Weather its swordsmanship, technology, music or art, Japanese people very often proved to be the most skilled people in the world. And it is only fitting that such a disciplined race was bred in the fascinating land of Japan. Known as the “Land of the rising sun”, Japan is a splendor of nature but its culture, people and religion have fascinated visitors from all around the world throughout the history. Here are the top ten tourist attractions in Japan that you should visit while visiting this beautiful country:

10. Miyajima Floating Torii

Miyajima Floating Torii, the gate of a famous Itsukushima Shrine, is a very sacred place to the Japanese culture and quite a popular landmark. It stands in the city of Hatsukaichi in Hiroshima. This symbolic gate of the 6th century shrine is placed in a way that it appears to be floating in the waters of the bay, especially during the high tides. The 16 meter high Torii or gate is made from powerful camphor wood and is decorated with beautiful lights during the night. We start of our list of top tourist attractions in Japan with this landmark as it creates a breathtaking view at the sunset.

09. Great Buddha of Kamakura

One of the most famous statues of Buddha lies in the city of Kamakura in Kanagawa Prefecture near the Kōtoku-in temple. It is a statue of Buddha seated in the lotus position, the position for a sacred meditation. The statue is 13.35 meters high and weighs 93 tons. With origins dating back to 1252, this statue is an iconic landmark and surely one of the most visited tourist attractions in Japan.

08. Himeji Castle

The Himeji Castle in Himeji, of Hyōgo Prefecture is fascinating complex of castles and a brilliant architectural feat. It stands in the top of a hill and the entire complex consisting of 83 buildings is poised in a way that resembles a bird taking flight. With origins dating back to 1333, this is one of finest defensive structures from the historic feudal era of Japan. It is the most visited castle is Japan and receives close to a million visitors every year. Thus, surely one of the must visit tourist attractions in Japan.

07. Kiyomizu-Dera Temple

Kiyomizu-Dera Temple located in Kyoto is an amazing representation of the historic and legendary city of Kyoto. The temple is an awe-inspiring construction sitting in a location regarded very pure and scared by the locals. Built in the 7th century, the temple is made in way that no nails or attaches were needed. The water of the surrounding ponds and waterfalls is considered very pure and wish granting. A place of great spirituality, the Kiyomizu-Dera Temple is one of the must-visit tourist attractions in Japan.

06. Matsumoto Castle

The land of Japan is filled with many amazing castles. The Matsumoto castle in the Nagano Prefecture is one of the few that stands on a flat plain. It is also known as a crow castle for its black walls and roofs. This castle is listed as a Japanese national treasure and has been part of many historic events since the 15th century. A beholder of many uprising and revolutions, this castle is heavily fortified with connected walls and has a very attractive wooden interior.

05. Todaiji Temple

Home to one of the largest statues of Buddha, Todaiji Temple is one of the seven great and famous temples located in the city of Nara. The temple itself is the largest wooden structure in the world surrounded by beautiful gardens. But the famous statue named “Daibutsu” is the most attractive feature of the temple weighing 550 tons. Several other important statues such as “Komoku-ten” also fascinates the tourists. With origins dating back to the 7th century, this is a very scared place to the people of Japan.

04. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Standing like a silent witness of one of the greatest tragedies of the world is Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park in the heart of Hiroshima. It was built to memorialize the victims of horrific nuclear bombing that took place here near the end of World War II. Among the many monuments and museums, the A-bomb dome is perhaps the most heart touching as it was the only building left standing after the Bombing. Along with a Peace Memorial Ceremony that takes place on august 6th each year, the park receives over a million visitors annually. No tourist may understand Japan fully without visiting this memorial site.

03. Temple of the Golden Pavilion

Kinkaku-ji or the temple of the golden pavilion is one of the most splendid and popular tourist attractions in Japan. With pavilions extensively coated in pure gold leaf, this truly is a sight for the sore eyes. Surrounding gardens were designed magnificently to fit the temple in a very artistic manner. It is a very fine example of Japan’s cultural and creative integrity.

02. Tokyo Tower

“Man Made” is often the keyword used to describe the Japan of today as this brilliant civilization innovated their way to greatness. And the Tokyo Tower perfectly symbolizes the glory of modern Japan. Built with inspirations from the Eiffel Tower, the Tokyo Tower in Tokyo stands 1,093 feet tall and incorporates many brilliant modern engineering technologies. It is one of the tallest structures in Japan and offers the visitors an amazing view of the city from its observation decks. Although built for broadcasting assistance, the Tokyo tower is one of the popular tourist attractions in Japan today with many hotels restaurants and shops in the vicinity to accommodate the guests.

01. Mount Fuji

There is a very few people who have not seen a photograph of Mount Fuji’s snowy peak through cherry blossom leaves. It is the highest mountain in Japan with a height of 3,776 meters (12,388 feet). The mountain with its volcano forms a symmetrical cone which has become a symbol for Japan. Located in Honshu Island surrounded by Lake Yamanaka, Lake Kawaguchi Mount Fuji has inspired many poets and painters of Japan throughout history. A heaven for the sightseers, climbers, backpackers and tourists of all kind Mount Fuji is the undisputed top spot in our list of top tourist attractions in Japan.