{"id":3385,"date":"2014-12-04T11:18:36","date_gmt":"2014-12-04T11:18:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mercuryholidays.co.uk\/oyster\/?p=3385"},"modified":"2021-08-09T21:26:14","modified_gmt":"2021-08-09T20:26:14","slug":"12-destinations-advent-calendar-day-10","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dev.mercuryholidays.co.uk\/inspire\/guides\/destinations-trips\/12-destinations-advent-calendar-day-10\/","title":{"rendered":"12 Destinations Advent Calendar – Day 10"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year and to celebrate the beginning of the festive season, we\u2019re bringing you the \u201cMercury Holidays\u2019 12 Destinations Advent Calendar\u201d \u2013 every day we\u2019ll be taking a look at a top destination and what makes it the perfect place to visit with family, friends or enjoy a little you time.<\/strong><\/h4>\n
So, let\u2019s take a look behind door number 10…<\/strong><\/h5>\n

Japan and Mercury Holidays\u2019 Escorted Tours<\/strong><\/h4>\n


Japan is one of the most fascinating countries on the planet; combining the ultra-modern with an intriguing past, this destination is one that has drawn tourists for countless years. Whether you want to explore the bustling capital city of Tokyo with its endless selection of culture, food, shopping and art or head to Nara , where you\u2019ll find the world\u2019s largest bronze Buddha statue and the stunning Nara Park which is home to over 1,200 deer \u2013 each town, city and village in this country offers its visitors something different.<\/p>\n

Advent Calendar Fact: Japan is an island nation, however, the total number of islands that make up Japan is over 6,800! The four biggest being Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu and Shikoku.<\/span> \u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Tokyo<\/p>\n

When visiting Japan, a trip to the capital city is a must! From the moment tourists arrive in Tokyo<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, they are enchanted; always changing, this hub is awash with futuristic architecture, imposing concrete blocks housing incredible art, vibrant cocktail bars and the endless throngs of people from all walks of life.<\/p>\n

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Built in the 7th<\/sup> Century, Sensoji Temple is the oldest temple in Tokyo. This incredible complex consists of two main gates, the approach, the five-story pagoda and the main hall of the temple. When reaching the temple, you\u2019ll be faced with Kaminarimon Gate (Thunder Gate), the main entrance of Sensoji Temple. The vibrant red of the gate is adorned with a mammoth lantern with Kanji letter in the centre and a guardian on both sides. Once you\u2019re through the gate, venture up Nakamise Street which is the main approach to the temple.<\/p>\n

\"Sensoji<\/p>\n

This 250m long street is home to a wealth of souvenir shops and food stalls \u2013 making it the perfect place to experience some of the culture and local food before entering the complex. When you finally reach the end of the street, you\u2019ll encounter another large gate called Hozomon Gate. Once again, adorned with a huge lantern and enormous Waraji sandals \u2013 this is a great place to take a holiday snap! Past the gate is the main hall of the temple, this five-tiered pagoda is an awesome site to see and attracts millions of visitors each year. \u00a0<\/p>\n

Advent Calendar Fact: Hozomon Gate contains the temple\u2019s treasures \u2013 hence the name \u2018Treasure House Gate\u2019.<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"Samurai<\/p>\n

Next on the list of fantastic places to visit is the Tokyo National Museum<\/strong><\/span><\/a>; housing a range of beautiful artefacts including Buddhist sculptures, samurai swords, kimonos and much more \u2013 this is definitely one of the highlights when visiting the city. Due to the size of this museum, if you\u2019re short on time then we recommend primarily focussing on the Honkan (Japanese Gallery) which has a range of specially curated artistic highlights on the 2nd<\/sup> floor. If you have more time to explore then head to the Gallery of Horyu-ji Treasure which displays masks, scrolls and Buddhas dating back to 607 A.D., the Toyokan containing Asian art, including beautifully delicate Chinese ceramics, and the Heiseikan section where you\u2019ll find the Japanese Archaeological Gallery including pottery, talismans and various other items from Japan\u2019s prehistoric periods.<\/p>\n

Advent Calendar Fact: To date, Tokyo Nation Museum houses around 110,000 different objects, 87 of these are considered as Japan\u2019s National Treasures. \u00a0<\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Kyoto<\/p>\n

\u00a0After discovering the wide range of things to see and do in Tokyo, why not travel to Japan\u2019s cultural capital \u2013 Kyoto<\/strong><\/span><\/a>. In contrast to Tokyo, this city exudes a calming and tranquil atmosphere; visitors can expect to experience a range of exceptional sights including bamboo forests, wonderfully adorned shrines and temples, impeccably dressed geishas, cherry trees and much more. From the breath-taking Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine and Kiyomizu-dero Temple (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), to the stunning views from Kyoto Tower and serene Maruyama Park; Kyoto is a treat for the senses!<\/p>\n

\"Kiyomizu<\/p>\n

Situated on a gorgeous hill, the Kiyomizu-dera Temple is surrounded by cherry trees. The temple is famed for many magical features; for example, if you can walk between two stones with your eyes shut in front of the Jishu Shrine (the God of love), you will find true love.<\/p>\n

This shrine is also linked to the Otowa Waterfall which divides into three streams symbolising success, love and a long life. Legend has it that drinking from the stream linked to your heart\u2019s most desire will bring you good luck in that area of life.<\/p>\n

\"Maruyama<\/p>\n

After bringing love and success to your life, head to Maruyama Park for a mesmerising walk along the pond where you can breathe in the sweet scent of the blooming cherry blossoms. This park is one of the most spectacular places to view the pastel pinks of the cherry blossoms and the evening is the perfect time to see the central weeping cherry tree lit up.<\/p>\n

With so many varieties of these stunning trees, this is an ideal place to sit back and relax with a picnic or cup of warm tea and enjoy the pure tranquillity of this glorious location.<\/p>\n

Advent Calendar Fact: Founded in 1897, Kyoto University is considered the 2nd<\/sup> best university in Japan after Tokyo University. \u00a0\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Japan Fact File:<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"Map<\/p>\n

Geographical size \u2013 \u00a0142,000 square miles<\/p>\n

Population \u2013 126.8 million<\/p>\n

Oldest temple in Japan \u2013 Horyuji Temple<\/p>\n

Average temperature \u2013 December to March 6 degrees, April to November 20 degrees<\/p>\n

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Escorted Tour of The Day:<\/h3>\n

Grand Tour of Japan<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/h4>\n

\"Hiroshima<\/p>\n

This outstanding 14-day tour journeys across one of the world\u2019s most beautiful countries; teeming with shrines, temples, cherry blossoms trees and more, this is a journey that you\u2019ll never forget!<\/p>\n

Experience a variety of attractions including Tokyo\u2019s oldest Buddhist temple, the Imperial Palace, Hiroshima\u2019s Peace Memorial Park and Museum<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, Kyoto\u2019s Nara Park<\/strong><\/span><\/a> and more \u2013 this tour is what dreams of Japan are made of.<\/p>\n

Tour Highlights:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Nara<\/p>\n