7. Dedicated to the spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, this Shinto shrine is located in the Shibuya district of Tokyo. A beautiful walk through verdant Japanese forest leads you to this historic shrine, constructed in 1920. A peaceful sanctuary in the heart of the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, visit around the New Year to see thousands of locals making their first prayer of the year! The nearby Meiji Jingu Museum is also worth a visit. It is home to the most valuable treasures from the shrine’s collection.
8. Situated in the city of the same name, Himeji Castle is one of the most important tourist attractions in Japan. Nicknamed the ‘White Heron’, it is instantly recognisable by its glistening white exterior. It is one of the only castles in Japan to survive from the feudal period. In fact, Himeji Castle dates back to the 14th-century and is the largest and most visited castle in Japan. Curiously, the castle is the source of many local legends. A supernatural entity, who lives in the castle tower to avoid humans, is said to inhabit Himeji Castle. An invaluable cultural treasure, the castle offers incredible insights into classical Japanese culture.
