Modeled after the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Tokyo Tower is located in Minatoku, a central business district in Tokyo. The tower, which was completed in 1958, was built as a symbol of the global economic powerhouse that Japan was becoming. It stands almost 1,100 feet tall, and from the observation tower visitors can see as far as Mount Fuji and Mount Tsukuba.
Tokyo Tower
4-2-8 Shiba-Koen
Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan 105-0011
03-3433-5111
tokyotower.co.jp
Yoshinogari Historical Park, located in the Saga Prefecture, is a reconstructed village that depicts life as it was during the ancient Yayoi period. Ruins from the original village, which existed from 300 BC to 300 AD, also remain at the park. In 1992, the Yoshinogari ruins became a national historical park. Relics that have been uncovered at the site include copper and bronze knives and decorative glass beads. The Yoshinogari ruins are of extremely high academic value and are an important cultural asset.
Yoshinogari Historical Park
1843 Tade, Yoshinogari-cho
Kanzaki-gun, Japan
0952-55-9333
yoshinogari.jp
The Shurijo Castle, which was built during the 15th century by the Kingdom of the Ryukyus, is located in the city of Naha. Visitors can tour the castle, as well as its surrounding park, and participate in one of the attraction's regular events, including the Shurijo Castle illumination, New Year's celebration or the Ukeejo performance (the daily castle gate opening to welcome visitors).
Shurijo Castle Park
1-2 Kinjo-cho, Shuri
Naha City, Okinawa 903-0815
098-886-2020
oki-park.jp
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is home to the Hiroshima Atomic Bomb Dome, which was the site of the atomic bomb explosion that took place on August 6, 1945. The Atomic Bomb Dome is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Other attractions in the park include the Korean Victims Monument, Peace Flame, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and Children's Peace Monument.
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
1-2 Nakajimama-cho, Naka-ku
Hiroshima City, Japan 730-0811
81-82-242-7798
apike.ca
The Todaiji Temple, translated as the Great Eastern Temple, is located in Nara Park, in the city of Nara. Built in 752 AD, this temple is one of the country's most famous and historically significant temples. It houses the largest bronze Buddha statue, called Daibutsu. The temple also houses a pillar with a hole in its base, which is the same size as the Daibutsu's nostril. Legend says that those who can squeeze through the opening will "be granted enlightenment in their next reincarnation".
Todaiji Temple
Nara Park
630-8587, 406-1 Zoshi-cho
Nara City, Japan
0742-22-5511
japan-guide.com
