My Dream Japan Vacation – Himeji Castle

Photo by EugeniusD80 on Flickr

Himeji Castle has long been my dream location to visit. It has also proved to be on of my most elusive locations. Twice I’ve tried to visit and each time I have been unsuccessful. Once I arrived after the gates had closed and the other time the castle was completely entombed in a massive reconstruction project. It appears that the White Heron Castle has become my White Buffalo.

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Top Attractions in Japan Every Tourist Should Visit

Photo by Stuck in Customs on Flickr

If you are planning a trip to Japan, you are probably going on a visit that you only take once in a lifetime. While in Japan, you will want to take advantage of seeing all the top spots in the least time possible. There are not that many places in the world that have the kind of mystique that Japan does. Even though Japan has gained a lot of attention in the past few decades due to its booming economic success, there is still a lot about Japan that remains unknown. To really find out what Japan is all about, you will have to take the time out to visit the place. If you are planning on taking a trip to Japan, a great way to begin your journey is by visiting some of the top attractions Japan offers.

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Autumn in Japan

Photo by Cocoarmani on Flickr

Japanese cherry blossoms (Sakura) are a famous national celebration, and crowds from all around the world come every year to enjoy spring in Japan. But there is another natural event that worth the visit; the autumn leaves colors. Leaves turn to yellow, orange, red, purple, ruby, vermilion…giving a mystic atmosphere to some places. The Japanese summer is really hot and humid, and though Japanese enjoy the summer, I have a feeling that they are impatient for autumn to start and finally being able to enjoy the autumn colors and an outdoor activity without getting a sunburn.

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The Best Beaches in Japan

Photo by mrhayata on Flickr

Since most visitors to Japan are keen to stay in the thriving metropolis of Tokyo in order to experience its many attractions, as well as travel to outlying areas to see any number of historical sites in this small but long-lived island nation, people often forget that Japan has a tropical climate and that it is surrounded by the beautiful and warm waters that are present all along the Pacific Ring of Fire. So there are tons of gorgeous beaches that travelers can enjoy, many of them just as nice as what you might find at more popular beach destinations in Hawaii, Fiji, and the Philippines, for example. And here are just a few that you won’t want to miss on your next trip to Japan.

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Must-See Non-Tourist Attractions in Japan

Photo by scion_cho on Flickr

Any time you visit another country, you’re going to find yourself out of your element. Because of that, you are somewhat at the mercy of others to give you the information you need to get around and have a good time. Whether you’re looking for food, lodgings, or entertainment, you’ll have to rely on guidebooks, tour guides, locals, the concierge, and more experienced travelers to tell you where to go and what to see. But what will likely end up happening is that you will get funneled to a slew of tourist traps that are crowded with foreigners like yourself and populated with vendors selling overpriced goods.

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Travel Japan and Enjoy Exciting Tourist Destinations

Photo by Yohei Yamashita on Flickr

Japans train system is most probably the most advanced in the world. They even have a mag-lev track now, on which the trains hover above the tracks instead of touching them. They use powerful magnets to levitate the trains off the track. You should seriously consider buying train tickets for their bullet trains and having a ride at astronomically high train speeds. They seriously put to shame the rides that train tickets in the UK are going to buy you.

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Takayama, the Jewel of the Japanese Alps

Playing second fiddle to its touristy neighbours Toyama and Nagano, Takayama in Gifu Prefecture in the Japanese Alps is a postcard town of Edo period beauty. A town carefully preserved, lavishly gifted with elegant old Japanese architecture and peppered with historical and cultural sites, it’s a town worth veering off the well beaten bullet train track to see.

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A Stroll Through Nijo Castle

Photo by MD111 on Flickr

Nijo Castle (Kyoto) is definitely one of the top castles in Japan. Chances are, if you’re going to Japan, a visit to Kyoto will be on the agenda. And a visit to Kyoto would not be complete without a tour through the Shogun’s famous Nijo Castle.

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Things to do in Osaka – The Instant Ramen Museum

Photo by JanneM on Flickr

Stacey loves her ramen. I on the other hand, do not. During week long hiking trips of my youth I feasted on little more than instant porridge in the morning and instant ramen for lunch and dinner. By the seventh day I had instant ramen coming out my ears and I had developed a strong loathing for the stuff.

Can you imagine my excitement when Stacey suggested we visit the Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum in Osaka?

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Anime Map of Japan

A friend just drew my attention to the Japan National Tourism Organization’s anime map to Japan. It lists some of the famous locations throughout Japan that have been depicted in various anime series. Well worth checking out if you’re a big anime fan!