Have you ever thought you would like to visit Japan? No? You may be surprised that most people who don't know what Japan is like would love to visit it once they knew what was there worth seeing. Japan is a large country with a lot of places to see. And like so many other places one cannot possibly see everything in one trip. So sit back and let's explore some places and things in this unfamiliar yet wonderful country of Japan.
First you will want to decide where you want to spend time. Whether it's in the big city or in some small quaint traditional settings. The larger cities like Tokyo and Osaka are amazing in the diversity of how the Japanese have been able to integrate their ancient traditions into their lives even though they are a high tech society. Someone once said Japan has "Sophisticated elegance in an exotic setting". It is truly the perfect mix of new and old.
Maybe you want to spend time in the mountains. Some of earth's most breathtaking views are in the mountains of Japan. You can lose yourself for a night at a mountaintop Buddhist temple. If you like temples and shrines you will want to see Meiji Jungu and Asakusa Kannon. You can go to Kamakura to the famous often photographed, huge statue of Buddha. And while there visit many other cultural and historical sites of great interest.
Perhaps you are one who enjoys beautiful gardens. If so you don't want to leave Japan without going to the middle of Tokyo to the see the garden next to the Imperial Palace. This garden is open to the public as long as it's not being uses by some guest of the Emperor. Shinjuku (Shinjuku Gyouen) has another very beautiful garden with greenhouses full of fascinating plants.
Maybe you want to see where the Geisha live and work. How about climbing to the top of samurai castle. You can walk through farmers markets. Visit one of largest fish markets on earth. Or experience a delicious Japanese meal in one of a thousand family run restaurants and much, much more.
Sources:
https://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/
http://www.japanskiexperience.com/
http://www.japanrailpass.net/
https://www.gotokyo.org/