6 Places to Visit to Learn More about Japan History
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Shinjuku, Tokyo
There is no doubt that Shinjuku is the most talked about location not only in Japan but also other countries across the world due to its commercial perks. This is where you can find a plethora of entertainment centers, shops, and nightlife districts. This also serves as home to the busiest train station in Japan.
Back in the 60s and 70s, the streets were filled with beatniks and political dissidents as they sing songs of protest and shout protesting words to let the ruling authorities of the time to know about their dissatisfaction.
This is the reason why the world considered Shinjuku has the 1960s’ birthed counter culture and also a place that you can visit if you wish to travel back in time and experience Japan history firsthand.
The West Exit of Shinjuku often serves as the starting point when exploring the area which also happens to be a historic place that served as the location of numerous protest gatherings during that time.
Taiyuin Temple
Taiyuin Temple is yet another UNESCO World Heritage site that is comfortably perched on the side of a mountain in Nikko. The third reigning shogun of that time, Tokugawa Lemitsu, commissioned builders to put up two crypts, the first one being for Tokuga Leyasu, his founding grandfather and the Edo era’s first shogun leader and the second one for himself.
To prevent overshadowing the legacy of his grandfather or causing criticisms during the Edo era, the third shogun instructed the construction of a smaller and less picturesque Taiyuin Temple than the Toshogu shrine.
Upon climbing the stairs and setting foot inside the temple, gold pillars, sculptures, paintings, and several ornaments will welcome you. You will also get to enjoy the best of nature thanks to the magnificent cedars that surround the building.
Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park, Nikko
Located in Nikko, the Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park, Nikko has a capacity of 106 rooms and is among the most outstanding wooden structure constructions ever known in Japan history that remains standing to this day in the kingdom.
The park is a unique combination of modernized Western and traditional Japanese architecture. This is what makes it a very popular destination not only for the savvy tourists spending their holidays in the region but even for the locals.
