1)
Kenrokuen Garden
Named one of Japan’s ‘three most beautiful landscape gardens’, Kenrokuen Garden is filled with charming bridges, walking trails, teahouses, trees, flowers, and other features based on Chinese landscape theory. Once the outer garden of Kanazawa Castle, Kenrokuen was opened to the public in the late 19th century. Each season reveals a different side of the garden’s beauty, from plum and cherry blossoms in the spring to colorful maple tree leaves in the autumn.
2)
Matsumoto Castle
Matsumoto Castle is Japan’s oldest wooden castle, one of only a handful of original castles remaining in the country. Initially built in 1504, it was expanded to its current form in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. Nicknamed Karasu-jō (Crow Castle), it’s known for its beautiful black-and-white three-turreted main keep.
3 )
Sagano Bamboo Forest
Sagano Bamboo Forest is located in Arashiyama, a district on the western outskirts of Kyoto. Walking paths wind through towering bamboo groves, with sun peaking between the green stalks and creating an enchanting effect. The bamboo forest is equally famous for its beauty as for the characteristic sounds created by the bamboo stalks swaying in the wind.
4)
Nachi Falls
Nachi Falls is the tallest waterfall in the country, tumbling down 133 meters into a rushing river below. The waterfall is overlooked by the gorgeous Nachi Taisha Shinto shrine, which is said to be more than 1,400 years old. Built in honor of the waterfall’s kami (spirit god), the shrine is one of several Buddhist and Shinto religious sites found around the waterfall.
5)
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.
