Quantity creates beauty: Must-visit spectacular sights in Japan for Taiwanese travelers

A visit to Sanjusangendo allows you to experience Kyoto’s “serenity, elegance, and tranquility.” (Photo provided by Shutterstock)

As Taiwanese people’s enthusiasm for traveling to Japan continues to grow, they savor Japanese cuisine and immerse themselves in Japanese aesthetics. With the summer vacation travel season approaching, the Kanto and Kansai regions of Japan are the most popular destinations for Taiwanese travelers. From theme parks that captivate both adults and children to awe-inspiring cultural, architectural wonders and natural landscapes—these grand spectacles are truly breathtaking.

Traveling abroad is no longer a “luxury.” One of the most familiar grand sights in Japan for Taiwanese people is Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto, ranked first among the top 10 best landmarks in Japan in 2017. The shrine features a thousand vermilion torii gates leading all the way to the sacred “realm” at the summit of Mount Inari, creating a majestic sight resembling a mysterious red tunnel. Not far away, Sanjusangendo also offers a scene of thousands—its main hall displays 1,001 nationally treasured statues of the Thousand-Armed Kannon, arranged neatly, exuding a solemn and magnificent aura.

Nara Deer Park is home to over a thousand deer, and visitors always remember to feed them senbei crackers. (Photo provided by Shutterstock)

The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove in Kyoto is a must-visit attraction for travelers to Japan, offering a stroll through a serene, secluded path. (Photo from our newspaper archives)

The Kyoto International Manga Museum houses over 300,000 manga volumes, with its rows of bookshelves showcasing an impressive collection. (Photo provided by Shutterstock)

Of course, Nara’s “Deer Park,” a popular tourist attraction in Japan’s Kansai region, also offers a grand-scale sight. The park is home to more than a thousand deer, and visitors often feed them senbei crackers to experience close encounters with these “messengers of the gods.” Alternatively, you can head to Arashiyama to visit the “Bamboo Grove Path,” where you can walk along a spectacular green pathway surrounded by dense bamboo. Listen to the rustling sound of bamboo leaves swayed by the breeze, and enjoy the tranquility of what is considered one of “Japan’s 100 Sounds Worth Preserving.”

In addition, Japan has created numerous classic manga masterpieces. The Kyoto International Manga Museum, which houses over 300,000 manga books, is a must-visit spot for anime and manga enthusiasts from around the world. The museum's bookshelves feature an impressive collection, and the site is housed in a renovated former elementary school building, allowing you to enjoy manga while reminiscing about your precious childhood memories.