My dream vacation destination is Japan. When people talk about Japan, they tend to think of Sakura, classical drama, the tea ceremony, kimono and many other things.
All these traditional Japanese things are fancy and attractive to me. I have never been to this place, and I checked many travel notes about Japan.
Travellers say many people travel around for shopping, but when people travel to Japan, tourists prefer to experience their traditional culture and services because it is a completely different experience.
Dream travel
I have dreamt of travelling in Japan many times, but because of the time, I never had a chance to go there. Every time I see some Japanese pictures, I feel they are glamorous.
The architecture, the landscape and the people are unusual. Even though I have never been there I still bought some Japanese things to make me feel that the place is not that far away from me.
Plans to visit Japan
I am planning to visit Japan and when I do I want to visit these places.
Tokyo
This city is in central Japan and is Japan's political, economic and cultural centre. There is much information collection and distribution in Tokyo and it is the birthplace of the Asian pop culture.
The Ginza
I want to visit the world-famous Ginza which is the focus of Japan's highly developed capitalist culture.
Nightlife of Shinjuku
There are many bars, cafes and video game stores which usually open late into the night.
Hokkaido
Hokkaido is the largest island in Japan. Hokkaido is a gift of nature and is the purest place to my mind. It is an island in the North of Japan and it is surrounded by the sea. It accounts for 22 percent of Japan's total area.
Tokeidai
Tokeidai is the famous landmark in Sapporo, Hokkaido. It is one of the few surviving examples of American architecture in Hokkaido, and it is Japan's important cultural heritage.
This place is different from Tokyo. If I want to visit Tokyo and then go here, it should be a good decision. Tokyo will show Japan's prosperity, but this island will show the magic of the natural environment.
After I did some research and viewed some pictures of Hokkaido, I feel that this island will give me a feeling of peace and comfort.
Onsens
There are more than 3,000 onsens (spas) in Japan. The widespread of onsens in Japan is due to the country’s prime location along the Pacific Ring of Fire where much plate tectonics and volcanic activities ar occurr.
Due to the healing powers of mineral rich spring water in managing rheumatism, hypertension, skin diseases and more, onsens have maintained their popularity for centuries.
The oldest onsen in Japan is at least 3,000 years old.
Housed in a wooden castle-like structure, the Dogo Onsen on the island of Shikoku and is one of the oldest in Japan. It has been used for about 3,000 years and have been mentioned as a favourite hangout of commoners, and emperors.
Ancient hunters
Ancient hunters helped in the discovery of ancient onsens. They have uncovered some of the most beautiful and remote natural hot springs in Japan. While pursuing wounded animals, they were often led to hot springs as these animals knew about the healing abilities of onsens in easing their pain.
For this reason, animals who have led men to these divine waters have often been seen as messengers of Gods. As a tribute to these animals, many onsen buildings continue to have statues of brown bears and white herons.
These are the main reasons why Japan is my dream vacation destination.
Dewansa Senanayake
Grade 4F
Musaeus College
Colombo 7
