Exploring Top Attractions In Japan

Post written by CIEE Global Ambassador Gavin Freese who is currently participating in CIEE’s High School Abroad Program in Japan for the academic year. In this post, Gavin shares his experiences living in Japan for three months, highlighting top destinations like Uji, Osaka, Kinkaku-ji, and Nara, offering insights into history, nature, and activities for anyone visiting or studying abroad in Japan.

I’ve been living in Japan for about three months now, studying at Ritsumeikan High School in Uji, Kyoto. It’s been an amazing experience so far, and I wanted to share some of the top places I’ve visited in Japan. Whether you’re a student like me or just traveling around Japan, there’s something for everyone. From temples and nature to crazy fun activities, Japan has it all. 

Uji 

If you ever come to Kyoto, you have to visit Uji. It’s a small city, but it’s packed with history and beauty. One of the biggest attractions here is Byodo-in Temple. It’s a huge, ancient temple, and it’s also on the 10-yen coin, which is pretty cool. The temple is surrounded by beautiful gardens, and if you come in the fall, the leaves turn bright red and orange, which looks amazing. 

Besides the temples, I love hanging out by the Uji River. The area around the river is super peaceful, and it’s perfect for a walk or just relaxing. It’s a nice change of pace from the busy city life, and it’s one of my favorite places to just chill and clear my mind. Uji is perfect if you’re into history and nature. 

One thing I’ve really gotten into since I came to Japan is climbing. I never really did it back home, but there’s something about the nature here that makes it so much fun. Mt. Hiei is just a short train ride from Uji, and it’s one of the best places for a hike. The view from the top is amazing, and there’s a nice trail through the forest. It’s a great way to spend a few hours outdoors and get away from the busy city. 

If you’re into climbing gyms, Kyoto has some good ones too. I’ve been to Push The Limit, and it’s a great spot to meet people and try climbing indoors if you’re not as into hiking. 

Osaka 

If you want to experience the real energy of Japan, Osaka is the place to go. It’s only about 30 minutes from Kyoto by train, so it’s easy to get there for a day trip. Osaka has everything: temples, food, shopping, and tons of fun activities. 

A must-see in Osaka is Osaka castle. It’s one of the most famous spots in the city, and the park around the castle is perfect for a walk or a picnic. Inside the castle is a museum that tells you all about Japan’s history, and it’s cool to see how much has changed over the years. 

But if you really want to see Osaka at its craziest, head over to Dotonbori at night. The neon lights, the huge billboards, and all the shops and food stands make it feel like a different world. The food in Osaka is next level too. You have to try takoyaki (octopus-filled dough balls) and okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancakes). I can’t even explain how good they are. Osaka is a perfect mix of old and new, and it’s always exciting to visit. 

Kinkaku-ji 

While Uji is super chill, if you’re in Kyoto, you can’t miss Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion. It’s a Zen temple covered in gold leaf, and it’s seriously one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen. The temple sits next to a pond, and the reflection of the gold on the water looks incredible, especially on a sunny day. It’s a peaceful place to just take in the beauty and think for a while. 

The gardens around the temple are really pretty too, and there’s a walking path that takes you through the area. Kinkaku-ji is definitely one of Kyoto’s most famous spots, but it’s worth it. It’s the kind of place that makes you stop and appreciate everything around you. 

Nara 

Another place you should check out if you’re in the Kyoto area is Nara. It’s a city about 45 minutes away by train, and it’s known for the wild deer that roam around the park. You can feed them crackers, and they’re super friendly (though a little cheeky at times!). The park also has the huge Todai-ji Temple, where you’ll find one of the biggest Buddha statues in the world. It’s so big that it’s hard to believe until you see it in person. Nara feels like stepping into a time capsule with all the ancient temples, and it’s an awesome place to visit if you’re into history. 

I would say Japan has so much to offer, and I’ve only scratched the surface! Whether you’re into climbing, history, food, or just exploring, there’s always something to do here. For me, living in Uji has been amazing, especially with all the nature and temples nearby. But traveling around to places like Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara has been just as awesome. If you’re thinking about studying abroad in Japan or just coming to visit, I recommend checking out these places. 

Thanks for reading, and I hope this helps you plan your trip or study abroad experience in Japan! 

If you are interested in studying abroad during high school, you can apply here or you can schedule a call with an Enrollment Coordinator to start planning.    

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