Japan - attractions - Countries Guide

Ueno Zoo
The oldest zoological garden in Japan, Ueno Zoo is one of Tokyo's most popular attractions for children and adults alike. Boasting exotic animals such as giant pandas, polar bears, Indian lions, Sumatran tigers, wolverines and gorillas, children of al ages will love this zoo. It also features a Small Mammal House, Reptile House and even a petting zoo where children can meet Okapis and aye-ayes, two very rare species.
Telephone: 03 3828 5171
Website: www.tokyo-zoo.net/english/ueno/main.html
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Opening times: Open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:30am - 5pm (last tickets sold at 4pm). Closed Monday

Imperial Palace
Japan's Imperial Palace is regarded as the heart and soul of Tokyo, standing on a huge site that still bears the remains of Edo Castle, stronghold of the Tokugawa shogunate. The present palace was completed in 1888 and is still home to the emperor of Japan. The palace is off-limits but its grounds and surrounds provide a much-needed green open space for the city with Higashi Gyoen (East Garden), site of the Edo Castle keep, open to the public. On 2 January and 23 December each year visitors are able to enter the inner grounds and see the Imperial family make public appearances from the balcony. Guided tours of the palace are offered, but are only in Japanese, although an English pamphlet and audio guide are provided; these must be reserved in advance through the Imperial Household Agency. In spring the gardens are abloom with cherry blossom, particularly along the castle moat.
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Transport: Subway to Tokyo station
Opening times: East Garden is closed on Mondays and Fridays. Otherwise it is open daily from 9am to 4pm (until 3.30pm between November and February). Gardens closed from 28 December to 3 January and when Imperial Court functions take place

Yasukuni Shrine
To the north of the Imperial Palace lies the controversial Yasukuni Shrine, built to commemorate the Japanese war dead and now regarded as home to the souls of about two and a half million who perished in conflict, mostly in the Pacific War of World War II. Soldiers fought in the knowledge that their spirits would find rest and honour at Yasukuni in the after-life. The shrine has caused controversy for various political reasons over the years since it was built in 1869 in honour of supporters of the emperor, killed in the run up to the Meiji Restoration. More recently, with regard to the country's constitution that requires the separation of State and religion, cabinet ministers have been criticised for attending anniversaries of Japan's defeat in World War II held at the shrine. The shrine is confined behind a huge steel torii gate, opening onto a long avenue lined with gingko and cherry trees. The Worship Hall itself is a simple Shinto style building. North of the shrine is the Yushukan Museum, containing war memorabilia, some of which is disturbing and thought-provoking such as the human torpedo and kamikaze suicide attack plane.
Telephone:
Website: www.yasukuni.or.jp
Transport: Subway to Kudanshita Station
Opening times: Shrine open 24 hours daily. Museum open daily 9am to 5pm (November to February); 9am to 5.30pm (March to October)

. Edo-Tokyo Museum
Tokyo's museum dedicated to detailing the city's history, art, culture and architecture through the medium of visual displays is an impressive, not to be missed attraction. Edo was the old name for Tokyo from its foundation in 1590 when it became the seat of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun. Exhibits include a replica of an ancient Kabuki theatre, maps, photographs and portrayals of the lives of the city's merchants, craftsmen and townspeople in days gone by.
Telephone: (0)3 3626 9974
Website: www.edo-tokyo-museum.or.jp
Transport: Train to Ryogoku Station on JR Sobu line (West Exit) or subway to Ryogoku on the Oedo line (A3/A4 exit)
Opening times: Daily from 9.30am to 5.30pm, closing at 7.30pm on Saturday. Closed on Monday

Akihabara
Tokyo's electronic wonderland has become world-renowned. In a small area near Chuo-dori Avenue, west of Akihabara Station, are clustered more than 250 electrical appliance and electronics shops, many of them now dealing in computer hardware and software, where expert staff can answer queries and visitors can browse through the showrooms of major manufacturers. There are duty-free shops and various events to draw attention. The suburb has been specialising in electrical equipment since the 1940s and is now regarded as the world's biggest and best electrical equipment enclave.
Telephone:
Website: www.akiba.or.jp/english/index.html
Transport: Subway to Akihabara Station
Opening times: Stores are open from 10am to 7pm daily

Senso-ji Temple
The Asakusa neighbourhood of Tokyo draws visitors to admire the city's oldest temple, Senso-ji, founded in AD628 with a quaint legend attached to it. The story goes that two young brothers fishing in the nearby river netted a golden image of Kan'non, the Buddhist goddess of mercy, and were inspired to enshrine it in the temple. The statuette is still inside, but never shown to the public, though pilgrims flock here every day seeking the favour of the goddess. There are also numerous festivals associated with the shrine, and a hugely popular firework display is held on the Sumida River every summer. Tourists enjoy the visit to the temple mainly because the approach is a colourful pedestrian lane, Nakamise Dori, lined with shops and souvenir stalls. Nearby, the Demboin Garden is a good spot to grab a break from the city crowds.
Telephone: (0)3 3842 0181
Website:
Transport: Subway to Asakusa station
Opening times: Daily 6am to 5pm

Tokyo Disney Resort
Plenty of fun is to be had for the young and young at heart at Tokyo's Disney Resort, virtually a carbon copy of the theme park found in California in the United States. The resort consists of Disneyland Park and DisneySea Park, along with several hotels. Visitors can expect attractions like the Jungle Cruise, Space Mountain and Toontown, which are all included on this huge site.
Telephone: (045) 683 3333
Website: www.tokyodisneyresort.co.jp
Transport: The park is reached via the JR Keiyo Line or JR Musashino Line from Tokyo Station; disembark at Maihama Station (South Exit) where there is a Disneyland Welcome Centre
Opening times: Check website for details, as hours vary according to season and day of the week. Generally open daily 8am to 10pm with shorter hours in winter

. Tokyo National Museum
Close to Ueno Station, enclosed in the Tokyo Metropolitan Imperial Gift Park, the National Museum boasts the largest collection of Japanese art in the world. Exhibits range from antique kimonos and delicate pottery to woodblock prints and archaeological finds. The vast collection is displayed on a rotating basis with at least 4,000 artefacts visible at any time, so the museum always has something new to offer. The museum consists of five different buildings containing numerous galleries, so one needs sufficient time to do it justice. The Imperial Gift Park also contains some other cultural institutions, including a zoo, the Metropolitan Art Museum, Bunka Kaikan Cultural Hall, the Western Art Museum and the National Science Museum.
Telephone: (0)3 3822 1111
Website: www.tnm.go.jp
Transport: JR Line to Ueno or Uguisudani Station
Opening times: Daily 9.30am to 5pm, depending on season; closed Mondays. On Fridays from March to December open until 8pm; Saturdays and Sundays from March to September until 6pm

Kyoto Imperial Palace
Japan's imperial family lived in the Kyoto palace from 1331 until 1868 (when they moved to Tokyo), and today visitors can view the furnishings and delicate decorations on guided one-hour tours of the city's Imperial Palace. It is necessary to reserve a tour in advance by calling at the Imperial Household Agency office in the Kyoto Imperial Park, which surrounds the palace. To join a tour you need to produce your passport.
Telephone: (0)75 211 1215
Website:
Transport: Karasuma Subway line from Kyoto Station to Marutamachi or Imadegawa Station
Opening times: Daily tours at 10am and 2pm, except weekends. Closed for official functions and from 28 December to 4 January

To-ji
To-ji, with the tallest pagoda in Japan, was the temple founded in 794 as guardian of the then young capital city's welfare.

Today it stands about 10 minutes walk to the south of Kyoto Station, drawing curious tourists to admire in particular its five-storey pagoda, which was rebuilt in the mid-17th century. During the span of centuries a treasure trove of statuary, calligraphy and paintings has been collected at the temple, now housed in the various historic buildings making up the temple complex. The statues include a six-metre-tall Senju Kannon (thousand-arm Buddhist Goddess of Mercy) carved in 877.
Telephone: (0)75 671 9612
Website:
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Opening times: Daily 9am to 4.30pm (20 March to 25 May, and 20 September to 25 November)

. Golden Pavilion (Kinkakuji)
One of Kyoto's most popular attractions is to the north of the city. The Golden Pavilion (Kinkakuji) is a three-storey pavilion covered in gold leaf, glittering in the waters of a calm pond. Kinkakuji was built in 1397 as a retirement home for Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, who lived there in luxury until he died in 1408, after which the building was converted into a Zen temple. In 1950 a mad monk burnt the pavilion down, and it was not rebuilt until 1955. Today it is covered in gold leaf five times thicker than the original coating, and presents an awesome sight. A short walk from the pavilion is Ryoanji, Japan's most famous Zen rock garden, laid out in the 15th century. A veranda overlooks the garden in which 15 rocks are set among raked white pebbles.
Telephone:
Website: www.shokoku-ji.or.jp
Transport: Bus 101 or 205 from Kyota Station or subway
Opening times: Daily 9am to 5pm

Sanjusangendo Hall
The temple of Rengeoin in eastern Kyoto is better known by its popular name of Sanjusangendo Hall, and houses an amazing sight. Inside the longest wooden building in Japan stand row upon row of life-sized statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, carved from Japanese cypress in the 12th and 13th centuries. There are 1,001 statues altogether. The statues surround the large, central figure of a seated Kannon, carved in 1254 in the Kamakura Period.
Telephone: (0)75 525 0033
Website:
Transport: Bus 100, 206 or 208 to Hakubutsukan Sanjusangendo-mae
Opening times: Daily 8am to 5pm (April to mid-November); 9am to 4pm the rest of the year

Gion
Most visitors to Japan are fascinated with the traditional Geisha: white-faced kimono-clad women specially trained to entertain and spoil men in a soothing setting. Kyoto boasts one of the most famous Geisha districts in the country, a neighbourhood of plain wooden buildings to the east of the Kamo River known as Gion. There were once thousands of Geisha and maiko (apprentice Geisha) performing their genteel tasks in this area. Today the number has dwindled to a few hundred, but visitors who stroll the Hanami-koji street at sunset, past teahouses and restaurants, will probably catch a glimpse of one or two en route to the geisha houses in their clattering wooden shoes.

The geisha houses themselves are strictly off-limits to anyone not properly introduced and invited, but from behind the paper screens you will hear the strains of music and laughter. While geisha-spotting in the Gion district, take in the Yasaka Shrine with its many paper lanterns, and the Minamiza Kabuki Theatre.
Telephone:
Website: www.pref.kyoto.jp/visitkyoto/en
Transport: Train to Keihan Shijo station, or bus 100 or 206 from Kyoto Station
Opening times:

. Kiyomizu-dera
The 'Pure water temple', Kiyomizu-dera, is one of Japan's most celebrated temples, founded in 780 and associated with Nara Buddhism, the oldest sect in Japan. The temple's main feature is the lovely view afforded of the wooded hills of eastern Kyoto from its terrace. Below the terrace is the spring from which the temple got its name; visitors can sample the water, which is said to have healing powers. Nearby is an interesting three-storey pagoda, and the Otawa Falls. The approach to the temple along Kiyomizu-michi or Gojo-zaka is steep and narrow, the streets lined with stores specialising in local sweets, pottery and the inevitable souvenirs. Behind the temple is the Shinto Jishu Shrine, dedicated to the god of love.
Telephone: (0)75 551 1234
Website:
Transport: 15-minute bus ride (100 or 206) from Kyoto Station to Kiyomizu-michi or Gojo-zaka stop
Opening times: Daily 6am to 6pm

Peace Memorial Park
Around the epicentre of the atomic bomb explosion in Hiroshima in 1945, a complex of buildings and monuments has been erected in the Peace Memorial Park to commemorate the earth-shattering event. It is dedicated to the promotion of world peace. Central to the park is the only remaining city building damaged in the blast. It was formerly the Industrial Promotion Hall, but is now known as the Atomic Bomb Dome and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park also contains the Peace Memorial Museum, featuring exhibits that graphically portray the horrible effects of the bomb on the city and its citizens. Between the museum and the dome stands the Memorial Cenotaph containing a stone chest, inside which is a list of all those killed in the explosion or who died subsequently from the long-term effects caused by radiation. The Cenotaph also houses the peace flame, which will burn until nuclear war is no longer considered a threat to humanity.

Other monuments contained in the solemn park include the Statue of the A-Bomb Children and the Atomic Bomb Memorial Mound that contains the ashes of tens of thousands of unidentified victims.
Telephone: Museum: (0)82 242 7798
Website: www.pcf.city.hiroshima.jp/index_e2.html
Transport: Hiroshima bus to Yoshijima alighting at the Heiwa Kinen Koen (Peace Memorial Park) bus stop; or HiroshimaPort streetcar to Chuden-Mae, or Eba streetcar to Genbaku Domu Mae (A-bomb Dome) stop
Opening times: Museum daily 8.30am to 6pm (March to November); 8.30am to 7pm (August); 8.30am to 5pm (December to February)

. Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art
Hiroshima boasts the first public art museum in Japan devoted exclusively to contemporary art. The museum is housed in an interesting building designed by Japanese architect Kurokawa Kisho, based on the shape of a Japanese warehouse (Kura). The building is set high on a hill in Hijiyama Park, famed for its cherry blossoms and splendid city views. The museum itself contains the works of established and up-and-coming Japanese artists. For those not familiar with Japanese art the museum has provided information books on the individual artists represented, written in English. There is also an outdoor sculpture garden to enjoy.
Telephone: (0)82 264 1121
Website: www.hcmca.cf.city.hiroshima.jp
Transport: Bus or streetcar from Hiroshima Station
Opening times: Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm

Hiroshima Castle
Hiroshima's original castle, built in the late 16th century, was totally destroyed in the atomic blast but has been reconstructed as a perfect reproduction of the original. The castle houses a museum detailing the city's history and the historic feudal system. The exhibits include some models of ancient Hiroshima and the castle.
Telephone: (0)82 221 7512
Website:
Transport: Streetcar from Hiroshima station to Kamiya-cho station on lines 1, 2 or 6; it is a 10-minute walk from there
Opening times: Daily 9am to 5.30pm; 9am to 4.30pm (October to March)

Castle
Fukuoka's castle is in ruins, but it is still a favourite spot for tourists to congregate (mainly for the view). Built by the feudal lord in days of old, it was composed of 47 turrets of various sizes. Today the Otemon gate, Tamon turret and a few walls remain.
Telephone:
Website:
Transport: Bus to Otemon or Heiwada stops, or subway to Ohorikoen Station
Opening times: Daily

Shofukuji Temple
The Shofukuji Temple was the first Zen temple to be built in Japan. It was founded by the father of Japanese Zen, Eisai, in 1195. In the temple grounds are the remains of two other ancient temples, Jotenji and Tochoji.
Telephone: (0)92 291 0775
Website:
Transport: Subway to Gion station
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Fukuoka Asian Art Museum
Fukuoka's Asian Art Museum is housed in a new complex in the Shimokawabata district of Hakata Ward, in the heart of the city. The museum houses a collection of more than 1,000 works including paintings, sculptures, prints and handcrafts. It also serves as a centre for art education.
Telephone: (0)92 263 1100
Website:
Transport: Subway to Nakasu-kawabata station
Opening times: Daily 10am to 8pm; closed Wednesdays, and from 26 December to 1 January

Kushida Shrine
One of Fukuoka's best-known shrines is Kushida, founded in 757. It is situated in the heart of ancient Hakata with a huge gingko tree, said to be 1,000 years old, shading its forecourt. The shrine honours the grand deity, Ohata Nushina-mikoto, and was built during the Heian Period for the common people. Today it is very much enjoyed by locals and visitors alike during the summer's major event, the Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival. On the last day of the festival the Kushida Shrine becomes the starting point for the Oiyama fun run when hundreds of young men clad only in loin cloths carry heavy wooden shrines through the streets along a set route, vying to clock the fastest times. The shrine itself contains several items of interest, particularly the Eto Arrow plate bearing carvings of the Chinese zodiac and a brace of anchor stones, recovered from the harbour, that were once attached to ships of the Mongolian invasion fleets.
Telephone: (0)92 291 2951
Website:
Transport: Subway to Nakasu or Gion station
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Hokkaido Ainu Centre
The Ainu people with their unique culture have lived on the island of Hokkaido for hundreds of generations. The Ainu Centre in Sapporo details the history and culture of the island's indigenous people using interesting exhibits and demonstrations.
Telephone: (0)11 221 0462
Website:
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Opening times: Daily 9am to 5pm; closed Sundays and between 29 December and 3 January

Historical Village
The impressive and entertaining outdoor museum village depicting Hokkaido life in days of old is situated in Sapporo at Atsubetsu Ward, in a corner of the Hokkaido Nopporo Forest Park. The site features restored or recreated buildings from the Meiji and Taisho periods, and includes edifices like the old Sapporo railway station, old Otaru newspaper company buildings, fishermen's cottages, mountain villas and the like. Horse-drawn trolleys run through the village and in winter horse-drawn sleighs carry visitors around the site.
Telephone: (0)11 898 1000 (recorded information)
Website: www.kaitaku.or.jp/info/info.htm
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Opening times: Daily except Mondays 9.30am to 4.30pm (October to May), 9am to 5pm (June to September)

Beer Museum
If you are here for the beer, which is possible because Sapporo beer is known throughout the world, then a visit to the beer museum in the historic Sapporo Brewery building is a must, together with a tour of the brewery itself, which, of course, ends with a tasting. The red brick brewery building has been home to the Sapporo Beer Company, third-largest beer producer in Japan, since 1876. One-hour tours are conducted at 15-minute intervals every day throughout the year; however these are in Japanese only. It is possible to book in advance and request an English interpreter.
Telephone: (0)11 731 4368
Website: www.sapporobeer.jp
Transport: Subway to Higashi-kuyakusho station
Opening times: Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm

. Tokyo Tower
This tower is modelled in the vein of the Eiffel Tower in France, only in true Japanese style, it is more colourful and serves a technological purpose. Tokyo Tower functions chiefly as a television and radio antenna. At 1,091 feet (332m), it is the tallest structure in Tokyo, in Japan in fact, and a great vantage point from which to take in the city. At the base of the tower, tucked snugly under its 'legs', is the four-storey Foot Town. Inside Foot Town visitors will find shops, restaurants, a wax museum, the Guinness Book of World Record Museum, an aquarium and the Mysterious Walking Zone, which is not as spooky as it sounds. It's a display of holographic technology and imagery. The top floor of Foot Town is an interactive art gallery, featuring optical illusions which can be manipulated by visitors.
Telephone: 03 3433 5111
Website: www.tokyotower.co.jp/english/
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Opening times: 9am to 10pm

Meiji Jingu
A hop, skip and jump away from the Harajuku Station, the Meiji Jingu is an easily accessible shrine and worthwhile stop in Tokyo. Built as homage to the Emperor Meiji and his wife, the Empress Shoken, this monument is located in a 175 acre (70ha) evergreen forest and consists of two main areas. In the inner Naien, a garden featuring shrine buildings and a treasure museum holding articles from the Emperor and Empress. In the outer cloister, the Gaien, the Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery presents murals depicting significant events over the Meiji rule. It also consists of a sports arena, the National Stadium, and the Meiji Memorial Hall, which was an important political meeting place during the Meiji era. Today traditional Shinto weddings are held in the Hall and newcomers to Japan are always intrigued when witnessing the unique Shinto wedding procession.
Telephone: 03 3403 1171
Website: www.meijijingu.or.jp/english/
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Kabuki-za
While there are many places in Japan from which to view Kabuki theatre, the Kabuki-za, as the name implies, is the principal venue for such performances and a major hub for the art form.

The building itself is an architectural wonder, using western material but built to mimic a traditional Japanese structure. Visitors can pay to see individual acts of plays of to see the entire performance. Because the theatre has become popular among tourists, an English voice-over explains the show to tourists. The Kabuki-za is scheduled for demolition in May 2010 and the Kabuki-za Sayonara Kôen (farewell performances) are scheduled for January to April 2010.
Telephone:
Website: www.shochiku.co.jp/play/kabukiza/theater/
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Opening times: 11am - 3.45pm matinees; 4.30pm - 9pm evenings

. Monkey Park

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Monkey Park
Children visiting Monkey Park will be able to enjoy learning about monkeys while watching them run around freely. Their individual movements and characteristics also give away a lot about them and their personalities. Some smaller children might be scared of the freely roaming monkeys.
Telephone: (042) 661 2381
Website: www.takaotozan.co.jp/takaotozan_eng1/monkey/index.htm
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Opening times: Opening hours depend on the season

Kite Museum
This fascinating museum is an absolute must for any child who loves kites, or any adult who has ever flown a kite. The Kite Museum exhibits mainly traditional style Japanese kites, 'Edo Nishiki-E Dako' as well as other kites from around Asia. Kites are made from bamboo and a Japanese handmade paper called 'washi' which is surprisingly strong. Featuring over 3,000 kites, this museum is a must for all kite enthusiasts.
Telephone: (03) 3271 2465
Website:
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Opening times: Open Monday to Saturday from 11am – 5pm. Closed national holidays

Joyopolis Sega
A little boy's dream come true, Joyopolis Sega will thrill and entertain children of all ages. Offering rides, games and much more, kids will be kept busy for hours on end in one of the world's most famous theme parks and enjoy rides such as Spin Bullet and games such as Halfpipe Canyon, Sky Cruising and Dinosaur King.
Telephone: (03) 5500 1801
Website: www.sega.co.jp/joypolis/tokyo/home_e.shtml
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Opening times: Open daily from 10am – 11pm

National Children's Castle (Kodomo-no-Shiro)
The Children's Castle is geared towards children of all ages and features a variety of activity rooms for kids to keep themselves entertained. With gymnasiums, playgrounds, climbing walls, artistic activities and much more to stimulate and educate children's minds.
Telephone: (03) 3797 5666
Website: www.kodomono-shiro.or.jp/english
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Opening times: Open from Tuesday to Friday from 12:30 - 5:30pm; Saturday and Sunday from 10am – 5.30pm

Cities & Regions: Tokyo | Kyoto | Hiroshima | Fukuoka | Sapporo