This most-visited temple in Kyoto was built to honor Kannon, the goddess of mercy. It's beautiful hillside location offers spectacular views of the city and valley below.

One of Kyoto's most famous attractions, this temple was originally built in 1397 as a residence for shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. The structure was completely covered in gold leaf, earning it the name Golden Pavilion.

One of the grandest feudal castles of Japan.

This world heritage site was the home of Tokugawa leyasu, one of the most powerful men in Japan. The castle was built as a residence and not for defense purposes. However, to protect the shogun from enemies, special creaky floorboards were installed to warn of anyone approaching.

The oldest temple in Japan, built over 1,400 years ago, this temple is famous for its symmetrical design and even has an architectural arrangement named after it,”Shitenno-ji-style temple layout.”

This extremely popular theme park is equivalent to the Universal Studios in Hollywood and Orlando, and features shows, rides and restaurants based on famous movie themes, like Jaws, Back to the Future and Terminator.

The heart of Osaka nightlife, this area is filled with theaters, restaurants, cafes, bars, arcades and nightclubs.

Arashiyama is a small town on the Oi River. Its moon-crossing bridge, Togetsu-kyo, is a beautiful, much-beloved wooden structure. Arishiyama also has Tenryu-ji temple, one of the 14 World Heritage Sites in Kyoto.

Once the largest castle in Japan when originally built in the 1580s, this castle has an observation platform with city views and a history museum that uses holograms, 3D pictures and other technologies to describe the history of the castle and the period during which it was built.

The most famous neighborhood in Kyoto is also known as the Geisha district. It is here, among the teahouses and private clubs that you can catch a glimpse of a geisha in full dress including white makeup.

See the wide range of habitats that make up the Pacific Rim on a tour of this fascinating aquarium, which takes you from one environment to another and lets you feel as though you’re underwater.