Getting to know Japan: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka

Anime, sakura and Fuji are the most common associations associated with Japan. But these symbols are not enough to truly recognize the country. When building a travel route along it for the first time, choose three main points - Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka. It is these cities that reveal the rich history and culture of Japan from all sides.

Tokyo and surroundings

Koishikawa Korakuen Garden is one of the oldest landscape gardens in the city, dating back to the mid-17th century. In the design of the architecture, influence from the outside is noticeable: reproductions of Japanese and Chinese landscapes in the form of miniature hills, ponds, stones and trees are installed.

The Nijubashi Bridge or “Double Bridge” near the Imperial Palace Park attracts a lot of attention from tourists. When looking at the bridge from the front, the two separate buildings appear to be one two-story building. However, ordinary residents and guests of the city can only walk along it twice a year: January 2 and December 23.

This area is famous for the Nakamise-dori shopping street, where numerous vendors offer tourists a variety of souvenirs and local delicacies. There are also iconic places here. For example, the Senzo-ji Buddhist Temple, also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple. It was built in 645.

Sumida Park - and on its territory every year large-scale events and fireworks festivals are organized in honor of the cherry blossoms. It’s beautiful here even after sunset - the trees are additionally illuminated by many lights.

The Odaiba area is located on an artificial island in Tokyo Bay. This area offers many high-tech and colorful attractions for the whole family.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park consists of 4 areas: Mount Fuji and Hakone in the north, the peninsula and the Izu Islands in the south. Here you can walk through the forest, explore lava caves, relax in hot mineral springs, ride a cable car, visit the Seikisho Outpost Museum, or even swim with dolphins off the southern shores of Izu.

Kyoto

This city was the capital of Japan and the residence of the emperor from 794 to 1869. Temples, shrines and other important buildings have been preserved here since ancient times.

The most famous geisha district in Kyoto is Gion, located between Yasaka Shrine in the east and Kamo in the west. Shops, restaurants and tea houses are still open here, where geishas and their students entertained.

A great plan for the day is to walk around the nearby Higashiyama area between Yasaka and Kiyomizu-dera temples. The latter stands on wooden stilts on the very slope of the hill, surrounded by sakura trees. Here you can also see preserved ancient streets and traditional shops.

Kinkakuji Temple, better known as the Golden Pavilion, is located in the north of Kyoto. Its main feature is the two upper floors, completely covered with gold leaf.

Nijo Castle became famous for the creaking of its floorboards, which imitate the singing of birds. And in the gardens around it there are many varieties of sakura and plums. There's also Seiryuen, a half-Japanese, half-Western garden built for tea ceremonies and other events.

Osaka

From Osaka it is very convenient to get to Nara, which is famous for its herds of deer wandering around the impressive city park. In addition, in the city you can see many ancient shrines, eight of which are marked by UNESCO and are hundreds of years old.

Not far from Kofuku-ji Temple is Isuien - “garden based on water.” Several tea houses were built inside it. One of Nara's most famous buildings is Todai-ji Temple. This is the world's largest wooden structure. And inside it is the world's largest bronze statue of Buddha. And be sure to stroll along the Higashimuki shopping street and between the rows of Mochiidono. They sell kimonos, ceramics, traditional Japanese sweets and handkerchiefs.

From Osaka, travel to Himeji, famous for its white feudal castle of the same name. A large, elegant and very beautiful building will impress anyone.