The most interesting cities in Japan for independent travel

Travelers will be interested in the cities of Japan, where the ultra-modern buildings and ancient buildings are closely intertwined, the rabid rhythm of life and preserved traditions, huge shopping centers and noisy markets. The most attractive settlements of the Land of the Rising Sun include the multimillion-dollar capital of Tokyo, the snow-capped city of Sapporo on the island of Hokkaido, impregnated with the spirit of antiquity of Kyoto, the port town of Yokohama. Visiting the largest cities of Japan, it is impossible to ignore the industrial Osaka, modern buildings which are associated with a kind of bridge to the future.

Tokyo : the capital looks a bit different than other cities in Japan, and at the time of the first visit to the city many tourists get the impression that they were in a fictional fantasy world. There are skyscrapers that cut through the clouds and cozy royal palaces built in national style, the boiling life does not stop even at night, and overcrowded highways can be considered as sights. During a trip to Tokyo, you should visit the Ginza shopping area, go to the Asakusa area, where the street of antiquities with the Sansoji temple is located, stroll through Fantastic Disneyland.

Sapporo : a trip to such cities of Japan as Sapporo, will be especially interesting in winter, when travelers will be able to fully enjoy the beauty of the snow-covered city. The layout of the city founded in 1869 remains correct, its wide boulevards intersect at right angles. Among the attractions is a huge park Maruyama, among which are houses for unforgettable tea ceremonies and a picturesque pond. In the daytime, you can pay attention to the Clock Tower built in the XIX century, and in the evenings it is impossible not to notice the 150-meter television tower illuminated by a multitude of lights.

Osaka : considering the large cities of Japan, it is necessary to highlight Osaka - an ancient port city with a multitude of rivers and canals, which in the twentieth century turned into a huge industrial center. Ancient Buddhist and Shinto temples are preserved here, but the most famous building is the Osaka Castle erected in 1579, in the architecture of which the features of a powerful fortress and a huge multi-storey pagoda are closely intertwined. Now in the restored old samurai castle there is a museum, and tourists can see a wide ditch, the preserved Yagur towers and the Otemon Gate, barracks buildings and residential buildings of past centuries.

Kyoto : the ancient Japanese capital of Kyoto still compares with the soul of the state and its largest religious center, and in the territory of this city of Japan there are 600 Shinto and about 1600 Buddhist temples. Kyoto managed to maintain the attractive atmosphere of antiquity, and tourists will be amazed at the magnificence of the blooming gardens and luxurious palaces. Only here you can visit the unusual tea houses, where the tea-drinking remains a sacred ritual, get acquainted with beautiful geishas and learn the peculiarities of Japanese philosophy. The main attractions of Kyoto are the city of Geon Gion, Niji Castle and the beautiful Re-azi rock garden, the Kinkakuji Pavilion and the Sayhodzi Temple.

Yokohama : Like Tokyo, Yokohama is often referred to as the "city of the future", and its main attractions include glowing skyscrapers, a Ferris wheel shimmering with all the colors of the rainbow and a tall lighthouse known as the Sea Tower. About the past of Yokohama reminds the old ship "Hikawa-maru" moored to the pier, which transported passengers from the islands of Japan to America about half a century ago. Between the Yamashita Park and Ishikawa Street, the Chinatown quarter is located, where an incessant holiday is constantly reigning, and many tourists can make interesting purchases.