As Japan's highest and most iconic mountain, Mount Fuji is a sacred natural wonder that has inspired artists, poets, and pilgrims for centuries. The nearly perfect cone-shaped volcano, last erupting in the 18th century, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the country's most popular hiking and sightseeing destinations. Visitors can admire Fuji's snow-capped summit from a distance or challenge themselves by trekking to the top, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Imperial Palace in Tokyo serves as the primary residence of Japan's imperial family and is a central landmark in the nation's capital. Constructed on the former site of the Edo Castle, the palace grounds feature a picturesque landscape of gardens, plazas, and architectural structures that blend traditional Japanese and modern design elements. While public access is limited, visitors can explore the East Gardens and join guided tours to catch a glimpse of this historic seat of power.
Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating atomic bombing that destroyed the city in 1945. The park's centerpiece is the iconic A-Bomb Dome, one of the only buildings left standing after the blast, which has been preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors can also explore the Peace Memorial Museum, which powerfully documents the bombing's catastrophic human toll and the city's ongoing journey towards reconciliation and nuclear disarmament.
Shimmering in a golden glow, the Kinkakuji Temple in Kyoto is one of Japan's most breathtaking cultural landmarks. Also known as the Golden Pavilion, this Zen temple was originally constructed as a retirement villa for a shogun in the 14th century before being converted into a place of worship. Visitors are captivated by the pavilion's stunning reflection in the tranquil pond that surrounds it, as well as the serene gardens and temple grounds that offer a peaceful respite from the bustling city.
Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine in Kyoto is renowned for its mesmerizing network of over 10,000 vibrant orange torii gates that wind up the sacred Mount Inari. Dedicated to the Shinto god of rice, this sprawling shrine complex features numerous sub-shrines and peaceful hiking trails that offer spectacular views of Kyoto. Visitors are drawn to the iconic "Tunnel of Torii Gates," which creates a truly otherworldly and Instagram-worthy experience as they ascend the mountain path.