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TOURISM IN JAPAN
 Unit-wise title Sub-title

A brief history of Japan, Shinto and shrines, Buddhism and temples, castles and towns, villages, villas and gardens,
Introductory discussion
matsuri, drama, art, crafts, cuisine, ryokan, onsen and other escapes.

Regions of Japan Hokkaido, Tohoku, Tokyo, Kanto, Chubu, Kyoto, Kinki, Chugoku, Shikoku, Kyushu, Okinawa.

Anthropology of Tourism
Classification of Tourism, Cultural Tourism, cultural politics of tourism development,
tourism and indigenous peoples, tourist spots.
Interpretation guide, travel, hotel, restaurant service, café service, airline, bridal business, flower service, tourism
Tourism Fields in Japan
service, railway service.

Writing positional words, pronunciation of names of places and buildings, number adjectives, time expression adverbs,
Review of Japanese Language
counter verbs, greetings particles.

Tips to enrich knowledge of Japanese hospitality, variations between Japanese and English, phrases that need special
Sociolinguistic Knowledge for Hospitality
attention, making your conversation natural, do’s and don’ts of Japanese hospitality.

Tourist products, global tourism geography, tourism management concept, ethical, legal and regulatory aspects of
Tourism Principles and Practices
tourism.

Human resources planning and development in tourism, research methodology in tourism, tourism planning,
managerial accounting and finance in tourism, operations management and quantitative methods, tourism
Tourism Marketing
economics.
.
Hospitality management, travel agency management, project report, event management in tourism, tourist transport,
Tourism Impact Analysis
business policy and corporate social responsibility.

Contemporary Issues Tour operations management, airfares and airlines management, ecotourism, entrepreneurship in tourism.
2
• Tourism is one of the world’s fastest-growing industries and a major foreign exchange and employment generation for many countries.
It is one of the most remarkable economic and social phenomena.

• The world ‘tour’ is derived from the Latin word tornus, meaning ‘a tool for making a circle’. Tourism may be defined as the movement of the people from
their normal place of residence to another place (with the intention to return) for a minimum period of twenty-four hours to a maximum of six months for the
sole purpose of leisure and pleasure.

• According to WTO (1993)” Tourism encompasses the activities of persons traveling and staying in places outside their usual environment
for not more than one consecutive year for leisure, business, and other purposes.”

• Travel was originally inspired by the need for surviving (food, shelter, and security), the desire to expand trade and quest to conquer. As the transportation
system improved the curiosity for transforming the vast and virgin world into a close neighborhood created a new industry i.e. Travel and Tourism.

3
Types of Tourism
Tourism has two types and many forms on the bases of the purpose of visit and
alternative forms of tourism. Tourism can be categorized as international and
domestic tourism.

4
5
 Tourism is a social, cultural and economic phenomenon which
• Some most important forms of tourism are following entails the movement of people to countries or places outside their
as: usual environment for personal or business/professional purposes.
These people are called visitors (which may be either tourists or
1. Adventure Tourism excursionists; residents or non-residents) and tourism has to do with
their activities, some of which involve tourism expenditure.
2. Atomic Tourism 12. Sex Tourism

3. Bicycle Tours 13. Space Tourism

4. Beach Tourism 14. Sports Tourism

5. Cultural Tourism 15. Sustainable Tourism

6. Ecotourism 16. Virtual Tourism

7. Geotourism 17. War Tourism

8. Industrial Tourism 18. Wildlife Tourism

9. Medical Tourism

10. Religious Tourism 6

11. Rural Tourism
 CLASSIFICATION OF TOURISM

Tourism can be classified into six distinct categories according to the purpose of travel. These are following as:

1) Recreational: Recreational or leisure tourism takes a person away from the humdrum of everyday life. In this case, people
spend their leisure time at the hills, sea beaches, etc.

2) Cultural: Cultural tourism satisfies cultural and intellectual curiosity and involves visits to ancient monuments, places of
historical or religious importance, etc.

3) Sports/Adventure: Trips have taken by people with a view to playing golf, skiing and hiking, fall within this category.

4) Health: Under this category, people travel for medical, treatment or visit places where there are curative possibilities, for
example, hot springs, spa yoga, etc.

5) Convention Tourism: It is becoming an increasingly important component of travel. People travel within a country or
overseas to attend conventions relating to their business, profession or interest.

6) Incentive Tourism: Holiday trips are offered as incentives by major companies to dealers and salesmen who achieve high
targets in sales. This is a new and expanding phenomenon in tourism, These are in lieu of cash incentives or gifts,
7 Today
incentive tourism is a 3 billion dollar business in the USA alone.
 TOURISM PRODUCTS

• A tourism/tourist product can be defined as the sum of the

physical and psychological satisfaction it provides to tourists, during
their ‘traveling’ route at the destinations.

• Since travel and tourism industry is an agglomeration of too

many sectors that promote travel related services. These sectors are
referred to as travel vendors and their services and goods are called
‘travel products’. The tourism product may be defined as a
bundle or package of tangible and intangible components
based on activity at a destination. As tourism is made of 4 A's
i.e: attraction, accommodation, accessibility, amenities. Thus,
whatever the natural and man-made resources, services brought
about the consumption of tourists is called tourism products.
8
Over the years, tourism has become a popular global activity. Depending upon
INDUSTRIES RELATED TO TOURISM
the nature and purpose of their travel, tourists, need and demand certain
facilities and services. This has given rise to a wide range of commercial activities
that have acquired industry proportions. Thus travel and tourism now days
represent a broad range of related industries.
• Hotels
• Hotels are the commercial establishment that provides accommodation, meals, and
other guest services. In travel and tourism industry, the hotel industry plays a very
significant role, as all tourists need a place to stay at their destinations, and require
many more services and facilities to suit their specific needs and tastes.
• Restaurants
• Restaurants are retail establishments that serve prepared food and beverages to
customers. In the travel and tourism industry, restaurants and other food and beverage
outlets are very important as tourists like to experiment with local cuisines of the
places they are visiting.
• Retail and Shopping
• The retail industry is very important as tourists shop for their day to day necessaries
as well as look for mementos and souvenirs. In the recent years, some cities in the
world have been promoted as shopping destinations to attract people with a penchant
for shopping by offering various products, such as garments, electronic goods,
jewelry, and antiques. New York, Paris, London, and Milan in Italy are famous as
fashion havens of the world.
9
• Transportation
• It is the movement of people and goods from one place to another. A
well-developed transport industry, as well as infrastructure, is integral to
the success of any travel and tourism enterprise.
• Travel Agencies
• A travel agency is a retailing business that sells travel related
products and services, particularly package tours, to customers on the
behalf of suppliers such as airlines, car rentals, cruise liners, hotels,
railways, and sightseeing.
• Travel agencies play a very important role as they plan out the
itinerary of their clients and make the necessary arrangements for their
travel, stay, and sightseeing, besides facilitating their passport, visa, etc.
• Tour Operators
• A tour operator assembles the various elements of a tour. It typically
combines tour and travel components to create a holiday. Tour operators
play an important role in the travel and tourism industry.
• Tourist Destinations
• A tourist attraction is a place of interest for tourists, typically for its
inherent or exhibited cultural value, historical significance, nature or
build beauty or amusement opportunities. These are the basic 10
fundamentals of the tourism industry.
• Cultural Industries
• Cultural or creative industries are responsible for the creation, production, and distribution of goods and services that
are cultural in nature and usually protected by intellectual property rights. As tourists like to visit places of cultural
significance and soak in the culture of the area, the cultural industry is very important to travel and tourism.
• Leisure, Recreation, and Sport
• Leisure or free time is a period of a time spent out of work and essential domestic activity. Recreation or fun is
spending time in a manner designed for therapeutic refreshment of body or mind. While leisure is more like a form of
entertainment or rest, recreation requires active participation in a refreshing and diverting manner.
• As people in the world’s wealthier regions lead an increasingly sedentary lifestyle, the need for recreation has
increased. These play a significant role in the travel and tourism sector.

Conceptual model of sustainable

cultural and tourism industries (CTI).

11
• Cultural travel is a type of travel that emphasizes
experiencing life within a foreign culture, rather than
from the outside as a temporary visitor. Cultural
travelers leave their home environment at home, CULTURAL TOURISM
bringing only themselves and a desire to become part
of the culture they visit. Cultural travel goes
beyond cultural exploration or discovery; it involves a
transformation in way of life.
• This definition was first used by Gary Langer "Travel
to Learn". Transitions Abroad. Transitions Abroad
Publishing. 1: 12–15. March 1977. as a way of
describing travel that requires a "transition" to a new
level of understanding of and appreciation for a foreign
culture. The term is often distorted and misused by
travel agents, tour operators and international tourism
organizations. Culture primarily has to do with people
and less with places or things. So visiting museums,
touring ancient structures, attending festivals, and
eating local food does not provide the same experience 12
as becoming a member of the culture itself.
 • Cultural tourism experiences include architectural and archaeological treasures, culinary activities, festivals or events,
historic or heritage, sites, monuments and landmarks, museums and exhibitions, national parks and wildlife
sanctuaries, religious venues, temples and churches.
• Cultural tourism is a type of tourism that allows the tourist to participate in local cultural activities, like
festivals and rituals. As a result, the tourist can enjoy a genuine cultural exchange with the locals.
• 4 Elements of Cultural Tourism include, attractions and activities, transportation, accommodation, and
supporting facilities and services. Supply in the tourism industry, usually precedes demand.

13
 CULTURAL POLITICS OF TOURISM DEVELOPMENT
• Many writers have written about important political dimensions of
tourism on a range of topics. However, as Hall recognizes, the
political nature of this massive global industry, at both macro
and micro political levels, is underacknowledged (Hall, 1994: 4).
• More specifically, there are important political issues connected to
cultural tourism. For example, the role of museums and the
commercia-lisation of heritage are often part of debates about
national identity in ways that mass tourism is not (Herbert, 1995;
Lowenthal, 1998).
• Also, museums, galleries and heritage sites, along with other objects
of the cultural tourist’s fascination, are regulated through state
cultural policy, policy that is very much the product of a wider
contested cultural politics.
• As McGuigan argues, cultural policy should be considered,
formulated and criticized in the light of wider cultural politics,
rather than viewed as a technical question of implementing
14
given objectives (McGuigan, 1996, 2004)
• Politics and those involved with the political process, are
therefore in a position to influence and articulate the views of
tourists all around the world. Aside from influencing and
projecting destination-related opinions, politicians make
decisions every day which directly affect the tourism
industry.
• Culture is increasingly an important element of the tourism
product, which creates distinctiveness in a crowded global
marketplace. At the same time, tourism provides an important
means of enhancing culture and creating income which can
support and strengthen cultural heritage, cultural production
and creativity.
• There are many social benefits of tourism, demonstrating
positive social impacts. These might include; preserving the
local culture and heritage; strengthening communities;
provision of social services; commercialization of culture
and art; revitalization of customs and art forms and the 15
preservation of heritage.
 TOURISM AND INDIGENOUS PEOPLES
• What is Indigenous Cultural Tourism? Trends in
tourism indicate a strong and increasing demand
for cultural tourism attractions. Put simply, more
and more visitors are looking for experiences that
immerse them in a culture different to theirs,
allowing them to experience customs and
traditions firsthand.
• Tourism produces foreign domination and
dependency, polarization, environmental
destruction, cultural alienation, and the loss of
social control and identity among host
communities. The earliest hunters and gatherers
and nomads traveled in search of land and
wildlife to sustain them.

16
THANK YOU

17
• Japan is an enigma. It's the perfect juxtaposition of centuries-old
traditions overlapped with lightning speed, cutting-edge technology. TOURIST SPOTS
• Many first-time visitors to Japan are often surprised to learn that, as
one of the world's most advanced industrialized nations, this
relatively small Asian country also boasts a rich and fascinating
history that dates back thousands of years.

• Indeed, long before many of Europe's most spectacular cathedrals

were built, Japan's Shinto and Buddhist temples were already well-
established and drawing pilgrims and patrons to their elaborate
designs and décor. At the same time, the country was already
perfecting the skills and trades that would set it on the path to riches,
from fine porcelains and ceramics to textiles such as silk.
• Much of this rich tradition has, despite wars and natural devastation,
been preserved (or rebuilt), and a visit to Japan is a memorable
adventure. Boasting an endless list of top attractions, fun things to
do, and points of interest to explore, a vacation in Japan is certainly a 18

great investment of time and money.

19
• Without a doubt Japan's most recognizable landmark,
majestic Mount Fuji (Fuji-san) is also the country's
highest mountain peak. Towering 3,776 meters over an 1. MOUNT FUJI
otherwise largely flat landscape to the south and east, this
majestic and fabled mountain is tall enough to be seen
from Tokyo, more than 100 kilometers away.
• Mount Fuji has for centuries been celebrated in art and
literature and is now considered so important an icon that
UNESCO recognized its world cultural significance in
2013. Part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, Mount
Fuji is climbed by more than a million people each Mount Fuji
summer as an act of pilgrimage, which culminates in
watching the sunrise from its summit.
• While some still choose to begin their climb from the base,
the majority of climbers now start from above the halfway
mark, at the 5th Station, resulting in a more manageable
six-or-so-hour ascent. Those who do attempt the complete
climb are advised to depart in the afternoon, breaking up
the climb with an overnight stop at one of the "Mountain
Huts" designed for this very purpose. An early start the
next day gets you to the top for the sunrise.
• Of course, for many, simply viewing the mountain from
the distance, or from the comfort of a speeding train, is 20

enough to say "been there, done that."

• Tokyo's most famous landmark, the Imperial
Palace with its beautiful 17th-century parks surrounded
by walls and moats, is a must-see when visiting the 2. IMPERIAL TOKYO
nation's capital. Don't be put off by the fact that the
majority of the palace is closed to the public (it's still in
use by the Imperial family), as there is still enough to
see simply by strolling the grounds.
• In addition to the many fine views of the palace from
numerous points in the surrounding parkland, visitors
are permitted into the East Higashi-Gyoen
Garden and other areas that are opened to the public as
part of an organized tour. One of the most romantic
views is of the famous Nijubashi Bridge, or "double
bridge," so named for its watery reflection.
• Another one of the must-sees for tourists visiting
Tokyo is the famous Ginza shopping district. This
always bustling area is home to the Kabuki-za
Theatre with its Kabuki performances, as well as Imperial Palace and Nijubashi Bridge
the Shimbashi Enbujo Theatre with its traditional
21
Azuma-odori dances and Bunraku performances.
• While little needs to be said here of the horrors of the atomic
bombing of Hiroshima in August 1945, much can be said of
the incredible efforts this vibrant city has made to 3. HIROSHIMA PEACE MEMORIAL PARK
commemorate the many victims of the world's first nuclear
attack. Perhaps even more importantly, Hiroshima has
become a symbol of lasting peace.

• Visited by more than a million people each year, many from

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
overseas, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park (Hiroshima Heiwa
Kinen Kōen) lies at the epicenter of the atomic blast in what was
once a bustling part of the city. Here you'll find a number of
important monuments, memorials, and museums relating to the
events of that fateful day.

• In addition to the grounds and gardens with their colorful cherry

blossoms, the park is where you'll find the Peace Memorial
Museum, with its numerous exhibits dealing with the issue of
world peace. It's also where you'll find the Memorial Cenotaph
and the Flame of Peace, as well as the Atom Bomb Dome, the
ruins of an administrative building that lay at the center of the
explosion. 22
• One of Japan's most visited cities, lovely Kyoto – one of the few cities in
the country to be spared the devastation of WWII – attracts more than
10 million visitors annually. Most of them are here to explore Kyoto's
4. HISTORIC KYOTO
fine old streets and architecture, much of it unchanged since the Imperial
family took up residence here more than 1,000 years ago.

• Even then, the city was Japan's most important cultural center. This
legacy, in fact, continues to this day with its many museums and art
galleries, each bursting with important sculptures, paintings, and other
art forms.

• Highlights of Kyoto's Buddhist-influenced architecture include its many

well-preserved temples, 30 of which are still in use, and important structures
such as the 14th-century Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji), famous for its
exquisite gold-leaf-clad exterior.

• Be sure to also visit Nijo Castle, a 17th-century fortress that has retained its
original walls, towers, and moat. Also worth seeing are the castle's beautiful
gates, along with its palace with fine interior décor.

• Another landmark to visit is the original Kyoto Imperial Palace (Kyoto- Bamboo forest in Kyoto
gosho). Built in AD 794, it's one of the city's most visited historic sites.
23
• Finally, no visit to Kyoto is complete without spending time exploring
the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. This beautiful area of tall bamboo is just a
• Just a short ferry ride from mainland Hiroshima is the
island of Miyajima, famous the world over as Japan's
Shrine Island. Covering an area of 30 square kilometers
5. THE ISLAND SHRINE OF
in Hiroshima Bay, Miyajima is best known as the home of ITSUKUSHIMA, MIYAJIMA
the Itsukushima Shrine, a Shinto temple dedicated to the
Princess daughters of the wind god Susanoo.
The Island Shrine of Itsukushima
• Dating from the eighth century, the majority of the
shrine's buildings rise out of the waters of a small bay
supported only by piles. The effect at high tide is simply
stunning, making these structures - including the famous
Great Floating Gate (O-Torii) - appear as if they're
floating on water.

• Linked together by walkways and bridges, it's a

fascinating place to explore, in particular its larger halls.
These include the exquisite Honden (Main Hall), the
Offerings Hall (Heiden), the Prayer Hall (Haiden), and
the Hall of a Thousand Mats (Senjokaku).

• Another notable feature is the shrine's stage, where

visitors are entertained with traditional dances and
24
musical performances. Also worth exploring are the
island's exquisite grounds and gardens, home to wild deer
and numerous bird colonies.
• For centuries the hub of Japanese culture, the 6. TEMPLE CITY: HISTORIC NARA
lovely unspoiled city of Nara is home to a large
number of historic buildings, along with important
national treasures and works of art.
• In addition to its many historic streets, the city boasts
numerous important old temples. These includ the
magnificent seventh-century Kofuku-ji Temple,
perhaps the best known of the Seven Great Temples of
Nara; and the splendid eighth-century Todai-ji (Great
East Temple), famous for its huge bronze statue of the
Great Buddha (Daibutsu), cast here in AD 749.

• Also of interest in Todai-ji are its Great South Gate

(Nandaimon). This spectacular two-story structure
is borne on 18 columns, with two Nio statues
standing eight meters tall, and it guards the temple
entrance. Also of note here is the Hall of the Great
25
Buddha, the world's largest timber building.
• Built in 1586 by famous Japanese warrior and
politician Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Osaka Castle (Ōsaka-
7. OSAKA CASTLE
jō) was at the time the largest and most important
fortress in the country. Although destroyed and rebuilt a
number of times since, the present structure, built in
1931, remains true to the original.

• Highlights of a visit include the huge five-story, 42-

meter-tall main tower. Built on an imposing 14-meter-
tall stone base, the tower is home to a number of
displays detailing the history of the castle and the city.
Be sure to visit the top floor for its superb views over
Osaka, an especially attractive sight as the sun sets.

• Also of interest in Osaka Castle Park is the Hokoku

Shrine, while Osaka's best-known temple, Shitennō-ji,
is also worth visiting and dates back to 59 CE. Notable
as Japan's first Buddhist temple, this lovely shrine
features a five-story pagoda along with a number of
other exquisitely decorated buildings. Among them are
the Golden Pavilion (Kondō), with its fine statues and 26
paintings; the Lecture Hall (Kōdō); and a lovely
covered corridor linking three of the site's gates.
• Japan boasts a number of outstanding areas of natural 8. CHŪBU-SANGAKU
beauty, many of them designated as national parks or, NATIONAL PARK AND THE
in some cases, UNESCO World Heritage Sites. One of JAPANESE ALPS
the country's most spectacular of these is Chūbu-
Sangaku National Park in the center of Honshu.
Located in the park's northern and central regions is the
group of mountains collectively referred to as the Hida
Mountains, or Japanese Alps.

• This region contains some of the highest peaks in the

country, including Hotaka at 3,190 meters, and Yari at
3,180 meters. Similar in many ways to the Alps of
Central Europe - both in the character of the landscape
and in its abundance of snow in winter - the Japanese
Alps attract large numbers of walkers and climbers in
summer and skiers in winter.

• Of particular interest is the park's abundance of flora

and fauna, including the rare ptarmigan and mountain
antelopes found at higher altitudes. The park's many
hot springs also draw visitors and led to the
27
development of various spas and holiday resorts, the
best known being Kamikōchi.
• The Atsuta Shrine, in the heart of the city of
Nagoya, is the most important Shinto shrine in 9. THE ATSUTA SHRINE,
Japan, and attracts more than five million visitors NAGOYA
each year. Established in 113 CE, this religious site
is famous for its preserved Imperial insignia, the
"grass-mowing sword" (kusanagi-no-tsurugi), one
of only three in the country.

• Also of interest are its principal shrine, Hongu,

surrounded by an enclosing wall, and the treasury
with its numerous works of art, including old and
modern paintings, ceramics, jewelry, and traditional
masks.

• While in Nagoya, be sure to also visit Nagoya Castle.

This splendid moated complex was built in 1612 and
boasts a 48-meter-high main tower that is famous for
its two gilded dolphins (shachi). It's also a popular
place to visit for its museum, containing art treasures
from the former palace, and its spectacular views over
the city and the Nobi Plain. 28
•Thank You

29
• The ruins of the once-grand Fukuoka Castle (Fukuoka-jō), 10. FUKUOKA CASTLE
built in the early 1600s, punctuate the middle of Maizuru
Park. The castle was once a fine example of the prolific RUINS AND THE CITY'S
and majestic hilltop homes preferred by Shoguns and city ANCIENT FESTIVALS
rulers. But it was destroyed after the Meiji Restoration as
a backlash against the feudal system.
• Today, only the ruins of the castle remain, including the
main gate and one of the turrets. Visitors mainly come
here for the leafy walking trails and scenic lookouts, with
beautiful views over the Naka River. If you climb to the
top of the ruins, you can see views of the city beyond. The
park is especially lovely in spring when the cherry The ruins of Fukuoka Castle in Maizuru Park
blossoms are in full bloom.
• Fukuoka is also well known for its many events and
festivals. The best-known of these is Hakata Gion
Yamakasa, a famous two-week long, 700-year-old
celebration held each July that draws millions of visitors
from across the country to its colorful parades, as well as
its traditional races and costumes.
• The city is not without its modern attractions, too. Most
notable among them is Canal City Hakata, a-city-
within-the-city complete with a canal running through the 30
complex, along with great shops, hotels, restaurants, and a
theater.
• Located on Japan's northernmost island, Hokkaido, the city
of Sapporo offers many things to do for tourists. As the
island's largest city, it's a hub of cultural activity, hosting 11. SAPPORO, HOKKAIDO
many excellent events and festivals. It also has a distinctive
culinary style; a rich theatrical history; and plenty of
museums, galleries, and parks.

• The focal point here is very much the city's attractive

downtown area, the center of which is Odori Park, a large
swath of green that's very pleasant to explore. From here,
you can also access points of interest such as the Sapporo
TV Tower, as well as the city's famous aerial tramway, an
easy walk away. The Mount Moiwa Ropeway will
eventually get you to the summit's Upper Station, from
where you can enjoy incredible views over the city, a real
treat at night.

• The mountain is also the location of the Mount Moiwa Ski

Resort, a popular winter destination, especially since the
1972 Winter Olympics were held in the city. And if you're
arriving in winter, be sure to visit the Sapporo Snow 31
Festival, held here each February and drawing in excess of Sapporo, Hokkaido
two million revelers.
• When you visit Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, you'll be
seeing red – but in a beautiful way. One of the most 12. FUSHIMI INARI-
important shrines in Japan, the Fushimi Inari shrine is TAISHA SHRINE, KYOTO
found in southern Kyoto, made famous for the
thousands (yes, thousands) of scarlet-colored gates that
arch over a web of trails. These arch-covered trails
command silence, so expect a very peaceful walk
towards the forest around Mt. Inari.

• Inari is the Shinto god of rice – one of the most

important gods in Shintoism. Of the thousands of
shrines dedicated to him, Fushimi Inari is decidedly the
most important. Most travelers come to see the
vermilion gates, but the shrine itself is also open for
exploration, and the buildings are quite spectacular.

• Visitors can also hike to the top of Mt. Inari, which

takes roughly two to three hours round-trip. The route
up the mountain is dotted with shrines and smaller
gates, as well as spots to grab something to eat.
32

Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine

• While a cemetery may not seem like an obvious top attraction, Japan's
Koyasan Okunoin is a great exception. One of the most sacred places in the
country, this popular pilgrimage spot holds the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi, 13. KOYASAN OKUNOIN
the founder of Shingon Buddhism.

• Daishi, also called Kukai, is one of the most important figures in Japan's
Buddhist history. It is said that he sits in eternal meditation while waiting for
the Buddha of the Future. Those who make the pilgrimage to his mausoleum
do so to ask for salvation in this life.

• Upon reaching the cemetery, visitors will cross the Ichinohashi Bridge,
which is the first bridge into the cemetery. On the way to the mausoleum,
visitors will pass more than 200,000 tombstones. The path leads to Gokusho
Offering Hall, where visitors can make offerings, as well as pray for family
members they have lost.

• A second bridge, the Gobyobashi Bridge, is what separates the most sacred
center of the site from the rest of the cemetery. Here is where you'll find the
Miroku Stone, as well as Torodo Hall, which is a main worship hall just in
front of the mausoleum. The hall is aglow with thousands of lanterns.
Behind the hall is the mausoleum itself, and it is a most awesome experience
to visit. You'll feel the power of something – whether you believe or not – as
Koyasan Okunoin
33
pilgrims from all over the country have come to chant and pray in the
presence of Kobo Daishi.
• Kyoto is practically overflowing with gorgeous
sites and landmarks. The city is a top attraction
itself. But one can't come to Kyoto without visiting 14. KIYOMIZU-DERA, KYOTO
Kiyomizu-Dera, or the Pure Water Temple.
• One of the most important temples in Japan,
Kiyomizu-Dera was built in 780 CE on the grounds
of the Otowa Waterfall. It was originally built to be
part of the Hosso sect of Buddhism, but later
formed its own sect in the mid 20th century.
• Today the UNESCO World Heritage Site is
known for its wooden stage, which overlooks the
beautiful rooftops of Kyoto, and the marvelous
trees that always put on fantastic color displays in
both the fall and cherry blossom season.
• On the grounds, visitors will find other important
sites, like the Jishu Shrine, as well as the Otowa
Waterfall itself, which still gushes at the base of the Kiyomizu-Dera temple during cherry blossom
34 season

monument's main hall.

• One of Tokyo's most famous districts is the Shinjuku
district, known for its electric nightlife, trendy 15. SHINJUKU GYOEN NATIONAL
restaurants, and upscale hotels. But the heart of the GARDEN, TOKYO
district is also home to one of Tokyo's most naturally
beautiful attractions – the Shinjuku Gyoen park.

• Within the park are sprawling green spaces and trails of

walking paths that wind around stunning floral displays,
ponds, and manicured shrubbery. Come cherry blossom
season, the park is one of the best spots to catch the
brilliant waves of powder pink.

• The park was built during Japan's Edo Period (1603-

1867) as the residence of a feudal lord. After that it
became a botanical garden and then was an entertaining
grounds for Japan's Imperial Family in the early 20th
century. It opened in 1949 as a public park.

• Within the park are three different styles of garden,

including a Japanese landscape, English landscape, and
French landscape.
35

Shinjuku Gyoen park

• The town of Hakone, located within the Fuji-Hakone-Izu
National Park to the west of Tokyo, is known for its 16. HAKONE OPEN-AIR
stunning mountains and tranquil hot spring resorts. That is MUSEUM, HAKONE
reason enough to visit this stunning small town. But
another top draw to this peaceful bit of paradise is the
impressive Open-Air Museum.

• True to its name, the outdoor museum is a sculpture park

that spreads over 17 acres. Opened in 1969, it is one of
the first open-air museums in Japan, featuring more than
100 sculptures all over the grounds.

• One of the most impressive sculptures here is the

Symphonic Sculpture, which allows visitors to climb a
stained-glass tower to reach a viewing platform that
overlooks the surrounding mountains, as well as the other
works of art on the grounds.

• In addition to the outdoor exhibits, the museum has an

indoor exhibit, including one of the world's most
impressive collections of Picasso. You'll find more than
300 of the great Spanish painter's works here, including 36

his oil paintings, prints, ceramics, and sculptures.

• Dating back more than 1,000 years, the Naritasan 17. NARITASAN SHINSHO-JI, NARITA
Shinshoji Temple is one of the most popular
Buddhist temples in Japan. The purpose for the
temple was to protect and pay homage to a statue of
the Buddhist god, Fudo Myoo, which is said to have
been carved by Kobo Daishi. Within the temple
grounds are several buildings, including several
different style pagodas, a park, and the main halls.
• Approaching the temple complex is like stepping
back in time. The half-mile journey from the rail
station to the temple complex is a road lined with
restaurants and handicraft stores. The same has been
true of this street for hundreds of years. While the
stores themselves may have a 21st-century appeal,
the arrival experience to the temple complex has
remained unchanged for centuries.
Naritasan Shinsho-ji temple 37
• Japan's Okinawa archipelago consists of more
than 150 islands that speckle the area between
Taiwan and Japan's mainland. This tropical 18. OKINAWA CHURAUMI
environment is completely unique to other areas AQUARIUM
of Japan, home to beautiful beaches and swaying
palm trees. The main island is also called
Okinawa, and is home to several museums, as
well as the Churaumi Aquarium.
• The aquarium is widely considered to be the best
in Japan, known for its Kuroshio Tank. Within
this massive tank are about 60 different species of
animals, but most visitors come to see the
gigantic whale sharks and gliding manta rays.

• Other attractions within the aquarium include a

deep water exhibit, which shows off
bioluminescent fish, as well as an area dedicated
to tiger and bull sharks. Outside are a variety of
Whale shark in the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
pools that are home to dolphins, sea turtles, and 38

manatees.
• Japan has hundreds of beautiful, historic 19. MATSUMOTO CASTLE,
castles. But none is as complete or NAGANO
mesmerizing as Matsumoto Castle. Built from
1592 to 1614, Matsumoto is located in the city
of Nagano. Tip: One of the best times to visit
the castle is in the spring, when the grounds
of the castle are powdered a soft pink with the
bloom of thousands of cherry blossoms.
• Inside the castle, visitors have one of the best
glimpses back into time. Matsumoto Castle has
maintained its wooden interiors, giving a true
historic feel to the experience. Matsumoto is
considered to be one of five castles that are
designated as "National Treasures of Japan." It
is the oldest six-story castle tower that remains
in the country.
39

•
• Located in the Arishayama section of Kyoto, the famous
Arashiayama Monkey Park is one of the best things to do
both in Kyoto, as well as Japan overall. A short hike up a 20. ARASHIYAMA MONKEY
forest-covered mountain opens up to sweeping views PARK, KYOTO
over the city, as well as a troop of more than 120
Japanese macaque monkeys.

• The macaques roam freely in the monkey park, allowing

visitors to get up close and personal with these energetic
creatures. You can even feed them with food you
purchase at the park. You'll find a small, wooden
enclosure where you can feed the monkeys. Outside the
enclosure the macaques roam freely, bouncing from
branch to branch and scattering across the dirt trails.

• The top of the peak also provides a great view of Kyoto

and the beautiful mountain peaks in the distance. Visiting
the monkey park is wonderful in both spring and fall
because you'll have a bird's eye view of the cherry
blossoms and the brilliant changing of the leaves.

40
• Perfectly manicured with the highest attention to detail,
the gardens in Japan are truly works of art. To visit a 21. KENROKUEN GARDEN,
Japanese garden is to step into a painting. Arguably the KANAZAWA
most beautiful garden in Japan is the Kenrokuen Garden
in Kanazawa. The grounds used to be a part of Kanazawa
Castle and were opened to the public in the 19th century.

• What makes the garden so special is that it was designed

around what are known as the six essentials to make a
perfect garden. These include spaciousness, seclusion,
antiquity, abundant water, views, and artificiality.

• While exploring the grounds, visitors will pass by

beautiful pools, babbling brooks, bridges, teahouses,
artfully placed stones and flowerbeds, as well as sweeping
views and secluded pockets.

• The park is a beautiful spot to witness the cherry

blossoms in the spring, as well as the sweeping autumn
colors that take over in the fall.

41
• Located on the Rikuchu Coast, this small beach
is flanked by pine forests and volcanic white
22. JODOGAHAMA BEACH
rocks. The name Jodogahama translates to "Pure
Land Beach," a reference to the scenic beauty of
this hidden inlet. This is a great beach for
swimming, with crystal-clear blue waters and
calm waves.
• The beach itself is rocky and not great for digging
your toes in the sand, but the beauty and quiet
atmosphere of the area more than makes up for it.

• The nearby Jodogahama Visitor Center is a great

place to learn more about the area or to grab a
map of the nearby hiking trails. For those looking
for a more relaxing activity, a number of cruises
depart from the beach to tour the nearby waters
and islands, as well as the famous Blue Cave.
42
• Located just an hour down the coast from Tokyo and a favorite among
city dwellers, the Kamakura beaches offer the perfect sandy escape.
• Because of their location, the beach season here is very short — only July 23. KAMAKURA BEACHES
and August — and the shoreline gets crowded once kids are out of
school. But if you don't have time to travel to other beaches farther away,
the Kamakura beaches are still a great choice — plus the area gets bonus
points because you can see Mt. Fuji while lying on the sand.
• There are three main beaches in
Kamakura: Yuigahama and Zaimokuza are the two most popular ones
and the busiest. They offer all kinds of marine activities including surfing,
flyboarding, and wakeboarding. These two beaches are right next to each
other, offering a one-kilometer stretch of golden sand perfect for
swimming and sunbathing. Visitors can rent equipment, buy food and
drinks, or sit at one of the many beachside cafés.
• The most distant beach is Zaimokuza Beach, popular for sea-kayaking,
paddleboarding, and water-biking. While there are fewer amenities here,
43
the beach is also less crowded and a quieter escape.
• Nijo Castle (Nijō-jō), complete with well-preserved
walls, towers, and a moat, was built in 1603 and later 24. NIJO CASTLE
served as the seat of government. The complex has
several buildings containing many significant works of
art, and is famous as the location chosen by the emperor
to issue the rescript abolishing the country's once
powerful Shogunate.
• Highlights include the castle's East Gate (Higashi
Otemon, its main entrance), as well as the Inner Gate, or
Karamon, notable for its fine carvings and decorated
metalwork. Beyond this, the elaborate Mikuruma-yose is
another must-see. The castle's fine gardens are also fun
to explore.

44
 45

• The site's most important building is Ninomaru Palace. Consisting of five separate buildings linked by corridors, it boasts exquisite
interiors decorated with many paintings by Kano Tanyu and his pupils. The principal apartment is the Hall of the Imperial
Emissary (Jodan-no-ma), matched in splendor by the adjoining rooms, Ni-no-ma and Tozamurai-no-ma with their paintings of tigers.
• Also of interest is the adjacent building with its large Audience Hall surrounded by a gallery and with sliding doors with large paintings
of larches on a gold background.
• The fourth building, the Kuro-Shoin, has animal paintings by Kano Naonobu, while in the Shogun's private apartments are paintings of
mountain landscapes.
• If traveling as part of a tour, be sure to request a chance to tread the castle's famous "nightingale floors." These squeaking floorboards
were specially designed to replicate the chirping of a nightingale.
• Originally built in the 14th century as a retirement villa
for Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu and now a Zen 25. KINKAKU-JI: THE
Buddhist temple, the magnificent Golden Pavilion GOLDEN PAVILION
(Kinkaku-ji) is one of Kyoto's most picturesque
attractions.
• Taking its name from the gold leaf adorning the top two
of its three floors – a design element believed to
alleviate any negativity associated with death – the
structure has been rebuilt in its original form a number
of times, this most recent incarnation dating from the
late 1950s.

• Built over a large pond, the site is also famous for its
beautiful grounds, as well as its old stone pagoda and
the Sekkatei Teahouse with its traditionally served
beverages. For a different perspective of this wonderful
tourist attraction, plus avoiding the summer crowds,
46
time your visit for either winter or autumn (the latter is
spectacular thanks to the fall colors).
• Holliday, A. R. (2016). Cultural travel and cultural prejudice. Identities: representation and practices,
25-44.
• Holliday, A. R. (2016). Cultural travel and cultural prejudice. Identities: representation and practices,
25-44.
• Butcher, J. (2006). 2. Cultural Politics, Cultural Policy and Cultural Tourism. In M. Smith & M.
Robinson (Ed.), Cultural Tourism in a Changing World: Politics, Participation and
(Re)presentation (pp. 21-35). Bristol, Blue Ridge Summit: Channel View
Publications. https://doi.org/10.21832/9781845410452-004

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