Top 20 must-see places to visit in Asia2026 ranking

I went to Japan when I was 8 years old, but I have an unforgettable memory of the Golden Pavilion in Kyoto. I was observing the garden while following my parents that day, and I remember seeing the Golden Pavilion at the top of a flight of stairs and being captivated by its beauty. I decided to head down the stairs to catch up with my parents, and as I was walking down, I felt someone tap me on the shoulder. I turned around to find a made-up maiko in traditional attire looking at me. I was impressed, turned back to my father who pulled out his camera, and... click-click! The picture of me with an apprentice geisha is still displayed in my home, and that memory is forever associated with the…

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Agra Fort is a truly memorable visit. The site is vast, impressive, and very well preserved, with stunning views of the Taj Mahal in the distance. It is common to see monkeys on site, which adds charm to the visit. The monkeys live in and around the fort and move freely in certain areas, just like at many historical sites in India. They are not aggressive while you are there, but you have to stay alert, as with any wild animal in a tourist area. Overall, a very interesting visit, both cultural and lively, which really complements the discovery of Agra.

The Taj Mahal is an absolutely impressive site and the visit is clearly worth the trip. On the other hand, the ticket price seemed high to me considering the local cost of living. Once there, the beauty of the monument is a bit spoiled by the crowds, which sometimes make it hard to really enjoy the place. It is mostly in the gardens that you can best appreciate the visit, with the chance to admire the changing colors of the Taj as the light shifts. An unforgettable moment nonetheless.

This temple is truly superb. I made a detour to this city just to visit it and I do not regret it. From the outside, the facade is stunning. But on the inside, it is above all the spiritual atmosphere that you feel. Everything is peaceful and conducive to reflection. Most of the visitors are believers who have come to pray. I really recommend this visit.

I really recommend visiting this mausoleum either before or after your visit to the Taj Mahal. It is smaller and was built before the Taj Mahal, which was largely inspired by its architecture. The mausoleum is richly decorated with many precious stones. It is the perfect way to round out your Taj Mahal visit.

The Taj Mahal is not the only building to visit in Agra, so do not miss the fort, which is also worth seeing. It is impressive and truly vast. There is a lot to see. Obviously, like everywhere in India, there are scams, so be careful when you arrive.

Obviously, as a Parisian, I immediately thought of the Eiffel Tower when I saw the Tokyo Tower. Going up to the observation deck is nice, with a beautiful view of Tokyo, even if the city is so huge that you do not really know where to look anymore (a bit like in Paris, actually). It is not the most beautiful monument in Tokyo, and even less so in all of Japan, but I still recommend it.

The first time the light turned green and hundreds of people started crossing in every direction, I thought it was complete chaos. Between the giant screens, the noise, and everything else, it actually all happens so fast. But like I was told, crossing these crosswalks is nothing superhuman and I have to admit that the Japanese are extremely respectful when it comes to that.

Kinkaku-ji was an almost mythical place for me after reading The Temple of the Golden Pavilion by Yukio Mishima. Seeing it in person was a pretty moving moment. The golden building reflecting in the pond, the pine trees and the garden all around... Everything there is magnificent. There are certainly a lot of visitors, but I understand why this temple has fascinated so many people.

Right at the gates of the small town of Thekkady, you enter the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. I loved that feeling of being so close and discovering the deep nature of a reserve surrounded by mountains and water. I went on a guided hike, which was a memorable experience knowing that about thirty tigers roam around here! The reserve is home to many birds as well as various species of monkeys, a dream world to discover with friends or solo!