Japan: the land of many wonders

There’s something about Japan that makes it distinctive from all other destinations. A melting pot of culture and technology, Japan is a world of contrasts skilfully binding everything of the past and the present together. The unique desserts sold all across the island country in small alleys, soaring, lush bamboos of the Arashiyama Grove in Kyoto, magnificent Mount Fuji, iconic Inari shrine sprawling across a hill, the mystical Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and the fast-paced bullet trains—Japan is home to many wonders that astonish.

The imposing edifice—also the most-admired structure in the capital city of Japan—Tokyo Sky Tree stands 634 metres tall, with the highest reachable floor at 450 metres. Built at a close distance from Asakusa district, the tallest broadcasting tower in the world is not only the city’s landmark but is also one of the most favoured spots for travellers visiting Japan. Complete with two impressive observation decks—at 350 metres and 450 metres—the sky tree also features a cafe, restaurant and a spiralling corridor within the premises.

Arguably the best vantage points in Tokyo, the observation decks here offer panoramic vistas of the city, where one can gaze at the city’s soaring skyscrapers and the myriad hues of the horizon. Try visiting in the late hours of the day to capture picturesque sights during sun down. Tickets can be purchased at the ground floor, at the entrance.

Also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple, the Sensoji Temple is a Buddhist temple located in the Asakusa district, at the end of Nakamise Street. This is Tokyo’s oldest and most popular temple: an imposing pagoda-like structure complete with its iconic light-weight (and expensive) titanium roof.

The Shinto-shrine also features fortune-telling boxes placed outside the main shrine for devotees to come and pull out their fortune cards, and then tie them to the stands to avert any misfortune. Even for those who have little interest in exploring temples and historical structures, the temple makes for an interesting site, being located in the heart of the city, amidst the Nakamise shopping arcade.

The majestic mountain—also the icon of the island country—has many accolades to its name. Fifth highest mountain in the world, the tallest peak in Japan, and now recognised as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Mount Fuji is possibly Japan's most admired attraction. The volcano is located between Yamanashi and Shizuoka Prefectures, on the border; and can be spotted from a distance in the city of Tokyo and Yokohama, when the skies are clear. Those aiming to capture the mountain in its pristine, wondrous glory should head to any of the five lakes (Fujigoko region) in the vicinity of the foot of Mt. Fuji, in the city of Tokyo. The five lakes—Kawaguchiko, Saiko, Yamanakako, Shojiko and Motosuko—not only offer spellbinding vistas of the snow-capped volcano, but also make for an idyllic afternoon picnic. Amongst these, Lake Kawaguchi is the easiest to access and will fill you up with arguably the best views if the mountain. A quaint getaway nest, the lake is dotted with small eateries and souvenir stores on its banks.

Imagine tiny wooden bridges over ponds, lanes peppered with by countryside dust, wooden houses with sloping rooftops; the idyllic environs of the Oshino Hakkai Village will make you want to settle here. Beautifully nestled off the beaten track, the quaint settlement is located between Lake Kawaguchiko and Lake Yamanakako, in the Fujigoko (five lakes) region around Mount Fuji, in the city Tokyo, Japan.

A cluster of eight ponds, the village is a humble dwelling ground for localites, complete with its own shopping hut located in the central arena (where the villagers sell vegetables, sweets, pickles, chips, crafts and other local curios), with houses lined up all around. The deep ponds here are home to an array of aquatic species, and the clear waters let you peak until the bottom end of the pond. If you're visiting Tokyo for two days, make sure you visit this charming, tranquil village that transports you to the time when life was simpler and idyllic.

The high speed trains (shinkansen) in the island country, colloquially referred to as bullet trains are as iconic to Japan as its concrete structures. Running at the speeds of up to 320 km/h, the trains are highly efficient in its running time, punctuality, and cleanliness. The oldest and most popular amongst the networks here is the Tokyo - Nagoya - Kyoto - Osaka line. The tickets can be easily bought from any of the boarding stations, and the seats are categorised as ordinary and green car (much like the economy and business class seats in an airplane). All trains feature a running display of information related to start and end points, next station, et al (in English and Japanese). Most bullet trains also serve small food carts with a selection of snacks, drinks and boxed meals (bento) which periodically pass along the aisle. All the trains are complete with neat washrooms, smoking lounges, and luggage trays atop seats.

As you walk through the streets of Kyoto and you set foot in this incredible bamboo forest, you’ll forget everything else and just ogle at the green stems. The land of soaring bamboos and cobblestone pathways here suck you into a world of their own—appearing almost like a magical forest. The meandering alleys here cut through these bamboos to make for a soothing walk or a bicycle ride, where sunlight barely peaks through these bright green stems that sway and sing their own tune. One of the most photographed sights of Kyoto city, the grove is located at 10 minutes from Saga Arashiyama Station, JR Sagano line, and 15 minutes walk from Arashiyama Station, Henkyu Railway.

Massive gates—that narrate the tales of Japanese past—welcome you as you climb up to the Shinto shrine in the city of Kyoto, called Fushimi Inari Shrine. Located at the base of the mountain, the shrine is spread across the hilly slope, and features various levels interconnected by massive staircases cut in mountain rock, and is revered as the head shrine of all Inari Shrines. From the customary water taps outside, and the ringing of bells, to the prayers that are written on paper and tied to the stands, this shrine gives you a rich insight into the Japanese culture and the customs of the Shinto religion.

As you climb further up, two parallel rows of a thousand vermillion gates (called torii) create an almost magical passage to reach the hilltop. Fushimi Inari Shrine is located just outside JR Inari Station, the second station from Kyoto Station along the JR Nara Line.

A 4D ride where Spiderman rescues you from vicious villains, a boat-ride where man-eating sharks attack your ferry (based on the movie Jaws), and a roller coaster ride where a Hippogriff takes you to skies (based on the Harry Potter movies), the Universal Studios theme park in Osaka is teeming with adventurous attractions like these that enthral kids and adults alike, sprawling across 39 hectares. The park features everything from child-friendly carousels and slides to thrilling roller coasters and simulators based on popular movies such as Spiderman, Back to the Future, Terminator 2 and Jurassic Park.

The main attraction of the park is the newly built Wizarding World of Harry Potter—only second in the world after Orlando—which thrills you through a 3D ride into Harry’s world, lets you explore Hogwarts, wander through Olivander’s wand shop, sip on butter beer, and enchants you with the Harry Potter theme music echoing everywhere!

A visit to the Peace Memorial in Hiroshima will fill you up with empathy and grief for those affected by the atomic bomb blast the city has lived through. The beautiful structure left in ruins haunts you with its past, and the museum transports you to the time when the incident took place, and how peoples’ lives were affected. A solemn site, the museum is one of the most visited spots in the city.