Japan is one of those countries that many people are curious about. The fascination that many people have with the island nation stems from the fact that it was isolated for a good chunk of its history. In fact, the first time that Japan opened its borders to foreigners was in the 1800s, and for a long time, the only people allowed to trade in the country were the Dutch. Today, however, Japan’s tourism industry is thriving, with millions of tourists visiting the country annually. So, here are just a few reasons to visit Japan.
The Arcades
A huge part of Japanese youth culture are the massive arcades, filled with all kinds of classic arcade games. The Japanese arcades also feature a huge number of strange games, that can’t be played anywhere else. From fighting games, to shooting games, to racing games, to sport simulations, to dancing games, Japanese arcades are hugely popular with both tourists and the Japanese population.
The most popular game in these arcades, invariably is Pachinko. Pachinko combines the randomness of Slots, and the playstyle of pinball, to create a truly fascinating game which requires equal amount of skill and luck. Pachinko developed as a gambling game, made specifically to bypass the harsh restrictions that the Japanese government imposed on gambling during the 20th century.
Today, Pachinko can be played in numerous arcades in Japan (and other countries), as well as at the legal sites found here. The best part here is that these websites also double as sportsbooks, meaning fans can play their favorite casino games, as well as place a bet on their favorite sport. For those who don’t have an interest in games, however, Japan has many other things to offer.
Cultural Landmarks
As stated, Japan was isolated for a long time, prompting the country to develop its own unique cultures, architecture, art style, etc. For fans of history, art, and culture, Japan is like a treasure trove. Some of the most popular buildings in Japan, which today serve as popular tourist attractions include the Himeji Castle, in Himeji, built in 1333, and heavily remodeled in the 1500s, under the orders of one of Japan’s most famous leaders, Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Other historically-significant structures in the country include: Osaka Castle, the Fushimi Inari gate in Kyoto, Sensou-Ji in Tokyo, and many, many more.
More recent cultural landmarks include the Atomic Bomb Dome and the Peace Memorial, built in Hiroshima to commemorate the victims of the atomic bomb.
Natural Landmarks
For fans of the outdoors, Japan is also home to some of the most beautiful natural sites. Everyone interested in nature has heard of Mount Fuji, the tallest mountain in the country. Mount Fuji plays a significant role in Japanese culture, history, and religion, and many different cultures have developed at its base.
Mount Fuji is not the only natural landmark that Japan has to offer. Kyoto is home to one of the biggest, and most beautiful groves in the world, the Bamboo Forest. The bamboo forest is one of Japan’s most highly regarded and appreciated soundscapes. Before 2015, the Kyoto government charged entrance to the forest, however, as of 2015 that is no longer the case, so visitors can enter the forest at their leisure.
