Hiroshima and the neighbouring island of Miyajima are both world famous but for very different reasons: one for the atomic bomb and its atrocities, and the other for its peaceful shrine amid the waves. 

Hiroshima and its region: between shrine and memorial

Nature has always played an important role in Japanese culture, and the tradition survives with the celebration of the arrival of spring by observing the cherry blossoms. Here is some advice about this festival, the hanami, and the best places to observe the trees in full blossom.

Go to see the cherry trees in Tokyo

Hokkaido is a hiker's paradise, thanks to its majestic, wild mountainous landscapes.
 Its national parks provide stunning views as well as a wealth of plant and animal life.
 Some are very isolated and difficult to access, but offer, nonetheless, a great sense of freedom.

Hiking in the stunning countryside of Hokkaido


Japan has numerous hidden treasures. Here are my top 10 most beautiful places to visit, but also the most interesting.

Top 10 places to visit in Japan

Tokyo

Shinjuku

Kyoto

Kanazawa

Superb temple with Mount Fuji in the background.

Asia

Japan

Horyuji

Europe

Central America

Africa

North America

South America

Middle East

Oceania

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Japan family vacation

occasion

Japan honeymoon

activity-type

Wildlife in Japan

Hiking in Japan

environment-type

Japan islands

I spent a day there during my stay in Nara. The temple of Horyuji is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site and some of wooden buildings of this Buddhist temple are among the oldest in Japan. The five-storey pagoda and portals are magnificent. Take the time to visit each building to discover all the pavilions of the temple and don't miss the Treasure (prints and statues), even if most of the pieces are now displayed at the museum in Ueno Park in <a href="/japan/">Tokyo</a>.
I appreciated the peace and quiet of the place, as well as the fact that it is less crowded than Kyoto, Tokyo or Nara!

Superb temple with Mount Fuji in the background.

Horyuji Vacations

Visit Horyuji

Horyuji: How to get there?

Horyuji: When to go?

Horyuji: For how long?

Horyuji: What to see in the surroundings?

Japan: our articles for your vacation