Selena Hoy

Selena Hoyhttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/about/contributors/selena-hoySelena Hoyhttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/eastern-asia/japan/top-ski-experiences-in-japan-nowJapan's snow scene is more vibrant than ever. Visiting skiers and snowboarders will find updated ski resorts and brand-new properties. Find out what’s new and discover the best places to ski in Japan.2022-12-28T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/eastern-asia/japan/top-ski-experiences-in-japan-nowhttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Living in <a href="/explore/eastern-asia/japan/tokyo-kyoto-things-to-do">Tokyo</a>, I’m never too far from a snow-laden mountain. Options abound for powder hounds in the archipelago, ranging from day trips from the capital to more remote areas that have enough to explore over a long weekend or more.</p> <p>Over the past few years, numerous updates have been made to the country's snow scene. While lift ticket prices have gone up slightly, Japan is still a bargain with the reasonable prices and current weak yen. From Hokkaido in the north to Kyushu towards the south, here are my top recommendations for <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/ski-snowboard-travel-insurance">skiers and snowboarders alike</a>.</p> <p><strong><a href="/explore/guides/japan-itinerary" target="_blank">Traveling to Japan soon? Download our free 14-day itinerary to discover the best of Tokyo, Kyoto, Fukuoka, Osaka and more.</a></strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="#hokkaido">Where to ski on Hokkaido</a></li> <li><a href="#honshu">Best places to ski on Honshu</a></li> <li><a href="#kyushu">Skiing on Kyushu</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="hokkaido">Where to ski on Hokkaido</h2> <p>Japan’s northernmost island is a must-visit for powder hounds looking to explore untracked terrain. The powder is amazing, the terrain is vast and the food is some of the most delicious you’ll find in Japan. The season starts in early December and runs through March, with the best weather from January to March.</p> <p>For first-timers, the Niseko area is a good bet. It’s home to four ski resorts that are connected by lifts, making a really fun place to spend an entire day skiing without taking the same trail twice using the <a href="https://www.niseko.ne.jp/en/" target="_blank">Niseko United Pass</a>, featuring 30mi (48km) of groomed slopes, 29 lifts, 70 runs and about 12mi (19km) of backcountry skiing. The town has an international vibe, with good services in English and plenty of bars and restaurants that cater to international tastes. In December 2020, the <a href="https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/japan/higashiyama" target="_blank">Higashiyama Niseko Village</a>, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve hotel, opened at the base of Mt. Niseko Annupuri, offering boutique-sized luxury accommodation, a ski concierge, and fine dining options. Also look out for <a href="https://setsuniseko.com/en/" target="_blank">Setsu Niseko</a>, a new luxury property that opened in December 2022 and was awarded World’s Best New Ski Hotel at the 2023 World Ski Awards. Their concierge can arrange backcountry and heli-skiing excursions.</p> <p>About 90 minutes south of Sapporo is Rusutsu. This is the place to go for quiet runs and empty slopes, though the exclusive atmosphere has a matching price tag, with one of the country's highest lift ticket prices (and similarly priced accommodation). Powder lovers will say it's worth it, for the combination of super dry snow (an average of 43ft/13m a season) and plenty of space to play, including permitted off-piste runs. Opened in 2020, <a href="https://thevalerusutsu.com/" target="_blank">The Vale Rusutsu</a> is a ski-in ski-out accommodation with one- to four-bedroom apartments, all equipped with full kitchenettes or kitchens, which come in handy as the night life is much more subdued than at Niseko.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/japan/skiing-in-japan/shops-ningle-terrace-furano.jpg" alt="Snow-covered shops on Ningle Terrace in Furano, Japan." /> <figcaption>Shops on Ningle Terrace in Furano. Image credit: Getty Images / Sean Pavone</figcaption></figure> <p>About three hours from Sapporo by bus or train, Furano is more centrally located on Hokkaido, and while that means a bit less snowfall, it also means a high number of blue-sky days and drier snow that often lasts until April or even May! The terrain is a good mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced, with 10 lifts and 23 runs. Off-piste skiing is permitted, and there are a range of other resorts and backcountry options within an easy day trip</p> <p>Downtown Furano has a decent number of restaurants and bars offering cozy dishes like curry, hotpot, and <em>robatayaki</em> (food cooked over hot charcoal) along with warmed sake. The <a href="https://fenixfurano.com/" target="_blank">Fenix Furano</a>, opened in December 2020, is a ski-in ski-out hotel featuring rooms ranging from standard rooms to three-bedroom apartments.</p> <h2 id="honshu">Best places to ski on Honshu</h2> <p>The Japanese Alps in central Honshu have the deepest snow in the world, and the region is thick with ski resorts. While Hokkaido has fluffier powder, Honshu tends to have more snow and steeper terrain.</p> <p>Hakuba is another big destination with a great mix of terrain and culture. The town has the vibe of a Swiss village, with steep streets and a walkable downtown area. There's plenty of shopping, restaurants, hot springs, and bars serving locally made sake and beer.</p> <p>Hakuba was the main venue for the 1998 Winter Olympics, and I love the range of terrain to explore, with more than a hundred lifts and 200 runs across the valley's resorts. Hakuba47 is a network of trails that crosses between local resorts, a great way to explore the area on its own if you don’t have time to check out each individual resort. The area is also close to Tsugaike Kogen, which has some nice lift-accessible tree skiing.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/japan/skiing-in-japan/hakuba.jpg" alt="Birds-eye view of a ski area in Hakuba, Japan." /> <figcaption>A ski resort in Hakuba. Image credit: Getty Images / christiannafzger</figcaption></figure> <p>Nozawa Onsen is the perfect place to combine a great day on the mountain with a lovely cultural experience. Nozawa Onsen Snow Resort is a place for powder-seekers, with deep snow and over 31mi (50 km) of trails and 20 lifts, including the Nagasaka gondola which got an upgrade in 2021. The maximum vertical here is 3,560ft (1,850m), so a nice long drop for you thrill-seekers!</p> <p>The town, which has over 100 years of history as a ski resort, exudes local charm, with narrow streets full of traditional <em>ryokans</em> (guesthouses with tatami rooms) and lots of friendly people. The food is a special highlight, with an exquisite selection of beautifully presented fresh veggies and local delicacies (you must try the <em>oyaki</em> – steamed dumplings filled with sauteed vegetables such as greens, daikon, mushrooms, and more). And of course, the <a href="/explore/eastern-asia/japan/onsen-etiquette">onsen</a> – hot springs – in the town's name are a major draw after a day's exertion on the slopes.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/japan/skiing-in-japan/nozawa-onsen.jpg" alt="Skiers carry skis through the streets of Nozawa Onsen, Japan." /> <figcaption>The historic streets of Nozawa Onsen. Image credit: Getty Images / Juergen Sack</figcaption></figure> <p><em>Planning a trip to Japan? Find out <a href="/travel-insurance/destinations/japan">how travel insurance can cover</a> adventure activities, lost or stolen baggage, medical emergencies and more.</em></p> <h2 id="kyushu">Skiing on Kyushu</h2> <p>Kyushu doesn’t have much in the way of skiable snow, but that doesn't deter the southern islanders. There are a couple of resorts on Kyushu with artificial snow supplementation where you can spend the day honing your skills and carving some tracks. Opened in December 2021 in the town of Kokonoe in Oita Prefecture, <a href="https://www.kujyuski.co.jp/" target="_blank">Kujyu Forest Park Skiing Ground</a> clocks in at 4,265ft (1,300m) and features panoramic views of Mt. Aso and the Kuju mountain range. The largest ski resort in Kyushu, it offers three lifts, five runs (the longest clocking in at almost a mile / 1,500m) with a maximum pitch of 25 degrees. This is a great place for families, with a dedicated children’s area where they can play, sled, and practice bunny skills.</p>Getty Images 1140143667 Getty Images A snowboarder on a slope with a view of Mt Yotei in Niseko, Hokkaido, Japan.

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/eastern-asia/japan/top-kyoto-outdoor-adventure-activitiesFrom Arashiyama and Kuramadera, to a day trip to Sanzen-in, explore the best of Kyoto’s outdoor spots and adventures with our insider picks.2016-10-25T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/eastern-asia/japan/top-kyoto-outdoor-adventure-activitieshttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Kyoto is gorgeous. It’s as simple as that. With its millennia-old temples and shrines, traditional arts, and deep aesthetic sense, Kyoto is teeming with places to discover. Try Kyoto on foot, on two wheels, or by tram: <a href="/travel-safety/eastern-asia/japan/getting-around-in-japan" target="_blank">there are no wrong ways to go</a>.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#arashiyama"> Arashiyama </a></li> <li><a href="#maruyama-park">Maruyama Park</a></li> <li><a href="#philosophers-walk">Philosopher’s Walk</a></li> <li><a href="#kuramadera-and-kurama">Kuramadera and Mt. Kurama</a></li> <li><a href="#bike-higashiyama">Higashiyama by Bicycle</a></li> <li><a href="#bike-sanzenin-and-ohara">Sanzenin and Ohara by Bicycle </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="arashiyama">Arashiyama</h2> <p>Though the areas around <strong>Arashiyama Station</strong> and <strong>Togetsukyo Bridge</strong> are quite crowded, the Arashiyama area is a rewarding outing – once you wade through the sea of humans. </p> <p>There are numerous walking and hiking paths around here, which are liberally sprinkled with temples and traditional gardens, such as <strong>Tenryuji, Gioji</strong>, and <strong>Katsura Rikyu</strong>. </p> <p>The <a href="/travel-safety/eastern-asia/japan/kyoto-one-day-intinerary" target="_blank"><strong>bamboo grove</strong> is a meditative marvel</a>, the autumn colours here are a stunning riot of colour, and the <strong>Monkey Park</strong> invites you to mingle (and take selfies) with free-roaming Japanese macaques.</p> <p></p> <h2 id="maruyama-park">Maruyama Park</h2> <p>This pretty park is adjacent to the <strong>Gion</strong> area, so after you tire of geisha gawping, head over to <strong>Maruyama</strong> for a stroll through the classical garden with paths that wind around ponds reflecting the greenery. In the spring, this is an extremely <a href="/travel-safety/eastern-asia/japan/japanese-festivals" target="_blank">popular spot to do <em>hanami</em></a>, or <a href="/travel-safety/eastern-asia/japan/japanese-festival-photography" target="_blank">cherry blossom viewing</a>.</p> <p></p> <h2 id="philosophers-walk">Philosopher’s Walk</h2> <p>The narrow stone path from <strong>Ginkakuji</strong> (<a href="/travel-safety/eastern-asia/japan/11-temples-and-shrines" target="_blank">Temple of the Silver Pavilion</a>) to <strong>Eikando</strong> is called <em>Tetsugaku</em> <em>no michi</em>, or <strong>philosopher’s walk</strong>, so-called because philosopher Kitaro Nishida used to take the path daily to walk and muse. </p> <p>The pedestrian path runs under a procession of cherry trees along a canal. In addition to the major temples, the path is lined with smaller shrines and temples, a few small cafes, and shops offering both traditional and modern art. </p> <p></p> <h2 id="kuramadera-and-kurama">Kuramadera and Mt. Kurama</h2> <p><strong>Kurama Temple</strong> sits in the foothills of <strong>Mt. Kurama</strong> in northern Kyoto. The lushly-wooded area is said to be home to many spirits, such as the mythological <em>tengu</em>, long-nosed goblins that are honoured here, and the healing art of <em>reiki</em> is said to have been born here. </p> <p>It’s possible to hike up or take a tram part of the way. There are also <a href="/travel-safety/eastern-asia/japan/onsen-etiquette" target="_blank">natural hot springs</a> in the area that allow day access or overnight stays. </p> <p></p> <h2 id="bike-higashiyama">Higashiyama by Bicycle</h2> <p><strong>Higashiyama</strong> is a district rich with sights, and is especially pleasant by bicycle. Highlights in the area include the famous temples <strong>Kiyomizudera</strong>, <strong>Kodaiji</strong>, and <strong>Yasaka Shrine</strong>. The narrow streets between them are stuffed with traditional shops and buildings.</p> <p>A regular bicycle <a href="http://www.cyclekyoto.com/bike-rental" target="_blank">can be rented</a> for as little as ¥500 per day, and if you want a cool electric bike to help you with some of the hills in this district, those go for around ¥2,000. </p> <p></p> <h2 id="bike-sanzenin-and-ohara">Sanzenin and Ohara by Bicycle</h2> <p>For a more ambitious cycling trip, head up to the village of <strong>Ohara</strong> in the northern part of Kyoto. The ride is about 20km with some uphill climbs and picturesque rural views, and should take a couple of hours. </p> <p>Once there, explore the temple complex at <strong>Sanzenin</strong>, the quaint shops around it, and the pretty <strong>Otonoashi Waterfall</strong>. There are also a few <a href="/travel-safety/eastern-asia/japan/onsen-etiquette" target="_blank">hot spring inns</a> in the area for those who wish to stay overnight. </p> <p></p> <h2>Going to Kyoto?</h2> <p><a href="/guides/japan-insiders-guide" target="_blank"><strong>Want to discover the best of Kyoto’s nightlife, street food and places to go hiking?<br /> Get our FREE Japan Survival Guide to find out how!</strong></a></p>iStock/Yobab 0492488948 iStock Kyoto, Japan - July 14, 2015: Tourists enjoy cycling at Arashiyama in Kyoto, Japan

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/eastern-asia/japan/vaccinationsRead these health tips and talk to your doctor about these routine vaccinations before you go to Japan.2016-10-24T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/eastern-asia/japan/vaccinationshttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>There are no vaccines required to visit Japan. However, despite the relative safety of the country, it’s always a good idea to take some basic health precautions before traveling. </p> <ul> <li><a href="#routine-vaccines">Routine Vaccines</a></li> <li><a href="#Measles-Outbreaks-in-Japan">Measles Outbreaks in Japan</a></li> <li><a href="#Japans-Cold-and-Flu-Season">Japan's Cold and Flu Season</a></li> <li><a href="#General-Coughs-and-Ills">General Coughs and Ills</a></li> <li><a href="#Norovirus-in-Japan">Norovirus in Japan</a></li> <li><a href="#Japans-Dengue-fever-scare">Japan's Dengue Fever Scare</a></li> <li><a href="#japan-tap-water">Is the Tap Water Safe in Japan? </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="routine-vaccines">Routine vaccines</h2> <p>The United States Centre for Disease Control (CDC) <a href="http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/japan" target="_blank">recommends</a> that travellers should be up to date on routine vaccines before going on your trip: “These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.” </p> <h2 id="Measles-Outbreaks-in-Japan">Measles outbreaks in Japan</h2> <p>Measles outbreaks have been an ongoing problem in Japan, with at least a few school closures per year up until 2014 as a result of those outbreaks.</p> <p>Though the <a href="http://www.nih.go.jp/niid/en/measles-e/2102-idsc/iasr-measles-e/5528-iasr-measles-v-e150331.html" target="_blank">number of cases have declined in recent years</a>, there are still active cases in Japan, such as that of a<a href="https://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/japan-issues-measles-warning-after-infected-fan-attends-bieber-concert" target="_blank"> fan who attended a Justin Bieber concert</a> and was soon after diagnosed with measles.</p> <p>Measles vaccines are highly recommended. Peak measles season is in the spring and summer. </p> <h2 id="Japans-Cold-and-Flu-Season">Japan's cold and flu season </h2> <p>Influenza is also a regular occurrence in Japan, with flu season running through the winter months (December or January through February or March).</p> <p>Over a million people came down with the flu in the 2015-2016 season, and the most prevalent strain of the virus was the type-A H1N1, with type-B following.</p> <p>There have also been some cases of avian influenza in Japan, though no human cases have been reported. </p> <figure><img src=" https://media.worldnomads.com/Travel-Safety/Japan/japan-flu-season.jpg" /><figcaption>Waiting for the train at Tokyo station. Photo credit: iStock/DavidCallan</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="General-Coughs-and-Ills">General coughs and illnessess</h2> <p>Tokyo and other major metropolitan centres in Japan are very dense, and <a href="/travel-safety/eastern-asia/japan/getting-around-in-japan" target="_blank">many people use public transportation on a daily basis.</a> Additionally, in Japanese culture it’s not uncommon to go to work even when sick, increasing the risk of disease transmission. </p> <p>Many people wear face masks during this season, both to keep germs out and in, which may or may not quell the spread of disease. If you do travel to Japan and especially if you ride public transportation, vaccination and basic hygiene preventative measures, like hand washing, are recommended. </p> <p>Other vaccines may be recommended for some travellers depending on their circumstances, such as age, medical condition, specific destination, etc. Check with your doctor. </p> <h2 id="Norovirus-in-Japan">Norovirus in Japan</h2> <p>Norovirus is another commonly transmitted disease in Japan. A gastrointestinal virus that leads to diarrhoea and vomiting, there is no generally available vaccine for this disease, although one is <a href="http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2016/06/takedas-norovirus-vaccine-first-to-reach-human-trials/#.V8ur4RTXnFI" target="_blank">undergoing clinical trials</a>. </p> <p>Again, the virus is most prevalent during winter months, and is transmitted through the air and through casual contact. Basic hygiene preventative measures are advised.  </p> <h2 id="Japans-Dengue-fever-scare">Japan's Dengue Fever scare</h2> <p>In the summer of 2014, Japan saw a dengue fever outbreak after 70 years without any reports of the disease. <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/04/29/national/science-health/anti-dengue-plague-plan-eyed-health-ministry/#.V8vYNhTXnFI" target="_blank">A total of 162 cases were reported nationwide</a>, with the outbreak traced to Tokyo’s Yoyogi Park.</p> <p>Government officials acted swiftly, closing the park for 57 days and spraying for mosquitos. Although no further outbreaks have been reported since then, <a href="/travel-safety/risks-symptoms-and-prevention-of-dengue-fever" target="_blank">mosquitos are widespread</a> during the hot and humid Japanese summer.</p> <p>As dengue fever vaccines have only <a href="http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/first-dengue-fever-vaccine-gets-green-light-in-3-countries/" target="_blank">been approved in three countries</a>, the best measures to take for dengue and other mosquito-borne illnesses are preventative, avoiding mosquito bites with things like <a href="/travel-safety/sunblock-or-insect-repellent-first" target="_blank">insect repellent and protective clothing</a>.</p> <h2 id="japan-tap-water">Is the tap water safe in Japan?</h2> <p>Tap water is generally safe in Japan, and there have been no significant reports in recent years of waterborne illnesses, though there have been a <a href="http://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/policy/health/water_supply/4.html" target="_blank">few isolated cases</a>. </p>iStock/junce 0521707884 iStock A Japanese woman wears a mask in Japan

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/eastern-asia/japan/9-famous-temples-and-shrinesBuddhist temples and Shinto shrines are everywhere in Japan – here are 9 deservedly famous holy structures you have to see for yourself.2023-08-08T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/eastern-asia/japan/9-famous-temples-and-shrineshttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Shrines and temples are an integral part of Japan’s history and culture and visiting them is a wonderful way to understand important aspects of Japan. Even for Japanese people who aren’t overtly religious, Shinto and Buddhism are woven into everyday life, and influence aesthetics, diet, holidays, rituals, and celebrations. For me, stepping onto the grounds of a shrine or temple is a chance to commune with nature and my ancestors, and to take the time to make connections that get lost in the everyday hubbub.</p> <p><strong><a href="/explore/guides/japan-itinerary" target="_blank">Traveling to Japan soon? Download our free 14-day itinerary to discover the best of Tokyo, Kyoto, Fukuoka, Osaka and more.</a></strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="#kinkakuji">Kinkakuji</a></li> <li><a href="#kiyomizudera">Kiyomizudera</a></li> <li><a href="#ginkakuji">Ginkakuji</a></li> <li><a href="#ryoanji">Ryoanji</a></li> <li><a href="#meiji">Meiji Shrine</a></li> <li><a href="#sensoji">Sensoji</a></li> <li><a href="#itsukushima">Itsukushima Shrine</a></li> <li><a href="#shitennoji">Shitennoji</a></li> <li><a href="#kushida">Kushida Shrine</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="kinkakuji">Kinkakuji</h2> <p>The vista of the Golden Pavilion, as Kinkakuji is also known, is arresting – sitting on a slight hill and mirrored, gleaming, in the pond below. I last visited the famous <a href="/explore/eastern-asia/japan/tokyo-kyoto-things-to-do">Kyoto</a> Zen temple while the country was still closed to overseas visitors during the pandemic, and the quiet splendor of that morning is not one I’ll soon forget.</p> <p>The temple is officially known as Rokuonji, and its storied past includes dramatic incidents of fire, disease, and suicide. The temple and its history were the inspiration for Yukio Mishima’s novel <em>The Temple of the Golden Pavilion</em>.</p> <p>The brilliant appearance is thanks to genuine gold leaf, which is hammered into whisper-thin sheets by gold leaf artisans in Kanazawa, and the temple is set in a classical Japanese garden meant to be an earthly representation of Pure Land Paradise.</p> <h2 id="kiyomizudera">Kiyomizudera</h2> <p>Climbing the narrow, atmospheric streets of Sannenzaka in <a href="/explore/eastern-asia/japan/best-food-in-kyoto">Kyoto</a>’s Higashimaya District, the sight of Kiyomizudera’s vermillion pagoda imprinted itself on my mind. The UNESCO World Heritage Buddhist temple began life in 778 but has been through fire and rebuilt ten times.</p> <p>The temple, with its expansive grounds and lush foliage, pays tribute to Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy. Her 42 arms and 11 expressions represent her great compassion, as she works to relieve humans from their earthly burdens.</p> <p>The grounds of Kiyomizudera, which means “pure water temple”, have 1,500 cherry trees and 1,000 trees displaying colorful autumn foliage, making the temple a popular spot in the spring and fall.</p> <p>Kyoto is always busy with tourists, but I find major sights such as this to be slightly less crowded on weekday mornings. Otherwise, I take the mindset to embrace the bustle of the site as part of the experience.</p> <figure><img src=" https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/kiyomizudera-autumn.jpg" alt="Kiyomizudera Temple in Kyoto during fall at dusk." /><figcaption>Standing on the stage of Kiyomizudera Temple during fall at dusk. Photo credit: iStock/SeanPavonePhoto</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="ginkakuji">Ginkakuji</h2> <p>Also in Kyoto, Kinkakuji’s more sedate cousin is Ginkakuji, meaning silver pavilion. Despite its nickname (its official name is Jishoji), this temple is not covered in silver, but it is modeled on its famous predecessor. Though it’s not nearly as flashy, I love visiting this temple as part of the Philosopher’s Path walk, as its quiet beauty and traditional Japanese garden are the perfect setting for a meditative stroll.</p> <p>Built in 1482 by the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa, Ginkakuji was a major cultural center of the Higashiyama District, with great influence on tea ceremony, Noh theater, poetry, garden design, and more. Today, the Zen temple with a moss garden and a meticulously raked dry sand garden, along with a pond and small waterfalls along the winding paths, is a good place to reflect on Kyoto’s massive contribution to <a href="/explore/eastern-asia/japan/5-ways-to-experience-japanese-culture">Japanese traditional culture</a>.</p> <h2 id="ryoanji">Ryoanji</h2> <p>If the <em>karesansui</em>, a Japanese dry garden, interests you, head to the Zen temple of Ryoanji, which was originally an aristocrat’s villa before being converted to a temple in 1450. The UNESCO World Heritage site is most famous for its rock garden, which combines 15 large stones and white sand spread out over 248 meters (2,670 sq. ft.).</p> <p>The walking trails and Kyoyochi Pond add to the allure and make for a lovely walk, but my favorite part of Ryoanji is Saigenin, the s<em>hojin ryori</em> (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) restaurant featuring <em>nanakusa yudofu</em>, seven-herb tofu stew, served in a beautiful, ascetic space overlooking the garden. It’s a quintessential Kyoto experience.</p> <figure><img src=" https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/restaurant-in-ryoanji-credited.jpg" alt="The restaurant at Ryoanji temple in Kyoto." /><figcaption>Restaurant in Ryoanji. Photo credit: Selena Hoy</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="meiji">Meiji Shrine</h2> <p>Moving from Japan’s historical capital to its modern one, Meiji Shrine holds pride of place as one of the country’s most important shrines. It’s dedicated to the Meiji Emperor and Empress Shoken, who ruled during the Meiji Restoration, when the feudal era came to an end the imperial power was restored. It was at this time that the capital was changed from Kyoto to Tokyo, in 1868, and the Meiji Emperor is considered the first emperor of the modern era.</p> <p>Meiji Shrine is a Shinto shrine, Japan’s homegrown animistic religion. The shrine grounds, completed in 1920 after the Emperor’s death, consist of a large forested area adjacent to Yoyogi Park and Harajuku Station. The shrine is flanked by huge cypress torii, or gates, demarcating the sacred inner grounds.</p> <p>Despite being adjacent to one of the buzziest parts of Tokyo, I love how peaceful it is here. Even when the site is thronging with crowds (it sees 3 million visitors during the new year holiday), there are pockets of quiet to be found in between the trees and shrine buildings. It’s an oasis in the city, one that’s aligned with nature; one interesting aspect is that the shrine is open from sunrise to sunset, and so the exact times – by the clock– vary from month to month.</p> <h2 id="sensoji">Sensoji</h2> <p>Where Meiji Shrine is sedate and nature-focused, Sensoji is colorful and raucous. Perhaps Tokyo’s most famous Buddhist temple, and its oldest, it was built in 645 after two fishermen found a statue of the Goddess of Mercy, Kannon, in the Sumida River.</p> <p>The imposing Kaminarimon, or Thunder Gate, marks the entrance to the temple, and the street leading up to the temple grounds, called Nakamise, thrums with vendors selling trinkets, religious paraphernalia, and treats like freshly grilled rice crackers, along with the visitors shopping, snacking, and preparing to pay their respects.</p> <p>At the temple itself, devotees pray and bask in the sacred smoke of incense they hope might cure their ailments; I like to buy amulets for good health here to pass out to friends and family. In May, the streets are filled with revelers celebrating the Sanja Matsuri, a lively festival filled with half-naked (and sometimes heavily tattooed) participants hoisting portable shrines through the crowds.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/japan/sensoji.jpg" alt="Visitors Sensoji temple in Tokyo." /> <figcaption>Sensoji temple, Tokyo. Image credit: Martin Hong</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="itsukushima">Itsukushima Shrine</h2> <p>If Itsukushima Shrine, on the island of Miyajima in <a href="/explore/eastern-asia/japan/best-food-in-hiroshima">Hiroshima</a>, seems otherworldly, well, maybe it is. Legend has it that goddesses chose this location for the site of the shrine because of the protected bay within the Seto Inland Sea.</p> <p>The shrine’s “floating” torii is set in the water off the shore; it’s a sacred gate, meant for deities. Parts of the shrine, too, are built on platforms over the water, and its graceful lines and brilliant vermillion paint make for an impressive sight, whether viewed up close, from the sea or lit up at night.</p> <p>Venturing further into the island’s interior adds to its mystique, in my opinion. Although there are plenty of touristy spots, with inns and souvenir shops catering to the many visitors, a climb up the holy Mount Misen also reveals that the island is home to plenty of wild critters, such as native deer, tanuki, and wild monkeys (who are all too happy to steal your lunch, so beware!).</p> <h2 id="shitennoji">Shitennoji</h2> <p>In Osaka, the first Japanese Buddhist temple was founded by Prince Shotoku in 593. Prince Shotoku was one of the major supporters of the introduction of Buddhism in Japan, and Shitennoji was the first Buddhist temple built by the state, giving Buddhism the status of an official religion.</p> <p>The temple is best known for its pagoda, which is open to the public and can be climbed, level by level, via stairs, giving a fascinating glimpse at the interior architecture of such a structure. The gardens, too, are notably based on the Western Paradise of the Amida Buddha, and feature cherry blossoms, a lotus pond (complete with lots of charming turtles), and brilliant maples in the fall.</p> <figure><img src=" https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/shitenoji.jpg" /><figcaption>Shitennoji Buddhist temple in Osaka, Japan. Photo credit: iStock/junce</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="kushida">Kushida Shrine</h2> <p>Kushida Shrine may just be the heart of Fukuoka. Dedicated to three of Japan and Shinto’s foundational deities, Amaterasu-omikami, Susanowo-no-mikoto, and Ohatanushi-no-mikoto, the shrine is the guardian of Hakata, one half of modern Fukuoka.</p> <p>Founded in 757, Kushida Shrine is the home of the Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival, Fukuoka’s most popular and lively summer festival lasting two weeks in July, characterized by huge portable shrines, floats, and spirited dancers in loincloths and cotton robes.</p> <p>On a recent visit, I could see the shrine visitors stopping by on their lunch break or home from work to pause under the 1,000-year-old ginkgo tree, or to spare a wish at the graceful sculpture of three cranes gathered around a well, said to be a fountain of youth.</p>Richard I'Anson 0 Kinkakuji temple in Kyoto, Japan.