What are the tourist spots in Japan that are popular with foreign tourists? Introducing popular tourist spots!

Compared to a long time ago, internationalization has progressed in Japan, and opportunities to meet foreign tourists have increased in various places.

Therefore, this time, I would like to introduce "sightseeing spots in Japan" that are popular with foreign tourists.

By knowing the spots that are popular with foreigners, you should be able to grasp the goodness of your own country from a different perspective!

How many foreign tourists are visiting Japan?

At the beginning, I mentioned that "Japan is becoming more internationalized," but the annual number of tourists visiting Japan continues to be updated every year.

With reference to the data released by JNTO, the number of tourists over the last five years was examined as follows.

December 2014: 1,236,000 people

December 2015: 1,773,000 (The number of foreign visitors to Japan and the number of Japanese leaving Japan have reversed for the first time in 45 years!)

December 2016: 2,051,000 people

December 2017: 2,521,000 people

December 2018: 2,632,000 people

May 2019: 2,773,000 people

In this way, the number of foreign tourists entering Japan continues to increase year by year.

There are still half a year left this year, but as of May, the number has exceeded the number for the year 2018!

In addition, as the Government of Japan has set a goal of "40 million foreign tourists visiting Japan" toward the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, it is expected that the number of foreign tourists to Japan will increase in the future.

Top 10 most popular spots for foreign tourists

Here, we will introduce 10 popular spots for foreign tourists.

1. Kyoto Prefecture "Fushimi Inari"

Fushimi Shrine is the head office of Inari Shrines scattered all over the country. The Inari god, who controls the abundance of five grains, is enshrined, but many people come to pray for prosperous business and family safety.

A shrine with an impressive red thousand torii gate, creating a mysterious space.

Easy access from Kyoto Station, easy to visit. In the questionnaire for foreign tourists, it is a tourist spot that is so popular that it has won the first place for five consecutive years.

2. Hiroshima Prefecture "Atomic Bomb Dome"

It was the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima that led the war between Japan and the United States to the end. It is this Atomic Bomb Dome that still retains the situation at that time.

The museum is also called the "Atomic Bomb Museum" because it introduces in detail dolls that reproduce the exposed people, actual photographs, and the historical background that led to the atomic bomb.

An experience that makes us think more deeply about war and what we can do for world peace in the future ... That is probably because Japan is the only country in the world where an atomic bomb was dropped.

3. Hiroshima Prefecture "Miyajima"

Miyajima is not only full of activities such as swimming and BBQ, but also has Itsukushima Shrine, which is registered as a World Heritage Site.

Itsukushima Shrine is also famous as one of the three most scenic spots in Japan, and the "red torii gate floating on the water" that you can see when the tide is full is so beautiful that you can sigh.

Like Miyajima floating in the Seto Inland Sea, it is recommended that you spend your time enjoying the nature of the island to your heart's content.

4. Nara Prefecture "Todaiji Temple"

Todaiji Temple, which is a typical Great Buddha Hall in the Nara period, is also known as "Kinkoumei Shitenno Gokokunoji".

Since it is one of the largest wooden temples in the world, it cannot be said that it is the size of the Great Buddha Hall inside the temple! Not only the power of the Great Buddha Hall, which is overwhelming, but also the fact that you can see the delicate and dynamic wooden architecture up close is a big point.

5. Tokyo "Shinjuku Gyoen"

Shinjuku Gyoen is a modern Western garden that represents the Meiji era and was built as an imperial garden in 1906.

Over 10,000 trees grow in the garden, and you can enjoy the nature of the four seasons with all five senses.

In addition, there are historic buildings such as "Old Imperial Rest House" and "Old Imperial Rest House" in the garden where you can learn about the history of the imperial family, and it is known as a relaxing spot that makes you forget about the city. ..

6. Ishikawa Prefecture "Kenrokuen"

Kenrokuen, which is listed as one of the three great gardens of Japan, is a historic garden that is said to have started in 1676.

You can enjoy a walk all year round, such as cherry blossoms in full bloom in spring and snow fishing that shines golden in winter.

There are plenty of teahouses such as matcha in the park, so you can experience a Japanese-style way of enjoying nature while enjoying a relaxing break with tea.

7. Wakayama Prefecture "Mt. Koya"

On Mt. Koya in Wakayama Prefecture, "Oku-no-in", which is designated as a nationally designated historic site, is famous.

Oku-no-in is located at Kongobuji Temple, the head temple of the Shingon sect of Koyasan, and walks about 2km from Ichinohashi to the mausoleum. Over 200,000 daimyo tombstones, prayer monuments, and memorial monuments line up along the way, making you feel solemn.

Let's proceed slowly while feeling the signs of the surroundings on the way to Oku-no-in, which is surrounded by a solemn and sacred atmosphere.

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8. Kyoto Prefecture "Kinkakuji"

Kinkakuji Temple, which boasts outstanding name recognition in Kyoto, was built in 1397 as the residence of Yoshimitsu Ashikaga.

It is called "Kinkakuji" because not only the exterior but also the interior is covered with gold leaf, but it is not well known that it is officially called "Kinkakuji".

Since it was registered as a World Heritage Site "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto", it has become a popular spot for tourists from all over the world!

9. Kanagawa Prefecture "Hakone Town"

In Hakone Town, Kanagawa Prefecture, there are many view spots where you can see Mt. Fuji, which is registered as a World Heritage Site.

Hakone has plenty of hot springs and accommodation facilities, but the Hakone Open Air Museum, which opened in 1969, is a popular outdoor museum for foreign tourists!

The unique sculptures on display on the vast site are wide and there are many photogenic shooting spots, so you can enjoy visiting.

There is also a footbath on the premises, so if you get tired, you can take a leisurely soak in the footbath and relax.

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10. Hyogo Prefecture "Himeji Castle"

Himeji Castle, which was registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site for the first time in Japan, is also called "Shirasagi Castle" because the outer wall painted with white plaster looks like a flying egret.

The various gimmicks inside the castle are all very interesting, so it is recommended that you take a leisurely tour of the castle tower on the 6th floor, one floor at a time!

Himeji Castle is also famous for its beautiful night illumination. The majestic appearance that cannot be expressed in words seems to tell the history of Japan.

Summary

Many of the tourist spots that are popular with foreign tourists are places where you can feel the history of Japan and get a glimpse of the delicate techniques unique to Japan.

Even as Japanese people, there are still many things we don't know.

I hope this article will give you an opportunity to think about Japanese history and culture once again.

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This article is a partial re-edit of the article published in Nihongo Biyori by KARUTA.
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