10 Top Tourist Attractions in Japan

10. Hiroshima Peace Memorial

The Hiroshima Peace Memorial is a haunting tribute to the lives lost when the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945. Set in a park, the memorial features Genbaku Dome, the only building left standing in the vicinity after the bomb dropped. This harsh reminder of a world at war reminds visitors of the importance of human life and honors the victims so they will never be forgotten.

Where to Stay in Hiroshima

9. Jigokudani Monkey Park

Jigokudani Monkey Park is a famous hot spring area near Nagano,. The name Jigokudani (meaning “Hell’s Valley”), is due to steam and boiling water that bubbles out the frozen ground, surrounded by steep cliffs and formidably cold forests. It is famous for its large population of wild Snow Monkeys that go to the valley during the winter when snow covers the park. The monkeys descend from the steep cliffs and forest to sit in the warm hot springs, and return to the security of the forests in the evenings.

8. Kiyomizu-dera

The Kiyomizu-dera Buddhist temple is located in Eastern Kyoto and can be traced back as far as the year 798. An indoor waterfall fed from the outside river keeps the temple in harmony with nature and not one nail was used in construction. While locals used to jump off the edge to have a wish granted (with a survival rate of 85.4%), modern visitors can enjoy the shrines and talismans and artwork on display without risking life and limb.

Where to Stay in Kyoto

7. Himeji Castle

The Himeji Castle is considered the best existing example of Japanese castle architecture. It was fortified to defend against enemies during the feudal period, but it has been rebuilt many times throughout the centuries and reflects the different design periods. It survived the bombings of World War II and is frequently seen in domestic and foreign films, including the James Bond movie “You Only Live Twice”. The white exterior and design give the castle the appearance of a bird taking flight, earning the the castle the nickname ‘white egret castle’.

6. Great Buddha of Kamakura

The Great Buddha of Kamakura is a colossal outdoor representation of Amida Buddha, one of Japan’s most celebrated Buddhist figures. Cast in bronze, the Great Buddha stands at over 13 meters (40 feet) high and weighs nearly 93 tons. The statue reportedly dates from 1252. Although it originally was housed in a small wooden temple, the Great Buddha now stands in the open air as the original temple was washed away in a tsunami in the 15th century.

5. Todaiji Temple

The Todaiji Temple in Nara is a feat of engineering. It is not only the world’s largest wooden building, it is home to the world’s largest bronze Buddha statue. Surrounded by beautiful gardens and wildlife, the Kegon school of Buddhism is centered here and the grounds hold many artifacts of Japanese and Buddhist history. Deer are allowed to freely roam the grounds as messengers of the Shinto gods.

Where to Stay in Nara

4. Tokyo Tower

The Tokyo Tower is a testament to the advancement of technology and modern life. Inspired by the Eiffel tower design, it is the second tallest man-made structure in Japan and functions as a communications and observation tower. Visitors can climb the tower for unparalleled views of Tokyo and the surrounding areas as well as visit shops and restaurants.

Where to Stay in Tokyo

3. Tokyo Imperial Palace

The Emperor of Japan makes his home at the Tokyo Imperial Palace. It also functions as an administration center and museum to showcase Japanese art and history. The palace is set on the ruins of older castles that were destroyed by fire or war, and architects have honored the past by incorporating design elements of the different eras into the modern palace. The new palace is surrounded by traditional Japanese gardens and has many reception and function rooms to receive guests and welcome the public.

Where to Stay in Tokyo

2. Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan at 3,776 meters (12,388 ft). The volcano’s exceptionally symmetrical cone is a well-known symbol of Japan and it is frequently depicted in art and photographs, as well as a popular tourist attraction for sightseers and climbers. An estimated 200,000 people climb Mount Fuji every year, 30% of whom are foreigners. The ascent can take anywhere between three and eight hours while the descent can take from two to five hours.

Mount Fuji Guide

1. Golden Pavilion

#1 of Tourist Attractions In Japanflickr/rc!

Kinkaku-ji or the Temple of the Golden Pavilion is the most popular tourist attraction in Japan and Kyoto. The pavilion was originally built as a retirement villa for Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu in the late 14th century. Unfortunately, the pavilion was burnt down in 1950 by a young monk who had become obsessed with it. Five years later, the temple was rebuilt as an exact copy of the original. Emphasis is placed on the building and surrounding gardens being in harmony with one another. The pavilion is covered in gold leaf which highlights the reflection of the pavilion in the pond and the pond’s reflection on the building.morial is a haunting tribute to the lives lost when the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945. Set in a park, the memorial features Genbaku Dome, the only building left standing in the vicinity after the bomb dropped. This harsh reminder of a world at war reminds visitors of the importance of human life and honors the victims so they will never be forgotten.

10 Indonesian tourist spots

1. Komodo

Island of Komodo in the Komodo National Park along with other islands around the islands of Nusa Tenggara. In 1986, the UNESCO-designated sites in Indonesia as one of the world heritage sites. The island is regarded as dragons animal habitat must be protected. One of the highest honors that were achieved were successfully entered the ranks of the world's seven natural miracles or better known as the New Seven Wonders of Nature in 2011.

These attractions offer natural beauty of the land and under the sea outstanding. There are many things you can do here, ranging from trekking, diving to snorkerling.

For trekking, you can explore the island with a group and a ranger or guide. On the way, you can find dragons who are hunting prey or resting. Ranger will equip you with a stick with splintered ends. This stick is believed to weaken the dragons when these animals began to attack. By pressing the dragons neck using a forked end of the stick, will instantly tame this beast. It is important for you to keep any movement when walking because these animals are very sensitive to sudden movements.

Diving and snorkeling in the waters of Komodo Island is not less exciting. These attractions are also known by the beauty of underwater nature and become one of the favorite dive sites. Another interesting feature is the presence or Pink Beach Pink Beach. This beach is one of the seven beaches in the world that has a reddish sand. This color is probably derived from coral fragments were crushed and mixed together with sand beach. When exposed to the waves, the red color has become increasingly apparent due to wet.

2. Trio Gili

Trio Gili is three beautiful islands in Lombok. The other three islands between Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air. All three are not only known by domestic tourists, but also has succeeded in attracting more tourists to come.

Of the three islands, Gili Trawangan is arguably the most popular. In addition to its larger size than the other islands, here also has established many entertainment venues such as bars and cafes. There are many activities you can do at these attractions ranging from sunbathing, diving to snorkeling. Even more fun, you can also rent a bike or ride cidomo, a kind of wagon train horses, to get around the island.

Although more visited Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili but water is not less interesting. Both of these islands also has a beautiful beach and underwater world is waiting for you to explore. The atmosphere both relatively quiet and calm so that suitable for you who really want to escape from the crowds.

3. Raja Ampat

Raja Ampat be excellent new in the world of Indonesian tourism. Charm of the tourist attractions in Indonesia is widely known by both domestic and foreign tourists. Raja Ampat itself is a collection of islands at the tip of Papua. There are four main islands here, namely Waigeo, Misool, Salawati and Batanta.

Natural wealth under the sea Raja Ampat no doubt. The waters of this tourist spot known as one of the best diving and snorkeling sites in the world. The Nature Conservancy even mention that about 75% of world marine life can be found in the waters of Raja Ampat. To prove this, please prepare your dive perlengakapan and start exploring the underwater nature. October and November is called as the best time to dive here because of the weather and water conditions are ideal.

Besides diving, you can also browse the beauty of the land islands in Raja Ampat. Locals will be happy to offer his services as a guide. During trekking, you can also look into people's homes and interact directly or buy handicrafts such as statues Asmat and traditional musical instruments of their work as a souvenir.

4. Lake Sentani

Lake Sentani is referred to as the largest lake in Papua. Not surprising really, because this lake has an area of approximately 9,360 hectares and is located at an elevation of 75 meters above sea level. Tourist attractions in Indonesia is dotted with 21 islands who became township residents.

What can you do here? A Lot. You can fish, swim or drive around the lake with a boat rental. If you still feel not enough, why not visit the local villages? You can stop by the houses and chat while enjoying a culinary trademark.

If you visit in mid-June, congratulations! You might as well enjoy the Lake Sentani Festival. The festival is an annual event featuring a variety of performing arts and culture of Papua. In addition, a variety of unique culinary Papua you can enjoy here.

5. Bali

Who does not know Bali? It's hard to choose what is most tourist attractions in Bali, because almost all parts of Bali is an outstanding tourist attractions. Bali has a lot of very beautiful natural beauty ranging from a series of beaches, mountains atmosphere to pretend its sacred. Of the many interesting sights, the most popular tourist ears of course Kuta, Legian, Seminyak Beach, Tanah Lot and the rural atmosphere of Ubud.

Bali became evident that in order to be able to dance the attention of the international community, culture and values distinctiveness need not be sacrificed. In keeping with the culture, Bali is attracting more foreign tourists to come. Here, you will see a collection of many foreign tourists who were enjoying the performances of Balinese art and culture.

6. Bunaken Marine Park

Bunaken Marine Park became one of the tourist attractions in Indonesia, which was again designated by UNESCO as a world heritage site, precisely in the year 2005. This is due to the richness and diversity of marine life extraordinary ranging from coral reefs, sea grass to fish species.

This tourist spot has more than 30 diving spots that become a favorite of many domestic and foreign divers. In addition to diving and in direct contact with the fish here, you can also dive with the submarine that has been provided. The ship has a transparent glass wall to let you see underwater scenery Bunaken Marine Park without exposure to water and damp. Hmm, interesting!

7. Peak Jayawijaya

Peak Jayawijaya or commonly called Carstensz Peak is the only mountain peak in Indonesia, which has the eternal snow. This peak rises more than 5,000 feet above sea level. Even more proud again is Mount Jayawijaya into the list of the Seven Summits or seven mountains with the highest peak in the world.

Jayawijaya peak was first conquered by a Dutch explorer named Hendrik Albert in 1909. Lorentz Lorentz managed to climb the snowy peaks along six Dayak Kenyah people who recruits in Borneo. After this successful ascent, started many climbers who follow in the footsteps Lorentz to conquer the peak of Jayawijaya. Hmm, are you next climber who conquered Carstensz?

8. Tana Toraja

Tana Toraja has outstanding natural beauty ranging from mountain ranges and green foothill. Beside rich in natural, tourist attractions d Indonesia is also rich ancestral culture that is still maintained today. Here, there are many ancient traditions are still preserved, one of which is Signs Solo '.

Signs Solo 'is a funeral ceremony in Tana Toraja. What pulled funeral? Eits, Tana Toraja funeral customs can not you miss this for granted. Signs Solo 'is the only ceremony eater most expensive in Indonesia and possibly the world. The ceremony was carried out for days at a cost that is not small. One of the rituals are performed are slaughtered buffalo. Buffalo is not enough to just one. The higher caste people who died, the more buffalo sacrificed.

Tana Toraja people believe that as long as there is buried, the dead man is the one who is sick. His body was accidentally injected with formalin to not rot while waiting for a family to organize Signs Solo '. The man who died was considered only in a state of pain alone. Family still treat it like a man who is still alive, engage her in conversation and joking. If you have done Signs Solo ', then the family believe the person has died.

If Signs Solo 'is less challenging for you, try visiting Londa or eat hanging style Tana Toraja. Here, you can find many coffins were hung in a cave on a steep cliff. Dare to visit?

9. Borobudur

Borobudur is the largest Buddhist temple complex in the world. Tourist attractions in Indonesia is designated by UNESCO as a world heritage site in 1991. Borobudur was buried volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Merapi, until it was discovered by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles in 1814.

Tourist attractions in Indonesia is expected to be built in the year 824. The building is composed of volcanic blocks and form the 504 statues of Buddha, 72 stupas and a stupa right on top of the temple. Myth, if you put your hand into the hole and managed to touch the statue stupa in it, then your wish will come true. Here, you can also buy various souvenirs ranging from T-shirts, key chains, fan until miniature Borobudur.

In celebration of Vesak, Borobudur became the central gathering of many Buddhists from various parts of the world such as Tibet and Thailand. This ritual became one tourist attraction here. The most favorite destination of tourists is the top event in the form of the release of lanterns into the sky. Lanterns will be released along with prayer and hope for the coming year.

10. Taman Mini Indonesia Indah

If normally you can visit a museum to learn more about the culture of an area, this time you can visit Taman Mini Indonesia Indah as a giant museum to get to know the culture of Indonesia. As the name implies, the tourist attractions in Indonesia, which was initiated by Tien Soeharto be the place to see the Indonesian culture in a mini version.

In the area of tourist attractions in Indonesia, there are an artificial lake with an island that resembles islands in Indonesia from Sabang to Merauke. You can get around this lake with swan boat that has been provided.

Taman Mini Indonesia Indah also has a pavilion area of 34 provinces in Indonesia. Each pavilion area traditional style and includes traditional clothing, housewares everyday and traditional weapons. There is also a cafeteria in each pavilion that serves typical cuisine of each region.

Besides miniature Indonesian archipelago and pavilion area, Taman Mini Indonesia Indah also has many museums and recreational vehicle for a family. Tourist attractions in Indonesia this could be the right choice for you who want to introduce Indonesia to children in a fun way.