December 23, 2009
Explore Outside of Tokyo
Japan is rich with culture, architecture, and natural landscapes. If you’re traveling to Tokyo in the winter, here are a few favorite destinations to add to your itinerary.
Kyoto
Kyoto is arguably most famous for its spectacular architecture. With over 2,000 Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, Kyoto has preserved some of Japan’s most valued historical and cultural masterpieces. Both Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines pay proper homage to their religious figures, but each edifice has its own unique architectural details. Since it is impossible to see all of Kyoto’s temples, a few suggestions include Enryaku-ji Temple, To-ji Temple, Nanzen-ji Temple, Shokoku-ji Temple, the Golden and Silver Pavilions (Kinkakuji and Ginkakuji) and Sanjusangen-do. Sanjusangen-do hosts an annual kyudo or archery competition called Toshiya, which brings together about 2,000 participants. Many of the participants are teenagers who have recently undergone the coming of age ceremony the week before.
In Shino shrines, you will find millions of gods representing important elements in life, such as wind, rain, light, earth and fertility. For a complete Shinto experience, tour the Kamigamo-jinja, dedicated to the water gods and Yasaka-jinja, which honors the god of prosperity and good health.
Kyoto's Golden Pavilion: Kinkaku-ji Temple
After a long day touring through the temples and shrines, stop by a tea house for a traditional tea ceremony with Geisha and Maiko. These professional entertainers train from a young age and learn to perform classical music and traditional dance.
Geishas stroll down the streets of Kyoto
Nikko National Park
Known for its Shinto shrines, Buddhist temples, vast gardens, waterfalls, hiking trails and fall foliage, Nikko National Park provides visitors a plethora of natural and architectural designs. The city of Nikko has earned is place on the UNESCO World Heritage List as the Tokugaway Shoguns’ sanctuary and mausoleum.
Five story Pagoda in Nikko
Of the most famous natural sites in Nikko National Park, Kegon Falls (below), Lake Chuzenji, Mount Nantai and Ryuzu Falls have captured the most hearts. If you are to visit Nikko National Park, make sure to plan a few days. Between the various hiking trails and a city deeply rooted in spiritual history, you’ll be busy for a few days.
Kegon Falls, Nikko National Park
Great Buddha Kamakura
The faithful come to Kamakura to pray and experience Buddha’s wisdom and tourists venture to witness an architectural wonder. The Amida Buddha in Kamakura is one of the tallest bronze statues in Japan (nearly 50 feet), second only to the Buddha statue in Nara’s Todaiji Temple. Built in 1252, this statue weighs in at 93 tons and has outlasted even the temple where it was built, which was destroyed by typhoons during the 14th and mid-15th centuries.
Great Buddha of Kamakura
Mount Fuji
"Tsunami" by Hokusai
We couldn’t leave out Japan’s largest mountain and one of its most recognizable icons: Mount Fuji. Dominating the skyline at just over 12,300 ft, Mount Fuji joins Mount Tate and Mount Haku to make up the “Three Holy Mountains”. Mount Fuji has been the centerpiece of Japanese art for centuries, including the famous painting “Tsumani” by Hokusai.
A mere three hour drive from Tokyo, Mount Fuji boasts some of the country’s most spectacular vistas and is a hiking and ski-lovers’ winter wonderland.
Mount Fuji
Photo credits: Geishas, Shadowgate; Great Buddha, MrHayata; Great Buddha; Njimi Falls; Nikko National Park Pagoda; Mt. Fuji, Palandrome6996; Tsunami
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