Contents
1. Mount Fuji: Japan’s Iconic Peak
Mount Fuji, or Fujisan as it is affectionately known in Japan, stands as an emblematic symbol of the nation and a beacon for adventurers and nature lovers. This majestic mountain, the highest in Japan, reaches an altitude of 3,776 meters (12,389 feet) and is located on the border between Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures, just a few hours’ drive from Tokyo. It is not only celebrated for its breathtaking beauty but also holds deep cultural and spiritual significance, being a central figure in art, literature, and religion.
Every year, from early July to mid-September, the official climbing season opens, attracting a large number of climbers, including many foreigners eager to experience the serene yet challenging ascent. The climb, which can take anywhere from 5 to 8 hours depending on the starting point and the climber’s pace, offers several routes with varying levels of difficulty. The most popular among these is the Yoshida Trail, known for its accessible facilities and relatively gentle slope.
Mount Fuji is not only a hiker’s paradise but also offers spectacular views from its surrounding five lakes, known collectively as the Fuji Five Lakes. Each lake provides unique perspectives and picturesque settings from which to view the mountain, with Lake Kawaguchiko being the most visited due to its easy access and variety of tourist amenities. In winter, the area transforms into a vibrant scene for snow sports, further enhancing its appeal to a diverse range of visitors.
The cultural impact of Mount Fuji extends beyond its slopes. It has been a pilgrimage site for centuries and is a subject of countless artworks, including the world-famous woodblock prints by Hokusai and Hiroshige. In 2013, Mount Fuji was rightfully inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognized both for its natural beauty and its role in Japanese art and culture.
For foreigners visiting Japan, Mount Fuji is often a must-see. Its iconic status and the myriad activities it offers make it an enduring symbol of Japan’s natural beauty and cultural richness. Whether you are gazing at the mountain from a distance or ascending its storied paths, Mount Fuji offers an unforgettable experience that epitomizes the allure of Japan’s landscapes.
Note: Prices for activities and accommodations around Mount Fuji can vary, but visitors should expect to spend around 5,000 to 15,000 yen ($35 to $105 USD) per day, depending on the nature and length of the visit.
2. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: Kyoto’s Natural Wonder
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, nestled on the western outskirts of Kyoto, is a mesmerizing forest that offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city life. This towering grove of bamboo is not only a visual spectacle but also an auditory one, as the wind whistles and whispers through the dense stalks, creating a serene harmony that enchants visitors. The path that cuts through the grove is lined with thousands of bamboo stalks that reach heights of up to 30 meters (about 98 feet), providing a shaded and cool environment that changes its hue and atmosphere with the shifting sun.
Arashiyama has been a beloved retreat for the nobility since the Heian Period, attracting not just the locals but also a significant number of foreign tourists, who come to capture the unique beauty of this bamboo forest. The grove is part of a larger scenic area that includes the Katsura River, Togetsukyo Bridge, and several temples and shrines, making it a comprehensive cultural experience. This area is particularly stunning during the cherry blossom season in spring and the vibrant autumn colors in fall, drawing in photography enthusiasts and nature lovers from all corners of the globe.
The grove is accessible at any time of the day, however, early morning visits are recommended to avoid the crowds and capture the ethereal morning light filtering through the bamboo. This timing also offers a more personal connection with the natural surroundings, making it an ideal setting for meditation and reflection. Besides walking, visitors can enjoy rickshaw rides offered by local guides, who provide insights into the history and cultural significance of Arashiyama, enriching the visitor’s experience.
Near the grove, other attractions like the Tenryu-ji Temple, a World Heritage Site, and the Okochi-Sanso Villa enhance the visit, providing a glimpse into Japan’s rich history and architectural beauty. These sites charge an entrance fee, usually around 500 to 1,000 yen ($3.50 to $7 USD), and are well worth the cost for the added depth they bring to the Arashiyama experience.
For foreigners visiting Kyoto, the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is often listed as a top destination. Its accessibility, combined with its profound beauty and cultural significance, makes it a must-visit location. The grove serves not just as a photo opportunity but as a profound reminder of nature’s ability to evoke peace and awe, making it a quintessential part of the Japanese travel itinerary.
Note: While admission to the bamboo grove itself is free, some surrounding attractions may have fees, and the costs for additional activities like rickshaw tours range from 2,000 to 10,000 yen ($14 to $70 USD) depending on the tour length and specific route.
3. Itsukushima Shrine: The Floating Torii Gate
Itsukushima Shrine, located on the island of Miyajima in Hiroshima Prefecture, is renowned for its iconic “floating” torii gate, which appears to be suspended over the waters of the Seto Inland Sea during high tide. This Shinto shrine has been a sacred site since the 6th century and was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding historical and cultural value. The shrine and its torii gate are unique not only for their stunning beauty but also for their architectural ingenuity, designed to cope with the island’s shifting tides.
The floating torii gate of Itsukushima is one of Japan’s most photographed landmarks, drawing visitors from around the world, particularly foreigners who are fascinated by its picturesque setting and the seamless blend of human craftsmanship with natural beauty. The sight of the torii gate, with its vermilion pillars reflecting in the water, creates a mesmerizing, almost ethereal experience, especially at sunset when the colors of the sky and sea blend into a palette of warm hues.
Visitors to the shrine can explore its numerous buildings, including a main hall and a prayer hall, which are connected by boardwalks that hover above the tidal flats. The entire structure is built on stilts, giving the impression that it floats on water during high tide. This design not only protects the shrine from flooding but also symbolizes the Japanese aesthetic of wabi-sabi, embracing transience and imperfection.
Access to Itsukushima Shrine is possible via a ferry from the mainland, which offers an enjoyable journey with stunning views of the Inland Sea and surrounding islands. The best times to visit are during the spring and autumn when the weather is mild, and the scenery is enhanced by cherry blossoms or autumn leaves. The shrine charges an entrance fee of about 300 yen ($2.10 USD), which contributes to its preservation and maintenance.
The shrine is also famous for its traditional events and festivals, particularly the Itsukushima Shrine Grand Festival, which features boat races and traditional music and dance performances. These events offer a deeper insight into the local culture and are highly recommended for foreigners wanting to experience Japan’s rich cultural heritage up close.
Note: Additional costs may include transportation fees to and from the island, which typically range from 180 to 300 yen ($1.30 to $2.10 USD) for a round-trip ferry ticket. Optional tours and other cultural activities on the island may have separate fees.
4. Hokkaido’s Blue Pond: A Surreal Landscape
Hokkaido’s Blue Pond, located near the town of Biei, is a stunningly picturesque body of water that captivates visitors with its ethereal blue color, which varies in intensity through the seasons and even throughout the day depending on the sunlight. This unique hue is the result of natural minerals dissolved in the water, reflecting the blue light spectrum more vividly. The pond was originally created as part of an erosion control system that was established to protect Biei from volcanic mudflows from nearby Mount Tokachi.
The surreal appearance of the Blue Pond has made it a favorite among photographers and nature enthusiasts, particularly attracting foreigners who seek out unique and lesser-known natural attractions. Surrounded by a dense forest, the contrast between the vivid blue of the pond and the lush greens of the summer or the stark whites of winter snow offers a breathtaking view unlike any other. The floating pieces of wood and scattered trees that emerge directly from the water’s surface add to its mystical ambiance, making it seem as though you’ve stepped into a fantasy world.
Accessibility to the Blue Pond is relatively easy, with pathways and viewing platforms that allow visitors to fully appreciate the scenery without harming the natural environment. The site has become more popular in recent years, particularly after being featured as one of the default wallpapers in Apple’s macOS, which has increased its profile globally.
Visiting the Blue Pond is free of charge, making it an attractive destination for tourists on any budget. It is most accessible during the spring, summer, and fall months; however, winter visits offer a starkly beautiful icy view, though travelers should be prepared for cold temperatures and potential accessibility issues due to snow.
While in the area, visitors can also explore other attractions in Biei, such as the patchwork fields and the Shirahige Waterfall, enhancing their experience of Hokkaido’s natural beauty. For those traveling from abroad, this site provides a serene break from the more bustling tourist spots and offers a glimpse into the tranquil beauty that rural Japan has to offer.
Note: There are no direct costs associated with visiting the Blue Pond itself, but transportation to and from Biei may vary, with bus fares typically around 500 yen ($3.50 USD) each way from the nearest train station.
5. Nara Park: Where Deer Roam Free
Nara Park, located in the city of Nara, Japan, is a public park renowned for its free-roaming deer and historical temples. Established in 1880, the park is one of Japan’s oldest and most famous parks, covering over 660 hectares. The deer are considered natural monuments and are believed to be messengers of the gods in the Shinto religion. Visitors are enchanted by the opportunity to interact with these tame creatures, which can be fed with special deer-friendly crackers called “shika senbei” available for purchase throughout the park.
The park’s scenery changes dramatically with the seasons: cherry blossoms in spring create a canopy of pink and white, while the fall brings a vibrant palette of red and gold leaves. Such natural beauty offers a picturesque backdrop to the historic temples and shrines located within the park, such as Todai-ji, which houses a giant Buddha statue, and Kasuga-taisha, known for its lantern-lined pathways.
Foreign visitors often find Nara Park particularly appealing not only for its wildlife and natural beauty but also for the rich cultural experience it provides. The integration of historical architecture and traditional practices such as tea ceremonies and seasonal festivals offers a deep dive into Japanese culture and history.
The park is easily accessible from Kyoto and Osaka, making it a popular day-trip destination for tourists staying in these larger cities. The accessibility, combined with the lack of an entrance fee to the park itself, makes it an affordable and worthwhile addition to any travel itinerary. However, some temples and museums within the park do charge a small entrance fee, generally around 500 to 1,000 yen ($3.50 to $7 USD).
Aside from the deer and the temples, Nara Park also hosts a number of other attractions, including the Nara National Museum and the Nara Deer Museum, which provide further insights into the area’s history and the significance of deer in Japanese culture. These educational resources make the park an excellent stop for families and those interested in learning more about Japan’s cultural heritage.
Note: While visiting the park is free, travelers should budget for other potential costs such as temple admission fees and souvenirs. Total spending can range from a few hundred to several thousand yen, depending on the depth of the experience desired.
