7 Must-Visit Places In Japan
May 21, 2025
Fushimi Inari-taisha is a famous Shinto shrine located in Kyoto, Japan. It is dedicated to Inari, the deity of rice, prosperity, and business. The shrine is best known for its thousands of bright red torii gates that form scenic trails up Mount Inari. Founded in 711 AD, it serves as the head shrine for over 30,000 Inari shrines across Japan.
Arashiyama is a scenic district on the western outskirts of Kyoto, Japan, known for its natural beauty, historic sites, and cultural charm. It is especially famous for the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, where tall bamboo stalks create a serene and otherworldly atmosphere.
Meiji Jingu is a major Shinto shrine located in Tokyo, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, who played key roles in the modernization of Japan during the Meiji Restoration.
Kiyomizu-dera is a historic and iconic Buddhist temple located in Kyoto, Japan. Founded in 778 AD, it is dedicated to Kannon, the goddess of mercy, and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto."
Senso-ji is Tokyo's oldest and most famous Buddhist temple, located in the historic Asakusa district. It was founded in 628 AD and is dedicated to Kannon, the goddess of mercy.
Dotonbori is a lively entertainment and nightlife district located in Osaka, Japan, along the Dotonbori Canal. Known for its bright neon lights, animated signboards (like the famous Glico running man), and street food, it's a must-visit destination for tourists
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is a serene urban oasis nestled in the heart of Tokyo, Japan. Spanning 58.3 hectares, it harmoniously blends three distinct garden styles: Japanese traditional, French formal, and English landscape gardens. This fusion creates a tranquil retreat amidst the bustling cityscape
Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion, is a famous Zen Buddhist temple located in Kyoto, Japan. Officially named Rokuon-ji, it was originally built in 1397 as a retirement villa for the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, and later converted into a temple by his son. Read Next Story
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India.com
a day ago
- India.com
7 Oldest UNESCO Heritage Sites Around The World That Still Whisper Ancient Stories
History doesn't just sit in books. It stands in stone, carved into temples, etched in caves, and written across ruins that refuse to you step into a heritage site, time bends. The present slows down, and the past comes alive—voices of forgotten kings, chants of monks, and footsteps of travelers who walked centuries before you. Most people chase the Eiffel Tower or the Statue of Liberty. But what if we told you: the real treasures of travel lie in places where silence speaks louder than crowds?These are the world's oldest UNESCO heritage sites, some dating back thousands of years, where humanity's earliest dreams, faiths, and civilizations are still intact. Let's wander into their timeless embrace. 1. The Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela, Ethiopia : The African Jerusalem In the highlands of Ethiopia lies Lalibela, a town that feels less like earth and more like a miracle carved into it. Around the 12th century, eleven monolithic churches were chiseled directly into volcanic rock—downwards, not upwards. Walking through the trenches that connect them feels like entering a secret city underground. The most famous, Bete Giyorgis (Church of St. George), shaped like a perfect Greek cross, is a symbol of faith and precision. Pilgrims in white robes still gather here, their chants echoing off stone walls that have stood for nearly a thousand isn't just architecture. It's devotion made permanent. 2. Mesa Verde National Park, USA : Homes in the Cliffs Perched high in the cliffs of Colorado, Mesa Verde tells the story of the Ancestral Pueblo people, who lived here from 600 to 1300 AD. Instead of building on the ground, they tucked their homes into the canyon walls, creating entire villages suspended in stone. The Cliff Palace, with its 150 rooms, feels like a forgotten city frozen in time. Imagine cooking fires, children's laughter, and the sound of weaving echoing within these stone shelters. Today, the park is a reminder that survival isn't just about strength—it's about adapting beautifully to the land. 3. The Pyramids of Giza, Egypt :Timeless Guardians of the Desert Nothing prepares you for the first sight of the pyramids rising against the desert sky. Over 4,500 years old, these monuments are the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World—and the only ones still standing. The Great Pyramid of Khufu once held the title of the tallest man-made structure on Earth for nearly 3,800 years. Every block of limestone, every precise angle, whispers the genius of ancient engineering. And as the sun sets, casting golden shadows across the sand, you realize why they were built: not just as tombs, but as eternal stairways to the heavens. 4. Mohenjo-daro, Pakistan : The City Ahead of Its Time On the banks of the Indus River rests a city that challenges our very idea of progress. Mohenjo-daro, dating back to around 2500 BC, was part of the Indus Valley Civilization and had urban planning more advanced than many modern cities. Grid-patterned streets, covered drains, public baths, and wells in nearly every house—this was a society that valued cleanliness, order, and community living. The Great Bath, a large water tank lined with baked bricks, is believed to have been used for ritual purification. Walking here, you don't just see ruins; you see the skeleton of a city that dreamed of equality and structure. 5. The Acropolis of Athens, Greece : Where Civilization Took Shape High above Athens stands the Acropolis, the rocky citadel that became the cradle of Western civilization. Built in the 5th century BC, it houses the Parthenon, a temple dedicated to Athena, the city's patron goddess. What makes it extraordinary is not just the marble columns or perfect proportions—it's the ideas it represents. Democracy, philosophy, theater—all were nurtured in the shadow of this hill. As you walk through its ruins, you're not just visiting stones; you're standing where Socrates argued, where democracy found its roots, and where art and politics merged into timeless legacy. 6. Petra, Jordan : The Rose-Red City Half as Old as Time Tucked between desert canyons and sandstone cliffs, Petra is not entered, it is unveiled. You walk through a narrow gorge, the Siq, and suddenly the Treasury (Al-Khazneh) rises before you, glowing pink in the sunlight. Built by the Nabataeans more than 2,000 years ago, Petra was once a bustling trade hub, where caravans carrying spices, silk, and incense passed through. Its tombs and temples, carved straight into red sandstone, shimmer with an otherworldly glow. Even abandoned, Petra doesn't feel empty—it feels eternal. Every shadowed corner, every wind-shaped stone, carries whispers of travelers who crossed deserts to find it. 7. Stonehenge, United Kingdom : The Circle of Mysteries A ring of massive stones on a grassy plain in Wiltshire. Simple? Not at all. Stonehenge, dating back over 4,000 years, remains one of the world's greatest mysteries. How did people of the Neolithic era move stones weighing up to 25 tons? Why was it built—an astronomical observatory, a ceremonial site, or a burial ground? We still don't fully know. But as dawn breaks on the summer solstice and sunlight aligns perfectly with the stones, you understand that this circle was more than just construction—it was communion with the cosmos. Why Do These Sites Still Matter? Because they remind us of what humanity is capable of—long before machines, long before modern tools. Each stone, pillar, or carving holds stories of survival, belief, and brilliance. They are not relics to be glanced at; they are living chapters of our shared past. How to Experience Them Beyond Just Sightseeing Walk slowly. These aren't Instagram backdrops—they're conversations with time. Hire local guides. Their stories often reveal more than plaques ever will. Respect the silence. Some sites are sacred. Treat them as you would a temple. Notice the small details. A worn staircase, a faded carving, a stone aligned with the stars—sometimes, the magic is subtle. Final Thought Travel is not only about new experiences; it's about old echoes. The oldest UNESCO heritage sites aren't just tourist spots—they are living bridges between what we were and what we've become. So the next time you plan a trip, don't just look for modern wonders. Step into these ancient worlds. Because time doesn't bury history—it preserves it, waiting for someone like you to listen.
New Indian Express
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- New Indian Express
APTDC launches digital campaign to attract tourists
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Hans India
2 days ago
- Hans India
APTDC launches digital campaign to promote tourism
Amaravati: The Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) is leveraging digital media platforms to widely promote the State's unique tourism, historical and cultural sites. The campaign aims to attract tourists by showcasing some of Andhra Pradesh's hidden gems. The APTDC has created a series of videos highlighting various attractions, including the special Kalamkari art of Pedana in Krishna district, the ancient Buddhist stupa and inscriptions of Bhattiprolu in Bapatla district, and the famous handloom fabrics of Mangalagiri in Guntur district. Other videos feature the Panakala Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple and the historic Undavalli caves. The campaign encourages everyone to like and share these videos to spread awareness about Andhra Pradesh's unique heritage globally. Showcasing Andhra's rich heritage, the videos provide detailed information about each site: Kalamkari Art of Pedana: The videos present Pedana as the hub for authentic Kalamkari textiles, highlighting the use of natural dyes and the ancient craftsmanship of its artists. It explains that these fabrics are a key attraction for visitors. Mangalagiri Handlooms: The videos showcase the national recognition of Mangalagiri handlooms and fabric products, noting their GI (Geographical Indication) tag. The videos describe the intricate weaving, distinct Nizam-style borders, and high-quality dyeing, portraying these textiles not just as clothes but as a symbol of human effort, patience, and artistic skill. Bhattiprolu Buddhist Stupa: The campaign promotes Bhattiprolu as a must-visit site for its historical significance. It notes that the stupa, believed to have been built in the 3rd century BCE, contains the earliest inscriptions in the Telugu script found in South India, making it a crucial archaeological and educational center. Undavalli Caves: Located near Vijayawada, the Undavalli Caves are featured as a prime example of ancient rock-cut architecture.
