Things to Do in Asia

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Tirta Empul Temple

Bali’s most popular sacred spring, Tirta Empul Temple dates back more than 1,000 years. Travelers from around the globe flock to its holy waters to bathe beside Balinese pilgrims; accept blessings from healers, priests, and shamans; or simply soak up the atmosphere. The temple is northeast of Ubud in Tampaksiring, not far from Gunung Kawi.

The Basics

Tirta Empul Temple is easy to visit independently yet is also a very popular stop for Bali tours, large and small. (In general, due to heavy traffic, winding roads, and language barriers, booking a private guide or joining an organized tour can help you get the most out of your Bali trip.) Prebooking a tour is one of the easiest ways to enjoy a Balinese Hindu water blessing. To check off several of Ubud’s most celebrated temples in a single day, many Bali temple tours include a stop at Tirta Empul.

Things to Know Before You Go

Tirta Empul’s bathing pools make it a popular choice for photographers, and anyone with an interest in Balinese spirituality.
Entry to the temple requires a small fee.
Sacred springs should be treated with respect. While sarongs are available for a modest fee, all visitors should wear tops that cover their shoulders.
Balinese Hinduism prohibits menstruating women from entering temples of any kind. Please honor this requirement.
As with most Balinese temples, Tirta Empul includes steps and is not suitable for wheelchair users.

How to Get There

Tirta Empul Temple lies about 9.5 miles (15 kilometers) northeast of Ubud in the village of Tampaksiring. Unless you speak Indonesian and have a lot of time, private transportation is essential.

When to Get There

Balinese Hindu temples generally host ceremonies on the full moon, new moon, and other auspicious days calculated on a complicated calendar. Around these times, and during the Balinese festivals of Galungan and Kuningan, Tirta Empul Temple gets very busy. Any day you visit, come early to catch the temple at its best as worshippers start to arrive and make their offerings.

The Legend of Life

Balinese lore relates that when the god Indra did battle with the demon king Mayadanawa, he tapped the elixir of life from the ground at Tirta Empul. As such, Tirta Empul—just one of many holy water temples on Bali—is sacred to Balinese, who visit on their birthdays, and a key part of Bali’s subak irrigation system, a UNESCO World Heritage landmark.

Jl. Tirta, Tampaksiring, Bali, Gianyar Regency, Indonesia 80552, Indonesia

From $ 10

Todai-ji Temple

Located in Deer Park (Nara Park) in Nara, about 35 minutes from Osaka by train, Todaiji Temple is one of Japan’s most famous and historically significant Buddhist temples. Originally built in the year 752, the temple as it exists today dates back to 1709. The main hall, called Big Buddha Hall (Daibutsuden), is the world’s largest wooden building, even though it’s a third smaller than the original hall from the 700s.

The greatest attraction in the Todaiji Temple complex is the enormous bronze Buddha statue (Japan’s largest) housed with the massive main hall. When the temple was first built, Emperor Shomu planned for Todaiji to serve as the headquarters of Buddhism throughout Japan, and he ordered the casting of the statue as part of that plan. The 50-foot-tall (15-meter-tall) statue required eight castings to complete.

According to local legend, anyone able to squeeze through the hole in the pillar located behind the Big Buddha achieves enlightenment.

Practical Info

Todaiji Temple is a 15-minute walk away from Kintetsu Nara Station, but it can also be reached by bus or taxi. Set aside about three hours to see Todaiji and the other temples and structures huddled together in Deer Park.

1 Zōshi-chō, Nara, Japan

November-February 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; March & October 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; April-September 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

500 yen (museum only), 800 yen (museum and Daibutsuden Hall)

From $ 45

Tinh Tam Lake

Tinh Tam Lake, one of the most famous sites in Vietnam’s ancient imperial capital, sits just north of the Imperial City. Rectangular in shape and surrounded by brick walls, the manmade lake and its small islets -- many connected by bridges -- once served as private leisure grounds where the Vietnamese royalty could go walking. Built in the early nineteenth century, the lake was considered a major achievement in landscape architecture at the time.

Due to it’s proximity to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Imperial Palace, it’s convenient to visit Tinh Tam Lake immediately before or after a tour of the palace grounds. If you have time, take a cyclo ride along the banks. During festivals in Hue, the lake is sometimes used as a venue for musical and cultural performances, complete with a floating stage.

Hue, Vietnam

All Day

From $ 25

Titop Island

Named in honor of Russian astronaut German Titop during his 1962 visit to Halong Bay, Titop Island’s small size hasn’t hindered its tourist appeal, with the island featuring on many junk boat cruise itineraries. It’s a striking sight from a distance - a swooping tower of limestone rising out of the sea and blanketed with thick rainforest, but the main highlight is the crescent of pristine white sand that lines its shore.

Most visitors make a beeline for the beach, where swimming and kayaking are the main pastimes, but adventurous types can also climb the 427 stone steps to the mountaintop pagoda, where they’ll be rewarded with dazzling views over the bay. Titop is also home to a number of resort hotels, restaurants, bars and souvenir shops, making it a good choice for a stopover.

Practical Info

Titop Island is located in Halong Bay, just northeast of Cat Ba Island.

Titop Island, Vietnam

From $ 48

Tofuku-ji Temple

Few places on earth are more breathtakingly beautiful than Fall in Tofucku-ji Temple. During cool autumn months travelers and locals make the journey to this Zen temple in southeastern Kyoto that’s known for its incredible colors and brilliant Japanese maples. Visitors climb to the top of Tsutenkyo Bridge, which stretches across a colorful valley full of lush fall foliage in fiery reds and shocking oranges.

Visitors who make their way to Tofuku-ji other times of year can still wander beautiful temple grounds and explore places like the Hojo, where the head priest used to reside. Well-kept rock gardens provide the perfect spot for quiet contemplation and a stone path near the Kaisando is lined with brightly colored flowers and fresh greenery that’s almost as beautiful as the Japanese maples this temple is famous for.

Practical Info

A large part of the temple grounds are free to visit, although the bridge does require travelers to pay a small fee. Colors usually reach their peak in mid to late November. Travelers can expect to find bigger crowds and congestion on the Tsutenkyo Bridge, but most agree it’s still worth a visit.

15-778 Hommachi, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, Japan

9 a.m.-4 p.m.

From $ 54

Tiger Sky Tower

Tiger Sky Tower, situated on Sentosa Island, offers scenic views over the city from Asia’s tallest freestanding observation tower. The revolving observation platform rises to a height of 430 feet (131 meters), giving guests 360-degree views across Singapore and the Southern Islands. On a clear day, it’s possible to see as far as Jurong Bahru in Malaysia and Palau Bintan in Indonesia.

Unlike many observation towers, where an elevator shuttles guests to the top, visitors enter the disc-shaped, climate-controlled cabin at ground level. The cabin begins to slowly revolve as it slowly ascends (about 4 feet per second) to its maximum height high above Sentosa. In effect, the observation platform is its own elevator. On the ride up, recorded commentary highlights the history of Sentosa and highlights various points of interest visible from the platform.

Practical Info

While Tiger Sky Tower closes at 9pm, the last ride begins at 8:45. The tower can be reached by taking the Sentosa Express to Imbiah Station, the Sentosa Bus to Imbiah Lookout Bus Stop or by cable car to the Sentosa Cable Car Station.

41 Imbiah Road, 099707, Singapore

Daily 9am-9pm

Adults: S$18; Children: S$10

From $ 71

Tokyo Daijingu Shrine

The Tokyo Daijingu Shrine is one of the most important Shinto shrines in Tokyo. Worshippers come here to pray for love and a happy marriage. The shrine is dedicated to two Shinto sun goddesses and three gods of creation and growth. It was built in 1880, and is famous for being the first place to hold a traditional Shinto wedding ceremony.

The Basics

While the structure of the Tokyo Daijingu Shrine was built in the late 19th century and it was moved to its current location after the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, the practices of worship that the shrine embodies are much older. A similar temple in Mie Prefecture, southwest of Tokyo, has been a pilgrimage site since the 17th century. The Tokyo Daijingu Shrine was built to help people living closer to Tokyo worship the same gods. Today, the shrine continues to play an important role in the spirituality of many Japanese, and it’s always busy with worshippers seeking blessings for love and marriage. Travelers often visit the shrine on guided or self-guided walking tours of Tokyo

Things to Know Before You Go

Stalls outside the shrine sell charms designed to bring good luck in love; they make a nice souvenir.
Before entering the shrine, purify yourself at the fountain by washing your hands and mouth.
You’ll see many hanging wooden plaques on which worshippers have written their prayers. You can purchase an ema plaque and write your own wishes or prayers.

How to Get There

Like most places in Tokyo, it’s advisable to travel to the shrine by train or subway. It’s about a five-minute walk from Iidabashi Station on the JR Sobu Line.

When to Get There

The shrine and its grounds are open from sunrise to sunset. It’s especially busy during weekends, so visit outside this time to avoid the crowds.

Visit the Nearby Yasukuni Shrine

The Tokyo Daijingu Shrine is among Tokyo’s five most important shrines. Another of these is the nearby Yasukuni Shrine. It’s a notorious place, as it enshrines some generals considered to be World War II war criminals by much of the international community. But, for travelers interested in history and politics, the Yasukuni Shrine is a must-see destination in central Tokyo. It can easily be combined with a visit to the Tokyo Daijingu Shrine.

2-4-1 Fujimi, Chiyoda, Tokyo 102-0071, Japan

From $ 60

Tokyo Dome City

If you're burned out from sightseeing and just want to kickback and have some fun like the locals do, you'll find what you're looking for at Tokyo Dome City, a massive entertainment complex in the Bunkyo district.

The area's centerpiece is the Tokyo Dome: the world's largest roofed baseball stadium. The dome, also known as The Egg, is the home stadium of the Yomiuri Giants and Nippon Ham. It can seat up to 55,000 people, and often fills up for popular matches. If you have a chance, catching a game offers a uniqe insight into Japanese sports culture.

Also in the area you'll find a small but fun amusement park (the roller coasters are a highlight), an arena for boxing and martial arts known as Karakuen Hall, a 43-floor hotel, bowling center, shops and eateries. A recent addition is the LaQua Spa onsen complex.

Practical Info

Parking is available on site. Parking area is expected to be congested on event days, Sundays and holidays. Public transportation is recommended. If a game or an event extends beyond normal closing, closing time will be extended. Accessible by train via the Narita or Haneda lines.

1-3-61 Koraku, Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan

Varies by attraction

Free to enter, but varies by attraction

From $ 27

Tirta Gangga Water Palace

The king of Karangasem built his fantasy water palace at Tirta Gangga in 1948, and it’s one of east Bali’s most beautiful sights. Lush rice paddies back three levels of ornamental gardens with swimming pools, fountains, stone carvings, stepping stones, fish ponds, and airy pavilions. It is one of Indonesia’s most striking royal palaces.

The Basics

Tirta Gangga water palace is one of east Bali’s most famous sights and an essential stop on any east Bali day tour. The entrance fee is inexpensive and the water garden is rarely crowded, while the manicured grounds and shady pavilions are delightful to walk in.

Just 5 miles (8 kilometers) from Amlapura, it’s also a short hop from the diving meccas of Amed and Tulamben, and a popular stop en route to Amed. Bali tours often pair Tirta Gangga palace with other relics of the Karangasem kingdom, such as Ujung Water Palace.

Things to Know Before You Go

Over recent years, a strip of restaurants and guesthouses has made the rice fields of Tirta Gangga a destination in their own right.
Unlike Balinese temples, sarongs are not required to visit Tirta Gangga Water Palace.
Bring your swimwear to enjoy a dip in the spring-fed swimming pools.

How to Get There

The easiest way for tourists to reach Tirta Gangga Water Palace is on the Perama shuttle, which runs to and from the airport, Kuta, Sanur, Ubud, Amed, Tulamben, Padangbai, and Candidasa. Self-driving is also possible, although as the journey from Kuta can take up to three hours, a door-to-door Bali tour or even a private tour is easier for most.

When to Get There

Tirta Gangga's name means "water of the Ganges." It is open seven days a week, year-round, with the exception of Nyepi (the “Day of Silence” holiday). The spacious grounds are rarely crowded, even on Indonesian public holidays. During Bali’s rainy season (roughly October till March), you stand the best chance of clear skies earlier in the day.

The Kings of Karangasem

East Bali is perhaps the least visited area of Bali and remains substantially unspoiled and often very poor. Yet the kingdom of Karangasem, established in the 17th century, was once one of Bali’s richest and most powerful kingdoms. At many times, Karangasem's Hindu kings ruled not only swathes of eastern Bali but also half of the island of Lombok, next door.

Bali, Indonesia

From $ 39

Tip of Borneo

The South China Sea and the Sulu Sea meet at the scenic Tip of Borneo—a picturesque destination that rests at the northern-most tip of the island. This remote spot offers incredible views of colorful rocks, white sandy beaches and impeccable ocean waves. And its spectacular sunsets go unrivaled on the island, making a trip along the bumpy road well worth the adventure.

Travelers looking for some local flavor can sample freshly caught seafood in the nearby town of Kudat, where seamen return from their day on the water and chef up delicious, straight-from-the-ocean meals.

Practical Info

The Tip of Borneo is located about 215 kilometers from Kota Kinabalu City on the Kudat Peninsula.

Sabah, Malaysia, Malaysia

From $ 114

Tokyo Central Railway Station

There are many large rail stations in Tokyo, but none have quite the elegance and history of Tokyo Central Railway Station. The station sits near the Imperial Palace grounds in the Ginza district. The classical look of the main facade is fashioned after Amsterdam's main station. In 1921, Prime Minister Hara Takashi was assassinated at the south gates. Much of the station was damaged during World War II and is constantly being renovated and improved upon.

Nowadays the station is the busiest in all of Japan in terms of train volume with over 3000 trains passing through and 381,704 passengers every day. It's the starting point of many Shinkansen trains as well as JR Trains and the Tokyo Metro. It's an excellent place to people watch- just make sure to stay out of the way of the busy commuters!

1-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan

From $ 50

Tiong Bahru

Singapore is home to culture, fashion and style. No place is this more evident than on the streets of its hippest suburb, Tiong Bahru. This former housing complex was constructed in the 1930s. Early on, it was notoriously known for the wealthy businessmen kept their mistresses tucked away in the quiet estate. Today, Tiong Bahru attracts a diverse lot of residence who call the art deco building with rounded terraces home. Old folks wander into the streets as the sun rises and by dusk, youthful professionals are heading out to enjoy the lively nightlife scene here.

Specialty shops that showcase quirky items and designer fashions make this suburban neighborhood a destination for locals (and travelers!) seeking to update their style with something unique and one-of-a-kind. And those in search of some serious eats will find food carts, restaurants and lively coffee shops that offer up tasty local cuisine, as well as the opportunity to interact with Tiong Bahru’s stylish local set.

Practical Info

Tiong Bahru is located west of Chinatown. Hungry travelers should check out Por Kee Eating House, known for its ribs and prawns and shoppers will do well to stop at Fleas and Trees, known for its truly unique items.

302 Tiong Bahru Rd., Singapore

From $ 127

Tokyo Metro

Japan as a whole and Tokyo in particular have train travel down to an art. The Japanese capital has two main subway operators — Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Transportation (Toei) and Tokyo Metro — and Tokyo Metro is the largest with nine of the city’s 13 lines. Tokyo Metro also draws the largest ridership.

While you can’t get everywhere in Tokyo on Tokyo Metro, the lines do cover most of the city’s most popular attractions and shopping areas, including Shibuya Crossing, Sensoji Temple, Tokyo Tower and Tsukiji Market. The system is also very easily navigable for English speakers, thanks to signage, station announcements and ticket machines in English. Trains depart every two to three minutes on major lines during morning and evening rush hours, and free Wi-Fi is available at most stations.

Practical Info

Tokyo Subway Tickets, available to tourists at Narita Airport and Haneda Airport, offer one-, two- and three-day passes good for unlimited rides on both Tokyo Metro and Toei lines.

Tokyo, Japan

170 yen-390 yen

From $ 89

Tokyo Camii & Turkish Culture Center

Tokyo Camii is located right in the heart of Tokyo in the Oyama-cho district of Shibuya. It’s the largest mosque in the city and is adjoined with the Turkish Culture Center, which provides an introduction to Islam and an insight into Turkish culture.

The mosque was originally built in 1938, but in 1986 it was demolished due to structural damage. Construction on a new building began in 1998 using marble shipped in from Turkey, and the new mosque was finally complete in 2000. It’s a huge Ottoman-style construct covering an area of more than 700 square-meters, with its main dome – supported by six pillars – reaching 23 meters tall.

The Turkish Culture Center serves to educate visitors about the mosque, as well as Islamic teachings and rituals. Here, books and pamphlets about Islam and Tokyo Camii are sold alongside souvenirs such as Turkish tiles.

Practical Info

Tokyo Camii and the Turkish Culture Center are situated in Oyama-cho, Shibuya. The nearest station is Yoyogi-Uehara. Visitors should ensure they adhere to certain rules when visiting the mosque, including dressing modestly and women covering their hair with headscarves.

1-19 Oyama-cho, Shibuya, Tokyo, Tokyo Prefecture, Japan 151-0065, Japan

Open daily 10am-6pm

From $ 77

Tokyo City View Observation Deck

Tokyo City View Observation Deck may be the sleekest of the city's many observation centers. You can find it on the 52nd floor of the Mori Tower, which is the centerpiece of the new and modern Roppongi Hills building complex.

The Sky Gallery is a 360 degree panoramic observation room split into three separate sections. Gallery 1 offers a view of Tokyo Tower and Odaiba, Gallery Two showcases Yokohama and Mount Fuji and Gallery 3 overlooks Sibuya and Shinjuku. The cost of admission allows you to enter all three. For an extra fee it's possible to visit the Sky Deck, an even higher open air rooftop observation center.

Also included in the price of admission is entry to the adjacent modern art museum which spotlights a rotating series of exhibitions. If you have more money to spend there is a planetarium show as well as several bars and restaurants.

Practical Info

Open Sun-Thurs 10am-11pm (admission until 10:30pm), Fri/Sat/Day before holiday 9am-1am (admission until 12am) and the Sky Deck is open 10am-8pm (admission until 7:30pm). Hours may change seasonally. Sky Deck may be closed due to bad weather such as rain, heavy fog or strong winds. For cost of admission, adults 1,500 yen, students 1,000 yen and children 500 yen. For Sky Deck only, adults and students 500 yen and children up to junior high are 300 yen. Accessible by train, car or bus. 3 min from Roppongi Station (Hibiya Subway Line). 6 min from Roppongi Station (Oedo Subway Line). Parking is available.

52nd floor Mori Tower, Roppongi Hills, 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan

Sun-Thurs 10am-11pm (admission until 10:30pm), Fri/Sat/Day before holiday 9am-1am (admission until 12am), Sky Deck 10am-8pm (admission until 7:30pm)

Adults: 1,500 yen; Students 1,000; Children 500

From $ 14

Tipu Sultan's Palace

Built in the late 18th century, Tipu Sultan’s Palace served as a retreat for Mysore’s ruler. This beautiful teak structure—once part of Bangalore Fort—attracts visitors with its beautiful Indo-Islamic architecture, interior frescoes, and selection of ephemera, including Tipu Sultan images along with his robes and a crown.

The Basics

One of Bangalore's most popular attractions and a major stop on most Bangalore city tours, this beautiful palace is built entirely from teak wood, with two floors of pillars, archways, and balconies. While visitors generally come to gawk at the architecture and beautifully adorned interiors, the ground-floor museum is equally worth visiting. Don’t miss the replica of Tipu’s Tiger, an automaton toy depicting a tiger eating a soldier (the original is in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London).

Things to Know Before You Go

The palace is a must-visit for history buffs and art and architecture lovers.
Families with small kids beware: There's a toy on display here depicting a soldier being eaten by a tiger that could either enthrall or terrify little ones.
The palace is not suitable for wheelchair users.

How to Get There

Tipu Sultan’s Palace is located at the intersection of Krisnarajendra and Alur Venkata Rao roads in Chamrajpet, a short walk from the City Market and Bangalore Fort. It's about a 10-minute drive to Cubbon Park and a 15-minute drive to Bangalore station. Bangalore is well-connected to airports across India and has regular international flights from elsewhere in Asia and Europe.

When to Get There

The palace is open daily, though arriving first thing in the morning is recommended to avoid crowds. The palace itself remains cool, but travelers planning on spending time exploring the surrounding area on foot should take weather into consideration. The coolest months are November through January, while April and May can get fairly hot. Monsoon rains in June–August deter many travelers from visiting India, though it’s also during this time that crowds are lightest.

Tipu Sultan: The Tiger of Mysore

Tipu Sultan was an important ruler of Mysore, notable for making numerous changes during his reign, from pioneering rocket artillery to laying the foundation for Mysore's silk industry. He used the tiger as his symbol and was sometimes referred to the Tiger of Mysore; according to legend, he killed a tiger attacking him using only a dagger.

Albert Victor Road, Chamrajpet, Bangalore, Karnataka 560018, India

Varies

From $ 33

Tipu's Summer Palace (Daria Daulat Bagh)

Formerly known as Daria Daulat Bagh, Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace was built in 1784 in honor of Tipu Sultan's military victory over the British. This elegant palace, built almost entirely from fine teakwood, is an earlier example of Indo-Saracenic architecture, which features a blend of Indian, Islamic, and European elements.

The Basics

The palace's biggest draw is its incredible architecture, with regal arches, towers, and domes covered with images of battle scenes. The interiors are painted with floral patterns, and there's an on-site museum showcasing artillery, coins, military medals, and furniture, along with a collection of oil paintings depicting the sultan and his life. The palace is a popular stop on day trips from Bangalore to Mysore, and many tours of the area stop here.

Things to Know Before You Go

The summer palace is a must-visit for history buffs and architecture lovers.
Photography is not allowed inside the palace.
Remember to wear comfortable shoes for exploring the palace and its grounds.

How to Get There

Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace is located about 80 miles (129 kilometers) southwest of Bangalore and 10 miles (16 kilometers) north of Mysore in the town of Srirangapatna, on the Bangalore–Mysore road. There’s regular bus and train service between the two cities, and most hotels in Mysore and Bangalore can arrange for round-trip transportation by taxi.

When to Get There

The palace is open daily from 9am to 5pm, but it’s best to visit first thing in the morning, when it’s at its least crowded. Weather may also play a factor for the best time to visit; if you’re coming from Mysore or Bangalore during the rainy monsoon season (June through August or September), give yourself a little extra time to get there, as wet roads can slow down traffic.

Mysore Painting

The palace is decorated with frescoes in the Mysore painting style, a form of ancient painting that was revived after Tipu Sultan's rule. The paintings often feature scenes from battles or Hindu mythology and are traditionally painted in steps, starting with the background and later adding elements to the foreground before detailing it with gesso, or gold foil.

Srirangapatna, India

Varies

From $ 116

Tin Hau Temple

There are over 70 temples in Hong Kong dedicated to Tin Hua, the goddess of the sea. The oldest at Joss House Bay was built in 1266 and is considered the most sacred while the one in Causeway Bay is known for it's architecture. If you're only visiting one though, the temple in Yau Ma Tei is probably the most popular and accessible.

Yau Ma Tei was originally built on the harbor before land reclamation drove the shoreline far away. Now it sits in the heart of the popular Temple Street Night Market. It's known just as much for it's beauty, history and Wall of Nine Dragons as it is for being the social heart of the neighborhood. In front of the temple you'll find a row of willing fortune tellers, inside Chinese chess players congregate in the square.

Oddly, this temple is one of the most popular filming locations for Hong Kong gangster movies.

China

Open 8am - 5pm Daily

From $ 37

Togetsukyo Bridge

Once a destination for nobles, the Arashiyama district of Kyoto boasts small-town charm and beautiful mountainside views. Today, the popular neighborhood attracts tourists and nature lovers. The scenic neighborhood’s iconic landmark, Togetsukyo Bridge spans the Katsura River and provides panoramic views of lush mountainside foliage, gentle river swells, and local fisherman navigating the shoreline. The bridge’s history extends back 400 years and has been featured in many historical films.

Crossing Togetsukyo Bridge is a highlight of any visit to Arashiyama. From feeding carp fish over the railing to enjoying the splendor of cherry blossoms in the spring and fall foliage, the bridge is a gateway to a simple, stunningly scenic way of life. Another popular way to see the bridge is by a boat ride along the river.

Practical Info

The bridge is a one-minute walk from Arashiyama Station on Keifuku Railway. From Kyoto Station, Arashiyama is a 5-10 minute wealk from Saga-Arashiyama Station. Walking across the bridge is free. The best times to visit are in the spring and fall, when foliage is in bloom and colors on the mountainside are most vibrant.

Sagatenryuji Tsukurimichicho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan

From $ 94

Tiger Hill

Tiger Hill, a large hill-rock also known as Surging Sea Hill, is a must-see when visiting Suzhou, both for its beauty and its history. Traditional architecture, tranquil landscapes, and numerous historical sites dating back more than 2,500 years distinguish the hill as a top destination among the city's UNESCO-listed attractions. Highlights include the Tomb of King He Lu, the Sword-Testing Stone—a rock split cleanly in two pieces, supposedly by a legendary sword—and the famously lopsided Yunyan Pagoda, or 'Leaning Tower of China.' Also not to miss is the garden architecture at Wanjing Villa, where potted landscapes and bonsai shrubs create miniature classical gardens.

Tiger Hill, which gets its name from resembling the shape of a crouching tiger, is relatively small and compact, making it an easy stop on any day or half-day tour of Suzhou. Go with a guide to get the most out of the site's rich history, and consider combining your visit with entry to nearby attractions, like the Humble Administrator's Garden or Master of Nets Garden.

Practical Info

Suzhou is located approximately 62 miles (100 km) west of Shanghai, and the two cities are connected by high-speed train. The garden is open 7:30am to 5:30pm daily. Adult admission is 80 CNY on peak months (April, May, July, August, September, and October), and 60 CNY on quiet months (January, February, March, June, November, and December). Some tours utilize the high-speed train rather than road transport.

Did You Know? The ancient art of bonsai tree growing, which originated in China, is still very much alive today. Hundreds of specimen of tree and landscape bonsais are displayed at Wanjing Villa, with many of them having won prizes in prestigious bonsai competitions.

8 Mennei Street, Suzhou, Eastern China, China

7:30am–5:30pm daily

Varies by season

From $ 81