Miyajima Island makes for a great half-day trip from Hiroshima City. But it’s Itsukushima Shrine’s iconic Torii gate which has enthralled visitors since it was first built in 1168. Located 200 meters off the coast of the island in the waters of the Hiroshima Bay, its appearance changes depending on the time of day. During low tide it is possible to strike a pose right next to the gate. When the sea level rises the gate floats elegantly in the water, creating a beautiful aura for a photo opportunity.
Tottori-sakyu Sand Hills
Riding a camel through the Japanese desert. Does that sound impossible? The site of the famous Japanese film “Woman in the Dunes,” the Tottori Sand Hills stretch out 16 kilometers along the coast Sea of Japan? as part of Sanin Kaigan Park. Visitors to the dunes can enter by bus or car from Tottori City, and rent camel rides, sandboards, or dune buggies from tour companies operating out of Tottori. Travelers from Osaka should plan for a 2.5 hour train ride, followed by a 20 min bus ride from Tottori Station to the dunes.
Nachi Falls in Wakayama
Japan’s largest waterfall is located in Wakayama Prefecture. The 133-meter high Nachi Falls is a majestic sight to behold, whose view is made complete by Kumano Nachi Taishai, a scenic Shinto shrine located nearby. The shrine can be reached by a 20 minute bus ride from Nachi Station. Visitors departing from Osaka or Kyoto should dedicate about 4 hours one way to reach the falls.
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in Kyoto
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is not only the most iconic Japanese forest, it is considered one of the most beautiful and unique locations in the entire world. The stalks stand straight like soldiers at attention, their thin frames filtering the sunlight gently rather than blocking it out. When the wind blows, the entire forest shimmers and whispers. Located a 30 minute train ride from Kyoto Station, follow the signs and crowds of tourists to this serene forest.
Kotohira-gu on Shikoku Island
Also known as Konpira Shrine, Kotohira-gu located a 521 meter hike up Mount Zozu in Kagawa Prefecture on Shikoku Island. The shrine is a popular pilgrimage destination and was designated one of Japan’s nationally significant shrines. A visit to the shrine allows the discerning photographer to capture subtle aspects of traditional Japanese culture as well as a gorgeous panorama view of the city below. For those who prefer not to walk, a bus which requires a prior reservation can be taken from JR Kotohira Station.
Great Buddha at Kamakura
The 13-meter high bronze Buddha of Kamakura is one of Japan’s oldest, built in 1252. The Buddha, along with a plethora of beautiful temples, is located in Kamakura, a popular day-trip location less than an hour from Tokyo. The statue is a great place for an iconic photograph, ranging from those reflectively spiritual to ones of people trying to lift the 93 ton giant from its base.
Mt.Fuji
Getting to the most famous mountain in Japan is as simple as catching a bus from Shinjuku bus terminal. Climbing to the summit takes a little more effort. The eight hour hike can be done night or day anytime of the year except for the winter months. At the top, one will see the beauty of the whole world encompassed in one gorgeous panorama. The mountain itself casts a shadow over the clouds and other mountains below it in the early morning sunlight. Then the only challenge, is the five hour hike back down!
Kiyomizu Temple
This iconic Buddhist temple gets its name, which means “clean water,” from the waterfall which runs through the lush yet peaceful gardens of this UNESCO World Heritage site. The complex is not only a spectacular opportunity for photographs, but the raised platform upon which the temple is build is a feat of masterful architecture. If one looks closely, they can see that not even one nail was used in its construction.
Byodo-in Temple
Byodo-in Temple was built in 998 and stands as one of the few original structures from the Heian period of Japan. The iconic Phoenix Hall features twin phoenixes on either edge of the roof. The image of such an ancient structure resting on a serene lake is priceless. The temple is a 10 minute walk from JR Uji Station, which in turn is about 20 minutes from Kyoto.
Drift Ice of Shiretoko Peninsula
In the far reaches of the northeastern tip of Hokkaido, frozen sheets of ice drift down to the Shiretoko coast. During the winter months, the ice gets so thick that boats on the peninsula need to be taken out of the water to prevent from being damaged. On the bright side, the adventurous photographer can capture the power of nature as he or she looks upon an ocean full of endless sheets of ice. While the ice can be seen throughout the edge of the peninsula, the city of Utoro offers guided ice walking tours.
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