Golden Pavilion. Photo courtesy of themonnie via Flickr.

Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji) – Kyoto

A two-story pavilion completely covered in gold leaf and overlooking a serene pond, Kinkaku-ji became a Zen temple in 1408 after the death of shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, who was living there in his retirement. Having burned down numerous times, the structure as it stands to day — no less beautiful than the original — was constructed in 1955 after a fanatic monk torched it five years earlier.

Kinkaku-ju, the Golden Pavilion, is best viewed on a sunny day, when the gold leafing shimmers in the sunlight. It’s also particularly picturesque in autumn when the leaves of surrounding trees turn and in winter just after a fresh fall of snow.

Todai-ji Hall. Photo courtesy of Richard Fisher via Flickr.

Todai-ji Hall – Nara

Located in Nara, the former capital of Japan, Todai-ji Hall holds the distinction of being the largest wooden structure in the world and containing the largest bronze Buddha figure within. It’s the largest of the Seven Great Temples in Nara and a must if you’re in the city. Built in 752, the temple became so powerful as the head of all Buddhist temples in the country that the capital was moved in an attempt to limit its influence.

The massive structure, today only two thirds its original size, remains one of the most important Buddhist temples in the country. The on-site Todai-ji Museum houses an impressive collection of both religious and cultural artifacts, including several Buddha statues.

To see Todai-ji Hall, visit Nara on a tour from Kyoto.

Horyu Temple. Photo courtesy of Kimon Berlin via Flickr.

Horyu-ji Temple – Nara

Also in Nara, Horyu-ji Temple lives on in the shadow of more popular Todai-ji, but it’s still worth a visit for its collection of Buddhist statuary and other religious art. The oldest structures in the complex — also the oldest still-standing wooden structures in the world — date back to the seventh century when Prince Shotoku first introduced Buddhism to Japan.

Ginkaku Temple. Photo courtesy of Alex Brown via Flickr.

Ginkaku-ji Temple – Kyoto

Modeled after the Golden Pavilion,Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) also served as a retirement villa for a fifteenth century shogun before being converted into a Rinzai Zen Temple. Set in the eastern mountains of Kyoto, the temple quickly became a center for evolving Japanese culture, with the tea ceremony, flower arrangement and Japanese garden design all emerging during this period of the eighth shogun.

The main pavilion, never actually treated with silver leafing, has survived largely intact since it was built. Besides visiting the temple itself, leave some time to walk around the extensive gardens, including a moss and rock garden, and climb the mountain behind the complex for panoramic views.

Senso Temple. Photo courtesy of Yoshikazu TAKADA via Flickr.

Senso-ji Temple – Tokyo

Senso-ji Temple is the oldest and busiest in Tokyo, and its towering pagoda stands juxtaposed with the modern Sky Tree in the background — a reminder of just how much Japan has changed over the centuries. Completed in 645, this ancient Buddhist temple was largely destroyed during the bombings of 1945 and subsequently rebuilt. The entire Asakusa neighborhood surrounding the temple is brimming with souvenir shops and traditional vendors, including the festive Nakamise pedestrian road leading up to the temple entrance. Give yourself an entire morning to explore the temple — one of Tokyo’s top attractions — as well as the surrounding area.

Buddha statue at Kotoku-in Temple. Photo courtesy of alcuin via Flickr.

Kotoku-in Temple – Kamakura

The second largest bronze Buddha statue in Japan, cast in the thirteenth century, is the main attraction at the Kotoku-in Temple in Kamakura. The Great Buddha, designated as a national treasure, is surrounded in mystery, as no one knows the identity of the artist responsible for the great work of art. Sitting in front of wooded hills, the Kotoku-in Buddha is much more photogenic than the larger statue in Nara. It’s particularly beautiful in spring when it’s framed by pink cherry blossoms.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Photo courtesy of Sami Paju via Flickr.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple – Kyoto

Perched on a hill overlooking Kyoto, Kiyomizu-dera remains one of Japan’s most famous temples and the most visited in Kyoto. The Pure Water Temple in English was so named due to its proximity to the fresh waters of the Otowa Waterfall. Built in 780, the temple is steeped in romance thanks to its veranda affording views of the sunset. In the fall, you can gaze out over a sea of red and yellow maple leaves, while springtime sees the surrounding cherry blossom trees put on a colorful display.

Make sure to stop by the Jishu Jinja Shrine, located behind the temple’s main hall, to pray for luck in love. It is said that if you successfully walk between the two prominent stones of the shrine with your eyes closed, you will soon find your mate.

Itsukushima Shrine. Photo courtesy of Hiroaki Kaneko via Flickr.

Itsukushima Shrine – Miyajima

The gate that stands watch over the Itsukushima Shrine, appearing to float on the surface of the Seto Inland Sea, is one of Japan’s most photographed landmarks. The Shinto shrine located on Miyajima Island consists of several buildings joined by wooden boardwalks suspended over the waters of the sea, and at night, the illuminated temple reflects of the waters beautifully.

While you can’t enter the grounds after sunset, you can still view the lit up structures on a boat cruise through the gate and around the bay when the tide is high enough.

- Lydia Schrandt

Japan’s Most Beautiful Temples and Shrines from Japan Things to Do

Yokohama at dusk. Photo courtesy of xiquinhosilva via Flickr.

The maritime city of Yokohama, the second largest metropolis in Japan, sits directly south of Tokyo just 20 minutes by car, making it an easy day trip destination. This modern, international city by the sea offers excellent museums, amusement parks, gardens and ethnic neighborhoods for visitors who can spare a day to escape the city.

Only 100 years ago, Yokohama was a mere fishing village with a tiny population of around 600 people. Today, thanks to its strategic spot as a major international port, more than 3.6 million people call Yokohama home, and it’s become a popular spot for local and international tourists for its wealth of attractions.

Start your visit to Yokohama at the impressive Minato Mirai 21, the ultra-modern entertainment district where you’ll find plethora dining options, as well as an amusement park complete with a giant Ferris wheel, the Yokohama Port Museum and most importantly, the Yokohama Museum of Art. The collection of twentieth century art displayed within the museum’s four galleries features works by international and Japanese artists.

Yokohama is also home to Japan’s largest Chinatown, dating back to the opening of Japan in 1859. While touristy, Chinatown’s hundreds of shops and restaurants make it worth a trip. Besides, it’s the best place in Yokohama to sit down for a meal. Be sure to swing by the Chinese temple in the middle of the neighborhood; admission is free.

If you’re traveling with kids, Yokohama has several attractions worthy of your time. Hakkeijima Sea Paradise, the best of the bunch, is a combination amusement park and aquarium located right on the waterfront. You’ll find plenty of thrill rides for older kids and teenagers, as well as 100,000 sea critters in the three-story aquarium, one of the largest in Japan.

If you’re looking for a quiet getaway, set aside a couple of hours to visit Yokohama’s Sankei-en Garden, a sprawling park that houses over a dozen historical buildings from all over Japan, several of which have been designated as national heritage sites. If you’re visiting Tokyo during the spring cherry blossom season, Sankei-en is a prime viewing spot.

- Lydia Schrandt

Planning a Trip? Browse Viator’s Japan tours and things to do, Japan attractions, and Japan travel recommendations. Or book a Yokohama Day Trip from Tokyo.

Yokohama from Japan Things to Do

This year we have Asha from our Europe team and Brock from the North America team back to do it all again in Asia and Australia! Their first stop is Japan, where they will spend a week exploring the fascinating history and culture of Tokyo.

Welcome to Japan!

Follow their journey around Asia and Australia and read more about their Tokyo itinerary.

- Viator Travel Team

Asha and Brock in Tokyo from Japan Things to Do

Higashi Chaya district in Kanazawa. Photo courtesy of Andrea Schaffer via Flickr.

Kanazawa, a city hugely popular with Japanese tourists yet largely overlooked by international travelers, blends Old Japan with a youthful modernity unlike anywhere else in the country. Since Kanazawa escaped World War II unblemished — the second largest city in Japan after Kyoto to do so — its ancient palaces, neighborhoods and gardens remain intact.

Much of Kanazawa’s charm lies in its meandering alleyways, narrow streets, Edo-era canals and preserved historic neighborhoods. Much like Kyoto, visitors wander past mansions in Nagamachi, a neighborhood once occupied by samurai warriors, or through a once-busy geisha district, its wooden structures restored to their original splendor. The maze-like Teramachi temple district, one of the best in Japan, begs to be explored on foot.

Visiting Kanazawa means the opportunity to stroll through one of the top three gardens in Japan, the Kenroku-en Garden. This Edo-era green space, called the Garden of Six Attributes in English, is home to 25 acres (10 hectares) of manicured gardens, sculptures, ponds, trees and paths that took almost 150 years to fully complete. An early morning walk through Kenroku-en is worth the trip to Kanazawa all on its own.

If you’re interested in Japanese handicrafts and folk art, both of which Kanazawa is known for, be sure to visit the Ishikawa Prefectural Museum for Traditional Products and Crafts, the best of Kanazawa’s museums. The museum displays several dozen varieties of traditional local crafts with an excellent English audio guide to help you better understand what you’re seeing.

In a country known for its delicious cuisine, Kanazawa stands out from other locations, particularly for its seafood. With a location where hot and cold currents come together, Kanazawa’s seafood is abundant, high quality and a good value whether you’re eating crab from a street vendor or splurging on sushi in a high-end restaurant.

You can get to Kanazawa from Tokyo via a high-speed train using your JR Pass, and the journey should take under five hours one way. Once you’ve arrived in Kanazawa, plan to spend at least two days to explore this Japanese gem at a leisurely pace.

- Lydia Schrandt

Planning a Trip? Browse Viator’s Japan tours and things to do, Japan attractions, and Japan travel recommendations. Or book a private tour guide in Japan for a customized tour!

Kanazawa from Japan Things to Do

Cherry blossoms in Nagoya. Photo courtesy of “KIUKO” via Flickr.

Nagoya, Japan‘s fourth largest city, is one often overlooked by tourists to the island nation. The longtime industrial center has plenty of travel-worthy attractions, including many of Japan’s most important shrines, in a more laid-back atmosphere than Tokyo. Here’s a few of the best things to do in Nagoya:

Museums

Nagoya is home to some of Japan’s best museums, most notably the Museum Meiji Mura and the Tokugawa Art Museum. The open-air Meiji Mura museum sits along a river in the countryside just outside of Nagoya and exhibits 60 structures dating back to the Meiji era when Japan’s policy of isolationism was coming to an end. Highlights include the lobby of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Imperial Hotel, a wooden prison from Kanazawa and the former homes of two prominent Japanese novelists.

The Tokugawa Art Museum exhibits the twelfth century scrolls of The Tale of Genji, thought to be the first novel ever written. You’ll also find exhibits on samurai swords and armor, furnishings, tea ceremony items, traditional masks, paintings and clothing.

Castles

Nagoya Castle served as a stronghold for the Tokugawa family for more than 250 years after its completion in 1612. The castle was destroyed during World War II and rebuilt, and today, the interior houses a modern museum complete with an elevator that will take you from floor to floor. The galleries include exhibits on the castle’s construction, military artifacts and life during the Edo period.

Built in 1537, Inuyama Castle is Japan’s oldest and has survived everything from wars to earthquakes. While small, the castle offers excellent views of the nearby river and only takes a few minutes to visit.

Atsuta Jingu Shrine

Many Japanese tourists come to Nagoya to visit Japan’s second most important Shinto shrine (second only to Ise shrine). If you want to catch a Japanese festival, Atsuta Jingu is a good bet, as the shrine hosts 70 festivals and religious events throughout the year.

Port of Nagoya

The Port of Nagoya, the city’s entertainment district, is home to a small amusement park, shopping complex and marina with sightseeing boats. The area’s best attraction is the Public Aquarium, best known for its Antarctic penguin facility, loggerhead and green turtles and beluga whale pool.

Industrial Facilities

Nagoya is known for its industry, and there are a couple of worthy factory tours for visitors. The first is to Noritake Garden, home of Japan’s largest chinaware manufacturer. Here you’ll learn about the porcelain-making process, see artists and work and have the chance to purchase your own Noritake china.

Automobile enthusiasts can tour the Toyota Plant to see the impressive working assembly shop and learn about the latest in hybrid technology and motorsports.

- Lydia Schrandt

Planning a Trip? Browse Viator’s Japan tours and things to do, Japan attractions, and Japan travel recommendations. Or book a private tour guide in Japan for a customized tour!

Things to Do in Nagoya from Japan Things to Do

DisneySea in Tokyo. Photo courtesy of Rie H via Flickr.

Japan is a surprisingly family-friendly destination with tons of attractions — theme parks, museums, castles, temples, parks and gardens — to explore. The hardest part of visiting Japan with kids is deciding what to include so you’re not overtaxing your kids or your budget.

Buy a JR Pass

Zipping through the Japanese countryside on a bullet train is a must, especially if you’re traveling with kids. It’s also a quick and convenient method of getting from one place to another. Thanks to the bullet trains, you can base your family in one city, like Osaka or Tokyo, and take day trips to the country’s other cities and attractions. Depending on how much train travel you plan to do, you’ll likely save money by purchasing JR Passes for each member of your family.

Visit Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea

Disney has done an excellent job of recreating the Disney experience in Japan. Tokyo Disneyland has many of the same attractions as the original park, including the Jungle Cruise, Space Mountain and Pirates of the Caribbean, as well as some new additions. Unique to the Tokyo theme park is DisneySea, a second nautically themed park that opened in 2001. If you only have time for one, take the kids to DisneySea.

Stick to One or Two Cities

With so much to see, it’s easy to overextend yourself. When you’re traveling with children, choose one or possibly two cities to base yourself and your family. You can still make day trips to other cities, but you won’t have to repack your bags and switch hotels every couple of days, and you’ll be free to explore at a more leisurely pace.

Explore the Outdoors

The islands of Japan have been blessed with stunning natural beauty, and a day trip to Hakone National Park makes an excellent family escape from Tokyo. Your kids will get to ride a bullet train, cable car, funicular and even a boat on Lake Ashi. On a clear day, you can see Mt. Fuji in the distance.

Enjoy Japanese-Style Accommodation

While you’ll find plenty of Western-style hotels in Japan, your family might very well enjoy staying in a Japanese-style ryokan. You’ll typically find the best ones at the hot springs resorts, like Hakone, as hotel chains in the cities have driven many out of business. In the major cities, shop around for hotels that allow children to stay free.

- Lydia Schrandt

Planning a Trip? Browse Viator’s Japan tours and things to do, Japan attractions, and Japan travel recommendations. Or book a private tour guide in Japan for a customized tour!

5 Tips for Visiting Japan with Kids from Japan Things to Do

Kobe beef. Photo courtesy of Jiashiang via Flickr.

Kobe’s local delicacy, Kobe beef, might be the only reason many people know the city exists, but those who visit will find a beautiful, charming city with an international population, fascinating sights and sounds, lively nightlife and excellent restaurants serving so much more than just melt-in-your-mouth beef.

A ride up the Shin-Kobe ropeway makes for a good introduction to the city. Take the ropeway all the way to the top, past the first station, and get off at the Nunobiki Herb Garden, where you’ll have panoramic views of the surrounding city. When the weather is nice, spend some time strolling the meandering paths through the garden and back down the mountain. Once back in the city, head to the Kitano neighborhood to tour some of the historic European-style homes dating back to the days when Kobe first opened up as an international port. The area also offers boutique shopping.

If you’re traveling with young children, a visit to Kobe Harborland is in order. The entertainment complex, styled like a Mediterranean village, houses several ethnic shops and restaurants as well as a small amusement park. This is also the place to catch sightseeing boats.

At the end of a long day of sightseeing, it’s time to partake in a Japanese past time: onsen. These thermal hot springs dot the volcanic islands that make up Japan, and the Arima Onsen is one of Japan’s oldest. Local lore says a soak in each of the two springs will cure you of your ills.

Finally, a trip to Kobe wouldn’t be complete without a few good meals, and at least one of them featuring famous Kobe beef. You’ll find steakhouses throughout the city serving various cuts of the specialty beef, each cut graded A, B or C for quality. If you’re Japanese isn’t great, your best bet is the Wakkoku restaurant at the bottom of the Crowne Plaza building, as the staff will introduce each cut of meat to you before they get cooking right at your table. Remember to order some hot sake to wash it down with, as the Kobe region is one of Japan‘s leading sake-producing areas.

- Lydia Schrandt

Planning a Trip? Browse Viator’s Japan tours and things to do, Japan attractions, and Japan travel recommendations. Or book a private tour guide in Japan for a customized tour!

Kobe, Home of the Famous Beef from Japan Things to Do

Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art. Photo courtesy of INABA Tomoaki via Flickr.

While Kyoto lacks some of the vibrancy of Tokyo’s contemporary arts scene, it holds all the cards when it comes to traditional art and architecture. You only need to wander the streets of Ginza or Higashiyama, follow the paths of a perfectly laid-out and manicured Japanese garden or admire the structure and craftsmanship of one of Kyoto’s many temples or shrines to realise the importance that Japanese art, religion and aesthetics have had upon this ancient city and its people.

That said, however, Kyoto does have its own modern art museum and a burgeoning arts scene that is fostering new talent and making itself known to visiting art lovers and collectors. Here’s our quick guide to the city’s best art museums:

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Read the rest of the article on Kyoto for Art Lovers Viator’s Kyoto Things to Do site.

- Emma McMahon

Planning a trip? Browse Viator’s Kyoto tours and things to do, Kyoto attractions, and Kyoto travel recommendations. Or book a private tour guide in Kyoto for a customized tour!

Traditional and Modern Art in Kyoto from Japan Things to Do

Photo courtesy of gwaar via Flickr.

As far as languages go, Japanese falls somewhere in the middle. It’s easier than languages like Chinese and Arabic, with simple and straightforward rules, but a little less familiar than Romance languages like Spanish or French. Even if you don’t plan on mastering Japanese, learning a few phrases before your trip to Japan can help make your experience more pleasant.

Basics

• Hello- konnichiwa
• Goodbye- Sayonara
• Thank you- Arigatoo gozaimasu
• You’re welcome- Doo itashimashite
• I’m sorry- Gomen’nasai

Helpful Phrases

• Do you speak English? – Eigo o hanashimasu ka?
• I don’t understand. – Wakarimasen.
• Where’s the restroom? – Ofuro wa doko desu ka?
• How much does it cost? – Kore wa ikura desu ka?
• Can you help me? – Tetsudatte itadakemasu ka?
• Where is ___? – ___ wa doko desu ka?
• I want this./I’ll take this. – Kore wo kudasai.

When in Japan, you’ll likely encounter plenty of friendly people who will be happy to help you along, and many will speak at least a little English. Nothing demonstrates your interest in Japan and Japanese culture more than speaking a little Japanese; even if your pronunciation is horrible or you miss a word, you’ll be greatly respected for trying. To ensure you don’t get yourself in a linguistic bind, consider downloading an app like Kotoba Japanese Dictionary or Human Japanese on your smart phone or tablet before you get on the plane.

- Lydia Schrandt

Planning a Trip? Browse Viator’s Japan tours and things to do, Japan attractions, and Japan travel recommendations. Or book a private tour guide in Japan for a customized tour!

Language Tips – Helpful Phrases to Know Before You Go to Japan from Japan Things to Do

Fresh powder at Hakkoda Ski Resort. Photo courtesy of Mihai Japan via Flickr.

With reliable snowfall and some of the best powder conditions in the world, Japan has earned a spot in the list of top skiing destinations. When you’re not carving your way down a mountain, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local Japanese culture, an experience unlike any you’d get at a ski resort in your home country. Plus, you’ll pay a fraction of what you would in the USA or Europe, even at Japan’s biggest resorts.

Hundreds of ski resorts, most located on the north island of Hokkaido, average well over 33 feet (10 meters) of snow each year. Consistent weather systems dump low-moisture snow, which creates heavenly conditions for powder-hounds. For arguably the best snow on earth, you’ll have to fly to Sapporo on the island of Hokkaido and bus to one of the country’s most popular and foreigner-friendly resorts, Niseko. Here you’ll find the best powder conditions, best backcountry terrain, best après-ski and some truly memorable tree runs, like Strawberry Fields. The resort is quite popular with Australians, so English is widely spoken.

For powder to rival that of Niseko but without the crowds of Australian snowboarders, try Hakkoda Resort in the Aomori region on Japan’s main island of Honshu. Spread across eight mountains with a 2,146-foot (654-meter) vertical drop, the resort offers a few groomed runs but caters mostly to advanced skiers looking to go off-piste.

Whether you ski at one of these resorts or another of the hundreds available, you’re almost guaranteed fresh, fluffy powder. Nearly all the resorts offer equipment rentals, and almost all the equipment is fairly new. If you have a large shoe size, you might consider bringing your own boots, as Japanese feet tend to be smaller.

Aside from the spectacular powder, Japan’s ski scene offers another benefit: onsens. These hot thermal baths exist at every resort, so after a long day out in the cold, you can strip down to your birthday suit and warm up in these volcanic hot springs. Check your modesty at the door; these baths are almost exclusively enjoyed in the nude.

- Lydia Schrandt

Planning a Trip? Browse Viator’s Japan tours and things to do, Japan attractions, and Japan travel recommendations. Or book a private tour guide in Japan for a customized tour!

Skiing in Japan from Japan Things to Do