get around Kyoto is by bus, unless you are in a hurry. They are slow because of the traffic, but it is the best way to get a broader impression of what the city is like. Of course, Kyoto also has a metro system with stops at the biggest tourist attractions.

At the heart of Japan&rsquo;s Kansai region, on the island of Honshu, lies Osaka, the second-largest city in the country after Tokyo. An immense metropolis known for its thriving port and importance as a centre for trade and commerce, a holiday to Osaka opens up a world of culture and an uncensored taste of Japanese life. Famed for its gastronomic prowess, Osaka is a mecca for foodies; it packs a punch when it comes to its exciting food scene and trend-setting restaurants. If you&rsquo;re unsure what to do in Osaka, then eating your way around the city is a good place to start.
Historically the &lsquo;nations kitchen&rsquo;, Osaka was once the centre of rice distribution in Japan, an important measure of wealth, and ever since, the city has expanded into a fast-paced urban sprawl of unlimited opportunities. Although much of the remnants of the past have fallen in favour of modernity, it is the atmosphere of the place, enthusiastic and lively, which charms visitors who choose a tour of Osaka. You can expect gravity-defying skyscrapers, neon lights aplenty and a plethora of entertainment, shopping and leisure activities. The neighbourhood of Dotonbori is foodie heaven, whilst Kitashinchi is the nightlife hub, with enough bars, nightclubs and karaoke bars to keep any visitor partying until the early hours!
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<h2>Highlights of Osaka</h2>
If you are wondering what to see in Osaka, a tour is a great way to get an overview of the main sights and attractions of the city. One of the most emblematic and photographed buildings in the city is Osaka Castle, an amazing reconstruction of the original 16th-century castle which once stood on the same spot. With an amazing moat, guarding the majestic white castle, and lush gardens surrounding the site, it&rsquo;s the perfect place to spend a sunny afternoon.
If you are lucky enough to take a trip to Osaka during the springtime, you&rsquo;ll find the gardens awash with cherry blossom trees and cheerful locals enjoying the fleeting beauty of the sakura. Another of the last remaining historic sights to see on an Osaka tour is the ornate Shitennoji Buddhist Temple, dating back to the 6th-century and a tranquil retreat from the bustling city centre. When it comes to architecture, Osaka&rsquo;s Umeda Sky Building is an icon of the city. Comprised of two 40-storey towers, these awe-inspiring modern structures are connected by giant bridges and make a great backdrop for one-of-a-kind photo opportunities.
Lovers of culture should head to the Kuronmon Ichiba Market, where Japanese gastronomy and culture combine, whilst nature lovers can find wildlife amidst the city sprawl in the Osaka Aquarium, one of the largest in the world and a great rainy-day activity. Of course, you cannot forget the Universal Studios Japan theme-park, the much loved movie-themed attraction with a Japanese twist. There is so much to do in Osaka, you&rsquo;ll be spoilt for choice!

In the shadow of Mount Fuji lies Tokyo, the Japanese capital, the world&rsquo;s most populous metropolis and a city like no other. This vast city is high on the must-visit lists of all travellers for its non-stop atmosphere as well as the glimpses of Japanese history and culture that are waiting to be uncovered if you know where to look. An organic entity, Tokyo&rsquo;s urban sprawl takes on a life of its own and it&rsquo;s easy to lose your bearings amidst the neon signs and skyscrapers, but that&rsquo;s all part of the fun of a trip to Tokyo.
Stretching for over 2000 square-kilometres, this immense megalopolis consists of 23 central districts, including Central Tokyo and Old Tokyo, known as Shitamachi. From the dazzling lights of youthful Shibuya and Harajuku to the temples of Asakusa and the majestic Imperial Palace of Chiyoda, the seat of Japanese power, the city&rsquo;s diversity is its main appeal. One of the most surprising aspects of the city is its humble beginnings. Once a small castle town called Edo, today, you can still trace Tokyo&rsquo;s modest beginnings and historic legacy in Shibamata or Taito, two of the more traditional neighbourhoods that nod towards the days of the Edo era. A trip to Tokyo is sure to include a good deal of delicious Japanese food and the city&rsquo;s gastronomic scene is simply unbeatable. I
t&rsquo;s incredibly easy to find good eats in Tokyo; just follow the locals and chow down on freshly rolled sushi or handmade noodles. Tokyo&rsquo;s super-efficient and accessible subway system might appear a little daunting on the first inspection, but it&rsquo;s the key to exploring the city&rsquo;s wealth of sights, so you&rsquo;re sure to make use of it if you take a tour of Tokyo.&nbsp;
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<h2>What to see in Tokyo</h2>
Faced with such an enormous city, it can be challenging to choose where to start when it comes to things to see in Tokyo. Keep in mind that some of the most eye-opening and memorable parts of a Tokyo holiday will probably happen when you&rsquo;re travelling between sights or simply strolling aimlessly through the city&rsquo;s neon-lit neighbourhoods. Tokyo is all about &lsquo;experiencing&rsquo; rather than &lsquo;doing&rsquo;. Nevertheless, there are a number of top sights in Tokyo to fit into your itinerary.&nbsp;
The Meiji Shrine, dedicated to the spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, is a beautiful traditional Shinto shrine, located in the neighbourhood of Shibuya. Nestled within a thick evergreen forest, it&rsquo;s the perfect place to enjoy a laid-back stroll and gain an insight into the traditional beliefs of Japanese Shintoism. Undoubtedly the most popular district in the city for visitors on a tour of Tokyo is Asakusa, which stands out from the rest of the city for its historic streets and remarkably well-preserved traditional architecture.
This is the Tokyo of yesteryear and a trip to Tokyo is incomplete without visiting this part of the city. Senso-ji Buddhist Temple is the highlight of the Asakusa district and the oldest temple in the city. For further historic delights, head to the Imperial Palace, in the district of Chiyoda. This stately castle complex is the primary residence of the Emperor of Japan and is surrounded by a serene moat and a large grassy park area. Although most visitors are not authorised to enter the buildings themselves, tours around the manicured gardens are popular and very scenic.&nbsp;
If you travel to Japan you probably want to experience the tranquil charms of a traditional Japanese garden, and Korakuen Garden, in Bunkyo, is Tokyo&rsquo;s best example of this. This 17th-century garden is a beautiful oasis of ponds, waterfalls and walking trails which lead visitors through areas of maple trees, cherry blossom and plum trees. Gorgeous at any time of year, Korakue Garden is a little slice of zen amidst the hustle and bustle of modern Tokyo. If you&rsquo;re interested in the arts, then Tokyo is paradise, owing to its countless museums and galleries. There&rsquo;s something to suit all tastes, from the National Museum to the high-rise Mori Art Gallery, not to mention the seemingly endless array of pop-up exhibitions and galleries scattered throughout the city in buildings as diverse as former bathhouses and dilapidated warehouses. It&rsquo;s here you&rsquo;ll find the cutting-edge of Japanese art.&nbsp;
Finally, there are two things to do in Tokyo which are high on the lists of everyone who travels to Japan. The first is crossing the Shibuya Crossing, the world&rsquo;s most famous intersection and the quintessential image of Tokyo. Although the crowds can be overwhelming, it&rsquo;s the number one thing to do in Tokyo. Secondly, if you&rsquo;re lucky enough to travel to Japan in the springtime, you&rsquo;ll be able to see the fleeting beauty of Cherry Blossom, or hanami, season, usually between the end of March and the beginning of April. Shinjuku Gyoen and the Korakuen Gardens are just two of the locations where you can see this magical natural phenomenon in Tokyo.

Wonders of the Land of the Rising Sun

Nara is one of the most visited cities in Japan, and it is no accident that it has achieved this honour. Visiting Nara is like travelling back in time. If you arrive by train, you'll see the newest part of the city, but you only have to climb a small slope to enter the most magical place in Japan. An accumulation of fields, woods, temples and small hidden-away altars. Set aside at least one full day for your visit and take a break for a plate of ramen. You'll be ready for it.
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<h2>First port of call in Nara: feeding the deer in the park</h2>
Nara park is immense and most of its inhabitants are sacred deer. You'll see plenty of signs to warn you that they are dangerous right next to the mobile cookie sellers. These cookies are the only food you should offer the animals. When they see you holding them, they'll come to you to be fed. Don't misunderstand them: they are not friendly animals, but they are very polite. They know you're going to feed them in exchange for a photo and they'll pose for you. But they will be off as soon as you run out of food!
Be careful, these animals are protected. They're considered to be messengers of the gods and perhaps this is why they have developed a somewhat capricious character.&nbsp;
The park is so big that you're unlikely to have time to see the whole thing. But if you've seen enough temples, head down to the lower area. Nara's young manga and anime fans gather in the park dressed as their favourite characters and it's not uncommon to see groups of cosplayers doing photo shoots. If you ask their permission, they'll let you take pictures too.
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<h2>Todai-ji Temple</h2>
The Todai-ji is one of Nara's best-known temples. It's famous for its huge Buddha and its large gateway. One of the traditions is to pass through a hole that goes through the wood of one of the pillars sustaining the Buddha. The hole is exactly the same size as one of the giant statue's nostrils. And why do tourists and worshippers pass through this hole? Because whoever does so is blessed by the Buddha.&nbsp;
Take the opportunity to burn some incense sticks in the courtyard on your way out, but do so with respect. Those who pray here are the devout faithful who take their religion very seriously, while you are just passing through.&nbsp;
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<h2>Kasuga-Taisha Shrine</h2>
Many of those who decide to visit Nara think that they can see the Kasuga-Taisha quickly, but nothing could be further from the truth. Once you pass through the entrance torii, which is more modest than at other temples, you'll find yourself in a magical enclosure. The path up from the park to the temple area is adorned with dozens of large stone lanterns. And inside the Kasuga-Taisha there are hundreds of lanterns of all sizes. The stone lanterns are impressive, but the metal ones that hang along every single corridor seem to come straight out of some traditional tale. If you have decided to visit Nara in early February or mid-August you may be lucky enough to witness the Setsubun Mantoro or Obon Mantoro festivals, respectively. During these periods the bronze and stone lanterns are simultaneously lit. The spectacle is unparalleled.
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<h2>Kofuku-ji Temple Pagoda</h2>
Pagodas are one of the many attractions at a considerable number of tourist sites all over Japan. Travelling to Nara means you can visit the five-storey pagoda that is part of Kofuku-ji temple. The temple, for its part, is the oldest in the world built of wood.&nbsp;
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<h2>Naramachi, the samurai district</h2>
Naramachi, the old commercial district of Nara, retains its narrow alleyways and traditional houses. What used to be warehouses have become craft and gift shops. If you want to buy a truly traditional souvenir, look for a calligraphy workshop. There are several in this area. They sell special paper, brushes as big as brooms and as small as cotton buds for the ears. Nara's stationery stores are also a good place to find a less typical souvenir. Although almost everyone tends to choose a hanging monkey, or migawari-zaru, an ornament you will see in most Naramachi houses.&nbsp;
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<h2>Koshi-no-le, a traditional residence</h2>
If you want to know what life in feudal Japan was like, go inside this traditional house. Entrance is free.

Wonders of Nippon

The only capital city in the Maldives despite the number of islands that the country comprises. This is a small town, with all the charming houses contained in a very small space. The most striking building is the Friday Mosque, however the most enjoyable has to be a trip to the market, an essential trip to stock up on local produce and soak up the atmosphere.

Malé

Charms of Nippon & All-Inc. Maldives

The biggest island in Thailand at 21 kilometres across, known as Pearl of the Andaman. Although this is one of the islands of Thailand which has seen the most tourism, there are still untouched corners of white sand to be discovered along its coastlines. Each beach is different and they are separated from one another by capes and hills. You can see the warm crystal waters of the Andaman sea along the length of the coast.

Phuket

Nippon Experience & Paradise in Phuket

OUR BEST TRIPS TO MOUNT FUJI