Tokyo

Japan’s modern-city capital lacks the refined aesthetic Kyoto, or the tranquility of Nara, but comes up trumps with contemporary icons, like the forest of skyscrapers that dominates the Shinjuku district, the everchanging gadgets exhibited in the Sony building and the hyper-trendy street fashions and boutiques of Harajuku. Historic highlights include the country’s most venerated Shinto shrine, Meiji-jingu, and the impressive Senso-ji temple, while the old style early-morning Tsukji fish market makes a lively contrast with the shopping malls of super-chic Ginza, the latest gadgets on sale in Akihabara’s “Electronics Town” and the cutting-edge clubs in Roppongi.

Kyoto

This historic former capital city should be at the top of every visitor’s list. It has scores of breathtaking Buddhist temples, some of the country’s finest Zen gardens, and lovely neighbourhoods of wooden homes and traditional tea houses. Don’t miss the 1001 gilded statues of Buddha at Sanjusanngen-do temple, Ginkakuji’s Temple of the Silver Pavilion, or the inspirational Ryoan-ji rock garden. The modern face of Kyoto is energetic and youthful, with good bars, clubs and restaurants, and there are invigorating hill walks within day-tripping distance.

Hiroshima

Many visitors to Japan make a pilgrimage to Hiroshima’s excellent Peace Memorial Museum, a balanced commemoration of the dropping of the atomic bomb here on August 6, 1945, and its horrific repercussions. The regenerated city has a breezy, upbeat atmosphere and is a pleasure to explore. Just a twenty-minute ferry ride away is the little island of Miyajima, site of one of Japan’s most scenically located Shinto shrines.

Mount Fuji

Although the walk to the top of Japan’s iconic snow-capped peak takes a grueling six hours, thousands of people make it up to the 3776-metre summit every summer. Unfortunately, the tracks are always heaving with hikers, the mountainside is strewn with unattractive volcanic debris and, due to persistent haze, the views are rarely spectacular. A better way to appreciate Fuji-san is to climb nearby Mount Tenjo, which you can do in just 45 minutes, giving you the chance to admire Mount Fuji from a more interesting perspective. Or, more leisurely still, take a slow train ride through the surrounding Hakone region, an area of lakes and hot springs which also offers fine views of the sacred peak.

Himeji Castle

With its five-tiered roofs, elegant proportions and chilly interiors, imposing Himeji Castle looks much as it would have done when it housed the local lord and his samurai in the seventeenth century. Take the free guided tour to discover the castle’s secret defenses-like floors that were designed to creak and a labyrinthine network of corridors.

People who are obsessed with nature, and make sure to not affect their surroundings, South Koreans are very humble and down to earth. They make sure everyone is comfortable and then take care of their own needs, being self less at times. When visiting South Korea on a holiday, make sure to keep this list of things ready on hand, so you don’t miss out on the must see sights that this beautiful country has in store.

Gangwon is said to be the most popular destination by the Korean government and it is located in the central region in South Korea. Nearly 3/4th of the land is mountainous, and it has two regions each with its own identity. The Eastern runs along the coast, while the western faces Seoul and southern part is the inlands. This is where one begins their climb on the Diamond Mountains and to the Mt Baekdusan which lies in North Korea. This place is beautiful in winter, with snow covering the mountains and there is white snow everywhere.

Seongnamsa is a temple that should be visited and it is regarded a masterpiece. A walk along the 800 meter stone path leads to the park entrance and thereon to the temple. Once you reach there, take a minute to admire the pagoda at the top of the temple, and the various bamboo trees around it.

The Korean folk village is situated on the banks of the river and is a quiet place where the locals go about their daily routine. This is a place that gives the visitors the chance to be part of the locals and learn their way of life. Cooking, gardening, local traditions are all displayed by those who live here. There are parades, dance performances apart from all this, which makes it more fun for families, especially with kids.

Dodong Mineral Spring park is another popular tourist destination. To catch the beautiful sunset and become one with nature, it is best to come to this mineral spring park. The geysers and the park are a visual treat for anyone coming here. There are stories surrounding this park that if one where to drink the water from this mineral spring, it could cure their ailments, since it has medicinal benefits as well.