#15 Things to See and Do in Japan

5. Fushimi Inari

Beautiful, serene shrines abound in Japan but this one, in Kyoto, is undoubtedly one of the most photogenic, with its long tunnel of thousands of brightly colored torii gates (through which you’ll no doubt be hoping for at least one person in traditional garb to pass – it makes a gorgeous photo). A network of trails beyond lead into the forest of Mount Inari, a 233-meter high sacred mountain which is part of the shrine grounds. Inari is the Shinto god of rice – obviously an important god in Japanese culture and, if you’re wondering what all of the fox statues dotted around the grounds are about, these wily creatures are thought to be the messengers of Inari.

6. Jigokudani National Park

Established in 1964 as a conservation area, you should plan your trip to this park for the winter months if you’re hoping to get a look at those adorably pensive looking snow monkeys chilling out in a hot spring surrounded by snow. These are Japanese Macaques, and they are the most northern-dwelling primate, other than humans, in the world, living in temperatures as low as -15C. Despite being known as ‘snow monkeys’ however, these creatures inhabit the park all year round and summer – which also has the benefit of extended park opening times – is prime time for seeing the babies getting to grips with their new-found independence.