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Best places to visit in japan.

Known as the Land of the Rising Sun, Japan's civilization dates as far back as 30,000 years. Today, the archipelago seamlessly blends its rich history with its ultra-modern present. And while its capital, Tokyo, is a must-visit for first timers, Japan has so much more to offer travelers of all types, from cherry blossoms to white sand beaches to soothing onsen (hot spring spas). U.S. News took into account cultural attractions, culinary options and accessibility (among other factors) to bring you the best places to visit in Japan. Have a favorite? Vote below to help decide next year's ranking.

Izu Peninsula

This metropolis is a feast for the senses. Neighborhoods like Ginza and Akihabara buzz with flashing lights and larger-than-life shopping, while Meiji Shrine and the Tokyo Imperial Palace give you a look into Japan's storied past. There are also a number of green spaces like Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, which acts as a place to escape from the chaotic, concrete jungle. What's more, Tokyo is regularly regarded as a top foodie city thanks in part to its abundant Michelin-starred restaurants (the most you'll find in any city in the world), so come hungry.

Travelers most interested in Japan's history and traditions should head to Kyoto. Centrally located on the archipelago, Kyoto has long been considered the cultural capital of Japan. Here, you'll find more than 1,000 Buddhist temples and 400-plus Shinto shrines (you can't miss the Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Fushimi Inari Taisha), including a whopping 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites. You can also stroll through geisha districts like Gion and Miyagawacho, admire classic wooden architecture and visit traditional teahouses before checking out more modern attractions, such as the Kyoto Aquarium.

Nikko is the place to go to see lavish architecture surrounded by nature. Head to Nikko National Park, one of Japan's oldest national parks, to enjoy an up-close look at traditional structures situated alongside mountains, lakes, waterfalls and hot springs. The park is especially beautiful in fall when its trees display vivid shades of yellow, red and orange. The 103 Edo-era (1603–1868) temples and shrines in Nikko include world-renowned sites like Toshogu Shrine and Rinnoji Temple.

Situated about 35 miles southwest of Kyoto, this port city is worth a visit for its food alone. One of the city's most famous dishes, the tasty pancake-like okonomiyaki (which means "grilled as you like it" in Japanese), is made with batter, cabbage and your choice of meat and other toppings. After you've gotten your fill of the delectable local cuisine, explore the flashy Dotonbori neighborhood, check out the reconstructed 16th-century Osaka Castle or head to contemporary sights like Universal Studios Japan and the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan.

As Japan's second most populous city, Yokohama is often touted as a more approachable and more affordable alternative to Tokyo (located 22 miles northeast). As one of the country's first ports to open to international trade, Yokohama features unique culture fusions, including a sizable expat population, Western-style buildings in the Yamate area and the largest Chinatown in Japan (it has more businesses than residents). While here, visitors can explore Minato Mirai 21, the city's modern central district teeming with skyscrapers and shopping malls, and visit museums ranging from the Cup Noodles Museum to the Mitsubishi Minatomirai Industrial Museum.

More than 160 islands comprise Okinawa, a top destination for snorkeling and diving. The Japanese prefecture boasts proximity to multiple coral reefs teeming with fish, manta rays and hammerhead sharks that you can access from beautiful beaches like those found on Okinawa's Kerama Islands. These 20-plus islands are also ideal places to see migrating whales between January and March. Back on the main island, visitors will find one of the world's largest aquariums, several castle ruins and a museum that focuses on Okinawa's unique history and culture. And on the less developed Iriomote Island, adventurous travelers can hike to awe-inspiring waterfalls.

Spared from World War II air raids and the major natural disasters that have affected other Japanese cities, Kanazawa on the western coast is home to some of the country's best-preserved architecture from the Edo period. Sites like Kanazawa Castle, Seisonkaku Villa and Myoryuji temple are popular among visitors, as are the Higashi Chaya geisha district and Nagamachi Samurai District. Plus, no trip to Kanazawa would be complete without a visit to the resplendent Kenrokuen Garden. With its water features, bridges and a variety of flowering trees that add beauty to any season, Kenrokuen is often described as the perfect garden.

Nestled in the mountains of the Gifu prefecture, Takayama is ideal for visitors looking for a rural retreat with a dose of history. Start your visit with a rickshaw ride through the well-preserved old town, which features sake breweries, traditional residences and shops that date back to the feudal ages. Then, head to the Hida Folk Village, a former farming village with 30 gassho-style houses. When you've worked up an appetite, indulge in must-try local specialties including Hida beef and Takayama ramen. To further immerse yourself in Takayama culture, visit during the Takayama Festival, held for two days every spring and fall.

The country's tallest mountain and one of its most iconic landmarks is a popular destination for outdoor recreation. For centuries, Japanese artists and poets have been inspired by Mount Fuji's almost perfectly round form. The Fuji Five Lakes region at the foot of this UNESCO World Heritage Site makes a great base for the thousands of climbers who visit each year. Enjoy the area's museums and amusement park during the warmer months. Or, arrive in winter to soak in the onsen and ski Mount Fuji's slopes.

Located on Kyushu (Japan's third-largest island), Fukuoka offers travelers a mix of urban sprawl, sandy coastlines and ancient temples and shrines. Can't-miss sights include Tochoji Temple – home of the largest sitting wooden Buddha in Japan – and Nokonoshima Island, which features colorful flower fields and beautiful views of the surrounding bay. Fukuoka is also known for its incredible Hakata ramen, so be sure to try this tasty dish at one of the city's many food stalls. Plan your visit around one of Fukuoka's lively festivals, such as the Hakata Gion Yamakasa, which takes place throughout the first half of July.

Head to the smallest of Japan's four main islands if you're looking to get off the beaten path. Shikoku is best known for its 88 Temple Pilgrimage – a nearly 750-mile loop that covers sacred sites around the island. Whether you're trekking this path or creating your own, you'll encounter Shikoku's natural beauty (think: forest-covered mountains and an unspoiled coastline). Meanwhile, the city of Kochi features cheap eats and a well-preserved castle. If you're visiting in mid-August, add Shikoku's cultural pinnacle, Awa Odori, to your itinerary. One of the most famous festivals in Japan, this dance celebration in the city of Takushima is a must-do.

Mountainous Hakone is one of Japan's most popular hot spring destinations. Nestled within the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, the town features 17 different hot springs, plus a hot spring theme park with unique baths like one with coffee and another with mulled wine. After you've dried off, visit one of Hakone's art museums, such as the Hakone Open-Air Museum, the Okada Museum of Art or the Hakone Museum of Art. No Hakone vacation would be complete without enjoying spectacular views of Mount Fuji from Lake Ashinoko and the Komagatake Ropeway.

After an earthquake caused significant damage to the city in 1995, Kobe rebuilt itself into a thriving cosmopolitan city. You'll want to remember to bring your appetite when you visit. Kobe is famous for its namesake beef, as well as its sake. It's also considered one of Japan's most attractive cities, with sleek architecture and beautiful green spaces like Sorakuen Garden. For some of the city's best views – especially at sunset – go to the top of Mount Rokko or ride the Kobe Nunobiki Ropeway. End your evening exploring Nankinmachi (Kobe's compact Chinatown) or dining at one of Kobe Harborland's waterfront restaurants.

For many, Hiroshima brings up memories of war, as the city is where the world's first atomic bomb attack occurred in 1945. But today, Hiroshima is a city of peace, with the vast Peace Memorial Park as the center for monuments and memorials like the  the Children's Peace Monument and the UNESCO-certified Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Atomic Bomb Dome). It is also a city of great beauty. Travelers can take a scenic stroll through Shukkeien Garden, peruse the exhibits at the Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art or visit Sandankyo Gorge to hike or boat past its beautiful waterfalls, caves and coves.

Tourists flock to the island of Miyajima (formally named Itsukushima) for its prime attraction: Itsukushima Shrine and its postcard-worthy torii gate. To see the shrine at its most picturesque, try to visit during high tide, when the gate appears to float on the water. Since the island is just a 30-minute ferry ride from Hiroshima, it makes for a great day trip. However, visitors may want to stay the night at a charming ryokan (Japanese-style inn) to experience Miyajima at its most serene and walk by the illuminated shrine at night.

An outdoor-lover's delight, Matsumoto is just 22 miles east of Kamikochi, an awe-inspiring valley in the Hotaka mountain range. But though it serves as a gateway to the Japanese Alps, this city in central Japan should not be skipped over. As the birthplace of contemporary artist Yayoi Kusama, known for polka dots and pumpkins, Matsumoto pays her tribute at the Matsumoto City Museum of Art. Meanwhile, those who prefer more ancient masterpieces can visit Matsumoto Castle, one of the oldest and grandest castles in the country.  

Japan's first permanent capital is famous for housing the Great Buddha, a nearly 50-foot-tall bronze statue of Buddha. You'll find this jaw-dropping national treasure in Nara's Todaiji temple, which is the one of the largest wooden buildings in the world. While on the temple grounds, explore the deer-filled Nara Park and the ornate Kasuga Taisha shrine. Also save time for visiting Yakushiji Temple, one of Japan's oldest temples that dates back to A.D. 730.

This peninsula situated 62 miles southwest of Tokyo makes a great getaway from the busy city. It is popular among locals and tourists alike thanks to its relaxing hot springs and stunning beaches. These, along with various museums and ryokans, can be found in cities like Atami and Shimoda on the Izu Peninsula's eastern coast. During spring visits, travelers will also want to check out Kawazu's vibrant pink blooms at the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival. Meanwhile, on the southern and western coasts, vacationers will find more rugged yet equally scenic coastlines, such as Cape Irozaki and Dogashima.

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21 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Japan

Written by Meagan Drillinger Updated Mar 20, 2024

Japan is an enigma. It's the perfect juxtaposition of centuries-old traditions overlapped with lightning speed, cutting-edge technology. Many first-time visitors to Japan are often surprised to learn that, as one of the world's most advanced industrialized nations, this relatively small Asian country also boasts a rich and fascinating history that dates back thousands of years.

Indeed, long before many of Europe's most spectacular cathedrals were built, Japan's Shinto and Buddhist temples were already well-established and drawing pilgrims and patrons to their elaborate designs and décor. At the same time, the country was already perfecting the skills and trades that would set it on the path to riches, from fine porcelains and ceramics to textiles such as silk.

Much of this rich tradition has, despite wars and natural devastation, been preserved (or rebuilt), and a visit to Japan is a memorable adventure. Boasting an endless list of top attractions, fun things to do, and points of interest to explore, a vacation in Japan is certainly a great investment of time and money.

Discover the best places to visit in the country with our list of the top tourist attractions in Japan.

1. Mount Fuji

2. imperial tokyo, 3. hiroshima peace memorial park, 4. historic kyoto, 5. the island shrine of itsukushima, miyajima, 6. temple city: historic nara, 7. osaka castle, 8. chūbu-sangaku national park and the japanese alps, 9. the atsuta shrine, nagoya, 10. fukuoka castle ruins and the city's ancient festivals, 11. sapporo, hokkaido, 12. fushimi inari-taisha shrine, kyoto, 13. koyasan okunoin, 14. kiyomizu-dera, kyoto, 15. shinjuku gyoen national garden, tokyo, 16. hakone open-air museum, hakone, 17. naritasan shinsho-ji, narita, 18. okinawa churaumi aquarium, 19. matsumoto castle, nagano, 20. arashiyama monkey park, kyoto, 21. kenrokuen garden, kanazawa, tips for making the most of your visit to japan, best time to visit japan.

Without a doubt Japan's most recognizable landmark, majestic Mount Fuji (Fuji-san) is also the country's highest mountain peak. Towering 3,776 meters over an otherwise largely flat landscape to the south and east, this majestic and fabled mountain is tall enough to be seen from Tokyo, more than 100 kilometers away.

Mount Fuji has for centuries been celebrated in art and literature and is now considered so important an icon that UNESCO recognized its world cultural significance in 2013. Part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park , Mount Fuji is climbed by more than a million people each summer as an act of pilgrimage, which culminates in watching the sunrise from its summit.

While some still choose to begin their climb from the base, the majority of climbers now start from above the halfway mark, at the 5th Station, resulting in a more manageable six-or-so-hour ascent. Those who do attempt the complete climb are advised to depart in the afternoon, breaking up the climb with an overnight stop at one of the "Mountain Huts" designed for this very purpose. An early start the next day gets you to the top for the sunrise.

Of course, for many, simply viewing the mountain from the distance, or from the comfort of a speeding train, is enough to say "been there, done that."

• Read More: Exploring Mount Fuji: A Visitor's Guide

Tokyo's most famous landmark, the Imperial Palace with its beautiful 17th-century parks surrounded by walls and moats, is a must-see when visiting the nation's capital. Don't be put off by the fact that the majority of the palace is closed to the public (it's still in use by the Imperial family), as there is still enough to see simply by strolling the grounds.

In addition to the many fine views of the palace from numerous points in the surrounding parkland, visitors are permitted into the East Higashi-Gyoen Garden and other areas that are opened to the public as part of an organized tour. One of the most romantic views is of the famous Nijubashi Bridge , or "double bridge," so named for its watery reflection.

Another one of the must-sees for tourists visiting Tokyo is the famous Ginza shopping district. This always bustling area is home to the Kabuki-za Theatre with its Kabuki performances, as well as the Shimbashi Enbujo Theatre with its traditional Azuma-odori dances and Bunraku performances.

While little needs to be said here of the horrors of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima in August 1945, much can be said of the incredible efforts this vibrant city has made to commemorate the many victims of the world's first nuclear attack. Perhaps even more importantly, Hiroshima has become a symbol of lasting peace.

Visited by more than a million people each year, many from overseas, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park (Hiroshima Heiwa Kinen Kōen) lies at the epicenter of the atomic blast in what was once a bustling part of the city. Here you'll find a number of important monuments, memorials, and museums relating to the events of that fateful day.

In addition to the grounds and gardens with their colorful cherry blossoms, the park is where you'll find the Peace Memorial Museum, with its numerous exhibits dealing with the issue of world peace. It's also where you'll find the Memorial Cenotaph and the Flame of Peace , as well as the Atom Bomb Dome , the ruins of an administrative building that lay at the center of the explosion.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Hiroshima

One of Japan's most visited cities, lovely Kyoto – one of the few cities in the country to be spared the devastation of WWII – attracts more than 10 million visitors annually. Most of them are here to explore Kyoto's fine old streets and architecture, much of it unchanged since the Imperial family took up residence here more than 1,000 years ago.

Even then, the city was Japan's most important cultural center. This legacy, in fact, continues to this day with its many museums and art galleries, each bursting with important sculptures, paintings, and other art forms.

Highlights of Kyoto's Buddhist-influenced architecture include its many well-preserved temples, 30 of which are still in use, and important structures such as the 14th-century Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji), famous for its exquisite gold-leaf-clad exterior.

Be sure to also visit Nijo Castle , a 17th-century fortress that has retained its original walls, towers, and moat. Also worth seeing are the castle's beautiful gates, along with its palace with fine interior décor.

Another landmark to visit is the original Kyoto Imperial Palace (Kyoto-gosho ) . Built in AD 794, it's one of the city's most visited historic sites.

Finally, no visit to Kyoto is complete without spending time exploring the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove . This beautiful area of tall bamboo is just a few minutes' walk from the town center.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Kyoto

Just a short ferry ride from mainland Hiroshima is the island of Miyajima , famous the world over as Japan's Shrine Island. Covering an area of 30 square kilometers in Hiroshima Bay, Miyajima is best known as the home of the Itsukushima Shrine, a Shinto temple dedicated to the Princess daughters of the wind god Susanoo.

Dating from the eighth century, the majority of the shrine's buildings rise out of the waters of a small bay supported only by piles. The effect at high tide is simply stunning, making these structures - including the famous Great Floating Gate (O-Torii) - appear as if they're floating on water.

Linked together by walkways and bridges, it's a fascinating place to explore, in particular its larger halls. These include the exquisite Honden (Main Hall), the Offerings Hall (Heiden), the Prayer Hall (Haiden), and the Hall of a Thousand Mats (Senjokaku).

Another notable feature is the shrine's stage, where visitors are entertained with traditional dances and musical performances. Also worth exploring are the island's exquisite grounds and gardens, home to wild deer and numerous bird colonies.

Please note: You can expect some interruptions and inconvenience from now until 2022 due to major renovations taking place at this historic site.

For centuries the hub of Japanese culture, the lovely unspoiled city of Nara is home to a large number of historic buildings, along with important national treasures and works of art.

In addition to its many historic streets, the city boasts numerous important old temples. These includ the magnificent seventh-century Kofuku-ji Temple , perhaps the best known of the Seven Great Temples of Nara; and the splendid eighth-century Todai-ji (Great East Temple), famous for its huge bronze statue of the Great Buddha (Daibutsu), cast here in AD 749.

Also of interest in Todai-ji are its Great South Gate (Nandaimon). This spectacular two-story structure is borne on 18 columns, with two Nio statues standing eight meters tall, and it guards the temple entrance. Also of note here is the Hall of the Great Buddha, the world's largest timber building.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Nara

Built in 1586 by famous Japanese warrior and politician Toyotomi Hideyoshi , Osaka Castle (Ōsaka-jō) was at the time the largest and most important fortress in the country. Although destroyed and rebuilt a number of times since, the present structure, built in 1931, remains true to the original.

Highlights of a visit include the huge five-story, 42-meter-tall main tower. Built on an imposing 14-meter-tall stone base, the tower is home to a number of displays detailing the history of the castle and the city. Be sure to visit the top floor for its superb views over Osaka, an especially attractive sight as the sun sets.

Also of interest in Osaka Castle Park is the Hokoku Shrine , while Osaka's best-known temple, Shitennō-ji , is also worth visiting and dates back to AD 59. Notable as Japan's first Buddhist temple, this lovely shrine features a five-story pagoda along with a number of other exquisitely decorated buildings. Among them are the Golden Pavilion (Kondō), with its fine statues and paintings; the Lecture Hall (Kōdō); and a lovely covered corridor linking three of the site's gates.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Osaka

Japan boasts a number of outstanding areas of natural beauty, many of them designated as national parks or, in some cases, UNESCO World Heritage Sites. One of the country's most spectacular of these is Chūbu-Sangaku National Park in the center of Honshu. Located in the park's northern and central regions is the group of mountains collectively referred to as the Hida Mountains , or Japanese Alps.

This region contains some of the highest peaks in the country, including Hotaka at 3,190 meters, and Yari at 3,180 meters. Similar in many ways to the Alps of Central Europe - both in the character of the landscape and in its abundance of snow in winter - the Japanese Alps attract large numbers of walkers and climbers in summer and skiers in winter.

Of particular interest is the park's abundance of flora and fauna, including the rare ptarmigan and mountain antelopes found at higher altitudes. The park's many hot springs also draw visitors and led to the development of various spas and holiday resorts, the best known being Kamikōchi .

The Atsuta Shrine, in the heart of the city of Nagoya, is the most important Shinto shrine in Japan, and attracts more than five million visitors each year. Established in the first century, this religious site is famous for its preserved Imperial insignia, the "grass-mowing sword" (kusanagi-no-tsurugi), one of only three in the country.

Also of interest are its principal shrine, Hongu, surrounded by an enclosing wall, and the treasury with its numerous works of art, including old and modern paintings, ceramics, jewelry, and traditional masks. While in Nagoya, be sure to also visit Nagoya Castle . This splendid moated complex was built in 1612 and boasts a 48-meter-high main tower that is famous for its two gilded dolphins (shachi). It's also a popular place to visit for its museum, containing art treasures from the former palace, and its spectacular views over the city and the Nobi Plain.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Nagoya

The ruins of the once-grand Fukuoka Castle (Fukuoka-jō), built in the early 1600s, punctuate the middle of Maizuru Park. The castle was once a fine example of the prolific and majestic hilltop homes preferred by Shoguns and city rulers. But it was destroyed after the Meiji Restoration as a backlash against the feudal system.

Today, only the ruins of the castle remain, including the main gate and one of the turrets. Visitors mainly come here for the leafy walking trails and scenic lookouts, with beautiful views over the Naka River. If you climb to the top of the ruins, you can see views of the city beyond. The park is especially lovely in spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.

Fukuoka is also well known for its many events and festivals. The best-known of these is Hakata Gion Yamakasa , a famous two-week long, 700-year-old celebration held each July that draws millions of visitors from across the country to its colorful parades, as well as its traditional races and costumes.

The city is not without its modern attractions, too. Most notable among them is Canal City Hakata , a-city-within-the-city complete with a canal running through the complex, along with great shops, hotels, restaurants, and a theater.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Fukuoka

Located on Japan's northernmost island, Hokkaido, the city of Sapporo offers many things to do for tourists . As the island's largest city, it's a hub of cultural activity, hosting many excellent events and festivals. It also has a distinctive culinary style; a rich theatrical history; and plenty of museums, galleries, and parks.

The focal point here is very much the city's attractive downtown area, the center of which is Odori Park, a large swath of green that's very pleasant to explore. From here, you can also access points of interest such as the Sapporo TV Tower , as well as the city's famous aerial tramway, an easy walk away. The Mount Moiwa Ropeway will eventually get you to the summit's Upper Station, from where you can enjoy incredible views over the city, a real treat at night.

The mountain is also the location of the Mount Moiwa Ski Resort, a popular winter destination, especially since the 1972 Winter Olympics were held in the city. And if you're arriving in winter, be sure to visit the Sapporo Snow Festival , held here each February and drawing in excess of two million revelers.

When you visit Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, you'll be seeing red – but in a beautiful way. One of the most important shrines in Japan, the Fushimi Inari shrine is found in southern Kyoto, made famous for the thousands (yes, thousands) of scarlet-colored gates that arch over a web of trails. These arch-covered trails command silence, so expect a very peaceful walk towards the forest around Mt. Inari.

Inari is the Shinto god of rice – one of the most important gods in Shintoism. Of the thousands of shrines dedicated to him, Fushimi Inari is decidedly the most important. Most travelers come to see the vermilion gates, but the shrine itself is also open for exploration, and the buildings are quite spectacular.

Visitors can also hike to the top of Mt. Inari, which takes roughly two to three hours round-trip. The route up the mountain is dotted with shrines and smaller gates, as well as spots to grab something to eat.

While a cemetery may not seem like an obvious top attraction, Japan's Koyasan Okunoin is a great exception. One of the most sacred places in the country, this popular pilgrimage spot holds the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi, the founder of Shingon Buddhism.

Daishi, also called Kukai, is one of the most important figures in Japan's Buddhist history. It is said that he sits in eternal meditation while waiting for the Buddha of the Future. Those who make the pilgrimage to his mausoleum do so to ask for salvation in this life.

Upon reaching the cemetery, visitors will cross the Ichinohashi Bridge, which is the first bridge into the cemetery. On the way to the mausoleum, visitors will pass more than 200,000 tombstones. The path leads to Gokusho Offering Hall, where visitors can make offerings, as well as pray for family members they have lost.

A second bridge, the Gobyobashi Bridge, is what separates the most sacred center of the site from the rest of the cemetery. Here is where you'll find the Miroku Stone, as well as Torodo Hall, which is a main worship hall just in front of the mausoleum. The hall is aglow with thousands of lanterns. Behind the hall is the mausoleum itself, and it is a most awesome experience to visit.

You'll feel the power of something – whether you believe or not – as pilgrims from all over the country have come to chant and pray in the presence of Kobo Daishi.

Kyoto is practically overflowing with gorgeous sites and landmarks. The city is a top attraction itself. But one can't come to Kyoto without visiting Kiyomizu-Dera, or the Pure Water Temple.

One of the most important temples in Japan, Kiyomizu-Dera was built in 780 CE on the grounds of the Otowa Waterfall. It was originally built to be part of the Hosso sect of Buddhism, but later formed its own sect in the mid 20th century.

Today the UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its wooden stage, which overlooks the beautiful rooftops of Kyoto, and the marvelous trees that always put on fantastic color displays in both the fall and cherry blossom season.

On the grounds, visitors will find other important sites, like the Jishu Shrine, as well as the Otowa Waterfall itself, which still gushes at the base of the monument's main hall.

One of Tokyo's most famous districts is the Shinjuku district, known for its electric nightlife, trendy restaurants, and upscale hotels. But the heart of the district is also home to one of Tokyo's most naturally beautiful attractions – the Shinjuku Gyoen park.

Within the park are sprawling green spaces and trails of walking paths that wind around stunning floral displays, ponds, and manicured shrubbery. Come cherry blossom season, the park is one of the best spots to catch the brilliant waves of powder pink.

The park was built during Japan's Edo Period (1603-1867) as the residence of a feudal lord. After that it became a botanical garden and then was an entertaining grounds for Japan's Imperial Family in the early 20th century. It opened in 1949 as a public park.

Within the park are three different styles of garden, including a Japanese landscape, English landscape, and French landscape.

The town of Hakone, located within the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park to the west of Tokyo, is known for its stunning mountains and tranquil hot spring resorts. That is reason enough to visit this stunning small town. But another top draw to this peaceful bit of paradise is the impressive Open-Air Museum.

True to its name, the outdoor museum is a sculpture park that spreads over 17 acres. Opened in 1969, it is one of the first open-air museums in Japan, featuring more than 100 sculptures all over the grounds.

One of the most impressive sculptures here is the Symphonic Sculpture, which allows visitors to climb a stained-glass tower to reach a viewing platform that overlooks the surrounding mountains, as well as the other works of art on the grounds.

In addition to the outdoor exhibits, the museum has an indoor exhibit, including one of the world's most impressive collections of Picasso . You'll find more than 300 of the great Spanish painter's works here, including his oil paintings, prints, ceramics, and sculptures.

Dating back more than 1,000 years, the Naritasan Shinshoji Temple is one of the most popular Buddhist temples in Japan. The purpose for the temple was to protect and pay homage to a statue of the Buddhist god, Fudo Myoo, which is said to have been carved by Kobo Daishi. Within the temple grounds are several buildings, including several different style pagodas, a park, and the main halls.

Approaching the temple complex is like stepping back in time. The half-mile journey from the rail station to the temple complex is a road lined with restaurants and handicraft stores. The same has been true of this street for hundreds of years. While the stores themselves may have a 21st-century appeal, the arrival experience to the temple complex has remained unchanged for centuries.

Japan's Okinawa archipelago consists of more than 150 islands that speckle the area between Taiwan and Japan's mainland. This tropical environment is completely unique to other areas of Japan, home to beautiful beaches and swaying palm trees. The main island is also called Okinawa, and is home to several museums, as well as the Churaumi Aquarium.

The aquarium is widely considered to be the best in Japan, known for its Kuroshio Tank. Within this massive tank are about 60 different species of animals, but most visitors come to see the gigantic whale sharks and gliding manta rays.

Other attractions within the aquarium include a deep water exhibit, which shows off bioluminescent fish, as well as an area dedicated to tiger and bull sharks. Outside are a variety of pools that are home to dolphins, sea turtles, and manatees.

Japan has hundreds of beautiful, historic castles. But none is as complete or mesmerizing as Matsumoto Castle. Built from 1592 to 1614, Matsumoto is located in the city of Nagano. Tip: One of the best times to visit the castle is in the spring , when the grounds of the castle are powdered a soft pink with the bloom of thousands of cherry blossoms.

Inside the castle, visitors have one of the best glimpses back into time. Matsumoto Castle has maintained its wooden interiors, giving a true historic feel to the experience. Matsumoto is considered to be one of five castles that are designated as "National Treasures of Japan." It is the oldest six-story castle tower that remains in the country.

Located in the Arishayama section of Kyoto, the famous Arashiayama Monkey Park is one of the best things to do both in Kyoto, as well as Japan overall. A short hike up a forest-covered mountain opens up to sweeping views over the city, as well as a troop of more than 120 Japanese macaque monkeys.

The macaques roam freely in the monkey park, allowing visitors to get up close and personal with these energetic creatures. You can even feed them with food you purchase at the park. You'll find a small, wooden enclosure where you can feed the monkeys. Outside the enclosure the macaques roam freely, bouncing from branch to branch and scattering across the dirt trails.

The top of the peak also provides a great view of Kyoto and the beautiful mountain peaks in the distance. Visiting the monkey park is wonderful in both spring and fall because you'll have a bird's eye view of the cherry blossoms and the brilliant changing of the leaves.

Perfectly manicured with the highest attention to detail, the gardens in Japan are truly works of art. To visit a Japanese garden is to step into a painting. Arguably the most beautiful garden in Japan is the Kenrokuen Garden in Kanazawa. The grounds used to be a part of Kanazawa Castle and were opened to the public in the 19th century.

What makes the garden so special is that it was designed around what are known as the six essentials to make a perfect garden. These include spaciousness, seclusion, antiquity, abundant water, views, and artificiality.

While exploring the grounds, visitors will pass by beautiful pools, babbling brooks, bridges, teahouses, artfully placed stones and flowerbeds, as well as sweeping views and secluded pockets.

The park is a beautiful spot to witness the cherry blossoms in the spring, as well as the sweeping autumn colors that take over in the fall.

• Shoulder Season Travel : Due to its being blessed with so many amazing points of interest, Japan's top attractions can, during the peak summer months, get rather busy. If you can be flexible with your trip planning, create a sightseeing itinerary that will allow you to explore this beautiful country during the quieter shoulder seasons. You'll not only be rewarded by fewer lineups, but will be able to enjoy things other visitors will miss out on: spring cherry blossoms in places like Nara Park; amazing fall colors in the hillside spa destination of Jozankei Onsen; and historic structures such as Fukuoka Castle blanketed in snow.
• Faster Than a Speeding Bullet (Train) : Thanks to its superb modern and efficient public railway system, Japan is an easy country to get around. Japan Railways is responsible for more than 21,000 kilometers of rail lines, connecting all points to larger cities such as Tokyo. The best of these is the Shinkansen Bullet Train , capable of traveling 320 kilometers per hour, making a trip such as Tokyo to Fukuoka - some 1,170 kilometers away - doable in just over six hours. Be sure to pick up your Japan Rail Pass or book your rail tours before departure to ensure savings.

Despite its small size, Japan experiences almost every kind of weather you could imagine – from rainy typhoon seasons to snowy winters to hot humid summers. Whether you want to ski, hike, or explore the city, Japan has much to offer – and a perfect season for each of these activities.

For most tourists interested in sightseeing, the best time to visit Japan is during the months of March and April , as the weather is milder, the sakura (cherry blossoms) are in bloom, and the big summer crowds haven't arrived yet.

A land of contrasts and surprises, Japan has stunning springs, snowcapped mountains in winter, and plenty to do outdoors in the warmer months. The best time to visit Japan can be any time, depending on your interests.

Spring: Sakura (cherry blossoms) completely transform Japan during the months of March and April, making spring one of the most beautiful seasons in the country . Spring temperatures can vary widely depending on where you're heading, with the northern destinations seeing around 4 degrees Celsius in April, and the southern cities experiencing temperatures in the mid to high teens-in many places like Tokyo, temperatures are usually in the single digits in the early mornings and at night, but a comfortable 13 to 15 degrees during the day.

Summer: Japan's summers are hot, humid, and often wet . Temperatures in the cities often reach into the high 20s and sometimes 30s, but with high humidity present, it feels much hotter. Summer is a great time to head to the mountains and the countryside to escape the urban heat . Between July and October, the coast of Japan is under the threat of typhoons and heavy rains, although the wettest months are usually August and September .

Fall: Fall is a great time to travel around Japan , as you'll get cooler weather, great Autumn colors, and discounted prices. Although spring has similar temperatures, fall is drier , so you won't have to constantly carry an umbrella with you everywhere you go. Rikugien Garden in Tokyo and Lake Kawaguchi at the foot of Mt. Fuji are great places to catch the autumn colors.

Winter: Depending on your destination, Japanese winters can be very cold (as low as -10 degrees Celsius in Sapporo) or mild (Naha regularly sees January temperatures around 15 degrees Celsius). In most places, however, winters are dry-no humidity and very little rain, with snow mostly falling on the countryside but sometimes also blanketing the bigger cities. The alpine regions, including the ski resorts around Hokkaido, are among the best places to visit in Japan in winter. Slopes are great in January and February, with plenty of powdery snow for outdoor sports.

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Endless Day Trip Options : Wherever you choose to visit in Japan, the country's fast rail services open up endless possibilities for day trippers. Even if you are only visiting one city, you may be able to see several important tourist attractions in the surroundings. For more detail in planning your trip, see our articles on day trips from Tokyo , as well as historic Kyoto , and Osaka .

More on Japan

The 10 most wonderful places to visit in Japan

Mar 28, 2024 • 6 min read

From buzzing cities to serene forest walks, these are our favorite places to visit in Japan © Taiyou Nomachi / Getty Images

Japan offers up a real feast for travelers, with mountainside onsen (hot spring) villages, beach-lined islands and buzzing megacities all on the menu.

You could arguably spend a lifetime sampling the country’s delights, but some towns and sights are staples – core ingredients to any great Japan trip. Here’s our pick of the 10 best places to visit in Japan .

Best for contemporary culture

Tokyo is a city forever reaching into the future, pushing the boundaries of what's possible on densely populated, earthquake-prone land, and building ever taller, sleeker structures.

It's Japan's top spot for contemporary art and architecture, pop culture, shopping, drinking and entertainment (and a tie with Kyoto for dining). But more than any other sight, it's the city itself that enchants visitors.

It's a sprawling, organic thing, stretching as far as the eye can see. Constantly changing with a diverse collection of neighborhoods , no two experiences of Tokyo are ever the same.

Planning tip: Tickets for sumo, kabuki and Giants baseball games usually go on sale one to two months in advance. The Imperial Palace and Ghibli Museum are other popular attractions that require prior planning.

Best for traditional experiences

Kyoto , Japan's imperial capital for a thousand years, is home to more than a thousand temples. Among them are the monumental, like Kinkaku-ji (an exquisite pavilion sheathed entirely in gold leaf), and the meditative, like Ryōan-ji , with its stark Zen rock garden.

And temples are only the beginning. There's the culture of tea, which you can appreciate at one of the city's many elegant teahouses; the art of the geisha, those iconic performers of traditional music and dance; and also a rich food culture, including kaiseki (Japanese haute cuisine).

3. Naoshima

Best for architecture

Naoshima is one of Japan's great success stories: once a rural island on the verge of becoming a ghost town, it's now a world-class center for contemporary art.

Many of Japan's most lauded architects have contributed structures, including museums, a boutique hotel and even a bathhouse – all designed to enhance the island's natural beauty and complement its existing settlements.

The resulting blend of avant-garde and rural Japan is captivating. It has also inspired some Japanese to pursue a slower life outside the big cities, relocating to Naoshima to open cafes and inns.

Planning tip: Try to plan your visit during one of the three exhibitions of the  Setouchi Triennale festival, which happens during the spring, summer and fall every three years – the most recent was in 2022. Naoshima hosts various art, drama, music and dance events that make this festival really special.

Best for views and pilgrimages

Even from a distance,  Mt Fuji will take your breath away. Close up, the perfectly symmetrical cone of Japan's highest peak is nothing short of incredible. Dawn from the summit? Pure magic.

Fuji-san is among Japan's most revered and timeless attractions. Hundreds of thousands of people climb it every year, continuing a centuries-old tradition of pilgrimages up the sacred volcano.

Those who'd rather search for picture-perfect views from the less-daunting peaks nearby will be following in the steps of Japan's most famous painters and poets.

Planning tip: The best time to climb Mt Fuji is during its official season, from July 1 through mid-September, which avoids the rainy season and snowfall. Always check for typhoon warnings before hiking in Japan.

5. Hiroshima

Best for introspection

Hiroshima today is a forward-thinking city with attractive, leafy boulevards. It's not until you visit the Peace Memorial Museum that the true extent of human tragedy wreaked by the atomic bomb becomes vividly clear.

A visit here is a heartbreaking, important history lesson. The  park around the museum , much of which was designed by Japan's great modernist architect Tange Kenzō, offers many opportunities for reflection.

But the city's spirit of determination – as well as its food – will ensure that you'll have good memories to take with you when you leave.

6. Yakushima

Best for forest bathing

Yakushima, a small island off the coast of southern Kyūshū , is often described as magical and enchanting – otherworldly even. It's a place where words fail and clichés step in.

Home to some of Japan's last primeval forests, you'll find the yakusugi , an ancient cedar native to the island whose giant roots seem to form alien tentacles.

Hiking trails underneath them cover craggy terrain, often fuzzy with moss. The landscape here is believed to have inspired the iconic Studio Ghibli animated film,  Princess Mononoke .

Detour: When you're not hiking, stop by the  Yakusugi Museum to learn more about the importance of yakusugi  to the islanders of Yakushima. An English audio guide is available.

7. Koya-san

Best for exploring temples

Riding the funicular up to the sacred Buddhist monastic complex of Kōya-san feels, appropriately, like ascending to another world.

There are over a hundred temples here, the highlight of which is Oku-no-in , where paths weave their way among towering cryptomeria trees and time-worn stone stupas covered in moss and lichen.

Other temples offer a different experience: the chance to spend the night, dine on traditional vegetarian Buddhist cuisine and wake up early for morning meditation with the resident monks.

Planning tip: Though Japanese temples and shrines do not have established dress codes, visitors are expected to stay relatively quiet in these sacred spaces.

8. Okinawa and the Southwest Islands

Best for beaches

Okinawa and the Southwest Islands offer a totally different experience from the rest of Japan. This semi-tropical archipelago forms an arch between Kyūshū and Taiwan .

Until the islands were annexed by Japan in the 19th century, they formed their own kingdom – the Ryūkyū Empire – and the cultural differences are apparent in everything from the architecture to the food.

This is where you'll find Japan's best beaches, like those on the Yaeyama Islands  and the Kerama Islands, with sugar-white sand fringed with palms and turquoise waters. Bask in the sun, or snorkel and scuba dive.

Best for street food and nightlife

Tokyo doesn't nab all the superlatives when it comes to urban experiences. Osaka , Japan's third-largest city, is tops for street food: don't miss its signature dish, takoyaki (grilled octopus dumplings).

It also has the most dramatic of nightscapes: a dazzling display of LED lights, animated signage and flashing video screens along the canalside strip Dōtombori .

The city, Japan's oldest merchant center, has a pace, spirit and zest for life all of its own; its unofficial slogan is kuidaore (eat until you drop).

Planning tip: In addition to nightly accommodation fees, Osaka hotels will typically charge an accommodation tax that varies depending on the standard nightly rate.

10. Kamikōchi

Best for mountain hikes

One of Japan's most stunning natural vistas, Kamikōchi is a highland river valley enveloped by the soaring peaks of the Northern Japan Alps .

Easy day hikes are possible along the Azusa-gawa, following the pristine river through tranquil forests of willow, larch and elm.

The birthplace of Japanese alpinism, Kamikōchi is also the gateway for more challenging treks up some of the country's tallest mountains, such as Yari-ga-take (3180m/10,433ft). Private cars are banned from Kamikōchi, which lessens the impact of the crowds.

This article was first published April 2021 and updated March 2024

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25 Most Beautiful Places in Japan

By Caitlin Morton

Ask anyone who has visited, and they'll tell you: Japan is easily one of the most stunning places in the world. The country offers a full range of nature and culture, from subtropical beaches to snowy mountains, futuristic skylines to ancient temples. And while you could spend a lifetime exploring all of the splendidly whimsical islands and cities , we suggest you start with this list.

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Kyoto

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in Kyoto, Japan

Itsukushima Shrine, Miyajima

Mt. Yoshino

Lake Kussharo, Hokkaido

Hokkaido, Japan

Harrison Pierce

Alex Erdekian

Charlie Hobbs

Gion Geisha District, Kyoto

Ashikaga Flower Park, Ashigaka

Fushimi Inari-Taisha, Kyoto

Meguro River, Tokyo

Shirakawa-go Village

Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine and Nachi Falls, Wakayama Prefecture

Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo

Blue Pond, Hokkaido

Himeji Castle

Miyako-jima, Okinawa

Imperial Palace Grounds, Tokyo

Benesse Art Site, Naoshima

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Kyoto

Tama Art University Library, Tokyo

Oyama Rice Terrace, Kamogawa

Hitsujiyama Park, Chichibu

Bioluminescent Rocks, Okayama

Daigo-ji Temple, Kyoto

Tottori Sand Dunes

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The 15 BEST Places to Visit in Japan (2024 Guide)

• Last Updated: January 27, 2024

From seeing a geisha show or walking the famous Fushimi Inari shrine in Kyoto to exploring the bustling metropolis of Tokyo or staring out at Mount Fuji, here’s our list of the best places to visit in Japan.

Japan is a close-knit island nation that is known for its beautiful cities, unique food, amusement parks, temples, shrines, hot springs, and more.

Hidden gems and beautiful palaces are scattered around the country, from tiny villages right up to the commercial areas in Japan, such as Hiroshima, Osaka or Tokyo.

Travellers flock to Japan to see the beauty of cherry blossom season, or to hike Mount Fuji, ski in the Japan Alps, eat delectable sushi, and more.

But there are lots of unexpected things to do in Japan as well.

Character or animal cafés, vending machines offering a vast array of items, and aquariums showcasing rare and unique marine life are just a few of the best and most interesting things you can view while in Japan.

Don’t travel to Japan without reading our ultimate travel guide!

Table of Contents

4) Yokohama

9) hiroshima, 12) fukuoka, 13) kanazawa, 15) okinawa, anything to add to this list of great places in japan, the best places to visit in japan.

Overall, there are so many must-see and must-experience places to visit in Japan due to the nation’s rich history, location, and culture.

If you’re planning a trip, make sure you use this list to make the most out of your travel to Japan.

Tokyo, the capitol of Japan, is obviously one of the best places to go in central Japan. While Kyoto is viewed as the spiritual center of Japan, Tokyo is seen as the most popular, busiest, and most significant city in the country, and there is no question why.

If you are wondering just what to do in Japan, it’s common knowledge that starting in Tokyo would have you covered as a perfect introduction to the country.

Of course, the city is largely commercialised and there are endless activities to do, especially if you are looking for UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

On a clear winter day it is even possible to have views of Mount Fuji in the distance!

It is important, however, to not forget the little things you can visit and explore – from simple and quiet parks to humble and interesting cafés or the occasional shrine or temple.

One unique place to visit in Tokyo would be Neko JaLaLa, a cat-themed cafe that offers more than your usual coffee destination in Tokyo.

There should be no question as to why Tokyo is famous and beloved for its several towers and overall interesting architecture. Buildings like the Tokyo Tower and the Tokyo Skytree should definitely be places on your travel list.

Both structures are known as Japan tourist spots and two of the best places to visit in Japan.

A trip to the Tokyo Tower offers a beautiful and breathtaking view.

The tower lights up beautifully and elegantly throughout the night, which is also a nice touch and a perfect photo scene.

The Tokyo Skytree offers several experiences throughout its tiers, aside from observation and obtaining a beautiful view.

If you are looking for a less-commercialised and more cultural Japan attraction that is located in Tokyo, the Kaneji Buddhist temple is one of the best things you can do.

Complete with intricately designed gardens, hallways, and statues, this temple is ideal for anyone looking for some relaxation time while in Tokyo.

Also consider taking a day trip to see Mount Fuji, the iconic symbol of Japan.

It doesn’t matter if your stay in Japan is for 48 hours or two weeks, visiting Tokyo is a Japan must-see.

READ MORE: Check out our complete guide to the best things to do in Tokyo .

Check out our Japan Vlog on going to a crazy robot restaurant in Tokyo in Japan.

Osaka is a port-based city that is full of interesting museums, attractions, and a fascinating variety of activities for any visitor to Japan.

No tour of the best places to visit in Japan would be complete without a trip to Osaka.

One thing to enjoy about this city is its versatile points of interest, and great opportunities for the Cherry Blossom season.

Whether it be the classic Osaka Castle or a fun amusement park such as Universal Studios Japan, Osaka really seems to have it all.

Dotonbori should ultimately be your first stop due to the influx of street food vendors, arcades, and shops.

After visiting the many wonderful fantasy worlds of Universal Studios Japan, you go go-karting around the streets.

Other popular attractions in Osaka are the beautiful and grand Tempozan Ferris Wheel, the peaceful Expo Commemoration Park, and the educational and intriguing Osaka Museum of History.

You haven’t completed Japan sightseeing until you’ve made your way to Osaka. And from here it is just a short train ride to the famous city of Kyoto.

READ MORE: Check out our detailed guide on the best things to do in Osaka .

If you are looking for elegant cherry blossoms, peaceful Buddhist temples or the occasional Shinto shrine, then Nara is the ideal travel location for you.

Just a short distance from either Kyoto or Osaka, Nara City is the capital of the Nara prefecture and is one of the most captivating and interesting places to visit in Japan.

Shrines surrounded by peaceful, well-kept canals and ponds are a popular sight. As are long the beautiful and friendly deer that roam freely throughout the prefecture – which are one of the most unique things to see in Japan.

It is apparent that Nara might truly be one of the most peaceful, down-to-earth cities in the world.

Nara Park is a central park located within the city that is full of deer that peacefully roam the park. They are a beautiful and adorable sight to visitors.

One staple of Nara would have to be the several palaces, temples, and Buddhist shrines. Todai-ji is a perfect example and is located right in the city of Nara.

This temple is one of the largest in the area, and plays a great role in its history.

Deer are frequently seen in surrounding areas around the temple, which is a nice touch.

By far, the greatest feature with Todai-ji, however, is the addition of the largest known bronze statue modelled after Buddha.

READ MORE: Here’s our ultimate list of things to do in Nara, Japan .

Yokohama is one of the more authentic places to visit in Japan if you would like a taste of Japanese culture, some history, and a tad bit of everything else.

One example of how Yokohama stands out against other popular cities and tourist spots in Japan would be the inclusion of Yokohama Chinatown.

Similar to Dotonbori, the Yokohama Chinatown area is ideal for those who love to experience street food as it is popularly offered and sold throughout the area.

If you are looking to take a quiet and enchanting walk, a stop at the Sankeien Garden in Yokohama couldn’t hurt as well.

A trip through this park can help relax you after a long day of exploring and visiting different streets and locations throughout the city.

The design of the garden is very traditional and reminiscent of older gardens and contains a beautiful pond surrounded by lush trees and shrubs.

One might enjoy viewing the Tempozan Ferris wheel light up at night. And Yokohama offers beautiful fireworks shows available during specific seasons.

Due to Yokohama being a port city for trading, these shows easily take place in Yokohama at the Yamashita Park, and are enjoyed greatly by both tourists and locals alike.

READ MORE: Here’s our brand new article featuring the best things to do in Yokohama .

As Okinawa is known for its glorious beaches, the small town of Hakone is known for the natural beauty of its mountainous terrain, waterways, and hot springs.

By far the most prominent and well-known attraction is Lake Ashi that makes Hakone one of the most fun places to visit in Japan.

The lake paired with other attractions makes Hakone one of the most beautiful and captivating cities to spend some time during your next vacation.

The picture-perfect and relaxing scenery also helps it make the list as one of Japan’s tourist spots. With views of Mount Fuji, Hakone is one of the best places to see and do it all.

Lake Ashi is surrounded by beautiful mountains, which help to compliment the glistening blue water.

The Hakone Open-Air Museum is also another great reason to visit Hakone, as it compliments the feel and aesthetic of the place due to the large collection of creative artwork.

READ MORE: Here’s our guide to the best things to do in Hakone !

The capital city of Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, is an absolute gem and one of the best cities on our list of Japanese tourist spots.

Whether it’s your first or fifth time to this fascinating country, make sure you spend some time in Sapporo, a metropolis that is buzzing with excitement and culture.

Whether you want to check out Japan’s biggest zoo or visit the marvelous winter snow festival, you’ll find no shortage of attractions here.

It’s also a great jumping-off point for exploring more of Hokkaido, so definitely use it as a base to plan your next moves.

READ MORE: Here’s our travel guide to the top things to do in Sapporo .

With destinations like the Nagoya TV Tower and the Nagoya Castle, this area can easily be compared to Osaka and Tokyo based on the famous and must-see landmarks.

There is even a museum dedicated to science: Nagoya City Science Museum.

This museum may sound a bit general. But its complex and interactive activities help engage and educate visitors and is home to what is known as the  world’s biggest planetarium  – making it a famous gem of Japan.

Perhaps the highlight of Nagoya and one of the best things to do is to tour the Nagoya TV Tower.

This tower consists of five floors and is a beautiful sight with its glowing appearance during the night.

The sky deck, which is at the topmost floor of the tower, offers a grand view of the city and famous mountains in the area.

The Nagoya Castle is the heart of Japan and another great symbol within the nation of Japan. You wouldn’t be able to miss this elegant structure in Nagoya.

This specific castle stems all the way from the Edo period and is lined with alluring Japanese artwork that is lit and brightened up greatly by the strategically placed windows and shading.

Be careful to not forget the entertainment halls and theatres, so you can enjoy a great concert or show while in Nagoya.

And if you’re looking for views of Mount Fuji then you can add this place to your list. Nagoya offers gorgeous views of the famous Mount Fuji!

READ MORE: Here’s our list of the best things to do in Nagoya .

While there is much to do on the island of Honshu, Kyoto is almost always at the top of the list of places to see in Japan.

Based on the prominent pagodas, the influx of cherry blossoms, and the rich history included, it is no wonder why Kyoto was once the capital of the great nation of Japan.

Due to the extravagant history Kyoto has throughout wars and harsh time periods, castles and unique Japanese structures have come to cover the region.

By  exploring Kyoto , you have the choice to learn about Japan, its people and its culture in a very motivating, intriguing, and interesting way.

Geishas are also a prominent entertainment force in Kyoto, making it one of the best places in Japan to view a show.

The Sento Imperial Palace is a peaceful palace that offers a tour that is free and is a fantastic way to discover and learn about Japanese palaces and history while exploring the area.

If you are looking to buy some authentic and quality Japanese goods, Kyoto should also be in mind. Many tourists buy keepsakes or tokens from their trip here, as shopping is fantastic.

The Kitano Tenman-Gu flea market is the perfect shop for this as it offers a wide range of products such as intricately designed fans, umbrellas, and yukatas.

Of course, no trip to Kyoto is complete without visiting Fushimi Inari, an important Shinto shrine known for its temple and the thousands of brightly coloured torii gate.

READ MORE: Don’t miss our complete guide to the best things to do in Kyoto !

Recent history hasn’t been kind to Hiroshima, a city that is most famous for having the atomic bomb dropped on it during World War II, completely decimating the city.

But for such a tragic event, Hiroshima has fully rebuilt itself, and today is one of the top selections for where to go in Japan. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is one of the top Japan tourist attractions.

The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, the main feature of Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, is one of the best known places in Japan. Memorializing a terrible event near the end of World War II, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the more sacred places to visit in the city.

Nearby Miyajima Island is a fantastic place to spend a day and definitely worth a visit. The Hiroshima Castle is sure to wow you as well.

In terms of unique sights and tourist attractions, the Itsukushima Shrine really stands out, literally, by rising out of the water.

Don’t let the idea of a crumpled city stop you from visiting – Hiroshima is truly an incredible spot to explore.

READ MORE: Check out our complete guide to the best things to do in Hiroshima.

When visiting Kobe, on the island of Honshu, trying their world-famous beef is a must. You can even have it along with Ramen or other traditional dishes.

Kobe could perhaps be the food destination highlight of your trip finding the best places to visit in Japan, aside from Dotonbori.

Another street to visit in Kobe would be their version of Chinatown, which offers another great opportunity to try street food.

The Kobe City Museum is also a great way to explore the great city of Kobe and its history.

Kobe’s most popular harbour known as the Kobe Harborland is the best outdoor hub for entertainment and shopping alike.

The harbour even boasts a beautiful Ferris wheel that adds a nice touch. If you are searching for a more scenic addition in Kobe, you must visit Mount Rokko. Although it pales in comparison to Mount Fuji, there are great trails and scenery to enjoy.

This landmark is favoured both by tourists and locals, and is unique in its structure when compared to various other mountains scattered throughout the great nation of Japan.

Kobe is also located near Himeji Castle, which in and of itself is a top location in Japan. Take a day trip from Kobe to the famous grounds of Himeji Castle!

READ MORE: Here’s our guide to all the top things to do in Kobe !

Otaru doesn’t always make the list of places to visit in Japan. But its canal scenery is so romantic it could even rival that of Italy.

Different vendors and stores offering a vast array of Japanese goods paired with various restaurants help to make the canal a must-stop destination.

Aside from the canal, be sure to enjoy a wonderful experience and performance at the Otaru Music Box.

The Otaru Aquarium can help finish off your trip with some educational facts and a great view of various marine life.

READ MORE: Check out our complete guide to the best things to do in Otar u

Fukuoka is a fantastic city on the Kyushu island of Japan, and well worth a visit on your next trip to Japan.

With great surfing opportunities, a fascinating samurai history and plenty of sumo wrestling matches to check out, you’ll be amazed at all the great  things to do in Fukuoka.

READ MORE: Here’s our guide to the top things to do in Japan

Kanazawa is located on Honshu Island and bordered by the Sea of Japan. Deriving its name from “marsh of gold” after legend claims a potato farmer dug up gold instead of potatoes in his field one year.

Kanazawa Castle is the city’s most notable feature and one of the best places to visit in the city. It stands tall among various other buildings that were surprisingly spared during bombings in WWII.

The original castle was destroyed in a fire in 1888. But the existing castle still stands after being rebuilt.

Kanazawa is also known for its Edo-period architecture, temples, geishas and cuisine. You can’t go wrong to add Kanazawa to your list of places to visit in Japan.

READ MORE: Check out our complete guide to the best things to do in Kanazawa.

Tohoku is located northeast of Tokyo on the island of Honshu. Very much off the beaten track for most travellers, Tohoku makes the list of best places to visit in Japan for its simplicity and relationship with nature.

Those who travel here know Tohoku for its spectacular coastlines, inviting natural hot springs and intricate cave systems. It is also a great place to see some of the best cherry blossoms in Japan – without all of the crowds you will find elsewhere.

And if you are into studying where modern history meets science, Tohoku is the jumping-off point for exploring the impact of the 2011 tsunami, most notable for it’s destruction of the Fukushima nuclear reactor.

No doubt if you are looking for a place where fewer travellers visit, particularly in spring, then you absolutely must add Tohoku to your list of places to visit in Japan!

Okinawa is Japan’s most tropical island and definitely one of the more unique places to visit in Japan. Surrounded by beautiful beaches and crystal blue ocean water, Okinawa City is a paradise for people of all ages.

A variety of restaurants are scattered all throughout the city, which is perfect if you plan to have dinner and see a show.

Koza Music Town is perfect for those looking for supreme entertainment and shows.

Besides Koza, Okinawa is simply just a paradise for music lovers due to the many different venues and shows that are offered, especially with the famous bars and clubs scattered about.

The Shurijo Castle is a must-see if you are visiting Okinawa. This palace was dedicated to the Ryukyu Kingdom, and boasts a bright red colour and an intricately paved red walkway leading up to the grand entrance of the castle.

If you’re looking for adventure on your next travels to Japan as well, then Okinawa is the place for you. This island is definitely where to go for surfing, scuba diving, kiteboarding and swimming with whale sharks!

READ MORE: Check out our complete guide to the best things to do in Okinawa .

In conclusion, Japan is a vast island nation that is known for its mountain scenery, unique architecture, cherry blossoms, and booming cities.

While travelling there are so many places to visit in Japan and experience on each island and in each city. But it is important to not overlook the small hidden gems in the rural Japan.

Sites and areas like small traditional villages and temples can really add to your overall experience. Whether you visit castles, Buddhist temples or Shinto shrines, enjoy a hot spring or two or come to see the natural beauty of cherry blossom season you understand why the island of Japan and its people are so special.

Aside from trying food in Dotonbori and shopping in the popular streets and stores in Tokyo, be sure to mark the small villages, historic sites, and grand areas for.

Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial, stroll beneath the torii gate of Fushimi Inari in Kyoto and find your favorite shrine or temple in any number of smaller villages and towns.

Do you have anywhere else you’d add to this list? Leave a comment below and let us know your favourite places to visit in Japan!

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

Gabby Boucher

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

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Yes I have read this article and very informative article.

Glad you liked the article 🙂

My Granddaughter dream is to go to Japan since she was 11 years old, May 2022 she will be 18 and graduating High School. I want to take her there as a gift to her, because her dream has not wavered, Problem is, I am limited on income and terrified to go to another country, where I know nothing of culture or the language, I understand it is very expensive. Could you give me advice on what we could do to make this memorable for her..without it draining my bank account and where a lot of people speak English. We are country people dont know to much of the outside world, so this will be a culture shock for us. I want to respect their values as well. Any advice will be much appreciated. Food, Places to stay, Sightseeing, cherry blossom, I am leaning on traveling April 4th 2022.

Hi Connie, What an amazing gift. An experience of a lifetime. I am originally from country WA and know exactly what you mean. Japan can be expensive but it also can be reasonable on the budget side. We have an article that has a lot of information that may help you out but I will add a few more tips in. Travel Guide – https://www.nomadasaurus.com/travel-guides/travel-to-japan/ (at the bottom of this article is lots of other Japan posts) Budget – https://www.nomadasaurus.com/budget-travel-in-japan/

There are a lot of people that speck English in the major cities. But menus will be in Japanese sometimes you will find English but the prices may be more expensive. We recommend downloading Japan to English google translate. This will help you out so much. If you are connected to the internet you can hover your camera over a menu and it will translate the writing to English. You can pick up an internet dongle from the airport and have wifi where ever you go for your stay. They can be expensive. Another option is buying an international SIM card. Just check your plan and that there is no extra costs. Your phones plans may charge you international roaming and this will be very expensive. Happened to me in Ireland when I first travelled, costs nearly $1000. I had no idea. Lucky they cut it down but it was a wake up. Transport – I would look into the JR pass. This is a great way to get around the country and you can use it on local transport within the cities too. The train system is incredible and so comfortable. Stops are in English so you can read where you need to get off and at what stop. https://www.jrailpass.com/maps Getting around cities – I would recommend hopping on a city tour or do a free walking tour to get your bearings and ask advice from the guides. The guides would be able to tell you get (and cheap) local restaurants to try. We try to do this in a lot of cities when we first arrive. Getting the public trains are easy enough to get around the cities. Put some maps on your phone or print out a map before you arrive. Food – There are so many amazing stalls. These are the best local food options. They look a little questionable but if it is busy with locals then go there. We ate at a lot of machine meals. This is when you enter the restaurant and choose a meal off a machine, collect your receipt, sit down and a person will collect your receipt and then deliver your meal. These places were great. Do not miss Kyoto and Nara. We really enjoyed these places. The temples, gardens, traditional houses and the culture. When we got off the plane in Japan we went straight to Kyoto and we were so happy we did. Explore Tokyo at the end of your trip. Hope this helps. If you have anymore questions please don’t hesitate to message us. Japan is an amazing country. The people there are so welcoming and helpful.

These are great places for tourism. I must say, your post is like my tour guide now. Thank you for sharing this post with us. Thanks.

Hi Franca, glad you liked the post. Japan has so many wonderful destinations. Have a wonderful trip when you go. Take care. 🙂

Japan has been on our travel bucket list for years now but already planning to visit next year so this gave me a good idea where to go apart from Tokyo and Osaka.

You need to go Julia. I think you would love it. There is so many amazing places to see. We didn’t spend much time in Tokyo and Osaka as we are not city people. We loved Kyoto for the culture. I know it is a city but it did not feel like it. Stay in Gion District if you go. Was amazing. We would get up early and wonder around. Felt like we were the only people there sometimes. Happy planning.

I’m planning a trip to Japan and your blog has been very helpful so far! The first time I was there I mostly went from big city to city, so this time I would like to try smaller towns and your description of Shirakawa makes it sound so lovely. The problem is that Google Maps is showing me two Shirakawa towns! Did you visit the one in Fukushima or in Gifu? Thanks!

Hi Jennifer, sorry about the late reply. This is in the Gifu Prefecture. Thank you for this. I will note it in the paragraph. 🙂

We are heading to Tokyo for the Olympics in July of next year and have a little more than three weeks in Japan with 9 days at the Summer Olympics. We have been to Tokyo and Kyoto before and did most all of the sites that one would, so the timing of this article was perfect as we were looking for more to explore outside of Tokyo and Kyoto next summer after the hustle and bustle during the Olympics. Thanks for giving us a great starting point with the overview of these prefectures. Much Aloha and Kokua for the insight

Hi Dan, so sorry your comment was missed. I know your plans are obviously are cancelled as the Olympics are postponed til next year. I hope you have rescheduled and are still going. If you have time do check out Nakatsugawa. It has a traditional trail. It is beautiful and not far from Tokyo. Check out Sado Island. The coastline and hiking is so beautiful. You can catch a flight down to Oita Island and explore this off the beaten path area. Lots of onsens and great hiking. You do need to rent a car to get around as transport is very limited. Have a great time when you go to Japan.

Truly your shared all these fabulous places are the best for travelling and tourists can enjoy some time with buddies. I also enjoyed myself while I was visiting this kind of places.

So glad you enjoyed your time in Japan. Thanks for reading. 🙂

Thanks for sharing such a beautiful article. It packed of all the information required for the first time visitors and information mentioned above in the article are more than enough gain knowledge about Japan. The article has surely helped me a lot. It would be great if the images of the all places mentioned above were there. Thumbs up for the effort.

Glad we could help. All the best

Thanks for sharing this information regarding travel and tour. I really found this very interesting. And your blog is very useful for us.

Thank you so much. Glad you found the article helpful. Happy travels

I have visiting a few cities in Japan on my bucket list. I shared the blog. The pics are awesome and I enjoyed reading the brief overview of the different cities. I get excited about everything from historical areas, to scenic, and most of all the food. Thanks for the recommendations of Dotonbori and Yokohama chinatown for popular street food.

Thank you so much David. Natalia wrote a great article and made us very jealous. Japan looks like a wonderful place. We are heading there later this year. We can not wait. 🙂

I really like to share your all these adorable images which views very fabulous and cool. I also spent a really good time at ONOMICHI during my last journey and came back with great memories.

Thank you so much. Glad the article brought back good memories for you. 🙂

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24 of the most beautiful places you should visit in Japan

Aside from culture and tradition, Japan also offers some of the world's most spectacular landscapes. Here's your Japan bucket list

It’s no secret that Japan has a stunning amount of beauty. From the lavender fields of Furano in Hokkaido down to the crystal clear beaches of Okinawa , this small country is filled with gorgeous nature , contemporary museums , mountainside temples and of course, those pretty springtime  cherry blossoms  and colourful autumn leaves .

With so much to see, it's impossible to do Japan justice with just one visit. This explains why people miss Japan  more than any other country in the world. So this extraordinary island archipelago definitely calls for repeats visits – how else are you going to see all these 24 beautiful sight in Japan?

Recommended: The most beautiful festivals in Japan  

Kiyotsu Gorge and the Tunnel of Light, Niigata prefecture

Niigata prefecture’s Kiyotsu Gorge is a massive natural marvel with volcanic columns, called columnar jointing, overlooking a dramatic river view. After the walking trails were deemed unsafe and closed to the public in 1988, Ma Yansong and the MAD Architects team built the Tunnel of Light , a 750m-long tunnel leading out to the gorge, so visitors can safely view its panoramic beauty. 

Kamikochi, Nagano

A lush green plateau on the Nagano prefecture side of the Northern Japanese Alps, Kamikochi offers some of Japan’s most spectacular mountain scenery with minimal hiking effort. Most visitors just hover around Kappabashi (Kappa Bridge) and for good reason. For one, the bus stop is just nearby. But more importantly, here you get to take in the grand view: a wooded riverbank surrounded by a fortress of mountains, which in autumn blushes in shades of yellow, orange and red.

Beat the crowd by starting at the quiet Taisho Pond, whose pristine surface in the early morning mirrors its gorgeous surroundings. From here, it’s an easy hour-long hike through marshlands to Kappabashi, where you can break for a meal at one of several cafés and restaurants. For day trippers, you can then go further into the forest; another 90 minutes’ walk will take you to the atmospheric Myojin Pond.

Oirase Gorge, Aomori

This picturesque gorge in the mountains of Aomori is one of Japan’s top autumn destinations. The 9km-long trail from Ishigeo to Nenokuchi at the mouth of Lake Towada is breathtaking – not that it’s a strenuous hike but because of the gorgeous scenery all along the way. The gushing Oirase Stream snakes through a blazing red and orange forest studded with moss-covered boulders, with multiple waterfalls feeding into the running water. It’s Japanese autumn at its best.

Set aside three hours for a one-way trek, and you can hop on a sightseeing ferry at the end of the trail at Nenokuchi for more autumn foliage along Lake Towada. Though you’d need some good stamina, don’t worry if you can’t do the entire nine kilometres. There are bus stops on the road running alongside the stream, where you can catch a ride to any point on the trail. 

Kinkakuji Temple, Kyoto

Otherwise known as the Golden Temple, Kinkakuji is a Zen Buddhist temple covered in gold, a miraculous and shiny site in the middle of traditional Kyoto. In fact, the temple is so beautiful that a young monk attempted to burn it down in 1950, inspiring Yukio Mishima’s famous novel ‘The Temple of the Golden Pavilion’. First, you walk along a path to see the temple and its reflection before you eventually see it close up, so be prepared for multiple photo ops. Head there in the early morning or late afternoon for smaller crowds and less glinting from the gold leaf.

Mt Fuji, Yamanashi

Japan’s crown jewel and arguably the most beautiful place in the country, Mt Fuji is a must for any visitor. There are plenty of places to see the grand mountain, but the views from Arakurayama Sengen Park, which boasts the majestic Chureito Pagoda, and from Lake Kawaguchi best capture its beauty.

Lake Kawaguchi, one of the Fuji Five Lakes, has glorious views of Mt Fuji, especially in winter when the sky is mostly clear and you can see the volcano’s reflection in the water. Having said that, the near-perfect symmetry of Mt Fuji is a spectacular sight year-round, regardless of where you see it from.

Shirakawa-go, Gifu prefecture

Deep in Gifu prefecture lies Shirakawa-go, a perfectly preserved Japanese village and Unesco World Heritage Site, filled with traditional gassho-zukuri style farmhouses known for their thatched, triangular roofs that resemble praying hands. Now, most of the farmhouses have been converted into museums, restaurants and even hotels, but visitors can still explore the inside of the houses to admire the idiosyncratic architecture, held together by wooden beams. The houses are especially picturesque in winter – all covered in snow, they look like gingerbread houses. 

Motonosumi Shrine, Yamaguchi

Tunnels of vermilion torii gates are a common sight in Japan. There’s Fushimi Inari in Kyoto and Nezu Shrine in Tokyo, but Motonosumi Shrine in the seaside town of Nagato is the most picturesque. A relatively new shrine, built in 1955, it consists of 123 torii gates that lead down dramatic cliffs, with spectacular ocean views to boot. Unlike most shrines where you just toss a coin into an offering box, here you’ll have to shoot your donation into a box at the top of the final torii gate, which stands six metres tall. If you make it, your wish might just come true.

Narai, Nagano

Along the historic Nakasendo, the mountainous route which connected old Edo (present-day Tokyo) with Kyoto, is Narai, a post town in the picturesque Kiso Valley. This is one of the best places to catch a glimpse of Edo-period (1603-1868) life, as most of this then-prosperous town is so well-preserved that its wooden buildings stretch for a 1km block. Many of the heritage houses have been adapted into restaurants, minshuku (Japanese bed and breakfast) and stores while two former residences – Nakamura Residence and Kamidonya Shiryokan – are preserved as they were back in the day. Narai is incredibly photogenic in autumn, when bright foliage lights up the surrounding Kiso mountain range.

Kumano Kodo, Wakayama prefecture

Unesco-designated pilgrimage trails make up the Kumano Kodo on the Kii Peninsula in Wakayama prefecture. The 70km route leads through dense, lush forest and stops by plenty of ancient shrines and temples. One of the most famous destinations is the Kumano Nachi Taisha, which boasts a three-storey vermillion pagoda and Nachi no Taki, which, at 133m, is the tallest waterfall in Japan. 

Takachiho Gorge, Miyazaki

The breathtaking Takachiho Gorge in Miyazaki is best seen from the water – you can rent a small rowing boat and take a romantic cruise down the calm Gokase River. This is no paddle in the park, though: the gorge is filled with natural wonder and you’ll be surrounded by lush maple trees and the dramatic 17m-tall Minai-no-taki waterfall. Prefer to stay on dry land? The gorge is still beautiful from above – hikers can walk along the 1km Takachiho Promenade for a landscape view, best enjoyed during the summer illumination or the vermillion autumn foliage.

Himeji Castle, Hyogo prefecture

Himeji is perhaps Japan’s most famous castle. It even served as the basis for this emoji: 🏯. Also known as the White Heron, Himeji Castle is a giant, stark white structure that has miraculously survived wars and natural disasters. The castle dates back to the 17th century but was restored in 2015, allowing visitors inside to admire the refurbished architecture. If you’re planning on visiting, bookmark the official website for live queuing times. 

The beaches of Ishigaki, Okinawa

Imagine a white sand beach with water so crystal clear you don’t even need snorkelling gear to see the fish. There’s no need to use your imagination in the tropical paradise of Okinawa, a string of islands between Japan and Taiwan. Of the 49 inhabited islands, Ishigaki is easily one of the most scenic, with a mix of mountains, jungles and sandy beaches to satisfy both the active and adventurous, and those who prefer lounging on the beach. Spend the day tanning and swimming at Yonehara Beach or have a look at sea critters in azure waters on Kabira Bay, where you can take a glass-bottom boat tour.

A Forest Where Gods Live at Mifuneyama Rakuen Park, Saga

The sprawling Mifuneyama Rakuen Park in Saga prefecture was created more than a century ago in 1845, but teamLab has taken it into the future with edgy, immersive digital art that changes the way we interact with nature.

As a whole, the grounds now look like an enchanted forest after dark, with different exhibits scattered across the property. There’s a surreal projection of a silent waterfall in a secluded part of a jungle. A rolling garden of azalea shrubs pulses with lights as if the plants were breathing. In the darkness of the night, trees take on an otherworldly glow, holographic carp swim across a lake, digital flowers bloom on rocks while strokes of calligraphy appear like a painting in formation across a sacred boulder. It’s magic and there’s nothing quite like it anywhere in the world.

Hill of the Buddha at Makomanai Takino Cemetery, Hokkaido

Leave it to starchitect Tadao Ando to create beauty out of loss and grieving. Ando designed Sapporo’s circular Makomanai Takino Cemetery around a giant 13.5m-tall statue of the Buddha, letting his head peak out from the top of an artificial hill. The industrial concrete, Ando’s signature material, contrasts with lavender surrounding the cemetery, and covers the Buddha’s body. The only way to see the full sculpture is by entering the hollow 40 metre ‘hill’ through a dark tunnel. When you reach the (natural) light at the end of the tunnel, you’ll see the ever graceful Buddha sitting before you. Jaw, dropped.

Yakushima, Kagoshima

Off the coast of Kagoshima prefecture is Yakushima, a nature lover’s paradise. The best way to see the small island, which inspired the setting of the Ghibli film ‘Princess Mononoke’, is through multi-day treks: you’ll forget about the absurdities of modern life as you hike the moss-covered dirt tracks and admire yakusugi, the oldest surviving trees in Japan, more than 1,000 years old. There are multiple trails catering to different experience levels, from an easy-peasy one-hour hike to an exhilarating 20-hour overnight journey. Highlights include the overnight trek to see the ancient Jomonsugi cedar tree, estimated to be between 2,000 and 7,200 years old.

Naoshima, Kagawa

Off the coast of Kanagawa prefecture, in between Okayama and Shikoku Island, the Seto Inland Sea is home to a row of small islands dedicated to contemporary art. The six ‘art islands’ are Teshima, Naoshima, Inujima, Megijima, Ogijima and Shodoshima – but if you’re short of time, Naoshima is the pick of the bunch.

A trio of Tadao Ando-designed museums on Naoshima – Chichu Art Museum, Benesse House Museum and Lee Ufan Museum – were built in an industrial style, making them surreal sights in the midst of nature. Meanwhile, the Art House Project, which showcases Japanese and international artworks in refurbished traditional homes, preserves the charmingly rural and old-school vibe of the island.

No trip to Naoshima is complete without a photo in front of Yayoi Kusama’s ‘Pumpkin’, which sits against the backdrop of a clear blue sky and sea. This beautifully framed sight has become an endearing image of the ‘art islands’.

Zao Snow Monsters, Yamagata

Zao is not only one of the best ski resorts for those hitting the slopes, it’s also home to picturesque scenery straight out of a winter fairy tale – or a horror film. The slopes are lined with trees covered in snow and warped from the wind, so they look like gigantic, mutated snowmen. The monsters are even celebrated with their own festival in January, complete with illuminations and fireworks.  

Ogasawara Islands, Tokyo

Just a hop, skip and 24-hour ferry ride away from Tokyo, you’ll find the Ogasawara Islands, a group of islands sporting some of the best snorkelling, hiking and sandy beaches in Japan. Chichijima, one of the main islands, is a popular spot for dolphin and whale watching. The islands are truly remote, so you’ll get to relax, disconnect and enjoy the subtropical climate far from the bustling city. Minamijima, off the coast of Chichijima, is only accessible by tour guide, but the eccentric rock formations and white sand beach are definitely worth the extra effort.

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Kyoto

Sure, Arashiyama can be touristy, but there’s nothing more soothing than the sound of bamboo slowly swaying in the wind. Head to the bamboo grove early in the morning (it’s open 24 hours) to avoid the crowds. Don’t miss out on Tenryuji Temple, a Zen temple with a relaxing landscape garden, and Nonomiya Shrine, which appeared in ‘The Tale of Genji’ – both are inside the grove. 

Kurokawa Onsen, Kumamoto

There are many hot spring towns in Kyushu but only Kurokawa Onsen makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. You won’t find large hotels or tacky advertising hoardings here; the town has retained its original atmosphere with wooden ryokan in the valley around Mt Aso.

Unlike flashy onsen towns filled with tour buses and visitor attractions, the focus at Kurokawa Onsen is simply the baths. You can enjoy nature while soaking in the steaming water at the outdoor baths, called rotenburo . Or hop through three different public and private onsen with the wooden ‘Rotemburo Meguri’ pass for ¥1,300. The town is best explored in a yukata after sunset, once all the day bathers have left, especially during the winter bamboo illumination from December to April.

Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island, Hiroshima

This small island off the coast of Hiroshima is known for its deer, bright autumn leaves and Itsukushima Shrine, a large Shinto structure with a grand vermillion torii gate standing in the ocean. Spend the whole day on the island to see the torii gate in both high and low tides: at high tide, the entire shrine seems to magically float in the blue water, while at low tide, you can walk all the way up to the gate.

Long established as a place of Buddhist and Shinto worship, Itsukushima Shrine was founded in the year 593, and it is believed Miyajima is where the gods live. The island feels like a slice of paradise; you can spend the day frolicking with deer, hiking through maple leaves in the mountains or just sitting on the shore and watching the sun set behind the torii gate.

Yamadera Temple, Yamagata prefecture

A 30-minute, 1000-step uphill hike will lead you into the Yamadera Temple complex, a small collection of Buddhist halls on the side of a mountain. Climb a few storeys higher and you’ll find Godaido Hall, a small vantage point that looks out into the countryside of Yamagata. Especially picturesque in summer and autumn, you’ll see fog rolling through the hills as you gaze at one of the best hiking views in Tohoku. 

Hitachi Seaside Park, Ibaraki

All flower lovers should add Ibaraki’s Hitachi Seaside Park to their bucket list. Best known for its blue sea of approximately 5.3 million nemophila in spring, and bright red kochia or summer cypress in autumn (pictured), Hitachi Seaside Park also grows California poppies, roses, daffodils and even sports a Holland-inspired tulip garden. The fun doesn’t stop with the flowers, there’s also an amusement park, a children’s adventure zone and 11km of cycling paths in the 350-hectare park.

Korakuen, Okayama

Korakuen in Okayama, along with Kenrokuen in Kanazawa and Kairakuen in Mito, is one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, a traditional honour it has held since the 19th century. The rolling landscape, covering approximately 144,000 square metres, is a fine example of traditional Edo-period (1603-1868) beauty. While the garden was damaged by war and natural distasters in the past, it has consistently been restored based on historcal illustrated maps. As one of the larger landscape gardens in Japan, Korakuen is sprawling enough to boast large lawns, ponds, plum and cherry trees and Japanese cranes. The garden is incredibly picturesque in all four seasons, thanks to a well-curated selection of plants to make sure there are always flowers year-round. And that grand view of Okayama Castle in the background is the icing on the cake.

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16 Unmissable Places to Visit in Japan in 2024

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Japan is somewhere I think everyone should visit. From futuristic skyscrapers to tranquil bamboo forests and neon arcades to serene temples, it’s like nowhere else on the planet.

The food is incredible, the people are ultra polite, and it has one of the most efficient public transport systems in the world. We love the combination of ease of travel and glorious bewilderment.

Japan has so much to offer but where should you start? These are our picks for the 10 best places to visit in Japan, perfect for your first or second trip to the country (plus extra suggestions for the repeat visits that are likely to happen!).

I’ve included our favourite things to do in each place, how long to spend there, and where we stayed. At the end of the post you’ll find a map of all these Japan destinations to start planning your route. 

I recommend mixing a few of the popular cities (most people won’t want to miss Tokyo and Kyoto) with some quieter, more rural places in Japan to see a different side of the country and take a break from the crowds.

Video of Japan Must Sees

Top places to visit in japan, more amazing japan destinations, and a few more places to go in japan, best places to visit in japan map, japan travel tips.

Watch our short video for ideas on where to go in Japan for an amazing trip.

Back to Contents

If you only have time for one Japan destination, make it Kyoto.

This is traditional Japan as you imagined it—geisha in brightly coloured kimonos emerging from wooden teahouses, forests of bamboo, temples and shrines in gold and silver and scarlet, raked gravel Zen gardens, intricate feasts served on lacquered plates, graceful tea ceremonies, and markets full of intriguing but unidentifiable ingredients.

The concrete high-rises of downtown Kyoto can be disappointing, so head out towards the mountains to the surrounding neighbourhoods where you’ll find narrow stone streets, old wooden houses, monks in flowing robes, and the sounds of chanting and gongs from the many temples and shrines.

Gion is the place to spot geisha, Higashiyama has many beautiful temples to explore, and Arashiyama, up in the western hills, is one of the most traditional neighbourhoods and home to bamboo groves, quirky temples, and monkeys.

Kyoto is one of the top Japan tourist spots, so try to visit the popular temples early in the morning as they do get crowded.

In Kyoto don’t miss:

• Wandering through the red torii gates of Fushimi Inari shrine.
• Drinking matcha in a traditional tea ceremony. We loved Tea Ceremony Ju-An at Jotokuji Temple.
• Learning to cook traditional Japanese cuisine in a Kyoto cooking class .
• Taking the train to the village of Kibune and walking across the valley to the beautiful Kurama-dera temple.
• Retreating from the busy streets of Gion to the magical Yasaka-jinja at night.
• Strolling the Philosopher’s Path.
• Experiencing Zen Buddhist cuisine at the Tenryu-ji temple.
• Getting off the beaten track at the quirky Otagi Nenbutsuji temple .
• Exploring these magical Kyoto cherry blossom spots  if you visit in late-March or early-April.
• Enjoying the magnificent autumn colours if you visit in mid to late-November (Eikando and Enkoji are our favourite temples in autumn).

How Long to Spend: 3 nights minimum but 5 nights would be better. We’ve spent two months in Kyoto and still haven’t done everything! A longer stay also allows you to avoid the crowds more easily (you have more early mornings available) and take some of these wonderful day trips from Kyoto .

Read: Our post on the many amazing things to do in Kyoto (and how to avoid the crowds) and our guide to Kyoto’s temples and shrines and the best vegetarian restaurants in Kyoto

Where to stay in Kyoto: For a traditional ryokan, we loved our huge room with private bath overlooking the garden at Ryokan Yachiyo near Nanzenji temple (choose a suite not a standard room). At central Sora Niwa Terrace we enjoyed the amazing view from its onsen and rooftop bar. Or in a quiet part of Gion, Hotel The Celestine is stylish and close to temples. Find more accommodation in Kyoto here .

If Kyoto is the heart of traditional Japan, Tokyo is its ultramodern counterpart.

It’s here you’ll find the skyscrapers, noisy arcades, busy pedestrian crossings, quirky youth fashions, and many many incredibly delicious restaurants.

If all you do in Tokyo is eat, you’ll have an amazing time—even as vegetarians we ate so well.

Tokyo is also home to some of the weirdest activities we’ve ever done. From themed cafes (cats, owls, maids, robots, goats—you name it, Tokyo has it) to sensory-overload shows and arcades to cos-play go-karting.

On my first trip to Tokyo I was overwhelmed by the sprawling city and couldn’t help comparing it unfavourably to Kyoto.

On repeat visits I’ve grown to love the city (the food certainly helped) and while it isn’t as attractive as Kyoto, there is so much to do that you won’t want to skip it.

In Tokyo don’t miss:

• Driving a go-kart on the real roads while dressed as your favourite character. Insanity but so much fun!
• Eating in a tiny restaurant on atmospheric Memory Lane in Shinjuku .
• Gazing at the 360º skyline from the Shibuya Sky observatory (go at sunset for day and night views)
• Walking across the famous Shibuya Crossing.
• Gawping at the outrageous outfits on Takeshita Street in Harajuku.
• Visiting the brilliant DisneySea (our favourite Disney park in the world!) or neighbouring Tokyo Disneyland (or both if you have two days spare).
• Immersing yourself in the colourful digital art museum, TeamLab Planets (and don’t miss Uzu vegan ramen afterwards).
• Watching sumo wrestlers train— we did this morning sumo stable visit and it felt such an honour to see these impressive athletes close up.
• Drinking green tea at the relaxing Sakurai Japanese Tea Experience (the tea course is worth it).
• Exploring the cool neighbourhood of Shimokitazawa for cafes, vintage clothes, and record stores.

How Long to Spend: 3 – 5 nights or longer if you want to take day trips (such as to Nikko, Kawaguchiko or Hakone (for Mt Fuji), and Kamakura). We’ve spent over 6 weeks here on various trips and still find new things to do. If time is limited, I would allocate more time to Kyoto than Tokyo. 

Read: 23 cool things to do in Tokyo and the best vegetarian restaurants in Tokyo .

Where to stay in Tokyo: Read why I think Shinjuku is the best area to stay in Tokyo . My top pick is Hotel Century Southern Tower next to Shinjuku Station—our panoramic king room had an incredible view and was more spacious than most Tokyo hotel rooms. Or splurge on the luxurious Hotel Park Hyatt where the film Lost in Translation was filmed. Search for hotels in Tokyo here .

Top tip: Consider buying a Japan Rail Pass in advance as it’s so easy being able to hop on and off trains all over the country. Read our Japan Rail Pass guide for full details.

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3) Takayama

Takayama is an utterly gorgeous small town on the edge of the Japan Alps and one of the best less-visited places to go in Japan.

I loved wandering the historic centre full of traditional wooden houses, colourful shrines, neatly shaped trees, and bright red bridges over the river.

In Takayama don’t miss:

• Wandering the old town in the early morning before the crowds arrive.
• Buying delicious fruit from the morning markets.
• Snacking on mitarashi-dango (rice balls grilled in soy) from a street stall.
• Seeing the extravagant floats at the Festival Floats Exhibition Hall.
• Visiting the Hida Folk Village to see traditional thatched houses.
• Cycling through the countryside with Satoyama Experience .

How Long to Spend: 2-3 nights. We had 2 nights and wished we’d had longer because there’s lots to do in the surrounding countryside. With a longer stay you could take day trips to the traditional thatched roof houses of Shirakawa-go and go hiking in Kamikochi in the Japan Alps.

Read: 54 Best Things to do in Japan for an Unforgettable Trip

Where to stay in Takayama: We stayed at Super Hotel Hida Takayama , a good mid-range business hotel near the train station. Next time I want to stay at Oyado Koto No Yume , a ryokan with onsen which gets excellent reviews. Find more hotels in Takayama here .

Top tip: See our Japan 2 week itinerary for more details on combining these top places in Japan for an amazing trip.

Mount Fuji is on most people’s lists of places to visit in Japan, but this must-see Japan landmark can be rather elusive and is often hidden by clouds.

There are a number of places you can see the mountain from ( Kawaguchiko is another great option), but Hakone is easy to reach from Tokyo and there are lots of other things to do in the area in case you are out of luck with a sighting.

Despite visiting on a cloudy, drizzly day, we were lucky that Mount Fuji emerged from the clouds above Lake Ashi and it was magical!

Hakone is also fun to visit because you can do a loop of the sights on different modes of transport—train, bus, pirate boat (yes, really!), and cable car.

In Hakone don’t miss:

• Buying a Hakone Free Pass so you can hop on and off all the transport options on the Hakone Loop.
• Seeing Mount Fuji from the lake or cable car.
• Eating a black egg cooked in the hot sulphur springs at volcanic Owakudani (not really, we skipped this, but the Japanese love them).
• Soaking in an onsen.
• Staying in a tatami room in a ryokan (traditional inn) and enjoying an elaborate dinner.
• Wandering the outdoor sculpture gallery at Hakone Open Air Museum .

How Long to Spend: You could visit on a day trip from Tokyo but I recommend 1-2 nights to experience a ryokan and onsen. We had one night and did part of the loop in the afternoon we arrived and the rest in the morning. While it was just enough for the main sights, we wished we’d had longer to enjoy our ryokan.

Where to stay in Hakone: Hotel Musashiya was one of the best places we stayed in Japan. It’s a modern ryokan on the shores of Lake Ashi in Moto Hakone. We loved our comfortable tatami room with lake views, the indoor and outdoor onsen baths (also with lake views), and the delicious vegetarian feast we were served in our room. It was wonderfully relaxing. Find more hotels in Hakone here .

5) Kanazawa

Kanazawa is one of the best cities to visit in Japan, but few foreign tourists make it here.

Consider Kanazawa as a quieter alternative to Kyoto to experience geisha districts with preserved wooden buildings.

There is also one of the most beautiful gardens in the country, a stunning castle, and many art museums to explore.

In Kanazawa don’t miss:

• Wandering Kenroku-en Garden , one of the top three gardens in Japan.
• Exploring the wooden teahouses of the geisha districts Higashi Chaya and the quieter Kazuemachi and Nishi Chaya.
• Experiencing a traditional tea ceremony at the exquisite Gyokusen-en Gardens.

How Long to Spend: 2 nights. 

Where to stay in Kanazawa: We stayed in a standard business hotel in the centre—there are lots of budget options. Find hotels in Kanazawa here .

Nikko is a temple town and UNESCO world heritage site in the mountains a few hours north of Tokyo and makes a cool retreat from the city. The area is famous for its vibrant autumn colours.

The temples and shrines with their vermillion gates and moss-covered stone lanterns are scattered on the wooded hillside.

The main attraction is Toshogu Shrine, a stunning complex with more than a dozen lavishly decorated red and gold buildings amongst huge, ancient cedar trees. The crowds can be overwhelming, so afterwards head to one of the quieter shrines.

In Nikko don’t miss:

• Visiting Toshogu Shrine early to avoid the crowds
• Playing games at atmospheric Futarasan-jinja
• Exploring Taiyuinbyo
• Hiking up the mountain to the peaceful Takino shrine
• Photographing the bright red Shinkyo bridge
• Munching on dango (grilled rice balls on a stick) from a street stall
• Eating sushi at Komekichi Kozushi

How Long to Spend: You could visit Nikko as a day trip from Tokyo, but it’s worth spending a night or two to explore one of the most beautiful places in Japan including hiking trails, lakes, waterfalls, and hot springs. 

We had one night and wished we’d had two so that we could have visited Toshogu Shrine early on the second day. 

Where to stay in Nikko: We stayed at Nikko Park Lodge Tobu Station , a good budget option conveniently located close to the train stations. For more character, you could stay in a traditional ryokan with views and outdoor onsen baths such as Nikko Hoshino Yado . Find more hotels in Nikko here .

7) Koya-San

Koya-san (Mount Koya) is one of the most interesting places in Japan to experience the traditional side of the country.

This secluded and sacred temple town is located in the forest-covered mountains of Kansai and is one of the best places to get a taste of life as a monk by staying in a shukubo or temple lodging.

After wandering around the otherworldly Okunoin forest cemetery , we checked into our simple tatami room at the temple, soaked in the communal onsen bath, and enjoyed a delicious shojin ryori  vegetarian Buddhist meal.

In the morning we were up early for the chanting and meditation ceremony with the monks.

A temple stay at Koya-san is a fascinating experience and well worth the detour from Osaka or Kyoto.

How Long to Spend: 1 night. 

Read: Sleeping with Monks: A Night in a Japanese Temple in Koya-San

Where to stay in Koya-san: We stayed in Haryo-in, the cheapest temple accommodation, but it’s quite basic and I’d recommend paying more to stay at one of the more traditional temples like 1000-year-old Eko-in which gets superb reviews. Find more temple lodgings here .

Tsumago is a picture-perfect traditional mountain village in the Kiso Valley.

It is one of the best-preserved post towns in Japan and you feel like you’ve stepped back in time on the traffic-less streets of beautifully restored wooden inns.

During the Edo period 300 years ago, Tsumago was a stop on the Nakasendo Way between Kyoto and Edo (now Tokyo).

You can hike part of this trail to the village of Magome in about two to three hours. Unfortunately, a typhoon prevented us doing this, but it’s supposed to be a scenic and easy walk.

How Long to Spend: 1-2 nights. If you can arrive early enough on the first day to hike the Nakasendo Way in the afternoon, then 1 night is enough as it’s a tiny village. 

Where to stay in Tsumago: In keeping with the Edo-era atmosphere, stay in a traditional ryokan or minshuku (a simpler family-run inn). We stayed at the basic Minshuku Shimosagaya . Neighbouring Magome has more choice including the budget Chaya Hotel or historic Tajimaya .

Nara was Japan’s first permanent capital and is full of historic treasures including many UNESCO world heritage sites.

It’s one of the top Japan attractions and makes a rewarding day trip from Kyoto to visit the temples and wild deer in Nara Park.

The Daibutsu-den (Hall of the Great Buddha) at Todaiji is the main sight—it’s the largest wooden building in the world and nothing prepares you for the immense sight.

Inside is the 15-metre tall gold and bronze statue of Buddha that dates back to 751.

We also love the forest shrine complex Kasuga Taisha.

How Long to Spend: Most people visit as a day trip from Kyoto or Osaka. You can see the highlights in half a day but a full day is better.

Where to stay in Nara: The advantages of staying overnight in Nara are avoiding the crowds with an early start and experiencing our favourite ryokan in Japan. Tsukihitei is a small traditional inn with a magical forest setting and delicious meals. It’s only a 15-minute walk to the Nara temples.

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10) hiroshima and miyajima.

Come to pay your respects to the victims of the atomic bombing at Hiroshima’s moving Peace Memorial Museum and Park and stay to explore the modern city that was almost entirely rebuilt after World War II.

Hiroshima is usually combined with a visit to the famous floating torii gate at Itsukushima shrine on nearby Miyajima Island.

You’ll also want to try the delicious local speciality okonomiyaki, a thick pancake of batter, vegetables and noodles.

How Long to Spend: 1-2 nights is enough to visit the Peace Memorial Museum and Miyajima Island or you could visit as a long day trip from Kyoto, Osaka or Okayama. We spent 1 night in Hiroshima then 1 night on Miyajima.

Read: 14 Best Day Trips from Kyoto .

Where to stay in Hiroshima: The Sheraton Grand Hiroshima was the most spacious Western-style hotel we stayed in in Japan. We really appreciated the king size bed after a few weeks of small Japanese hotels. It’s right next to the station too. Find more hotels in Hiroshima here . Where to stay in Miyajima: While you could visit the island on a day trip, we loved seeing the top sights without the crowds at night and early in the morning. Iwaso Ryokan has the perfect location (secluded but central), beautiful meals, and our room had a view of the torii gate.

There are so many incredible places to explore in Japan. Here are some more destinations that we absolutely loved (and it was hard to leave them off the top 10 list!).

If any of these appeal to you more than the ones above (or fit into your itinerary better), then they will be just as enjoyable. 

Osaka is a Japan must-see for many visitors. We love the neon craziness of Dotonburi, the amazing food ( for vegetarians too ), friendly people, affordable prices, and the scary rides and brilliant Harry Potter World at Universal Studios Japan . 

But, if you have limited time on your first trip to Japan, I would probably say choose Osaka or Tokyo as they are both sprawling modern cities. 

If you are flying into or out of Kansai airport then it makes sense to spend a night or two in Osaka. You could also visit as a day trip from Kyoto. 

In Osaka, we loved staying in Shinsaibashi . The location is ideal—quiet but close to lots of cool shops and restaurants and within walking distance of Dotonburi. Hotel options include the stylish Hotel The Flag .

12) Kinosaki Onsen

On our first Japan trip we were terrified of getting naked in onsens, but on our latest visit we were brave enough to spend a few nights in an onsen town. 

Onsen hopping dressed in a kimono in a traditional hot spring resort is a classic Japanese experience. Kinosaki Onsen is a great place to experience it.

It’s only a few hours from Kyoto or Osaka and the canal-side town is very pretty, especially in cherry blossom season.

We stayed in a traditional tatami mat room at Morizuya Ryokan . It’s ideal for first-timers as they speak English and are very friendly, walking you through everything you need to know. The epic meals served in your room are delicious too.

Read our Kinosaki Onsen guide for all the details including onsen etiquette and how to get over your fears. 

13) Naoshima Island

Contemporary art fans will love Naoshima, a sleepy island in the Seto Inland Sea known for its art galleries and outdoor sculptures. 

We visited on a day trip from Okayama and had a wonderful day cycling around and combining art with beautiful sea views and tiny fishing villages.

Read our Naoshima Island guide for a recommended one day itinerary.

14) Okayama

If you are interested in getting off-the-beaten-track, Okayama is a great place to visit in Japan. 

This modern city is home to one of the best gardens in the country and is especially beautiful in sakura season when you can enjoy the cherry blossoms without the crowds of Kyoto or Tokyo. 

As it’s on a bullet train line, it’s a convenient and affordable base for exploring the area including the historic Kurashiki, Naoshima Island, Himeji Castle, and Hiroshima.

We also did a fantastic bike trip on the Kibiji Bike Trail through rice fields to untouristy temples. 

Our post on the best things to do in Okayama has all our tips.

15) Himeji Castle

Himeji Castle is one of the few original castles in Japan (most were destroyed at some point and rebuilt). It’s well worth a visit, especially in cherry blossom season. 

You can easily visit in half a day from Osaka, Kyoto, Okayama (as we did) or on the way to Hiroshima. 

16) Kawaguchiko

For the best views of Mount Fuji, head to Lake Kawaguchiko. It’s especially lovely in cherry blossom or autumn leaf seasons. 

You can enjoy the views by walking or cycling around the lake or taking a trip on a cable car or boat (we hired a panda pedal boat!).

The lake is also home to one of my favourite museums and tea houses in Japan.

Kawaguchiko Lakeside Hotel is an excellent affordable option here. Unusually for Japan, our room was huge, and it’s close to the lake with Mt Fuji views from some rooms.

See my Lake Kawaguchiko guide for more tips. 

These Japan tourist attractions and off-the-beaten-path gems are on our list for our next trip:

• Kamakura – Beaches, Buddhas, hikes and vegetarian-friendly food. You could visit as a day trip from Tokyo.
• The Izu Peninsula – Rugged coastline, mountains, and hot springs not far from Tokyo.
• Shirakawa-go – A village of traditional grass-roofed houses in a scenic setting. You could fit in a visit between Takayama and Kanazawa.
• Takaragawa Onsen – A scenic onsen resort a few hours from Tokyo. It has a large mixed-gender onsen, so unusually you don’t have to be naked.
• Hokkaido – The northernmost island of Japan known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities.
• Okinawa – A chain of tropical islands in the far south of Japan.

Read our detailed Japan guides for everything you need to know to plan a brilliant trip.

• 54 Best Things to Do in Japan for an Unforgettable Trip
• Planning a Trip to Japan: Dos and Don’ts
• Two Weeks in Japan: A Detailed Itinerary
• Is a Japan Rail Pass Worth It?
• Where to Stay in Japan: The Ultimate Guide to Accommodation
• 20 Fascinating Books to Read Before Visiting Japan
• Vegetarian Survival Guide to Japan

More Japan, Direct to your Inbox!

I hope this post has given you some ideas of where to go in Japan. Wherever you decide to visit you are sure to have an amazing trip. 

What are your favourite places in Japan? Leave a comment and let us know so we can add them to our Japan bucket list. 

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61 Comments

thanks for sharing

Reply ↓

First of all – your posts are fantastic and so full of great detail. We are planning our first trip to Japan in November. First draft is 5 days Tokyo – 2 days Hakone – 5 days Kyoto – 3 days Hiroshima – 4 days Tokyo.

I was trying to see how to fit Lake Kawaguchi or Takayama or Kanazawa into the trip but they all seem to require quite the journey time given the other places we have picked. Wondering if it would be better to add some days to the end of the trip and just visit from Tokyo. So maybe do Tokyo to Kanazawa for a couple of days. Not particular keen on 5-6 hour trip from Takayama back to Tokyo so may have to skip that.

Hi Kevin I would do Tokyo – Hakone – Takayama – Kyoto – Hiroshima – Tokyo.

We did Tokyo – Hakone – Takayama – Kanazawa on our 2 week itinerary: https://www.neverendingvoyage.com/japan-2-week-itinerary/

I prefer Takayama to Kanazawa, especially as you already have lots of big cities on your itinerary. If you really want to fit it in, do so between Takayama and Kyoto.

Lake Kawaguchi is harder to fit in. You could do it as a day trip from Tokyo at the end if you didn’t see Mt Fuji at Hakone (due to clouds) and if you have the energy.

One thing you might also consider is reducing Hiroshima to 2 nights and adding a night on Miyajima Island. We did that last October (one night in each) and really preferred the island after the day trippers had left and early in the morning. You might catch the autumn colour on the island if you are visiting later in November. Again, it changes up the pace from the cities.

If you have big suitcases, you could use a luggage delivery service from Hiroshima to Tokyo and just take a day bag for the overnight (we decided against that but only had a carry on suitcase and laptop bag each).

Good luck with the planning and enjoy Japan!

Erin – Thanks for the advice – good to hear input from someone who has actually experienced it

Apologies for posting the reply so many times – i kept picking the wrong reply option

Awesome guide. Thank you. A lot of the accommodation is around $500aud a night! Extremely expensive. Is that normal around Japan? Me and my partner were wanting to travel around Japan in July this year but if the cost of accommodation us that expensive we might not be able to do the trip. I assume we will be able to find cheap accommodation at most places?

You can definitely find much cheaper accommodation. We did our first few Japan trips on much tighter budgets, but now have the ability to choose more special places to stay.

Your best bet is to look for business hotels in the cities – rooms are usually small but clean and well equipped. Have a browse on Booking.com and you should find plenty of options.

Planning trip(first time ever in Japan) arriving afternoon of December 18th and leaving evening of December 30th. I will be traveling with my 18 and 20 year old boys (privacy should be interesting in the tiny hotel rooms). Planning to stay in Tokyo either 5 nights with day trips to Hakone and either Kamakura or Yokohama OR 4 nights with day trip to either Kamakura or Yokohama and 1 night in Hakone. Is it worth staying the night in Hakone, or just day trip from Tokyo? Then we will spend 3 nights in Kyoto and 3 nights in Osaka (does it matter which order?) with a day trip from each city. One to Nara and one to Hiroshima and Miyajima. My 18 year old wants to have Kobe beef in Kobe, but don’t think it will happen as it’s likely not worth the time away from the other places. I’d love to be able to visit both Kamakura and Yokohama, but don’t think it will work. Likely choosing to go to Kamakura. We will return to Tokyo for the last night and spend the last day (really 1/2 day) in Tokyo before heading to the airport to fly home. Thoughts on the plan? Any specific recommendations?

I think it’s worth spending the night in Hakone if you stay in a ryokan as it will be a unique experience that you won’t get in the cities.

I would probably go to Kyoto before Osaka but it doesn’t make a huge difference. Your day trip choices sound good.

Enjoy Japan!

thank you very much for all the infos and the very beautiful photos!

Hello, Have you been to Tamba-Sasayama in Hyogo? We have a lot of nature, local food, and cultures! Tamba black beans are famous local food and also you can experience a pottery making. I hope you will visit here one day;)

We haven’t but we’ll put it on our list for our next trip this autumn! Thank you for the recommendation!

Wow, this is such a great travel guide. Thanks a lot!

Odd how all of the “best places in Japan to visit” are all in central Japan near Tokyo and Kyoto. How disappointing the travels of the writers to these other parts of the country must have been.

Have you been to the Autumn Takayama Festival? 😊

We did not buy plane tickets yet, but we were going to land on Oct 22 to experience the Kurama Fire Festival in Kyoto. We heard about Takayama festival on Oct 9th and wanted to know if it’s worth changing our plans to fly in earlier for it, and if the weather will be horrible or not during that time? Thank you so mochi for your help! I’m so torn!

We haven’t been but it does look cool! I’m not sure it’s worth changing your plans for. Later in October you’ll have more of a chance of seeing fall colours in Kyoto. If you do decide to go, book your accommodation asap as it gets extremely busy during the festival.

What is the best way to get around these places? Train or car?

Train. You might find this post helpful: https://www.neverendingvoyage.com/planning-a-trip-to-japan/

very nice good work

Thanks for the detailed post with nice photographs

I forgot to include in early to mid December.

I’ve been to all the tourist sites and a few others. Where would you recommend for an overnight not far from Tokyo?

Have you been to the Izu Peninsula? We haven’t yet but our friend who lives in Tokyo recommends it. The onsens would be nice in the winter.

planning on going japan next year, getting lots of ideas from these blogs

Beppu should be on this list!

Hopefully we’ll make it there next time!

nice one thank you i learn lot of things about this web site

what about Harajuku?

I included it in the Tokyo section :)

It’s definitely worth visiting!

Hello I am relooking at your Japan highlights. I had the most amazing trip in Spring 2020 many thanks to your post which seems now to have gone and been replaced by more posts. The one thing I would like to say is that you put before Miyajama on the one i read and i have to say that this was one of my favourite spots. I totally recommend it. We also did the two walks one of which was the edo trail and the other outside of Kyoto. We stayed in Koyasan too thanks to you. Thank you again.

Hi, I’m thinking of planning a trip for me and my daughter to visit Japan but haven’t any ideas of where to start. I was thinking a two week trip but maybe more time would be needed for the things we would like to do. If staying for longer than two weeks is there visas needed ect. I haven’t a clue where to start I’ve looked at your guide which is very helpful. Would I be better of speaking to a travel agent for help and advice ??? Many thanks Paul Miller.

It depends where you are from but many nationalities (including UK and US) can stay in Japan for 90 days without a visa.

Two weeks would give you a great overview (here’s a suggested itinerary: https://www.neverendingvoyage.com/japan-2-week-itinerary/ ) but if you have more time (and the budget), there’s always more to see.

I think Japan is manageable without a travel agent. See our post on planning a trip for ideas to get started: https://www.neverendingvoyage.com/planning-a-trip-to-japan/

We used this page during our six week Japanese adventure and it was brilliantly helpful! Thank you!

I’m glad it helped, Alex. I hope you enjoyed Japan as much as we do.

This page has been very helpful! I am planning a two week trip to Japan next year and this has helped break down each city and what to not miss. Thanks again!

I hope someday, I can visit Japan for some other reasons. As pictures shown, fantastic and very interesting places and educational as well.

Japan has always been a remarkable place for me. I think I missed those places you described about. I hope I can give a shot on my future trip if possible. Btw thanks for sharing your experience with us.

Japanese pachislot, mechanical games,are different from foreign slot machine and popular recently. From 2020 smorking will be prohibited in the pachinko parlors or pachislot parlors. Terefore more and more people will have a good time during playing games. If you come to Japan, you might want to play them.

We keep meaning to try pachinko! That’s good news about the smoking ban!

Hi Great website thanks. We are looking to travel to Japan (arrive Tokyo) in late January for about 14 days. This is our first visit and we don’t mind driving. I would be interested to know what places you could recommend to get a real feel of Japan. Thanks

I don’t recommend driving in Japan. The train system is so efficient and it’ll be less stressful than driving. Here’s our 2 week itinerary: https://www.neverendingvoyage.com/japan-2-week-itinerary/

Thanks for the guidance. If you were going in November for 6 weeks what would you do with your time Cheers Walter

That’s a great amount of time and you should so some great autumn foliage. You could visit everywhere on this list so it really depends on your interests and what pace of travel you prefer.

On our latest 7 week trip we chose to base ourselves in Kyoto for a month then travel around for a couple of weeks and finish with a week in Tokyo. If you prefer to move at a faster pace you could cover a lot of ground.

Hi Guys, great site. I was wondering why you seem to spend so much time in the large cities? I’m planning my first trip and my initial thoughts were to spend just a few days in Tokyo and Kyoto? Arent the more remote sights more rewarding?

I was also wondering about a cherry blossom visit – when if the best time to see them but to avoid the worst of the crowds??

Thanks! Chris

We love the smaller places in Japan and think the ideal trip includes a mix of them with the big cities. I wouldn’t say they are more rewarding, just different. There’s just so much to see (and eat) in Tokyo and especially Kyoto that we keep returning to them.

If you’re not a big city person a few days in Tokyo would be fine. Kyoto has a lot of history, temples, and traditional architecture (and more tourists), so you’ll only cover some of the highlights in a few days.

The cherry blossom are only in full bloom for about a week so there’s no way of avoiding the crowds in popular spots then. It’ll be slightly less crowded at the beginning or end of the blooming period, but it’s hard to predict exactly when that will be (and it varies by location).

I would focus on visiting places that have cherry blossoms but fewer crowds. We were in Kyoto at the beginning of April when the blooms just started (and it was already quite busy) then moved on to Kinosaki Onsen and Okayama where we enjoyed the blossoms without many people around.

I’ve written more about it here (and will be doing an Okayama post at some point): https://www.neverendingvoyage.com/kyoto-cherry-blossoms/

hi guys really nice blog, could you itemize it, how many days you spent in each city, village? and if you would change something, where to stay maybe longer, where shorter?

regards tomek

That’s a good idea! We’re currently travelling in Japan and will update this post soon so I’ll add that info then. If you’d like to know about a specific place now just let me know. Usually we spend a week or more in Kyoto and Tokyo and only 1-3 nights in the smaller places.

My husband and I are interested in making a second trip to Japan in March with our 5 month old baby. This will be our second trip…we’ve done Tokyo, Takayama, and Kyoto previously (along with one night in Osaka). We LOVED Takayama for its food and quaintness. We liked Tokyo but got bored after a few days. Kyoto was probably our least favorite – too touristy, What should we do for our second trip??

It’s very difficult to make recommendations without having any idea of what you like to do, how long you plan to visit, or if your baby goes everywhere with you. Given that you liked Takayama, you might consider Kanazawa, Kurashiki, and Nikko. The first two are small cities of about 400,000 that have delightful walking areas and interesting sights in general. Nikko is very small but houses the shrines of Tokugawa Ieyasu and Tokugawa Iemitsu, who were the first and third shoguns of the Tokugawa Shogunate. These are UNESCO World Heritage and incredible.

You didn’t indicate when you visited Japan on your first trip. If you went to Kyoto during fall foliage you would have encountered a lot of tourists, most of whom are Japanese. Kyoto draws tourists because it is a world class city with a very large number of World Heritage sites in addition to spectacular fall color. I don’t want to sound rude regarding your Tokyo comment. I can understand not liking Tokyo because it is a bit overwhelming in size, although that is part of what makes it so enjoyable for us. However, I cannot comprehend getting bored there.

I wish you luck.

It sounds like you enjoy the smaller, more traditional places so I’d recommend Tsumago, Koya-san and Kanazawa (a bigger city but with some lovely traditional neighbourhoods). Nikko is also beautiful but we found it very crowded (it would have been quieter if we’d stayed overnight and arrived early though).

Your website is terrific. I was provided a link to a couple of regions in Italy for a major summer trip. Your comments, photos and recommendations were of such interest that my wife and I decided to completely change the first 10 days of our trip. Then I got so immersed in the various places you have gone, I decided to look at Japan. We spent a month there five years ago, and then we spent another month this December including Christmas. We have been to all but two of your 10 unmissable places in Japan and have used the trains and metros as our primary modes of transport. We would agree that Japan is a great place to visit and the people are terrific.

Since you asked for additions to your bucket list, I would like to suggest the following. Near Hiroshima is the island of Miyajima. This is the site of the great in the water torii gate, which is quite magical. The museum at the Hiroshima Peace Park provides an incredibly moving experience. Himeji Castle (White Heron Castle) is one of the original late 16th century castles and I believe the largest. It is on the route between Hiroshima and Osaka. It has been recently renovated. Osaka Station is beautifully done with some terrific surrounding buildings. The Dotonburi area is neon heaven with street food in abundance. Kyoto, as you stated, is amazing with probably more UNESCO World Heritage locations than anywhere else in the world. South of Kyoto in Uji is Byodo-in, a world heritage temple with a beautiful new museum.

I agree that Kanazawa is a really nice smaller city. Like Kyoto it was not bombed. The D.T. Suzuki Museum is an outstanding piece of architecture, although of primary interest to people steeped in Buddhism, philosophy. The Seisonkaku Villa is a 10,000 foot samurai home located at the edge of Kenrokuen Gardens and is very interesting. There are two places in Takayama you didn’t mention, each of which is very worthwhile. First, next door to the Float Museum and on the same admission ticket is the Sakurayama Nikkokan. This museum contains scale models of the shrines in Nikko. It took 33 master carpenters and 17 years to complete during the first part of the 20th century. It is incredible. Second, the Takayama Museum of Art houses an outstanding (Michelin 3 star) collection of art nouveau and art deco objects. We visited Matsumoto to see the Matsumoto Castle (Black Crow Castle). It is also one of the oldest castles in Japan.

I would also like to suggest Nagoya, which is one of Japan’s largest and most industrial cities. It is home to Toyota. Three recommendations. First, tour the Toyota Factory to get real insight into a truly sophisticated approach to assembly line manufacture. Second, the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Science and Technology is phenomenal. Many demonstrations of working textile machines and auto robotics. Third, the Nagoya Palace has been rebuilt (just opened in 2018) to exact specifications of the original palace (early 1600s) including all the screens. Even though it is a replica, it’s incredible.

You covered the shrines in Nikko. I would only add that if one did nothing else but see the Nikko shrines, a trip to Japan is warranted. Finally, Tokyo is to us the most exciting city around. Never ending pleasure of wandering around. There are just too many places to enumerate. One little side note: the Isetan Department Store in Shinjuku has a roof garden. You can buy incredible take away food in the basement food halls and take to the roof to eat, if the weather is good. Better than either Harrod’s or Selfridge’s.

Thanks so much for the tips David! We are returning to Japan in a few weeks for two months so we’ll try to visit some of these places.

Hi! Thanks, I am definitely gonna copy your ideas! One question – is it worth to go to Hiroshima instead of Takayama? My husband and I are gonna visit Japan in March 2019 for 9 days. I think it is not enough to fulfil your itinerary and we have to shorten it a bit. Thank you for your blog ;)

Honestly, we preferred Takayama. It’s just so pretty with the traditional Japanese architecture and we like small towns. Hiroshima is more of a big modern city BUT of course, the peace memorial is very moving, so if you really want to see that then choose Hiroshima instead (which is actually what we did on our first trip to Japan).

My husband is wanting to visit , the place that his father served in Japen . He is not sure exactly where that is ?

Hi..!! the blog is very informative.Me and my wife would be visiting Japan in Mar’19 for 8 days.We have opted for a package tour.Based on your recommendations Kyoto & Tokyo seem the 2 top places.Can you please recommend us the third place to visit..??

We are going there on a tour to Himazi with 3 homestays & I want to visit a friend in Miyago. Can we still see Mt Fuji & Kyoto after the tour? Thank you for your wonderful blog. Lynne

If you have time I don’t see why not. You can check train times/distances on the Hyperdia site http://www.hyperdia.com/en/ . Have an amazing trip!

Interesting blog, thank you for sharing your experiences! We will have 9 full days in Japan and hoping to see Tokyo, Mount Fuji ( want to stay two nights there ) Takayama, Kyoto and Hiroshima ( as a one day trip from Kyoto ). We are flying back home from Osaka ( our arrival is at Haneda ).. do you think it is do-able or are we overdoing it? Maybe we should leave out Takayama? but since we are going middle of October we are hoping to see some of autumn there..any recommendations? Thank you!

Hi Nath I think it will be a busy trip but it’s definitely possible to do all that in 9 days. I love Takayama so it’s hard to recommend skipping it. It all depends on your energy levels! If you are up for busy days then go for it! Enjoy! Erin

Wooooow love this post!! I have always dreamed of visiting Japan and seeing real Cherry blossoms.. Though I was able to make one dream a reality – see real cherry blossoms in Atok, Benguet, Philippines (but just a few because we were told that it will took two years for the trees to bloom). They look lovely!! :) I’m still not giving up on the bigger dream which is to go to Japan :D And once I get there, I’d definitely visit Kyoto coz I find their culture very rich.. from geishas to kimonos, to sushi and temples! :) See you soon Japaaaaaaaaan!

Who knew there were cherry blossoms in the Philippines?!

We’re planning to go back to Japan next year for the cherry blossom season, although I’m a little worried the crowds will be crazy. Kyoto is a definite highlight of Japan – I hope you make it there!

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Top 20 Famous Landmarks of Japan - Best Places You Must Visit

With more than 3000 important landmarks throughout Japan, from modern cities such as Tokyo and Kyoto, and beautiful scenery like Mount Fuji, to the historic village of Shirakawa-go, the famous Fushimi Inari shrine, and Naoshima art island, the country has blended together history, tradition, religion and modernity.

Often you will find century-old temples and brand-new skyscrapers staring at each other in the same area. The country also has some amazing natural sites, a few of them even being on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Visiting historical monuments and landmarks will help you understand how Japan's culture has emerged.

• Visiting Japan will help visitors understand its culture, religion, traditions, history and social dynamics.
• As Japan's capital city, Tokyo offers a complete travel destination for both, traditional and modern style, including historical buildings, skyscrapers, and shopping districts.
• Kyoto has well-preserved examples of traditional Japanese architecture, and it beautifully highlights the country's culture and religious traditions.
• A number of other features, like holy shrines and art institutions, are also worth a visit.
• Twenty-two of Japan's historic buildings, temples, and natural areas have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

1. The Imperial Palace in Tokyo

Tokyo Imperial Palace is situated in the center of Tokyo, a 10-minute walk from Tokyo Station. It is located on the site of the original Edo Castle, which was established during the Meiji period. The palace is surrounded by a water-filled moat and tree covered grounds.

The Imperial Palace East Garden, Kokyo Gaien, and Kitanomaru Garden are all open to the public for free. The inner grounds are only open to the public on January 2nd (New Year's Greeting) and December 23rd (Emperor's Birthday).

2. Sensoji Temple

The Sensoji Temple, also known as Asakusa Kannon, is Tokyo's most sacred and spectacular Buddhist temple. The legend behind the creation of the temple starts in 628 AD when two fishermen pulled a gold statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, from the Sumida River. Consequently, a shrine was built in that location to honor Kannon, and later in 645 a temple was added.

When approaching the main temple, travelers will first enter through the Kaminarimon Gate that is flanked by two guardian statues of Fujin and Raijin. Then you will walk through Nakamisedori, an alley filled with small shops selling traditional wares and souvenirs.

After walking through the Hozomon Gate, you will see the incense burning area which is typically full of people lighting incense and wafting the smoke over them as they worship. Finally, you will see the main hall which is the most famous building and includes several large famous art pieces that were painted directly onto the ceiling inside.

3. Meiji Shrine

The Meiji Shrine is the most important Shinto shrine in Tokyo and is dedicated to the spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken. To get to the shrine, visitors must first travel down a wide road that is shaded by beautiful cedar trees and under a huge tori gate. Once you reach the grounds, you will then see the Treasure Museum Annex which holds an exhibit of the royal couple's belongings.

Then move on to the Nai-en garden, which was once the favorite place of the imperial couple. The main shrine area is past the entrance to Nai-en. The simple shrine buildings are made of unadorned aging wood with a gracefully curved Shinto-style roof. There are many stalls selling charms and prophecies located around the outer courtyard.

The Meiji Shrine is the most popular place to visit in Japan during the New Year holiday when millions of people go there to worship and hang good-luck charms for the year ahead. The shrine is located next to Harajuku Station and adjacent to Yoyogi Park.

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4. Ueno Park

Ueno Park is a large public park located next to Ueno Station that was originally built on land that belonged to the Kaneiji Temple. The Shinobazu Pond, located on the southwestern end of the park, is an annual stop for many migrating birds.

As a popular sightseeing destination, this park has been featured in many woodblock prints and short stories. Ueno Park has more than 1,000 cherry trees lining its central pathway, making it one of the most popular spots to see the blooming cherry blossoms in late March.

Many museums and temples are clustered here around the park including the Ueno Zoo and the Tokyo National Museum which is located in a compound in the northeast corner of the park and displays some of Japan's best art.

Other nearby museums include the Tokyo Metropolitan Museum, the National Museum of Western Art, the National Science Museum, the Shitamachi Museum, and the Ueno Royal Museum.

5. Shibuya Crossing

Shibuya Crossing is located at a major commercial and business center. It houses the two busiest railway stations, Shinjuku Station and Shibuya Station, which handle an average of over 2.4 million passengers each day. This makes it the busiest crossing in the world.

Three huge television screens, mounted on the buildings facing the intersection, flash all day, while the rest of the area is covered with lights and advertisements, making this area also known as fashion center and major nightlife area in Japan.

6. Tokyo Skytree

The Tokyo Skytree is a broadcasting tower in Sumida Ward, eastern Tokyo. With 634m in height, it is the tallest structure in Japan and the second tallest in the world. A large shopping complex with an aquarium is located at its base.

The highlights of Tokyo Skytree are two observation decks, which are located at 350m and 450m, also a spiraling corridor on 451m which offers spectacular views out over Tokyo. It is open every day from 9AM to 10PM; ticket prices for foreigners start from ￥3000, or around US$27.

7. The Great Buddha (Daibutsu) in Kamakura

The Great Buddha of Kamakura is a monumental outdoor bronze statue of Amida Buddha, with 11.3 meters of height. It was built in 1252 and located at the Kotokuin Temple in Kamakura.

The statue has remaind there even after the temple building was destroyed by a tsunami in 1492, and only traces of gold-leaf remain around the ears. This famous icon of Japan is also a designated National Treasure and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is open every day from 8AM to 5.30PM.

8. Mount Fuji and the Five Lakes

The Fuji Five Lake (Fujigoko) region lies at the northern base of Mount Fuji, about 1000m above sea level, around lakes Kawaguchiko, Saiko, Yamanakako, Shojiko and Motosuko. It is one of the best places to view Mount Fuji from a close distance.

Among the lakes, Lake Kawaguchiko is the easiest to access and offers outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, fishing and snow sports. In this area, you can easily find ryokan, the traditional Japanese inns, and hot springs.

9. Historic Village of Shirakawa-go

Shirakawa-go consists of three historic mountain villages in the remote Shogawa River valley, stretching across the border of Gifu and Toyama Prefectures in central Japan. Ogimachi and Ainokura are the well-known villages in Shirakawa-go.

These villages are well known for their clusters of farmhouses with slanted roofs, resembling the shape of praying hands. They are designed in gassh-zukuri style to easily shed snow from their roofs. Shirakawa village is renowned as one of Japan's UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

10. Jigokudani Monkey Park

The Jigokudani Monkey Park is located in the valley of Yokoyu River, in the northern part of Nagano prefecture. The park was established as a conservation area in 1964, inhabited by Japanese Macaques, which are also known as Snow Monkeys.

It offers visitors the unique experience of seeing wild monkeys bathing in a natural hot spring. Although the park is open all year round, the bathing monkeys are particularly photogenic when the area is covered in snow.

11. Gion Machiya and Ishibei-koji Lane

Experience Gion, Kyoto's most famous entertainment district and the center of its traditional arts which are found in a traditional Kyoto wooden townhouse (machiya)! The machiya rooms are long and narrow, with a beautiful enclosed courtyard garden and traditional Japanese-style decor with tatami mat floors.

Take a walk along the Ishibei-koji Lane, Kyoto's most atmospheric pedestrian walkway, which is surrounded by stone and wooden walls of traditional restaurants and inns, and lit up by Japanese lanterns at night.

12. Kinkaku-ji: The Golden Pavilion

The Golden Pavilion, Kinkaku-ji, is a Zen temple in northern Kyoto. The top two floors are completely covered in glittering gold leaf and therefore dazzle admirers of the pavilion, as it shimmers in the sunlight over its mirroring pond.

The garden is an extraordinary example of a Japanese strolling garden of the Muromachi period. A path leads around the pond, offering great views to take beautiful pictures of the temple. Kinkaku-ji is designated as a National Special Historic Site and a World Heritage Site.

13. Kiyomizudera Temple

The Kiyomizudera Temple (which translates to the Pure Water Temple) is one of the most celebrated temples in Kyoto and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For over a thousand years, pilgrims have climbed the slope to pray to the statue of Kannon inside and drink from the temple's sacred spring.

The main hall of the temple has a veranda that offers wonderful views of Kyoto. Here you can also enjoy a beautiful view of the numerous cherry and maple trees on the grounds below while taking in the incredible architecture of the Main Hall and Veranda that were both built without nails or any kind of joiners.

To visit the temple itself, travelers will need to walk to the pagoda located across the ravine. On the temple's north side stands the Jishu Shrine which is dedicated to the deity of love and matchmaking. Here couples can purchase love charms.

After your visit when you head back down the slope, you will pass quaint old lanes where many shops sell a variety of local products including pottery, ceramics, tableware, handicrafts, bamboo umbrellas, paper lanterns, traditional footwear, and sweets.

14. The Philosopher's Walk

Following a cherry-tree lined canal that meanders through the scenic Higashiyama district, the Philosopher's Walk is one of Kyoto's most-loved attractions. While the Philosopher's Walk is beautiful year-round, it is especially striking in spring when hundreds of cherry trees bloom with their pale pink blossoms. The path is also a popular stop in the autumn during the maple season when all the leaves turn bright orange and red.

This walkway through central Kyoto is named after the philosophy professor, Nishida Kitaro, who used to take his daily stroll along the path. The Philosopher's Walk starts from Ginkakuji and ends at the Kumano-Nyakuoji Shrine where it connects with roads that lead to the Nanzenji Temple.

Cafes, craft shops, restaurants, and boutiques are scattered along the route, providing good places for visitors to explore all types of souvenirs, snacks, and even matcha green tea flavored ice cream. Another must-try is the famous hot Yudofu dish which is served with a flavorful dipping sauce on the side.

15. Fushimi Inari

Fushimi Inari is an important Shinto shrine in Southern Kyoto. It is famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, which straddle a network of trails behind its main buildings. The trails lead into the wooded forest of the sacred Mount Inari, which stands at 233 meters and belongs to the shrine grounds.

Most visitors come to explore the mountain trails and the shrine buildings. To hike up to the summit of the mountain and back takes about 2-3 hours.

16. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

The Arashiyama bamboo grove is known for its rich bamboo stalks, located in the Arashiyama Mountains, a pleasant touristy district in the western outskirts of Kyoto. The grove runs from outside the north gate of Tenryuji Temple to just below Okochi Sanso.

The paths cutting through the bamboo grove are perfect for a nice walk or bicycle ride. Many small shops, restaurants and other attractions are found nearby. Apart from that, the Togetsukyo Bridge is also one of Arashiyama's famous landmarks.

17. Himeji Castle

Himeji Castle lies at a strategic point along the western approach to the former capital city of Kyoto. It is known as the White Heron Castle, due to its elegant and white appearance. The first fortifications built on the site were completed in the 1400s.

The castle is considered Japan's most spectacular castle for its imposing size and beauty, it is recognized as a National Treasure and a World Heritage Site. Most visitors to Himeji Castle enter the castle via the Otemon Gate.

18. The A-Bomb Dome at Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima

Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park is one of the most prominent features of the city. The A-Bomb Dome, also known as the Hiroshima Peace Memorial, served as a location to promote Hiroshima's industries.

Before the bomb, the area was the political and commercial heart of the city. When the bomb exploded, it was one of the few buildings to remain standing, and it remains so today. Being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the A-Bomb Dome is a tangible link to Hiroshima's unique past.

19. The Floating Torii of Itsukushima Shrine

One of Japan's most prominent shrine gates is the Floating Torii at the entrance of Itsukushima Shrine. It is standing solitary and majestic during high tide, on the island of Itsukushima, in Hiroshima Prefecture.

Itsukushima Shrine is dedicated to the three daughters of the Shinto God of seas and storms, and the sun goddess who is also the deity of the Imperial household. The shrine complex is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and became one of Japan's National Treasures.

20. Naoshima

Naoshima is an island town in Japan's Seto Inland Sea. It's known for its art museums. Built into the hillside, the Chichu Art Museum offers Claude Monet's series of paintings of water lilies. The Benesse House Museum shows contemporary sculptures and installations.

The Art House Project is a collection of architectural art pieces. Also, the iconic yellow pumpkin sculptures of an avant-garde octogenarian artist, Yayoi Kusama, are exhibited at the Miyanoura Port. This truly is an impressive sight and serves as the icon for Naoshima itself.

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Feel free to contact Asia Highlights' staff to get the best recommendations for Japan's landmarks. Every region of Japan has its own unique sights and features. Whether you prefer to enjoy nature, culture, art, or even modern experiences in Japan, we can guide you to meet your needs. Don't hesitate to contact us!

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27 Top Attractions & Things to Do in Japan

By Spencer Leasca · Last updated on February 5, 2024

Rich in history and culture, Japan is graced with traditional ryokans and ancient temples. But it also boasts cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka that bustle with modern skyscrapers and high-tech gadgets.

In between, there are landscapes of breathtaking natural beauty. While the country is also a major commercial centre for fashion, cars and entertainment.

Then of course there is the food. From sushi and ramen to tempura and yakitori, Japanese food is renowned for its unique flavors and presentation. Travelers can sample traditional dishes at local eateries around the country, or indulge in Michelin-starred restaurants. Both of which will blow you away with their taste and presentation.

For the tourist, it really is a journey of Far Eastern discovery. However, the sheer diversity and wealth of tourist attractions in Japan can make it very difficult to plan a trip. This is why we’ve put together this list of things to do that will hopefully, provide you with some inspiration for where you will go in the ‘land of the rising sun’.

27. Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa

We love looking at beautiful gardens so we were very excited to see the famous Kenrokuen Garden in Kanazawa.

Established back in the 17th century its name means ‘Garden of the Six Sublimities’. This references the six qualities that the Japanese believe make up a perfect garden. Namely abundant water, antiquity, artificiality, broad views, seclusion and spaciousness.

Changing throughout the year with the season, Kenrokuen certainly encapsulates all these elements. In spring, the cherry blossoms are out in force, while in summer, the garden is very lush and green. In autumn, the leaves turn brilliant red and orange. While in winter, the garden is covered in snow, creating a majestic winter wonderland.

Whichever time of year you choose to visit, you’ll be blown away by its beauty.

26. Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo

In Japan there are lots of temples. You won’t be able to see them all of course, but one you should put on your schedule is a trip to the Senso-ji Temple.

This Buddhist temple is in the Asakusa neighborhood of Tokyo . It dates back over 1300 years and is one of the city’s oldest and most famous temples.

An impressive structure, it is dedicated to Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy. It is fronted by a main entrance known as the ‘Thunder Gate’. This features a large red lantern and two statues of gods.

Beyond the gate is a long shopping street called Nakamise-dori, where you can buy plenty of traditional Japanese souvenirs and snacks. You’ll also find the temple’s main hall, ‘the Hondo’, as well as a five-story pagoda, and a beautiful garden.

See also: Where to Stay in Tokyo

25. Matsumoto Castle

If you plan to head into the central Chūbu region we recommend you venture into the Nagano Basin. For a start, the food is fantastic there. But also, if you love snow sports, you will love the powder-covered peaks that dominate the area.

Should you go there, you’ll be able to see the magnificent Matsumoto Castle. Also called ‘Crow Castle’ because of its stunning black exterior. It is one of Japan’s most photographed structures.

Dating back to the 16th century, the castle’s design is very unique, comprising a three-layered, six-story donjon. It also has a remarkable series of walls and gates that create a maze-like layout.

You’ll be able to tour the castle’s interior. It has several exhibits and displays that relate to its history and construction. Whilst there, be sure to go to the castle’s top floor too. The panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and city are just incredible!

24. Art Island of Naoshima

In our opinion, one of the coolest tourist attractions in Japan is The Art Island of Naoshima. Firstly, it has a dramatic location on a small island in the Seto Inland Sea that will captivate you.

But it also houses very impressive contemporary art installations, galleries and museums, you could ever wish to see.

These include the Chichu Art Museum, the Lee Ufan Museum, and the Art House Project. All of which are really pushing the envelope with their displays. If you love art, you’ll love what’s on show here.

As well as these cultural attractions, you can also visit beautiful beaches. Alternatively, you can tackle some of the hiking trails that snake around the island.

Should you want to, you can even stay overnight in one of the island’s art-themed accommodations. This is a very cool thing to do!

23. Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

Want to do something with a bit of a wow factor? Then make sure you traverse the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route.

Located over in the Northern Japan Alps, this scenic mountain route spans the Toyama and Nagano Prefectures. It is known for its spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, including Japan’s highest peak, Mount Fuji.

It is also home to the Kurobe Dam, one of the world’s largest arch dams. It also accommodates the Mikurigaike Pond, which is known for its beautiful blue-green water. So there is plenty to see along the way.

The route is open from mid-April to mid-November and is a marvel of Japanese engineering. You can choose to traverse this route via bus, tunnel trolley bus, cable car or even on foot.

If you go in the spring, be sure to look out for the famous ‘Snow Wall’. This is a formidable 20-meter-high wall of snow that forms along it.

22. Osaka Dotonbori

For its sheer spectacle, one of our favorite things to do in Japan at night is wandering around the Osaka Dotonbori. Not only is it a great place to people watch, but it also has a real ‘wow’ factor.

Centered around the Dotonbori Canal, you’ll instantly recognize this popular shopping and entertainment district. It has all those colorful giant neon signs and billboards, which you’ve no doubt seen on TV.

These include the iconic Glico Running Man and the Kani Doraku crab. If you are anything like me, you’ll be transfixed by both!

As well as the lights, the area is lined with shops, restaurants and bars. It also accommodates an awesome collection of street food vendors. So be sure to try the takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes) whilst you are there.

The kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers), are delicious too.

Your taste buds will thank you for it!

21. Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

Okinawa is a lovely part of Japan to visit.

If you find yourself there with some time on your hands, make your way to the Motobu area. There you can visit the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium. It is a terrific base to visit some of the surrounding islands.

It is one of the largest aquariums in the world. If you love looking at marine life, you’ll love what is on display here. Its main tank, the Kuroshio Sea, is one of the largest in the world. It houses whale sharks, manta rays, and giant groupers which will captivate you.

It also has a number of other cool exhibits. These include a coral reef tank, a dolphin lagoon, and an exhibit dedicated to sea turtles.

Whilst there, you can watch feeding demonstrations and attend educational programs. You can even take part in interactive experiences like touching rays and sea cucumbers too.

20. Ride A Bullet Train

For any tourist, Japan is a big country to get around. While many people choose to fly, riding on the bullet train is an experience I can’t recommend highly enough.

Also known as a Shinkansen, these trains can reach up to 320 km per hour. They can take you from Tokyo to Osaka in just two hours!

Yet despite this, it is actually a fairly smooth and quiet ride. They are also incredibly punctual, to the point where being even a minute or two late is unheard of.

The Shinkansen network spans most of Japan’s major cities and there are regular departures and arrivals throughout the day. The trains are equipped with comfortable seats and very clean restrooms. Their food and beverage services are pretty good too.

19. Nara Park

You might not have been aware of this, but deer are considered sacred in Japanese culture.

For this reason, we would suggest adding Nara Park to your itinerary of things to do if you visit Nara .

This large public park covers over 500 hectares. It is known for its population of free-roaming deer, of which there are hundreds.

If you love animals, you can buy special crackers to feed the deer, and even take photos with them.

As well as the deer, the Park also houses several famous temples and shrines, including the Todai-ji temple. This is also worth checking out because it is home to the largest bronze Buddha statue in the world.

18. Koyasan Okunoin

Ok, so visiting a cemetery might not be everyone’s idea of a good time when on vacation. However, the Koyasan Okunoin is a unique exception everyone should make.

Located in the Koyasan mountain range, within the Wakayama Prefecture, this sacred site is the largest cemetery in Japan. It is also the final resting place of many famous figures in Japanese history.

The impressive site is centered around the magnificent Okunoin temple. This is surrounded by a large cemetery, which contains over 200,000 tombstones and monuments.

If you want to come here, you can explore the cemetery. You can also visit some of the various temples and shrines that are dotted around the area. Additionally, the site is also famous for its lanterns. They line the paths and are lit every evening.

17. Shirakawago

Japan is known for its cutting-edge technology. But if you want to experience life before the tech age, then it’s worth visiting Shirakawago.

Located in the mountains of Gifu Prefecture, this picturesque village is known for its authentic gassho-zukuri farmhouses. They boast inclined thatched roofs that look a lot like hands held together in prayer.

The village is actually a UNESCO World Heritage Site that showcases traditional Japanese rural life. Whilst there, you can go on a tour of the farmhouses to see its traditional architecture and lifestyle. You will also be able to learn about the history and culture of the area.

We found Shirakawago fascinating, as it provided a point of reference to what Japan used to be like. Next time we’ll time our visit with either their traditional New Year’s celebration or summer dance festival. Both of which are meant to be amazing spectacles.

16. Nikko National Park

One of the most beautiful places we have ever been to in Japan is Nikkō National Park.

We visited here when we were in Tochigi Prefecture. Its stunning landscape of waterfalls, lakes, and mountain ranges blew us away.

You’ll probably need to spend a couple of days in Nikko as the park is home to several famous landmarks. Namely, the Toshogu Shrine, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Kegon Falls, is also a beautiful cascade worth visiting.

The park offers a variety of activities, including camping, fishing, and hot springs. It also hosts several traditional festivals and celebrations throughout the year.

15. Sapporo Snow Festival

If you happen to be in Japan in January and February, then visiting the Sapporo Snow Festival is one of the smartest things to do. It is a fantastic celebration of winter sport, art and gastronomy that provides a great insight into Japan’s culture.

This popular festival is held every year in the capital city of Hokkaido. As it attracts millions of visitors, we would suggest planning ahead.

The festival is famous for its impressive snow and ice sculptures which range in size. Some are small ornate figurines. While others are massive two or three-story high structures that tower over the crowds.

The sculptures are created by insanely talented artists who showcase their skills and creativity. We really don’t know how they do it! However, their work is mightily impressive.

Being winter and with lots of snow around it will be cold. Thankfully there are lots of places to get hot chocolate or ramen to keep you warm and fed.

14. Takachiho Gorge

Japan is a country steeped in mythology and legend. There are lots of places you can go to experience it. For those who want to explore this folklore, one place we would suggest is the Takachiho Gorge.

According to Japanese mythology, the gorge was where the sun goddess Amaterasu hid in a cave. Thus, causing the world to fall into darkness. It is also believed to be the location where the god Susanoo slayed the eight-headed serpent Orochi.

Formed over thousands of years by the Gokase River, the gorge is a natural scenic wonder in Miyazaki Prefecture. It is known for its towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and emerald-green waters. These are best seen on foot via hiking trails or by traversing down the river in a rented rowboat – which, take it from us, is a lot of fun.

13. Watch Sumo Wrestling

Sumo Wrestling captivated us from the first time we saw it at the Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo. Located in eastern Tokyo, we went because the stadium was a short walk from Ryogoku Station. Although it cost about 10,000 yen per person to watch, it was an amazing spectacle.

Sumo is a traditional Japanese sport that dates back over a thousand years. It is not just two large men wrestling each other dressed in little more than a loin cloth. But rather a combat sport steeped in history and ritual.

If you can get to a professional sumo match it is something we would urge you to do. The matches are fast-paced and intense, and the wrestlers are incredibly skilled and agile. The atmosphere is really good too and you’ll soon find yourself cheering for your favored competitor!

Six tournaments are held in Japan each year. Three of which take part in Tokyo – which is considered to be the Sumo capital of the world.

12. Itsukushima Shrine, Miyajima

The Itsukushima Shrine is just one reason to head to the Hiroshima Prefecture . But it is a very compelling one.

One of Japan’s most iconic landmarks, it is known for its captivating torii gate. This has the incredible illusion of floating on the water. Dating back to the 6th century, the shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has mystical properties.

We were mesmerized by its magical appearance and ornate detail as we explored its various buildings and courtyards.

The shrine is easy to get to by ferry from the mainland at Miyajimaguchi Station. While you are there you can also relax in the surrounding park or hike some of its scenic trails.

11. Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo

Shibuya Crossing is not a place you are likely to have to yourself. In fact, it is the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing. So, you’ll have on average about 3,000 people around you whenever you cross it.

However, it is a captivating and enchanting place to go to. Not least because of the unique atmosphere created by the sea of people that traverse it.

One of Japan’s most iconic sites, Shibuya Crossing is characterized by its large neon billboards, flashy signs and noise. It is a symbol of Tokyo and modern Japan and has appeared in countless films and television shows.

We crossed it a few times when we visited Tokyo and also spent a bit of time looking down at the pedestrians from one of the cafes perched above it.

10. Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kyoto

The Fushimi Inari Shrine is a remarkable site. We would strongly advise you to check out if you are in Kyoto .

Dedicated to Inari, the god of agriculture, it was founded in 711. It is famous for its over ten thousand vermillion-colored torii gates. They create a stunning site as they form a tunnel-like path up the mountain.

Many people, myself included, have walked the torii gate path, taking in wonderful views of Kyoto from the mountain. On a clear day you can see for miles, so be sure to have your Smartphone with you.

This path takes visitors through a dense forest of cedar trees. It also showcases smaller shrines and other offerings like statues of foxes. They are thought to be messengers of the god Inari.

9. Hiroshima Peace Memorial

The Hiroshima Peace Memorial is one of the world’s most thought-provoking places to visit. It certainly made us think about the tragic waste of human life. As well as how the incident changed the world.

A powerful symbol of peace, it is a sombre reminder of the devastation caused by the bombing of Hiroshima.

The memorial is made up of the remains of the Genbaku Dome. This is one of the few buildings in the city to survive the bombing. It also features the surrounding Peace Park.

The surrounding park is a pleasant space to wander and features various monuments and sculptures dedicated to peace. One of which is the Children’s Peace Monument, which was inspired by a young girl called Sadako Sasaki, who died of leukaemia caused by radiation from the bomb.

8. Jigokudani Monkey Park

If you are not a big fan of monkeys you might want to skip to the next attraction. But if you are then you should pay a visit to the Jigokudani Monkey Park.

This popular wildlife attraction can be found in the Yamanouchi region of Nagano Prefecture. It is home to a large population of wild Japanese macaques, who are better known as snow monkeys.

What makes these creatures unique is that they are known for their unique behavior. This involves them taking hot spring baths during the winter months.

Getting to the park involves a short hike through a scenic forest trail in a mountainous region. However, the sight of the monkeys in the hot springs is worth it.

7. Kiyomizu-dera, Kyoto

Japan has its fair share of UNESCO World Heritage sites and another one worth visiting is the Kiyomizu-dera.

This historic Buddhist temple is found in eastern Kyoto. Impressively, its main hall is built on a steep slope and is supported by wooden pillars.

The temple has the nickname ‘Pure Water Temple’ on account of its Otowa Waterfall. Here visitors can drink from one of three streams of water. Each of them is believed to have different healing properties.

If you can get there in spring, Kiyomizu-dera is particularly beautiful as cherry blossoms are in bloom. During fall, it is also spectacular when the leaves change color.

Whatever time of year you visit, as well as drinking the water, you can also enjoy panoramic views of the city from the temple’s large veranda.

6. Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji is one of Japan’s most active sites, but if you intend to visit it, just be aware it is an active stratovolcano.

Situated on Honshu Island, it is the highest peak in Japan, soaring to a height of 3,776 meters. It is also considered a sacred site in Japanese culture, although it is a popular destination for hikers and tourists to climb.

The best time to do this is between early July to mid-September. Overall there are several trails that will lead you to the summit. Just make sure you are wearing proper shoes when you do it.

Surrounding the mountain is a beautiful national park. The landscape of which you will be able to best see on the way up.

5. Himeji Castle

Himeji Castle is yet another UNESCO World Heritage site, but with good reason.

Known as the ‘White Heron Castle’ because of its white exterior and the way it resembles a bird taking flight, it is one of the most impressive castles we’ve ever seen.

It is also one of the few surviving original castles in Japan, as most were destroyed during wars, or by earthquakes.

The castle is surrounded by a beautiful park with cherry blossom trees and a moat. It also has numerous defensive features, including walls, gates, and towers that can be explored on a guided tour.

Inside, its ornate decor features beautifully painted screens, intricate wood carvings, and other works of art which are really impressive.

4. Great Buddha of Kamakura

You’ll see plenty of statues of Buddha in Japan but none quite like The Great Buddha of Kamakura.

Standing approximately 44 feet tall and weighing approximately 266,000 pounds, it is considered one of Japan’s most iconic and beloved cultural treasures.

Originally cast in 1252, you will have to go to the city of Kamakura if you want to see this monumental bronze statue.

Apparently, the statue has survived numerous earthquakes and other disasters over the centuries and is considered a symbol of resilience, hope and strength.

If you go there, you will be able to explore the statue and its surroundings. There is also a small museum that presents information about the statue’s history and significance.

3. Todaiji Temple, Nara

Another place where you can see a massive statue of Buddha is the Todaiji Temple.

This impressive Buddhist temple is situated in Nara and is renowned for the 52 feet high and 1.1-million-pound massive bronze statue of the extraordinary being.

The temple dates back to the 8th century and is located in Nara. Over the years it has been destroyed and rebuilt several times. However, its main hall – the Daibutsuden – remains one of the largest wooden structures in the world.

As it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it also contains thousands of precious art objects. While there you can also walk around its beautiful park, which features cherry blossom trees and roaming deer.

2. Tokyo Imperial Palace

For anyone visiting Tokyo, a visit to The Tokyo Imperial Palace is a must!

Nestled in the heart of Tokyo, it is the primary residence of the Emperor of Japan. Dating back to 1457, the palace is surrounded by beautiful gardens and is a very popular tourist attraction. We would recommend you go there early to avoid the crowds.

Once there, you can take a guided tour of the palace grounds. This includes the palace gardens, as well as the outer areas of the palace complex.

The palace also houses a museum that features exhibits on the history and culture of the Japanese imperial family. This enables visitors to learn about the rituals and customs of the royal family. You can also view a collection of imperial treasures and rare artifacts.

1. Golden Pavilion, Kyoto

The Golden Pavilion is one of Japan’s most popular tourist attractions, and it is not difficult to see why.

Also known as Kinkaku-ji, this Zen Buddhist temple is situated in Kyoto. It is highly regarded for its stunning architecture. This notably features the top two floors of its pavilion lavishly decorated in gold leaf.

Originally it was built in the 14th century as a retirement villa for a shogun. The temple is backed by lush forest and fronted by a beautiful garden and lake.

Both of these are lovely places to stroll by – we found the lake especially enjoyable. The flora around it was beautifully arranged and reflected on the water with perfect clarity. We stopped here for a good five minutes to really appreciate the scene.

There were several other buildings, including a temple hall and a tea house that we enjoyed looking at too.

This is another place that gets very busy. So try and avoid coming in the middle of the day.

Map of Tourist Attractions in Japan

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Reader interactions.

May 6, 2020 at 8:39 pm

I had been tour some famous places in Japan like Golden pavilion, Tokyo Imperial place , Tokyo tower, Todaiji Temple, and so on. I think Japan is a good place for tourism. Keep it on in the near future

September 26, 2019 at 2:45 pm

Taking the Bullet Train to Sendai and that area is nice. So many Shrines and Temples in Japan make it a very enjoyable educational experience. Love the food!

June 2, 2019 at 7:30 am

There are a ton of other great places in Japan as well, Tokyo Tower can be kinda a tourist trap, the metropatilan building gives a better view and is free.

April 24, 2019 at 9:07 am

i so want to go to japan because of reading these comments, it sounds so nice

April 2, 2019 at 1:20 am

I love Japan, especially their clean and incomparable rest rooms, their kind of discipline is so amazing!

April 21, 2017 at 3:20 pm

When I lived in Kyoto for 3 months, I fell in love with the country, Although I have to admit the Golden Pavilion I would not even put in my top 100 attractions even in the Kyoto area I hope people don’t go to it expecting much and get disappointment in Japan, my favorites were lot of the area around Uji, and Gion, or fushimi inari, or even some back allies are many times more beautiful than the Golden Pavilion in my opinion.

Rest of this list is nice tho 🙂 needs more Osaka, The Sky Garden view is breathe taking at night.

February 19, 2016 at 11:09 am

Golden Pavillion , Kyoto, is very overvallued. You can see it from long distance. Entrance fees high. My tips: 1. Tokyo; 2. Fuji-Hakone; 3. KANSAI: Kyoto; Nara; Osaka (castle-alternat. Himeji); 4. Hiroshima and Miyajima. My last trip: Tokyo – Okinawa (ANA) – Kagoshima (JRPass) – Miyazaki/Aoshima – Kyoto – Osaka – Takushima (ferry)- Osaka – Nara – Tokyo.

February 15, 2016 at 12:09 pm

So helpful and loved the monkeys

December 11, 2015 at 3:32 am

We have been to all of these during our 18 visits to Japan. We keep finding new places to go. In 2016, go to the Setouchi Triennale art festival on the islands of the inland sea. We went in 2013 and will return next year.

February 5, 2015 at 8:21 pm

i loved Japan I have been 5 times in Japan

January 30, 2015 at 1:03 am

I love Japan and want to see the Tokyo imperial Palace,mount Fuji,Tokyo Tower,Golden Pavilion.

January 12, 2015 at 6:36 pm

I love Japan it is very safe. Especially the very kind and friendly people that I met there. Experience the 100 yen stores, shinkansen, yakiniku, onsen, asakusa temple, inari temple in kyoto, himeji castle, golden pavillion was definitely amazing.

September 18, 2014 at 12:12 am

You should put skytree there

August 4, 2014 at 10:09 am

I love Japan. After around 70 countries visited it’s easily in the top 5 seen. There are many things to do there that could be in the top 10 attractions. I personally found the Golden Pavillion, although beautiful, definitely wouldn’t be number one on that list, with so many other better things to see and do.

June 11, 2014 at 4:36 pm

This website is awesome thanks for this

June 5, 2014 at 1:41 am

the himeji castle was amazing;)

May 1, 2014 at 2:52 am

Thanks for this nice sharing i also have been visited Japan about a year ago with my friend. It offers a wide range of beautiful and attractive places for the tourist. A lot of places that i like there but one place that i like the most is “Golden Pavilion”. It is a beautiful and famous temple that is located in Kyoto.

April 29, 2014 at 8:14 am

The monkeys are so cute! I was born in Japan but never knew such beautiful things were there. But, hey, where’s the SkyTree?

February 23, 2014 at 5:35 pm

I have been to a few places in your list and they are remarkable. My favourite is still Kiyomizudera in Kyoto.

August 28, 2013 at 1:35 am

so nice places i just love them.

July 26, 2013 at 4:46 am

I love Japan and specially want to see Fuji Mount.

July 17, 2013 at 2:28 am

the japan is a very nice place i love it

June 16, 2013 at 12:53 pm

The monkeys were SO CUTE!!!!!

March 20, 2013 at 12:35 am

Thankyou i found this page very interesting and helpful please produce more :):):):):) (the monkeys are very cute)

June 20, 2012 at 12:44 am

Hey you didn’t include anywhere in Osaka, there’s some great places to explore there, the arcades alone are enough of a reason to go to Osaka.

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• The 10 Most Beautiful Towns...

These are the 24 Most Beautiful Towns and Cities in Japan

Japan is home to strikingly diverse landscapes, including volcanic mountains, flat farmlands and cherry blossom-lined cities. Combine these backdrops with Japan’s Edo-period buildings, grand temples and shrines and the result is simply spectacular. Here’s our pick of the most beautiful towns and cities in Japan.

1. hida-takayama, for old school beauty and top class sake.

Architectural Landmark

2. Hakone, for incredible natural beauty

Located less than 100km (62mi) away from Tokyo , Hakone can be an excellent change of pace from the capital. Part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, Hakone offers a spectacular landscape of mountains, lakes and hiking trails. The highlight is Ashino-ko, a lake with fantastic views of nearby Mount Fuji and the torii gate of the Hakone-jinja, which rises from the water to create the perfect Japanese scene.

3. Shirakawa-go, for a fairytale village escape

5. Nikko, for mountains, waterfalls and fall foliage

6. Himeji, to stare in awe at an ancient castle

Discover one of Japan’s most impressive historical sites while visiting the coastal city of Himeji, around an hour from Kyoto and Osaka by train . The centuries-old Himeji Castle, with a grand white façade visible from miles, perches above the city and comprises 83 buildings. Be sure to take a boat ride around its moat and explore the next door Kokoen Gardens, featuring koi ponds, waterfalls and plants that represent the best of Japan’s four seasons. April is one of the most popular months to visit Himeji, with more than 1,000 cherry trees surrounding the castle coming into bloom.

7. Kamakura, for epic views of Fuji

Buddhist Temple, Historical Landmark

This attractive coastal city, around an hour from Tokyo by train , offers a great vantage point of Japan’s most famous mountain, Mount Fuji, on a clear day. Head to the shores to catch a glimpse, while swimming and sunbathing during the hot summer months. Come autumn, you’ll see a paintbox of colours if you hike amongst the bamboo groves and surrounding forests. Many also flock to the city for its fresh seafood – including shirasu (whitebait), which is one of the most popular dishes – and ancient shrines and temples , which are a year-round attraction.

8. Otaru, for freshly-caught culinary delights

Japan’s northernmost prefecture, Hokkaido, was colonised in the late 19th-century, and little Otaru became an important fishing port. Later, the terminal station of Hokkaido’s first railway line was built here. The town’s pretty canal is lined with old warehouses and, along with the rest of the prefecture, it’s one of the most famous places in Japan to enjoy fresh seafood . Although the canal area can get crowded with Japanese tourists, you’ll find quieter neighbourhoods dotted with stately herring mansions towards the centre of town. The town is particularly beautiful during the Otaru Snow Gleaming Festival in February, when the canal is lined with glowing snow lanterns.

9. Kanazawa, for perfectly preserved old town charm

10. Karuizawa, the perfect outdoorsy day trip from Tokyo

Karuizawa is a charming resort town tucked beneath the imposing Mt. Asama, one of Honshū’s most active volcanoes. It’s a popular day trip from Tokyo – an hour away by high-speed train – for hiking and visiting hot springs and Yacho-no-mori (Wild Bird Forest), which is home to over 60 different bird species. Emperor Akihito met his future bride, Empress Michiko, in Karuizawa in 1957, and the town has since earned a reputation as a romantic retreat; visit in autumn for its fabulous colours.

11. Magome, the go-to spot for avid hikers

Magome, a post town in the Kiso Valley, between Tokyo and Kyoto, once served as an important stop-over point for Edo-period travellers making the long journey along the Nakasendo Trail. Today, the main reason to visit Magome is to hike the Magome-Tsumago Trail, a 5-mi (8-km) section of the Nakasendo Trail; this trail winds through forests and farmland and passes waterfalls, before ending in the town of Tsumago. The trail is well-marked in English and a bus travels between the two villages for those who don’t feel like walking back to Magome after completing the hike. Meanwhile, the town’s main street, a wide stone walkway lined with beautifully restored old buildings, is closed to vehicular traffic.

12. Kagoshima, for explosions of colour in the summer night sky

With its warm climate, outgoing locals and lush vegetation, it’s easy to see why Kagoshima is a sister city to Naples . This city, which is the capital of Kagoshima Prefecture and one of Kyushu’s southernmost cities, boasts a bay looking onto Sakurajima, an active volcano that appears to rise from the waters off the coast. The view is particularly spectacular from July to August, when firework displays take place over the bay each evening. The volcano’s frequent eruptions often cover the town in a surreal coating of white ash.

13. Furano, for purple lavender views

Ski Resort, Architectural Landmark

14. Sendai, the place to be come cherry blossom season

Head to Sendai – around 90 minutes from Tokyo by train – for beautiful cherry blossom scenes in the spring. This coastal metropolis is nicknamed the ‘City of Trees’ for its abundance of green spaces – Tsutsujigaoka Park is one of the best cherry blossom viewing spots with more than 360 trees. Another popular park is atop Mount Aoba, where you’ll find the ruins of Aoba Castle which date back to the early 17th century. Continue your cultural tour with a stop at the Sendai City Museum , where armour, ancient ceramics and paintings are on display.

Japanese Cities You Need to See Before You Die

These are the cultural cornerstones and epic urban landscapes that you simply cannot miss, according to our writer Alicia Joy .

15. Nagasaki

Natural Feature, Building, Museum, Memorial

Building, Natural Feature

Building, Museum

18. Sapporo

Natural Feature, Building

20. Hiroshima

Yoga Studio

Osaka is known for having laid-back locals, delicious cuisine , and charming Kansai dialect. The city is best enjoyed in the evening when it comes alive with neon lights and late-night eateries. The expression kuidaore , or eat ’til you drop, was coined here, and thousands of tourists flock to the Osaka restaurants each year. Dotonbori is the heart of Osaka and one of its most popular attractions. The area is brimming with restaurants , shops and bright neon boards, including the Glico Running Man.

24. Matsuyama

Sadie Whitelocks contributed additional reporting to this article .

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Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

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• 55 Places to Visit in Japan

Japan Tourist Places

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Must Visit Places in Japan

Mount Fuji, located in Japan, is an iconic symbol of the country. Standing at 3,776 meters, it offers breathtaking views and attracts thousands of visitors each year, both climbers and sightseers alike.

Tokyo Tower

Tokyo Skytree

Tokyo Disneyland

Osaka Castle

Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel

Universal Studios Japan

Universal Studios Japan, located in Osaka, is a renowned theme park that combines movie magic with thrilling attractions. From iconic characters to jaw-dropping rides, it promises an unforgettable experience for visitors seeking adventure and entertainment.

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Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Places to Visit in Tokyo

Ginza is one of the poshest, most upmarket places to visit in Tokyo, with an abundance of shops, restaurants, boutiques, lifestyle experiences and much more. You can also explore galleries, nightclubs and cafes for a wholesome experience that will make your visit to Tokyo memorable. All luxury and boutique brands have a store in Ginza, which is considered a shopper’s paradise. The Ginza Wako building is symbolic of the entire district, and the good news is, window shopping here is absolutely free! Location: South of Yaesu, Tokyo

Shinjuku Gyoen

Inokashira Park

Ghibli Museum

Studio Ghibli is one of the most famous artistic products to have come out of Japan and many people visit the country simply to learn more about the animation studio of Miyazaki Hayao, who has produced some of the most emotional and well-made films in the world. If you too are interested in learning more about these famous films and animation, one of the best places in Tokyo is the Ghibli Museum in Inokashira Park in Mitaka. You can check out life-size figurines, robots, drawings, original drafts and much more at the museum. Location: 1 Chome-1-83 Shimorenjaku, Mitaka, Tokyo 181-0013, Japan Timings: Tuesday to Sunday (10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.) Entry fees: 1000 yen

Tokyo National Museum

When visiting places in Tokyo, one can’t do without skipping a visit to the Tokyo National Museum – the oldest and biggest of all of Japan’s top-level museums throughout the country. The museum houses over 110,000 pieces of historical artefacts, and over 100 national treasures. Apart from the 4,000 things that are always on display at the museum at any given time, you can also enjoy seasonal exhibitions and shows focusing on various aspects of Japan’s rich history. Location: 13-9 Uenokoen, Taito City, Tokyo 110-8712, Japan Timings: Tuesday to Sunday (9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.) Entry fees: 500-1000 yen

Edo Tokyo Museum

For a comprehensive insight into the life and culture of the people of Japan and especially Tokyo there are no better places to visit in Japan than the Edo Tokyo Museum. The Museum, through interactive installations, displays, artefacts from history and colourful artwork, effectively showcases how Tokyo, formerly known as Edo (till 1869) has developed, grown and thrived. Volunteer guides who speak English and other languages roam the museum for you to have the most authentic and rewarding experience here. Location: 1 Chome-4-1 Yokoami, Sumida City, Tokyo 130-0015, Japan Timings: Tuesday to Sunday (9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.) Entry fees: 600 yen

National Museum Of Nature And Science

Akihabara Electric Town

Included in every list of quintessential Tokyo places to visit is Akihabara, a bustling district in central Tokyo that is known for the hundreds of electric shops that can be found there. All tech, business and electric related things can be found here, including shops that specialize in Artificial Intelligence, manga, anime, video games, technology, toys, souvenirs and much more. It is a well-developed district that is rapidly expanding into becoming a hotspot for trade and consumerism in the country.

Best of Philippines

Located in the Minato district of Tokyo in Japan, Roppongi is perceived as the entertainment capital of the country. People from all over the world flock to this area to check out the nightclubs, discos, restaurants, bars and clubs that line the street and remain open throughout the night. You can also climb the Roppongi Hills skyscraper, which has an observation deck that can give you a nighttime panoramic view of the gorgeous city.

Tsukiji Hongan Ji

Places to Visit in Osaka

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Namba Yasaka Shrine

Tsutenkaku Tower

Abeno Harukas

Shitennō Ji Temple

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Places to Visit in Fukuoka

Fukuoka castle.

Sumiyoshi Jinja Shrine

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Top Experiences To Do in Kyūshū National Museum

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Kyoto imperial palace.

Philosopher’s Walk

Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine

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Kyoto Railway Museum

Kyoto National Museum

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Kasuga-taisha

Ninja Museum of Igaryu

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Shin-Yakushi-Ji

Kofun Tombs

Other Places to Visit in Japan

Taketomi Island

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Best of Osaka

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

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The Atsuta Shrine

Video Game Bar Space Station In Osaka

People Also Ask About Japan

Which are the best things to do in japan, which are the best cities to visit in japan, is japan expensive to visit, what is the best time to visit japan, what should i avoid in japan, how many days is enough in tokyo.

Trending in Japan

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Tours in Japan

Japan Top Attractions

Visitors traverse the approximately 4-kilometer path through a forested mountainside adorned with thousands of torii gates, creating a mesmerizing and vibrant tunnel-like experience. The main shrine complex at the summit offers panoramic views of Kyoto city. Fushimi Inari Taisha is not only a spiritual haven but also a cultural treasure, attracting millions of tourists annually. The shrine represents a unique blend of natural beauty, religious significance, and community involvement, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking a profound cultural experience in Japan.

The Atomic Bomb Dome in Hiroshima, Japan, is a haunting testament to the catastrophic events of August 6, 1945. Originally the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall, it now stands as a skeletal ruin, preserved as a symbol of peace and a reminder of the devastating consequences of nuclear warfare. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, the dome serves as a poignant memorial, urging visitors to reflect on the enduring importance of promoting a world free from the threat of atomic weapons.

Inside, state-of-the-art observation decks offer panoramic views, allowing visitors to marvel at the beauty of their surroundings from various vantage points. The floating garden observatory often incorporates cutting-edge technology, such as augmented reality displays or interactive exhibits, enhancing the overall visitor experience. This concept represents a futuristic approach to architecture, encouraging a deeper connection between people and the natural world while promoting sustainable design principles. The floating garden observatory stands as a symbol of innovation, blending the boundaries between urban spaces and the serenity of nature.

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• 35 Best Places To Visit In Japan That Make It Look Right Out Of A Storybook In 2024

23 Mar 2023

Describing Japan as a ‘backpack filled with surprises for every type of traveler’ would just be the right thing to do, thanks to the thousand shrines & temples, gorgeous gardens & palaces, the spectacular mountains, and other major attractions. It’s not only the technological wonders, but also the best places to visit in Japan that have highlighted the island nation on the map. And believe us, exploring each one of them is worth every dime.

So, if you’ve never wondered about visiting there, it’s about time that you do because these must visit places in Japan  offer experiences, which you would have never had before. Get ready to impress yourself with one of the best destinations that give you a mesmerizing feeling. Known for its rich culture, you get to explore while on your trip to Japan.

35 Best Places To Visit In Japan In 2024

Are you looking for beautiful places in Japan? Here are the best places to visit in Japan that you should include on your itinerary to make the best of your trip. Scroll down to know what all awaits you in this scenic land!

• Tokyo – Essence Of Japan
• Kyoto  – Sacred And Serene
• Nara  – City Of Culture
• Mt. Fuji  – A Breathtaking Marvel
• Hokkaido  – Closer To Nature
• Ishigaki  – Exotic Destination
• Hiroshima  – Historically Significant City
• Sapporo  – Forget The Heat And Humidity
• Osaka – A Cultural Delight
• Yakushima – Naturally Gifted
• Hakuba – For Adventurous Activities
• Kamakura – Where The Buddha Resides
• Nagano – Great For Family
• Kawaguchi – Beautiful Landscapes
• Takayama – Away From City Life
• Shibuya – A Bustling City
• Naoshima – Lush-Green Island
• Asakusa – For Parties And More
• Akihabara – Perfect City Life
• Odaiba – For A Rejuvenating Experience
• Kabukicho – Nightclubs And More
• Ueno Park – For A Breath Of Fresh Air
• Yokohama – Charming And Vibrant
• Nikko – Historically Rich
• Tohoku – Relax In Nature
• Kawagoe – Revisit The History
• Nagoya – Traditionally Beautiful
• Kanazawa – For Food Culture
• Shirakawago – A Surreal Place
• Shikoku – Where Serenity Welcomes You
• Nagasaki – A City With Sad History
• Kobe – Surprisingly Attractive
• Fukuoka – Japan’s Oldest City
• Hitsujiyama Park – For An Enormous Sight
• Hakone –  Views Of Mount Fuji

1. Tokyo – Essence Of Japan

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Tokyo is the city that reflects the colors of Japan. In Japan, places to visit are endless, and exploring everything in one trip would always be impossible. But, the popular city of Tokyo still deserves the top spot in your itinerary, thanks to its anime culture and world-class attractions. And if the historical sites don’t impress you much, the city has also got a great culinary scene! This is undoubtedly amongst the best places to visit in Japan for first timers .

Top Attractions:

• Tokyo Disneyland
• Tokyo Skytree
• Tokyo DisneySea

Best Things To Do:

• Spend an evening near the Tokyo Tower in Japan
• Shop in Odaiba
• Witness the grandeur of the Meiji Shrine

Places to stay: 

• Guest House Trace
• Manga Art Hotel
• Khaosan Tokyo Samurai

Places to eat:

• Tapas Molecular Bar
• Ise Sueyoshi

How to reach: Tokyo is very well-connected by airways to the rest of the world, so plenty of airlines from India connect to the Narita Airport.

Must Read: Christmas In Japan

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2. Kyoto – Sacred And Serene

Image Credit: veronica111886 for Pixabay

The city of shrines, gardens & palaces! Of all the major Japan destinations, the sacred city of Kyoto is one of the best places to visit in Japan in spring irrespective of whether you are holidaying with your family or your partner. The iconic temples, shrines, palaces, gardens, and bamboo forests are a treat to the eyes, and you cannot afford to miss it on your first trip.

Top Attractions In Kyoto :

• Kyoto Imperial Palace
• Philosopher’s Walk
• Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine

Best Things To Do In Kyoto :

• Visit the Kiyomizu Temple
• Explore the Nijo Castle
• Visit the famous Kinkaku-ji
• Village Kyoto
• Downtown Inn Kyoto
• Santiago Guesthouse Kyoto

Places to eat in Kyoto :

• Samurai Juku
• Sugarhill Kyoto
• Saishuan Shiraki

How to reach: Osaka International Airport is the closest airport in Kyoto which is approximately 1 hour from the city.

3. Nara – City Of Culture

Home to adorable deers, temples & more! No list of the top Japan attractions can ever be complete without including Nara in it. Home to many shrines, monasteries, museums, and the famous Nara Park, this city is where you need to be to get familiarized with the famed Japanese culture and traditions. It definitely features on the list of unmissable places to visit in Japan.

• Kasuga-taisha
• Ninja Museum of Igaryu
• Visit the Isuien Garden
• Befriend the deers at the Nara-koen Park
• Explore the Nara National Museum
• Smile Hotel Nara
• Super Hotel Lohas JR Nara Eki
• Guesthouse Nara Komachi
• Tonkatsu Ganko Nara

How to reach: Kansai International Airport is the closest airport to Nara and it takes around 1 and half hours to reach Nara.

Suggested Read: Japan Travel Guide

4. Mt. Fuji – A Breathtaking Marvel

Image Credit: kimura2 for Pixabay

The paradise for adventure seekers! Renowned around the world for offering the most thrilling experience in Japan, Mt. Fuji is the ultimate place to visit and definitely one of the most romantic places in Japan. While the official climbing season begins from July and ends in September, you can witness the beauty from a distance throughout the year. It is one of the best  places to visit in Japan for young adults. Needless to say, this place ought to be on your list!

• Mount Tenjo
• Chureito Pagoda
• Fujiyoshida Sengen Shrine
• Go for skiing
• Visit the Arakurayama Sengen Park
• Enjoy the views of Mt. Fuji from the Subashiri 5th Station

Places to stay:

• Hatago Ichiya
• Bself Fuji Villa
• Hotel Mount Fuji
• Tempura Restaurant Ninja

How to reach: The nearest airport to Mount Fuji is the Shizuoka Airport which is 83.5 km away. You can hire a cab or take bus to  reach Mt Fuji.

5. Hokkaido – Closer To Nature

Image Credit: fisag for Pixabay

The abode of natural hot springs! Popular for its volcanoes, hot springs, and ski areas, this gorgeous Japanese island looks right out of a picture book. And it is because of its various attractions & experiences that it is an impeccable place to holiday with both your kids and significant other. Be it the beauty of the Blue Pond or the Zoo, you’d be left mesmerized. It is one of the most ideal places to visit in Japan during summer.

• Asahiyama Zoo
• Farm Tomita
• Relax in the hot spring
• Treat yourself with scrumptious seafood
• Visit the famous national parks
• Yorkshire Farm
• Hotel Park Hills Hokkaido
• Puremiahoteru – CABIN – Obihiro
• Hokkaido Cafe
• Hokkaido Ramen Kyowakoku

How to reach: New Chitose Airport Sapporo is the closest airport to Hokkaido. You can find local taxis and cabs for a ride.

Suggested Read: 10 Most Alluring Homestays in Japan

6. Ishigaki – Exotic Destination

Image Credit: MarcelloRabozzi for Pixabay

The most trending travel spot in Japan! Voted as the most trending travel spot for 2024, the Ishigaki Island is definitely amongst the best places to visit in Japan. Despite its size, the island has no limit when it comes to offering unique experiences to its tourists, and glamming up their holiday in the Japanese land. It has been also voted as the best places to visit in Japan in cherry blossom season.

• Taketomi Island
• Ishigaki Limestone Cave
• Indulge in snorkeling
• Relax on the beaches
• Savour the Ishigaki Beef
• Ishigaki Guesthouse HIVE
• Blue Cabin Ishigakijima
• Ishigaki Seaside Hotel
• Sushi Taro 

How to reach: The Ishigaki Airport is the closest, just 18 km away. Local buses and taxis are available.

7. Hiroshima – Historically Significant City

Image Credit: chaliceks for Pixabay

The city that beautifies Japan’s landscape! In spite of being known around the world for being a victim of the horrendous atomic bombings, Hiroshima continues to be one of the major places to see in Japan. And believe us, apart from the dedicated monuments and sites that reflect the history, the city also has other spellbinding attractions like the Itsukushima shrine. This is the most popular places in Japan.

• Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park & Museum
• Hiroshima Castle
• Itsukushima
• Try Okonomiyaki, the local delicacy
• Visit the Mazda Museum
• Capture pictures at the Shukkeien Garden
• K’s House Hiroshima
• Grand Prince Hotel Hiroshima
• Court Hotel Hiroshima
• Parco della Pace
• Guttsuri-ann

How to reach: Iwakuni and Matsuyama airport are located 70 km away. Hire a cab, taxi or local bus to reach your destination.

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8. Sapporo – Forget The Heat And Humidity

Image Credit: chaos_sun for Pixabay

A haven for beer and ski lovers! With cities like Sapporo, ‘what to see in Japan’ would never be your top concern. The city not only helps you escape the heat and humidity but also help you discover your winter wonderland during its famous Sapporo Annual Snow Festival. If not the gardens, then the huge snow sculptures would definitely steal your heart! This is one of the best places to see in Japan with family!

• Moerenuma Park
• Former Hokkaido Government Office
• Mount Moiwa Observation Deck
• Visit the Sapporo Beer Museum
• Party in Susukino
• Indulge in local delicacies at the Curb Market
• The Stay Sapporo
• Relief Sapporosusukino Hotel
• Tmark City Hotel Sapporo
• Gotsubo Oyster Bar
• Hyousetsu No Mon
• Sapporo Beer Garden

How to reach: New Chitose Airport Sapporo is the closest 53 km away. Local taxis and cabs are in abundance to drop you at your destination.

9. Osaka – A Cultural Delight

Image Credit: 663highland for wikipedia

With the best shopping arcades, eateries that offer incredible food, and the top nightlife hotspots in the city, Osaka is one of the major places to go in Japan. Believe us, it would not only pamper the foodie or party lover in you, but also the die-hard tourist who loves witnessing the wonders of every place he or she visits. This is most preferred places to visit in Japan for first timers!

Top Attractions In Osaka :

• Universal Studios Japan
• Osaka Castle

Best Things To Do In Osaka :

• Visit the Kaiyukan Aquarium
• Visit the Hozenji Temple
• Go beer tasting and partying at night
• Hotel Taiyo
• Hotel Fine Garden Juso
• APA Hotel Osaka Higobashi Ekimae

Places to eat in Osaka :

• Osaka Tacos
• Giga Rabbit
• Curry Yakumido

How to reach: Kansai International Airport and Osaka International Airport are the nearest airports to Osaka. You can find taxis from the airport to reach your destination.

Suggested Read: This Hidden Forest House In Japan

10. Yakushima – Naturally Gifted

An island of magical waterfalls! An island in Kagoshima Prefecture, Yakushima is famous for its wildlife, cedar forests, and waterfalls. If you’re someone who loves venturing into the wild for an experience of a lifetime, then this best place to visit in Japan is absolutely worth your time.

• Senpirono Falls
• Mt. Miyanoura
• Kayaking or canoeing in Anbo river
• Witness the Oko-no-taki Waterfall
• Watch the Loggerhead turtles lay eggs
• Seaside Hotel Yakushima
• Guesthouse Yakushima
• Yakushima Curry House

How to reach: Tanegashima airport is the closest to the city. Hire a cab, taxi or local bus to reach your destination.

11.  Hakuba – For Adventurous Activities

The ultimate winter wonderland! Situated amidst the Japanese Alps, right outside the city of Nagano, Hakuba is a village cum famous winter sports hub. The various mountain resorts that offer incredible skiing, snowboarding, and hiking experiences make the city a perfect place for including it into your Japan sightseeing tour. Undoubtedly, it is considered to be one of the most famous places in Japan.

• Mt. Shirouma
• Hakuba Happoone Winter Resort
• Ski at the Cortina Resort
• Visit Hakuba 47 Winter Sports Park
• Hike to the Happo Pond
• Courtyard by Marriott Hakuba
• Morino lodge
• Hakuba Highland Hotel
• Raicho Lodge Madarao
• Izakaya Kaz

How to reach: Tokyo’s Narita and Haneda Airports are the closest international airports. Local taxis and cabs are in abundance to drop you at your destination.

Suggested Read:  Solo Travel In Japan

12. Kamakura – Where The Buddha Resides

Image Credit: PublicDomainPictures for Pixabay

The Kyoto of eastern Japan! In Japan, points of interest might vary depending on the type of traveller you are. But it’s quite the opposite when it comes to the seaside town of Kamakura. Boasting bamboo groves, ancient temples, vibrant beaches, great shopping alleys, and lip-smacking local delicacies, this town has everything that would amuse you. So, you must add this destination to the list of places to visit in Japan near Tokyo itinerary.

• Enoshima Aquarium
• Kamakura Museum of Literature
• Kannon Museum
• Witness the Great Buddha of Kamakura
• Go surfing at Shonan Beach
• Visit the Jufukuji Temple
• Kamakura Park Hotel
• WeBase Hostel
• Kebab Kamakura
• Miyoshi Udon-noodle & Sake

How to reach: Tokyo Haneda Airport is the closest to Kamakura. You can find taxis from the airport to reach your destination.

13. Nagano – Great For Family

Image Credit: Nihonsuku for wikipedia

You cannot miss one of the best places to visit in Japan on your vacation which is the tropical retreat to beat the heat. Located in the heart of central Japan, Nagano is home to a lot of hidden gems like the Ninja Village for kids, Shiga Kogen Ski Resort, and Zenko-ji Temple which make it a perfect place for all the types of travellers. But, what makes it more exclusive is the pleasant breeze that surrounds the city throughout the year. You cannot miss one of the best places to visit in Japan on your vacation.

• Matsumoto Castle
• Visit the Zenko-ji Temple
• Enjoy winter sports at Shiga Kogen Heights Ski Resort
• Rejuvenate at Shirahone Onsen
• Hotel Metropolitan Nagano
• Hotel JAL City Nagano
• Hotel Mielparque Nagano
• Ramen Misoya
• Shinshu nagaya sakaba

How to reach: The nearest airport to Nagano is Matsumoto Airport which is 58 km away. Local buses and taxis are available that comfortably take you to your destinaion.

Suggested Read: Camping In Japan

14. Kawaguchi – Beautiful Landscapes

Japan’s most natural wonder! While this city in Japan is more famous for its Lake Kawaguchiko and the breathtaking views of Mt.Fuji in the front, it is equally known for being a paradisiacal gem for the culture vultures. The vibrant vibes and attractions of all types undoubtedly make it a great spot to tick off your bucket list.

• Lake Kawaguchiko
• Fujiten Snow Resort
• Oshino Hakkai
• Attend the Shibazakura Festival
• Paddle Around Lake Kawaguchiko
• Sip on Koshu Wine
• Smile Hotel Kawaguchi
• Wa Style Hotel Tokyo
• Kawaguchi Station Hotel
• Kaenzen Restaurant Kawaguchi
• Itsumo Korean Restaurant
• Pusan Korean Restaurant

How to reach: Tokyo Haneda Airport is the nearest airport. You can find taxis from the airport to reach your destination.

15. Takayama – Away From City Life

The town with an old-world charm! Nestled high up in the mountains of Gifu, Takayama is amongst the top 15 places to visit in Japan. If you’re looking for an ultimate retreat away from the bustling city life, this is where you need to go. With stunning attractions all around the city, you can experience the charm of old Japan quite easily here.

• Hida no Sato
• Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition Hall
• Sanmachi Suji District
• Go back in time at Takayama Jinya
• Stay in a farmhouse
• Attend the Takayama Festival
• Takayama Ouan
• Ryokan Tanabe
• Best Western Hotel Takayama
• Suzuya Restaurant

How to reach: The nearest airport to Takayama is Toyama Airport which is 57 km away. Local taxis and cabs are in abundance to drop you at your destination.

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16. Shibuya – A Bustling City

Image Credit: cegoh for Pixabay

It is said that Shibuya has an impressive 2.8 million footfall on a regular weekday. This is so because not only does this place have a spectacular crossing or as they say, ‘scramble crossing’ which is surely nothing less than a sight to behold, it also has multiple shopping places with really cool clothing brands of Tokyo. This makes Shibuya a top place for shopping in Japan . One of the main shopping places include the famous 109 shopping mall which is located in close proximity to the train station of Shibuya.

Top attractions:

• Meiji Jingu
• Yoyogi Park

Best things to do:

• Enjoy the nightlife at Roppongi
• Treat your shopping craving with Takeshita Street
• Witness mesmerizing views with Roppongi Hills
• Mustard Hotel Shibuya
• Shibuya Hotel En
• Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu
• Ichiran Shibuya
• Hakushu Teppanyaki

How to reach: Haneda Airport is conveniently located from the city. You can find taxis from the airport to reach your destination.

17. Naoshima – Lush-Green Island

A tiny island beautifully set amidst the Seto Inland Sea, Naoshima offers a perfect weekend escapade from Tokyo. There’s no shortage of art museums, sculptures and modern architecture woven into the various attractions of the island. Since it’s a long journey to the island, it is best if you plan to stay there overnight just to get enough of the bliss and peace that the place has to offer. Naoshima is also considered as one of the best destinations for camping in Japan . 

• Lee Ufan Museum
• Benesse House
• Naoshima Bath
• Get ready to witness the fine work of Tadao Ando at Chichu Art Museum
• Visit Kojin Island for some peace and quiet
• Witness the splendid nature’s charm in Labyrinth of Cherry Blossom
• SPARKY’s House
• Benesse House Hotel Park Building
• inn Hoshikuzu
• Cafe Salon Nakaoku

How to reach: The nearest airport to Naoshima is Takamatsu Airport which is 27 km away. Hire a cab, taxi or local bus to reach your destination.

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18. Asakusa – For Parties And More

Crowned as the cultural hub of Tokyo, Asakusa has a combination of things to do and multiple places to go to for different kinds of travellers. One of the good places to visit in Japan includes the Asahi Beer Hall which is like a gem for all party-goers who wish to try amazing booze in Japan. You can also try the Nakamise shopping block for a wild shopping spree in Japan.

• Asakusa Shrine
• Amuse Museum
• Hanayashiki Amusement Park
• Experience blessed vibes at Sensō-ji
• Have a unique gaming time at Escape Game Nazobako Tokyo
• Visit Kappabashi-dori for the various topnotch restaurants
• Asakusa View Hotel
• Red Planet Tokyo Asakusa
• Smile Hotel Asakusa
• Ramen-tei Asakusa

How to reach: The nearest airport to Asakusa is the Tokyo Haneda airport. Keisei Skyliner operates a train from Tokyo Narita to Asakusa hourly.

19. Akihabara – Perfect City Life

Image Courtesy: goodfreephotos.com

Known as the ‘world’s geek capital’, Akihabara is famous for having a vast category of video and computer games on the planet. One of the main cafes of the like in this region is fantastical Akihabara, that will offer you a fun and engrossing gaming experience. Make sure you look out for the ones which are safe enough and not hoax in any form. You might not want to miss one of the best places to visit in Japan.

• Tokyo Anime Center
• Ryōgoku Edo Noren
• Ginza Line Crossing
• Shop at 2k540 Aki-Oka Artisan
• Witness endless lush greenery at Chidorigafuchi moat
• Rent a bike and tour the place on your own
• APA Hotel Akihabaraeki Denkigaiguchi
• Akihabara Washington Hotel
• Keikyu EX Inn Akihabara
• Kyushu Jangara Ramen Akihabara
• Tempura Hisago
• Tonkatsu Marugo

How to reach: The nearest airport to Asakusa is the Tokyo Haneda airport. You can find taxis from the airport to reach your destination.

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20. Odaiba – For A Rejuvenating Experience

Further ahead of Rainbow Bridge, the magnificent island of Odaiba has exquisite shopping centres which also boast of a Ferris wheel inside. What else can you wish for in Japan? Another reason for the fame of this place is the installation of a Gundam statue right outside of Diver City Mall, which literally seems to be alive! Having a theme park on board, this place is nothing less than a perfect spot for your vacation in Japan!

• Daikanransha Ferris wheel
• Seaside Park
• Yurikamome train
• Indulge in a fine sushi experience at the sushi bars
• Shop at Aqua City for a unique experience
• Spot a few fun robots at Miraikan science museum
• Hilton Tokyo Odaiba
• Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba
• Hotel Trusty Tokyo Bayside
• KUA`AINA Odaiba
• Gonpachi Odaiba
• Zest Cantina

How to reach: The nearest airport to Asakusa is the Tokyo Haneda airport. Local taxis and cabs are in abundance to drop you at your destination.

21. Kabukicho – Nightclubs And More

It is indeed not strange for a place to have several neon signs. So, when you plan to visit Kabukicho, don’t be surprised to spot a few too many here. One of the main red-light areas of Japan, this place is famous for various adult indulgences and has many pubs with the same themes for all tourists passing by. Make sure you visit Shinjuku for an extraordinary virtual gaming experience here.

• Robot Restaurant
• Shinjuku Golden Gai
• Museum of Haiku Literature
• Try various fun rides at VR Zone Shinjuku
• Watch a Tokyo Robot Evening Cabaret Show
• Get to know more about Haiku at Museum of Haiku Literature
• APA Hotel Higashi Shinjuku Kabukicho
• Shinjuku Granbell Hotel
• Oedo Ayatori

How to reach: The nearest airport is located in Tokyo i.e. the Tokyo International Airport, 18 miles from the city. Local buses and taxis are available that comfortably take you to your destination.

Suggested Read: 25 Things To Do In Japan

22. Ueno Park – For A Breath Of Fresh Air

Having an array of diverse options in one place, Ueno Park in Tokyo is the place to be if you wish to visit a prominent tourist destination in Japan. Whether you’re an history buff or not, an ancient black market like the one found in Ameya Yokocho will give you chills down the scene due to its authenticity and extraordinary fun vibes. Don’t forget to tour Yanaka if you are looking for places to explore in Japan with cultural and historic past.

• Tokyo National Museum
• Kaneiji Temple
• Try Hanami to respect and experience one of the traditions of Japan
• Visit National Museum of Nature and Science
• Experience bliss and serenity at Ueno Toshogu Shrine
• Candeo Hotels Ueno Koen
• APA Hotel Keisei Ueno-Ekimae
• Khana Pina Ueno
• Izuei Umekawa-tei

How to reach: Tokyo Haneda Airport is the closest to Ueno Park. Hire a cab to reach the park.

23. Yokohama – Charming And Vibrant

Having so many thrilling adventures and simply fun things to do, it is slightly sad that Yokohama doesn’t attract as many visitors as Tokyo, even though it is located quite close to Tokyo. Having a charming Minato Mirai waterfront on board, along with one of the biggest Chinatown regions, this place will surely surprise you more than you’d expect. Get ready to have a warm welcome from the locals here as it is weaved into their culture. This will sort out your query for where to visit in Japan for a romantic night!

• Yokohama Chinatown
• Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse
• Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise
• Visit Enoshima Island for some bliss
• Witness a traditional Japanese garden at Sankeien Garden
• Enjoy a fun outing at Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum
• The Yokohama Bay Hotel Tokyu
• InterContinental Yokohama Grand
• Yokohama Royal Park Hotel
• Charcoal Grill Green
• Azamino Ukai-tei

How to reach: The nearest international airport to Yokohama is Pohang Airport. Take a train from here or a cab if you want to reach Yokohama from here. 

Suggested Read: Exploring Japan In July

24. Nikko – Historically Rich

Image Credit: ArvidO for Pixabay

Called as one of the most important regions of Eastern Japan, Nikko is located in close proximity of Tochigi Prefecture and has various shrines to be visited by travellers. These include Kanmangafuchi Abyss and Toshogu Shrine. If you wish to try something different, pay a visit to Edo Wonderland which is a theme back takes you back to the ancient era. If you’re thinking, ‘places I should visit in Japan’, make sure you don’t miss out on this one!

• Kegon Falls
• Nikko Futarasan jinja
• Tobu World Square
• Dip your toes in the hot springs of Kinugawa Onsen
• Walk down the history with Rinnō-ji museum
• Go hiking through Senjōgahara
• Oku Nikko Hotel Shikisai
• Nikko Kanaya Hotel
• Nikko Park Lodge Mountain Side
• Hippari-Dako
• Gyoza no Umechan
• Meiji-no-Yakata

How to reach: Ibaraki and Fukushima Airport are the closest ones to the city. You can find taxis from the airport to reach your destination.

25. Tohoku – Relax In Nature

Wondering where to go in Japan? Also known as the hidden gem of Japan’s main island region, Tohoku has something for every kind of traveler planning to visit this place. But all that is just the tip of the iceberg, since the tourists from all over the world travel to this place exclusively for Aomori Nebuta Festival. Make sure to book in advance as the domestic travelers might make it a housefull!

• Lake Ogawara
• Hotto Plaza Suginoko Hot Spring
• Eboshi-dake
• Camp at Ogawarako Park
• Try a soothing nature walk at Komaki Onsen Shibusawa Park
• Indulge in a good dining experience at Onsen inn Matsuzono
• Hotel New Tohoku
• Almont Hotel Sendai
• Westin Hotel Sendai
• Restaurant Karinba
• Marche Restaurant
• Steak House Yoshino

How to reach: The best way to explore Tohoku is by buying a Japan Rail pass and visiting several attractions of the island.

Suggested Read: Japan In September

26. Kawagoe – Revisit The History

One of the surreal Japan points of interest , Kawagoe encompasses remnants of the ancient town from the Edo Period i.e. 1603-1867 and allows visitors to disapparate to the streets from past centuries. This tiny town is known as ‘Little Edo’ and is nothing less than a paradise for history buffs. Being one of the most important cities of trade, Kawagoe envelops an extremely rich history of Edo culture and architecture.

• Kitain Temple
• Warehouse District
• Honmaru Goten
• Candy Alley
• Visit the city museum to understand Kawagoe’s history
• Feel the essence of spirituality in Kitain Temple
• Explore the only remnants of Kawagoe’s palace from Edo Period
• Kawagoe Prince Hotel
• Kawagoe Daiichi Hotel
• Kawagoe Tobu Hotel
• Kawagoe Ichinoya Atre
• cafe torocco

How to reach: Kawagoe’s nearest airports are the Narita International Airport and Haneda Airport in Tokyo. Take an airport shuttle which takes about 2 hours to reach.

27. Nagoya – Traditionally Beautiful

Home to little hidden gems of Japan, Nagoya is one of the unique places to visit in Japan and is often treated as a layover en route to Kyoto from Tokyo. Being one of the biggest cities in Central Japan, Nagoya was the heart of castle towns in Japan during the Edo period. Nagoya Castle is undergoing reconstruction by using traditional methods at present and this gives the explorers and wanderers a perfect chance to be a part of the rebirth of one of the most important aspects of the ancient times.

• Nagoya Castle
• Atsuta Jingu
• Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens
• Tokugawa Garden
• Nagoya City Science Museum
• Stroll through the castle and take in the ancient vibes of this town
• Witness the serenity of Tokugawa Garden
• Get in touch with the scientific technologies at the science museum
• Explore the famous cherry blossoms and the stunning landscapes at Tsuruma Park
• Kyoya Ryokan Nagoya
• Hotel MyStays Nagoya Sakae
• Nagoya JR Gate Tower Hotel
• Atsuta Horaiken – Main Restaurant
• Midtown BBQ – Nagoya

How to reach: The Chūbu Centrair International Airport is the closest airport to the city. You can find taxis from the airport to reach your destination.

Suggested Read: Spring Flower Cruise In Japan

28. Kanazawa – For Food Culture 

Serving as the capital of Ishikawa Prefecture, Kanazawa blankets numerous historical attractions such as reconstructed residences and contemporary museums. One of the less popular tourist places in Japan , Kanazawa experiences less footfall, which makes this destination a perfect escape from the usually crowded world. Famous for its seafood, Kanazawa is a perfect jewel for those travelers who prefer taking the road less traveled.

• Kenroku-en Garden
• 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art
• Omicho Market
• Kanazawa Castle
• Devour the famous authentic seafood
• Take a tour of the castle and explore the hidden passageways and tunnels
• Witness the beauty of the garden with three landscapes
• Emblem Stay Kanazawa
• Hotel Mystays Premier Kanazawa
• Hotel Trusty Kanazawa Korinbo
• Sushi Ippei
• Pizzeria e Trattoria Da TAKE

How to reach: The nearest airport serving Kanazawa is in the city of Komatsu from where Japan Airlines manages a few airplanes.

29. Shirakawago – A Surreal Place

Shirakawago is a cute little village in the valley of Ono District in Japan and it looks right out of a fairytale. With ‘gassho-zukuri’ buildings built by the inhabitants themselves, this destination is an epitome of the traditional village life of Japan. Shirakawago is famous for its residences that are crafted to shrug off the heavy snow from the roofs during winter months. For explorers seeking to learn about the authenticity of the Japanese countryside, Shirakawago will leave no stone unturned to help you get a glimpse of the same. This is one of the best places to go in Japan while on a solo tour.

• Fairytale Houses
• Gassho-zukuri Minkaen
• Hakusan National Park
• Get hands-on experience about the traditional life of Japan
• Witness the soul-soothing landscapes of the village
• Camp at the Hakusan National Park and satiate your adventurous inner self
• Onyado Yuinosho
• Shirakawa-go Terrace Hostel

How to reach: The nearest airport is Fukushima Airport which is 21 km away. Local buses and taxis are available that comfortably take you to your destination.

Suggested Read: 15 Haunted Places In Japan

30. Shikoku – Where Serenity Welcomes You

Still wondering best places in Japan ? One of Japan’s four main islands, the charming island of Shikoku reflects the perfect blend of nature, tranquility, culture, and cuisine. Home to one of the oldest Japanese spa’s, Shikoku is famous for its breathtaking landscapes, pristine flowing rivers, and surreal Pacific coastline.

• Muroto-Misaki
• Ishizuchi-San
• Relax your mind and soul at the oldest spa in Japan
• Stroll along the pilgrimage route that connects around 88 temples on the island
• Hire a cycle and explore the city like a local
• Sunriver Oboke
• Kotohira Kadan
• Good food studio Cardamon

How to reach: You can travel by bus from Osaka Kansai to Shikoku via Takamatsu Chuo Interchange Bus Terminal in approximately 6 hours.

31. Nagasaki – A City With Sad History

Image Credit: Hruruk for Pixabay

This city of Japan too is one of the main ports lying in the southernmost region of the island. Just like the city of Hiroshima, Nagasaki is also known for its memorial of peace. You can also visit various temples as well as shrines here in order to be a witness to the cultural, religious, and historical aspects of Japan that are beautifully reflected. This is one of the most beautiful places in Japan .

• Nagasaki Dutch Slope
• Nagasaki Chinatown
• Kofukuji Temple
• Glover Garden
• Learn the historical facts at Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum
• Witness the majestic species of penguins at Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium
• Travel around the city in Nagasaki Electric Tramway
• Hotel Monterey Nagasaki
• Luke Plaza Hotel
• Casa Blanca Guesthouse
• Horaiken Bekkan
• Shippoku Hamakatsu

How to reach: Kumamoto and Fukuoka Airports are the closest ones. Hire a cab, taxi or local bus to reach your destination.

Suggested Read: 10 Tokyo Travel Tips

32. Kobe – Surprisingly Attractive 

This city lies between Mount Rokko and the sea. Although there’s a lot to see and experience here but Kobe is essentially known for its delicious beef. Therefore, ordering a burger in one of its restaurants or cafes is a must! The city comes in the way when you’re travelling from Osaka to Hiroshima via bullet train. If you want to witness the charm of this city, you should keep some extra time in hand when travelling between the two cities. This is among the best cities to visit in Japan !

• Wakamatsu Park
• Arima Onsen
• Kobe Oji Zoo
• Go for a leisure walk on Akashi Kaikyo Bridge
• Try the scrumptious local delicacies
• Go for the Mount Rokko trek
• Kobe Meriken Park Oriental Hotel
• Kobe Sannomiya Union Hotel
• Hotel Plaza Kobe
• Kobe Beef Steak Restaurant Royal Mouriya

How to reach: Kansai International Airport is just 70 km away from Kobe and its the nearest international airport. Local taxis and cabs are in abundance to drop you at your destination.

33. Fukuoka – Japan’s Oldest City

Image Credit: Fg2 for wikipedia

Your answer where to go in Japan to explore the rich culture is Fukuoka. Known to be the oldest city in the country of Japan, a visit to this place is a must. Located in the southernmost island of Kyushu, the city is comparatively in close proximity to the mainland of Asia. Moreover, the city of Fukuoka is considered to be an imperative port since more hundreds of years. The food culture and the relaxed vibe of this place will make your travel experience simply worthwhile. So, make sure that you include this place in your itinerary as it is one of the best Japan tourist attractions. 

• Fukuoka Castle
• Canal City Hakata
• Go for an evening walk at Yusentei Park
• Pay a visit to Hakozaki Shrine
• Go for a karaoke night
• Plaza Hotel Premier Fukuoka
• Plaza Hotel Tenjin
• Yoshizuka Unagi
• Beef Taigen
• Hyotan Sushi

How to reach: The Saga airport is the closest one and you can find taxis from the airport to reach your destination.

Suggested Read: 7 Best Gardens In Japan

34. Hitsujiyama Park – For An Enormous Sight

Cherry Blossom in Japan is an enormous sight to behold. The country is very famous for the spectacle and therefore visiting during this season is a must. Make Hitsujiyama Park as your next destination for a picturesque setting and get blossomed by the mesmerizing views. With a huge flora of over 400,000 trees of nine different varieties, it’s a perfect patchwork of red, white, pink, and violet. Also, the park is in close proximity to some fine dessert restaurants where you can taste the best Japanese desserts . Now, who would want to miss a visit to one of the famous places in Japan?

• Shibazakura Hill
• Catch the Chichibu Shibazakura Festival 
• Hike among the many trails 
• Buy festival snacks and souvenirs
• Hotel Route Inn Chichibu
• Araki Kosen Ryokan
• Guest House Nishiki

Places to eat: 

• Laboratorino
• Horumon Takasago

How to reach: From Ikebukuro, the Seibu Limited Express Chichibu train goes direct to Seibu-Chichibu station and the journey  takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes to complete.

35. Hakone – Views Of Mount Fuji

If you’re wondering where to go in Japan, then Hakone is a popular area with great views of Mt. Fuji. If the weather is on your side, it can be both a great day trip as well as an overnight destination. If you are looking for a break from Tokyo, then visit Hakone, which is also a great place for a solo trip in Japan . Get mesmerized by the surrounding beauty and get excited about your next getaway which includes all the top places to visit in Japan.

• Lake Ashinoko
• Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park
• Open Air Museum
• Enjoy multiple hot springs
• Ropeway to the boiling sulphur pits
• Crisscrossing Lake Ashi on a pirate ship
• Kinnotake Tonosawa
• Hakone Senkei
• Okudo-Saryo Rikyu-an inn
• Hakone Karaage Karatto
• Gora Brewery & Grill
• 808 Monsmare

How to reach: You can travel to Hakone via Odakyu Railway, Japan Railways or through the Odakyu Hakone Highway Bus.

Suggested Read: Robot-Run Hotel In Japan

Best Time To Visit Japan

To explore the major tourist attractions in Japan the best time to visit is from March to May during the late spring. You can also plan a visit during late autumn, especially in the months from September to November for the best experiences. The temperature remains mild during this time with very little rainfall.

Further Read: An Underwater Volcano Discovered In Japan

If the technological magic of the island nation couldn’t conquer your heart, we are sure that these best places to visit in Japan would! But which one would you visit first? Plan a  trip to Japan with TravelTriangle and have the best vacation! Make sure you pack a few extra clothes in case these places change your mind, and you decide to extend your amazing vacation in Japan!

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Cover Image Credit: Pxhere

Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Japan

What is the smallest town in Japan?

The smallest city by population in Japan is Utashinai which is located in Sorachi Subprefecture of Hokkaido.

What’s the oldest city in Japan?

The oldest city in Japan is Fukuoka which also happens to be the closest city to Korea.

Are there still samurai in Japan?

Samurai were abolished as Japan modernized. Although, Kanazawa still houses a samurai district and is the only city to preserve the samurai world.

What are the famous places in Japan?

The most famous places to visit in Japan are the following: 1. Mount Fiji 2. Kinkaku-Ji 3. Fushimi Inari Taisha 4. Kiyomizu-Dera 5. Arashiyama 6. Tokyo Skytree 7. Osaka Castle 8. Tokyo Tower 9. Meiji Jingu

Can I get vegetarian food in Japan?

Yes, you can get vegetarian food in Japan. The following are the best vegetarian food that you can eat in Japan: 1. Mochi 2. Nasu or Eggplant 3. Kushimono 4. Pickles or Tsukemono 5. Daikon

Is there any temple in Japan?

Yes, there are many interesting temples in Japan but the best amongst them are: 1. Kiyomizu-dera 2. Todai-ji 3. Kinkaku-ji 4. Horyu-ji 5. Senso-ji 6. Toji 7. Rengeoin Sanjusangendo 8. Higashiyama Jisho-ji

Where can I go free in Tokyo?

The most popular free places in Tokyo are the following: 1. Hanabi 2. Matsuri 3. Suntory Musashino Brewery 4. Public Parks 5. The Imperial Palace East Garden 6. Meiji Shrine 7. Harajuku

What is the most beautiful place in Japan?

There are various tourist sites in Japan that are considered to be quite beautiful. Some of them are: 1. Shirakawa-go 2. The Blue Pond 3. Fushimi Inari Shrine 4. Chureito Pagoda 5. Kanazawa

Is it expensive in Japan?

Japan is essentially expensive when it comes to travelling around, staying at hotels, or eating out. However, if you want to avoid spending too much here, you can plan your stay at a hostel or eat at less expensive food joints.

How much money do you need per day in Japan?

On average, it will cost you over INR 7,000 per day when you’re travelling in Japan.

Do I need a visa for Japan from India?

Yes, you need to get a single entry visa to visit Japan which will be valid for up to 30 days Per Entry. To get the visa you can visit Japan embassy or consulate and submit all the required documents and fees related to the visa application.

What is the best month to go to Japan?

To get the best experience of a Japan tour, you must plan your trip between March and May or September and November as the weather remains pleasant adding extra fun to your trip to Japan.

What is Japan famous for?

Japan is famous for its rich cultural heritage, including traditional arts like tea ceremonies, ikebana (flower arranging), and origami (paper folding). It's renowned for its cutting-edge technology, producing innovative electronics, robotics, and automobiles. Additionally, Japan is known for its delicious cuisine, featuring sushi, ramen, and tempura, as well as its stunning cherry blossoms during springtime.

Which month is the cherry blossom in Japan?

Cherry blossoms in Japan typically bloom in April, marking the arrival of spring. This beautiful natural phenomenon, known as the 'sakura' season, is celebrated with hanami (flower viewing) gatherings and festivals across the country as people enjoy the fleeting beauty of the cherry blossoms.

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15 Beautiful Japanese Villages You Absolutely Have to Visit

• James Davies

While major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka are world-famous Japanese tourist destinations, if you're seeking a little more tranquility on your travels, you might be better suited journeying to one of Japan’s countryside villages. Steeped in history and culture and often set amongst breathtaking natural scenery, Japan's most beautiful villages are a haven for those desiring a break from city life. Selected by the Association of the Most Beautiful Villages in Japan for their overall scenic qualities along with history, tradition, and culture, here are 15 of Japan's most beautiful villages!

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1. Biei (Hokkaido)

Just over two hours from Sapporo by train, Biei and the surrounding countryside are amongst some of the most beautiful spots in Hokkaido . Biei is famous for its colorful rolling hills and fields of pretty flower parks, all visible from a number of different vantage points. The natural beauty of the region has regularly attracted advertisers and has been featured as the backdrop for a number of television shows in Japan, with many trees becoming local landmarks in the process.

Two of Biei's most scenic areas are Patchwork Road and Panorama Road. As its name suggests, Patchwork Road is a beautiful mishmash of colorful fields and flower gardens to the northeast of Biei. It covers an area rather than just a single road, which is particularly breathtaking during the vibrant seasons of summer and autumn. Here you'll find some of Biei's famous trees, such as the Ken and Mary poplar tree, which was the star of a car commercial in the 1970s. The enchanting trees on nearby Mild Seven Hill and the Seven Stars tree got their names after being similarly used in marketing campaigns for cigarettes. You can enjoy mesmerizing views of Patchwork Road from Hokusei Hill Observatory, a pyramid-like viewing tower near the Ken and Mary tree. Nearby is Zerubu Hill, one of Biei's many beautiful flower gardens.

South of Patchwork Road is Panorama Road, which again covers a region rather than a road. Here you'll find one of Biei's most iconic sights in Shikisai Hill, the largest and most stunning flower park in the area. Shikisai Hill's neat sweeping fields are filled with a kaleidoscopic range of colorful flowers that change with each season. Walking routes around the flower park offer incredible views of the gardens which sit beneath a dramatic range of volcanic mountains. Another smaller flower park, Kanno Farm, lies a little further south towards the town of Furano and is also famous for its beautiful lavender fields during the summer. Meanwhile, a half-hour drive from the center of Biei is the Shirogane Blue Pond, a man-made pond with a brilliant blue hue sitting beside the Biei River created by a rare type of mineral-rich local water.

2. Tsurui (Hokkaido)

The tiny town of Tsurui is located in eastern Hokkaido, around a 40 min drive from the city of Kushiro. Tsurui sits on the edge of Kushiro Shitsugen National Park, Japan's largest marshland that hosts a vibrant ecosystem most commonly associated with the red-crowned crane. Thanks to a concerted conservation effort, a population of around 1,000 red-crowned cranes now live in the area all year round.

One of the world's rarest species of crane, the red-crowned crane is traditionally a symbol of good luck and longevity and is a huge draw for nature lovers and wildlife photographers. There are several scenic spots in and around Tsurui where cranes can be seen, including the Tsurui Ito Tancho Crane Sanctuary close to the center of town. Hundreds of red-crowned cranes gather here during the snowy winter months, where they can be seen dancing and leaping in unison as part of their mating ritual.

Tsurui is also a spectacular place to visit outside of winter, with the village's array of cherry blossoms bursting into color during spring. In the summer, much of the Kushiro marshland and surrounding countryside becomes awash with thick vibrant green, and deer and foxes are commonly spotted in the national park. Agriculture and dairy farming are the main industries in Tsurui, and in spring and summer the town is surrounded by green fields of grazing cows. After summer, Tsurui’s landscape changes again, transforming from lush green into several shades of autumn orange and red.

3. Higashinaruse (Akita)

Home to less than 3,000 people, the historic town of Higashinaruse is located in the south-eastern corner of Akita Prefecture. The tranquil town boasts a gorgeous rural landscape and is filled with rice fields and surrounded by forest-covered mountains. Over ninety percent of Higashinaruse's total area is forested and laced with crystal-clean rivers, streams, and lakes, many of which are popular fishing spots with anglers looking to catch local trout and char fish.

The town sits beneath the Kurikoma mountain range, which stretches across Akita and the neighboring prefectures of Iwate and Miyagi. Many natural springs flow through the town, and there are a number of “onsen” (hot spring) spa resorts dotted in and around the area. Magnificent waterfalls can also be found along walking trails in Higashirasune's forests, with the Fudo Waterfall, just on the edge of the town, and the 20m-tall Tensho Waterfall in the Iwaikawa Aigawa National Forest being two of the most impressive.

Higashinaruse enjoys four very distinct seasons, making the town a great place to visit any time of year. In spring and summer, the forests burst into life. By mid-summer, the landscape is a dense patchwork of beautiful, lush greens, and come autumn, much of the forest around Higashinaruse turns a spectacular palette of orange and red. One of the best places to admire Higashinaruse's gorgeous autumn colors is amongst the beech forest that circles Lake Sukawa.

Higashinaruse also enjoys heavy snowfall during winter, with the region often layered in at least two meters of snowfall each year. This makes Higashinaruse a popular skiing destination, with the Jeunesse Kurikoma ski resort enjoying particularly beautiful fresh powdered snow. At night, look to the sky for a spectacular view of the stars - in 1999, Hirashinaruse was granted the title of having the most beautiful starry sky in Japan.

4. Kitashiobara (Fukushima)

Another remote rural village, Kitashiobara is similarly located in the north of Fukushima Prefecture amongst lush forests and dynamic mountain ranges. Kitashiobara is just over an hour's drive from Koriyama, which can be reached via shinkansen on the Tohoku-Hokkaido line. Kitashiobara was originally formed through the merging of three smaller villages located on the edge of the Bandai Asahi National Park. Today, Kitashiobara is a popular resort town, particularly with skiers who come to hit the slopes during the snowy winter season.

Sat in the shadow of Mt. Bandai, Kitashiobara is hugely popular with hikers who can enjoy countless spectacular views from any number of the region's walking trails. The view from the summit of Mt. Bandai offers a sensational panorama of the area's natural beauty, including breathtaking views of Lake Inawashiro, just one of several spectacular lakes around Kitashiobara. There are also plenty of scenic hiking trails around the three lakes to the north of the town, Lake Onogawa, Lake Akimoto, and Lake Hibara. Meanwhile, the Goshikinuma Nature Trail is one not to be missed, passing alongside the spectacular acidic waters of the Goshikinuma Ponds . The water of each pond flaunts a spectacular color, from emerald green to various shades of gorgeous blues, and even red.

Besides nature, Kitashiobara is also a great place for art lovers, particularly fans of Salvador Dali. The Morohashi Museum of Modern Art houses the world's third-largest collection of Dali's artworks. Set in a palatial building close to Lake Akimoto, the Morohashi Museum's collection of western art also includes paintings by legends like Vincent Van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, and Henri Matisse.

5. Kiso (Nagano)

Roughly an hour from Matsumoto by train, the town of Kiso sits between the mountains of the Central Alps, with Mt. Ontake dominating the skyline to the west. Kiso is another former post town, located deep in the beautiful forests of the Kiso Valley along the historic Nakasendo highway, a 500 km route that connected Kyoto and Tokyo during the Edo period (1603 – 1868). Kiso, then known as Yabuhara-juku, was the 35th of the 69 stations along the Nakasendo.

Today, much of the former Nakasendo route forms several hiking and walking trails. One former section of the Nakasendo route, the Nakasendo Toriitouge Pass, is now a popular trekking spot. The route passes through a dense forest of Japanese horse chestnut trees and connects Yabuhara-juku to Narai-juku. Here you'll find a beautifully preserved section of the Nakasendo trail, lined with gorgeous traditional old wooden houses and shops.

Elsewhere, two walking paths lead through the Mizukizawa Natural Forest, passing huge ancient cypress trees, many of which are hundreds of years old. The mountains around Kiso also make the town a popular skiing spot in the winter. The Yabuhara Kogen Ski Resort has a range of slopes catering to all levels, from complete beginners to experienced pros.

6. Nagiso (Nagano)

Less than an hour south of Kiso and just over an hour north of Nagoya by train is the town of Nagiso. Nagiso is another picturesque former post town with many exquisitely preserved traditional Japanese homes that can be seen along the old Nakasendo road. Just like Kiso, Nagiso is similarly framed by mountains and dense forests with a wide range of hiking trails. One of the most beautiful forest walks in the area leads to the Tadachi Falls, the collective name for seven impressive waterfalls in the Otaki River Valley.

Nagiso is most famous as being the starting point for Tsumago, a charming post town marking the beginning of the trail to Magome on the old Nakasendo road. If you plan to hike the old Nakasendo trail to Magome in neighboring the Gifu Prefecture, it's around a two-hour walk from Tsumago. Both Tsumago and Magome have been perfectly preserved to look as they did during the Edo period. Tsumago's streets are particularly beautiful and have even been declared a Nationally Designated Architectural Preservation Site. Tsumago's traditional old houses, shops, restaurants, and temples evoke images of a bygone age. A particular highlight is the Waki-honjin, a former inn where the Meiji Emperor once stayed, now a museum. At the Nagiso Town Museum just next door you can admire the interior of a traditional Japanese home while learning more about life in the area during the Edo period.

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7. Hayakawa (Yamanashi)

The village of Hayakawa in Yamanashi Prefecture has the distinction of being the least populated town in Japan with only 1,050 residents as of 2019. Nestled deep beneath Japan's Southern Alps, Hayakawa is a substantial leap off the beaten track! While it'll take a couple of trains and a bus to reach the tiny town from the nearest city of Shizuoka, those willing to make the trip will be rewarded with a beautiful traditional old town set amongst some of Japan's most spectacular countryside. The area is particularly beautiful during the autumn when the forest leaves glow orange and red.

Hayakawa is most famous for the district of Akasawa, an area of traditional houses and historic inns and temples. Perfectly preserved, it looks as though little has changed in centuries. Akasawa was a common stopping point for pilgrims along the 36-kilometer trek to Mt. Shichimen from nearby Mt. Minobu. The pilgrimage takes several days to complete, and Akasawa became a popular place to rest en route.

Many hikers and devotees still trek the ancient pilgrimage between the two mountains. Several ancient and impressive temples dot the forests along the way, and there are spectacular views of the tip of Mt. Fuji from the summit of both mountains. A few of Akasawa's traditional inns still remain, with those staying overnight being able to bask in a stunning night sky filled with stars. Hayakawa is also home to the world's oldest hotel, Nishiyama Onsen, which was recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as being over 1,300 years old, having first opened in 705.

8. Totsukawa (Nara)

Totsukawa in Nara Prefecture is another mountain town along a historic pilgrimage route. Though home to less than 4,000 people, the town covers a wide area of beautiful scenery and is Japan's largest village in terms of area. Located at the southern tip of Nara Prefecture, Totsukawa is set amongst a gorgeous landscape of hot springs, forests, mountains, rivers, and waterfalls. Like Hayakawa, Totsukawa is incredibly remote, and reaching the town without a car is fairly difficult. Public transport is limited to just a couple of bus routes from either Yamato Yagi Station or Shingu Station in neighboring Wakayama Prefecture.

Yet those that do make it to Totsukawa will be met with breathtaking and unspoiled scenery. Totsukawa is located on the ancient trails that form part of the historic Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route, and pilgrims have passed by here for over 1,000 years. Totsukawa's Tamaki Shrine at the top of Mt. Tamaki is a sacred part of the route and has been granted UNESCO World Heritage status as one of the Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range. Alongside spectacular views, the atmospheric Tamaki Shrine is also surrounded by a number of stunning cedar trees, some of which are over 3,000 years old.

Amongst Totsukawa's famous sights is the Tanize Suspension Bridge, which stretches over 270 m across and 16 m above the Totsukawa River. From the swaying bridge, there are incredible views of the river and the valleys. You'll also find spectacular scenes of the valley and the bridge from the Moriyama Observation Deck, which can be reached via a steep hike behind the Takeharahachiman Shrine on the north side of the river. Elsewhere, the 32 m Sasanotaki Waterfall is recognized as one of Japan's 100 Best Waterfalls, which is set amongst a bamboo forest just off the Taki River. Totsukawa's waters are also famous for their hot springs and Tosenji Onsen, recognized as one of the 100 Best Hot Springs in Japan.

9. Yoshino (Nara)

In the heart of Nara Prefecture is the scenic historical town of Yoshino. By far the biggest draw here are the cherry blossom trees of Mt. Yoshino. Covered with over 30,000 cherry blossom trees, Mt. Yoshino is one of the most famous and popular cherry blossom viewing locations in Japan. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004, around 8 km of roads and paths leading to the top of Mt. Yoshino are surrounded by thousands of cherry trees that bloom each April. However, Mt. Yoshino is not only a springtime destination – autumn turns much of the forest into a spectacular shade of orange and red while summer sees hydrangeas in full bloom.

There are several parks and observation points to witness breathtaking views of Mt. Yoshino's cherry trees and other scenery. Also en route are shops selling souvenirs and local snacks, restaurants, hotels, and ancient temples and shrines. Mt. Yoshino has been part of the pilgrimage route to Mt. Omine for several centuries and the historic Yoshimizu Shrine is an important landmark. Dating back from the 8th century, the temple briefly became the seat of the Japanese Emperor in the 14th century. Now housing a collection of important historical artifacts, Yoshimizu Shrine is now beloved for its sensational views of the mountain's cherry trees.

10. Ine (Kyoto)

Located on the coast in far north Kyoto Prefecture, the town of Ine is a fishing port with a long, fascinating history. About an hour from Amanohashidate by bus, Ine is set on a beautiful bay overlooking the Sea of Japan and is most famous for its traditional distinctive boat houses. Called "funaya," Ine boat houses line the water's edge all around Ine Bay. Mostly made from wood, these traditional fishermen's houses are raised over the water to allow boats to be moored underneath. The living quarters of the house are on the upper floor above the water. There are over 200 traditional funaya houses still standing in Ine, the best views of which are from the water on a boat tour from Ine Bay or from Amanohashidate.

Though the funaya are fascinating to see, Ine is still a working port and fishing remains the town's main industry. Other highlights include the Mukai Sake Brewery, which is close to the center of town and has been brewing sake since 1754. The brewery is known for its unique red sake, Ine Mankai, which is made from red rice and was served to world leaders during the G20 Summit in Osaka in 2019.

11. Kamikatsu (Tokushima)

Kamikatsu is another picturesque mountain town located on the island of Shikoku across the Seto Inland Sea. Though called a town, Kamikatsu is effectively the name given to a community of around fifty neighboring settlements spread across the region. These settlements are dotted all over the mountains at various altitudes between 100 - 700 m. The mountains are just a part of Kamikatsu's idyllic scenery.

The town is most famous for its countless picturesque terraced rice fields that stretch out in front of a backdrop of mountain peaks. A long and winding mountain road leads up to the Kashihara Rice Terraces which offers one of the best views over Kamikatsu's paddy fields, which have been declared one of the 100 Best Terraced Fields in Japan. The mountains of Kamikatsu are also blessed with a number of superb waterfalls, most notably the Kanjoga and Onbuchi waterfalls in the far northeast of town.

Perhaps the last thing you'd expect to find in the tiny town of Kamikatsu is an American brewery, yet this is where the craft beer brewery Rise and Win is based. A variety of beers are brewed here, including an IPA, a stout, and a white beer made from local yuko fruits, a citrus fruit similar to an orange that is native to Japan. All of the beers brewed here supply the Rise and Win’s own taproom in Tokyo and can be sampled in Kamikatsu in the brewery's onsite bar.

12. Kamijima (Ehime)

The village of Kamijima is spread across 25 islands in the Seto Inland Sea in Ehime Prefecture. The islands of Kamijima lie within the Setonaikai National Park, Japan's largest national park that encompasses over 9,000 km² of land and water around the Seto Inland Sea. Only seven of the islands are inhabited and only a handful of those are currently connected. The main islands of Yuge, Sashima, and Ikina are linked by bridge with the other four inhabited islands reachable by ferry. There are sublime views of the islands and sea to be found all around the coastlines of Kamijima. Cycling and hiking are popular activities, with the views from the Kushiyama Observation Deck well worth biking or trekking for.

The islands are noted for their cherry blossom trees that bloom in the spring, particularly around Mt. Sekizen on Iwagi island. The main island of Yuge is also a popular summer destination thanks to the beautiful golden sands of Matsubara Beach on its east coast. Ikina Island has a good selection of places to eat and local shops and is the easiest of Kamijima's islands to reach. A new bridge connecting Ikina Island to Iwagi Island is due to open in 2022. 

Kamijima's smaller and more remote islands have plenty to see too. Uoshima is around a 50-minute ferry ride from Yuge and is famous for octopus fishing. Takaikami Island, home to a population of only 15 people, has become famous for the big and bold manga murals that cover the buildings in the island's harbor. The uninhabited Teshima Island features an unusual art installation by the German Gerhard Richter called “14 Panes of Glass for Toyoshima."

13. Minamioguni (Kumamoto)

Minamioguni is located in the north of Kumamoto Prefecture at the foot of Mt. Aso. The historic heart of the village is centered around the Tanoharu River, just one of several rivers that wind through the town. Here, Minamioguni's old streets are lined with traditional Japanese shops and restaurants. On all sides of the Marurin Bridge are several onsen, taking advantage of the natural waters that flow from the surrounding mountains.

Minamioguni's rivers also feature a number of beautiful waterfalls that can be found throughout the town's forests. Amongst the most picturesque are the two falls that flow side by side where two rivers meet. Called “Meotodaki,” or “husband and wife falls,” the two waterfalls are where the Tanoharu and Oda rivers meet and become the Tsuetate River.

Around the Manganji River are several more sights to see. Amongst them is Konpira-sugi, a 1,000-year-old cedar tree that is over 12m in circumference. The monolithic tree has twice been struck by lightning and the burn marks from the last strike are still visible. Declared a Nationally Designated Natural Monument, Minamioguni's Konpira-sugi tree is still going strong despite its advancing years. Nearby, the beautiful Manganji Temple that dates from the 13th century and the neighboring garden is also well worth exploring. Further along the Manganji River, the public Kawayu Onsen might be a little too public for some. Recently voted Japan's most embarrassing public bath, the onsen is in the heart of the river right next to the passing road, meaning bathers have to run the risk of baring all to anyone who passes by.

Surrounding the old town are several plateaus with observation decks from where you can admire Minamioguni's beautiful landscape and the many surrounding mountain ranges. A hike to see the incredible panoramic views from the Hiranodai Kogen Observatory is well worth making the effort for. Similarly, beautiful views can be enjoyed at Oshido Stone hill in the south of the village, famous for the collection of ancient and mysterious megaliths that were believed to have been placed here around 4,000 years ago.

Japan Shinkansen, Narita Express (N'EX) & Express Train Tickets

Plan ahead by booking your shinkansen, airport train, and express train tickets online in English. Have the tickets sent to you by mail or collect them at the station once you're in Japan.

14. Shiiba (Miyazaki)

Shiiba is another beautiful town surrounded by some of the most breathtaking and unspoiled natural scenery in Japan. Nestled at the foot of the Kyushu Mountains, the town is located far off the beaten track and is a popular place to hike. Shiiba is also rich in cultural heritage and there are several buildings and landmarks that have been recognized for their historical significance. Amongst them are the ancient farming houses found in the tiny mountainside hamlet of Tonegawa. Built with a unique architectural style that works in harmony with the mountainous terrain, the houses of Tonegawa have been protected as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings.

A large part of Shiiba's cultural history revolves around battles fought between two samurai clans in the 12th century. In 1191, samurai from the Heike Clan retreated to Shiiba after they were defeated by the Genji Clan. A warrior from the Genji Clan, Nasu Daihachiro, was sent to Shiiba to destroy what remained of the Heike Clan. Instead, he fell in love with Tsurutomi, a Heike princess, in a story of doomed love reminiscent of Romeo and Juliet. The couple stayed together for several years and had a daughter together before they were eventually forced to separate by the Shogun.

In the center of Shiiba stands Tsurutomiyashiki, which was once Nasu Daihachiro and Tsurutomi's home. The current building is a model based on the original and was reconstructed around 300 years ago. Built in an architectural style unique to Shiiba, Tsurutomiyashiki was designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan in 1956. Nearby is Shiiba Itsukushima Shrine, which is believed to have been built by Daihachiro Nasu in honor of the defeated Heike Clan and still stands over the town today. An enormous cedar tree, the second tallest in Japan, said to have been planted by Nasu Daihachiro at the Tonegawa Shrine was designated as a National Natural Monument in 1935.

The tale of Daihachiro Nasu and Tsurutomi is celebrated in the town every year during the 3-day Heike Festival, where the town's men and boys wear traditional samurai outfits and the women and girls dress as princesses. Shiiba is well-known as a town of performance art, with traditional "kagura" folk songs and dances also taking place each year. You can learn more about Shiiba's folk art traditions and the legacy of Dihachiro Nasu and Tsurutomi at the Shiiba Folk Art Museum, which explores the town's rituals, culture, and customs in depth.

15. Kikai (Kagoshima)

Kikai is located on the small island of Kikaijima in Kagoshima Prefecture. Part of the Amami Islands and closer to Okinawa than mainland Kagoshima, Kikaijima has a circumference of fewer than 50 km. Kikai is relatively flat with no mountains or particularly steep hills, which makes it a great place to explore on foot or by bike. Kikai's subtropical climate is most famous for the production of sugar cane grown in fields throughout the island. Huge banyan trees and a variety of citrus fruits are also found on the island, as are a diverse range of colorful tropical butterflies. Kikaijima is a coral island, which are common in tropical seas, and is thought to be rising at a speed of around 2mm a year.

There are excellent views of the sea and the nearby fields from Hyakunodai Park, the highest point on the island, at just over 200 m above sea level. All around the coast are a plethora of places to see Kikaijima's uplifted coral. Cape Tonbi and the Araki Nakazato Promenade are two of the best spots to witness Kakaijima's geologic origins up close.

The village of Aden is home to one of Kikai's most famous sights, the old lanes and streets lined with thick, high walls traditionally made from coral fossils. The walls were built to protect the area's houses, and especially their thatched roofs, from the harsh winds and storms that hit the island during typhoon season. If you're keen to see the beautiful coral reefs that live under the sea, you can either scuba dive or snorkel in the gorgeous clear tropical waters off the island, with Hawaii Beach on Cape Tonbi a particular highlight. Meanwhile, from December to April you can spot migrating whales in the sea off the coast near the Araki-Nakazato Promenade.

There’s So Much to See and Explore in Japan’s Most Beautiful Villages

As you can see, Japan is blessed with an almost endless array of beautiful villages that can be found right across the country. If you're looking for idyllic rural towns off the beaten path, isolated and snowy winter escapes, or somewhere to relax by the sea away from it all, why not plan a trip to one of the gorgeous towns and villages on our list! If you’d like to explore the full list of Japan’s most beautiful villages, you can find them all on the Association of the Most Beautiful Villages of Japan’s website .

Title image credit:  gandhi / PIXTA

If you want to give feedback on any of our articles, you have an idea that you'd really like to see come to life, or you just have a question on Japan, hit us up on our  Facebook ,  Twitter , or  Instagram !

Thumbnail: Sakarin Sawasdinaka / Shutterstock.com

The information in this article is accurate at the time of publication.

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15 Most Beautiful Towns In Japan You Have To Visit!

We have curated a list of the most beautiful towns in Japan. Check it out!

With the combination of islands, beaches, mountains, and hills, the Japanese landscape is a sight to behold in your heart.

And this is the reason why this stunningly beautiful country attracts a large number of visitors all around the world.

However, what most people understand about the name Japan is all about the dazzling neon-lit streets of Tokyo, the gorgeous ancient temples and shrines of Kyoto, and the hustling and bustling nightlife of Osaka.

Indeed they reflect the splendor of Japan, but this country is actually something more than these.

The less-explored towns that are scattered across the country have something special and unique, where a different and deeper kind of beauty awaits.

And today, I am here to unveil those hidden beauties by presenting the top 10 most beautiful towns in Japan.

Which is the most beautiful town in Japan?

After traveling to several Japanese towns, we found that Shirakawa-go is the most beautiful town in Japan. Located in the Gifu Prefecture, Shirakawa-go is famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri houses, which are built with steep thatched roofs to withstand heavy snowfall in the winter. The town has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is especially beautiful during the winter when the thatched roofs are covered in snow, creating a picturesque winter wonderland scene.

Top 15 Most Beautiful Towns & Villages In Japan

If you are visiting Japan, not for the first time, I would suggest you look for a more authentic local appeal other than Tokyo or Osaka that you can find in the traditional Japanese towns and villages.

Or you can include one or a few of these places in your bucket list, even if it’s your first time.

Biei: Beautiful Floral Display

How does it feel to step into a fairy tale?

Well, I know it cannot be literally true, but Biei , a small town in Hokkaido, can make you feel like being in a wonderland.

If you want to experience the natural beauty of Japan, this one of the most beautiful countryside towns in Japan can be a perfect destination for you.

You might know Hokkaido as the country’s winter playground, but Biei attracts visitors with its surrounding rolling hills covered in a rainbow-like carpet of flowers and trees.

While you are there, be sure to visit Shikisai Hill especially, which is the top spot in the town for flower viewing.

The breathtaking view is just like a beautiful picture painted by a talented artist.

You can also stroll through the eye-catching lavender fields.

Bike or drive through the countryside and view this traditional Japanese village that looks like nowhere else in the country.

This place is also worth visiting for the blue pond, a pristine little water body that turned into a heavenly blue color due to the nearby mineral deposits.

This stunning beauty makes Biei a worthwhile stop in Hokkaido.

Hida-Takayama: A Little Kyoto

The most interesting thing about Hida-Takayama is its nickname!

It is a small city in Japan’s central prefecture of Gifu, which is also known as Little Kyoto.

When you walk along the roads of this small city, it will really remind you of Kyoto.

But what do you think the reason is?

Yes, you have guessed it right.

Numerous temples, shrines, and traditional buildings of 18 century stand tall with pride in every nook and corner of this town, which will give you a vibe of old-fashioned Japanese charm.

The surrounding Hida Mountains pleasantly separate this cute little ancient Japanese town overlooking the scenery of traditional shops, riverside markets, and Japanese-style inns.

Like most areas, its historic center, San-machi Suji street, is also full of traditional buildings. You can enter those old, dark wooden structures through blue noren (fabric) curtains.

The narrow streets of this town are bordered by small canals of running water. They are often used for washing clothes and removing winter snow, just like in centuries past.

A morning market is also hosted near the river, where you can find different kinds of daily necessities.

Don’t forget to visit the Hida Folk Village also while you are there.

It is actually an open-air museum, consisting of around 30 farmhouses built in the classical architectural style of rural Japan.

Karuizawa: A Romantic Retreat

If you ride a high-speed train, this small Japanese town is only one hour away from the capital city Tokyo.

So, it’s a popular day-trip spot from the capital, which attracts plenty of locals and tourists.

Karuizawa is a beautiful resort town that lies beneath the imposing Mt. Asama, which is one of Honshu’s most active volcanoes.

This town has quite a romantic history which has given it the title of a romantic retreat since 1957.

Are you eager to know that story?

Well, Emperor Akihito met his future bride, Empress Michiko, in this beautiful town.

So, in case you are planning to propose to your beloved bae or consider going on a romantic date , you can count on this location for that.

I believe that the desire to have him or her forever by your side will be written here at once.

Anyway, I would suggest you visit this place in the fall as vibrant and gorgeous autumn colors are pleasantly displayed here in nature.

The summer temperature is relatively cooler too.

So, you can even consider hiking through this magnificent beauty.

After the tiresome hiking, don’t forget to relax by soaking in one of the onsens or hot springs scattered throughout the town.

What more you can do is visiting the Yacho-no-mori, or Wild Bird Forest, which is home to over 60 different bird species.

Oshika: A Picturesque Mountainous Village

Oshika is located in the mountainous southern part of Nagano Prefecture, surrounded by the majestic natural vistas of the Southern Alps.

After strolling through narrow mountain roads, you will find the village of Oshika at the bottom of a ravine.

Only 1,100 people live in this Japanese mountain town, but it claims to be home to some of the liveliest and happiest people in the country.

They achieve it with a longstanding culture that is constantly being reborn through a combination of ancient and modern traditions.

As this village in Japan is surrounded by mountains, the nature of Oshika takes on a different mind-blowing scenario in each season.

Cherry blossoms are everywhere in spring, where there is lush greenery in summer.

Autumn foliage is stunningly displayed in the fall, and in winter, the mountains are covered in snow.

Hence, you can’t be able to get the whole experience of Oshika with just one visit!

Still, no matter in which season you visit this place, be sure that you are going to get something spectacular every time.

Shirakawa-Go: A UNESCO World Heritage Site

Shirakawa-go is one of the most beautiful villages in Japan, situated in far northern Gifu Prefecture.

This remote mountain village is actually a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its traditional farmhouses gassho-zukuri, some of which date back more than 250 years ago.

Gassho-zukuri means “constructed like hands in prayer” in English.

Curious to know the reason behind this name?

Well, the steep thatched roofs of the farmhouses exactly resemble the hands of Buddhist monks attached together in prayer.

This unique architectural style is passed down from generation to generation.

It is specially designed to withstand the large amounts of heavy snow that falls in this region during winter.

To enjoy the best view of this village, I would suggest you go there during winter, as this place turns out to be more magical at that time.

However, you should also try spending a night at one of the farmhouses for the best experience ever.

Yes, this place is in a little remote area, but I can assure you that the trip will be worth it.

Otaru: Renowned for Winter Snow festival

Little Otaru became an important fishing port when the country’s northernmost prefecture, Hokkaido, was colonized in the late 19th-century.

You can reach Otaru only after a short 25-minute drive from Sapporo.

This old port city has transformed into a popular destination for visitors and tourists with an eye towards sushi eating.

The main highlight of this small town is a quaint industrial canal running through the harbor and the warehouse that sits next to it.

The canal area gets packed with Japanese tourists, but you can find quiet neighborhoods spotted with stately herring mansions towards the town center.

If you want to observe the magnificent beauty of this small town, go there during winter.

The famous winter festival Otaru Snow Gleaming Feast takes place in February.

The whole area is covered with beautiful white snow. Plenty of snow lanterns are lit around the canal line that creates a dazzling and unworldly appearance to blow your mind away.

This spectacular view made me feel like I was observing the prettiest town in Japan!

You can even consider this place to enjoy fresh seafood as this place is the most famous for such kinds of dishes.

Kamakura: A Town Rich in History

When Tokyo’s non stop hustle and bustle make you exhausted, Kamakura can be a peaceful, serene escape for a relaxing break.

It is located to the south of Tokyo in less than one hour’s distance.

So, it will be an easy and rewarding day trip from the Japanese capital.

Once Kamakura was an important political center. It is often called the ‘Kyoto of Eastern Japan’ for its centuries-old Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, historical monuments, and old wooden homes.

Covering the coast and surrounded by rolling forest landscapes, Kamakura’s natural scenery serves as a dramatic background for these beautiful religious constructions.

Here, you can also see a massive bronze statue of Amida Buddha in Kotoku-in Temple.

So, take a trip to Kamakura for a moment of rumination in front of the Great Buddha.

The densely forested ground of Kotoku-in Temple is excellent for wandering around, where you may even have a glance at Buddha’s sandals displayed between the beautiful temple buildings.

If you feel more interested in the town’s history, you should check out the Kamakura Gozan – the 5 Great Zen Temples of Kamakura.

In addition to the town’s historical attractions, its hills offer several lovely hiking trails.

The town becomes crowded, particularly during the summer months, when it attracts visitors with its scenic sandy beaches and relaxed atmosphere.

Ine: Popular for Its Funaya (Fishing Houses)

Ine is a town around Ine Bay located in the northern Kyoto Prefecture.

It is one of the unique places to visit in Japan that has a long and rich history as a fishing village.

What makes Ine really unique is the existence of funaya or wooden boat houses sitting on top of the water.

On the first floors of these traditional waterfront buildings, there are garages for boats and residential space on the upper floors.

More than 200 funaya are still remaining along the bay.

Most houses are personal residences, and some of them are now guest houses where visitors can stay overnight to enjoy a first-hand funaya experience.

However, if you ask for my suggestions, I would say that the best way to explore Ine and its funaya houses is from the sea.

You will find two types of boat tours available here. Large sightseeing boats offer passengers a 25-minute loop around the bay.

Besides, if you want a slightly more personalized and luxurious experience, you can take smaller sea taxis operated by local fishermen.

But be noted that they are relatively expensive.

Anyway, you have to book the small boat tours in advance, unlike the large sightseeing cruises.

For reservations, go straight to the tourism office at Funaya no Sato Park.

Totsukawa: Perfect destination for Nature Lovers

Totsukawa, the largest town in Japan, is situated in the Yoshino district, Nara Prefecture.

Located deep in the mountains, once this village was home to some of the fiercest samurai.

The trails, part of the Kumano Kodo network of pilgrimage routes, run through this village, and it has remained almost unchanged since ancient times.

This village is ideal for nature lovers since there is beautiful lush greenery everywhere and plenty of gorgeous things to observe.

Hikers can enjoy soaking in one of the hot springs, such as Iori-no-Yu, which has bathtubs made of local cedar.

Besides, you will also get a free foot bath and cool drinking water here.

In the evening, the sun sets between two mountain ridges creating wonderful scenery.

One of the best waterfalls in Japan, named Sasanotaki, is also in this village to enhance its beauty.

Another highlight is Tamaki Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was built in 37 BC by Emperor Sujin.

And not to mention Tanize Suspension Bridge, which is stunning in any season, offering safe thrills and panoramic views when you cross it.

Every year on August 4, an exciting festival called Yuredaiko is held here, where taiko drummers perform on this narrow bridge high above the valley below.

Magome: Famous for Nakasendo Trail

Feudal Japanese village Magome is a post town located in the Kiso Valley, which once served as a significant stop-over point for travelers of the Edo period.

Magome-juku is an ancient road that made the long journey between Tokyo and Kyoto along the Nakasendo Trail, connecting the two cities during the Edo period.

It was the forty-third of the sixty-nine stations of the Nakasendo.

The main feature of this small town in Japan is its beautifully restored old buildings that you can find at the two sides of the main street, a wide stone walkway.

Apart from admiring those pretty architectures, the main reason to visit this town is to hike the Magome-Tsumago Trail, which is a five-mile section of the Nakasendo Trail.

This pleasant trail runs through forests and farmland and passes waterfalls before ending in the equally beautiful town of Tsumago.

The trail is well-marked in English. Hence, you don’t have to face any difficulty when hiking through it.

If you don’t want to walk back to Magome after completing the hike, you can take a bus trip between the two villages.

So, here are my listed 10 picturesque villages and towns in Japan.

I have nothing more to say.

Let’s conclude it here.

Kanazawa 

During World War II, Kanazawa was one of the biggest cities in Japan that was spared bombing strikes, and as a result, a substantial portion of its old town is still standing today. 

The old samurai and geisha districts of Kanazawa are traversed by its winding alleyways, which also pass gorgeous temples, waterways from the Edo era, and contemporary museums. 

The city is best known for the 17th-century Kenrokuen Garden, which is regarded as one of the nation’s most beautiful gardens. 

Despite having a lot of historical sites, Kanazawa is a bustling, contemporary city with top-notch food and shopping.

Hakone, which is only 62 miles (less than 100 kilometres) from Tokyo, offers a great escape from the city. Hakone offers a breathtaking panorama of mountains, lakes, and hiking paths as part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. 

Autumn view: Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, Mount Fuji, Beautiful Japan pic.twitter.com/vww9wkk8S3 — Rashada – Freelancer & Affiliate Seller (@RashadaWrites) October 6, 2022

The Ashino-ko lake, which offers stunning views of nearby Mount Fuji and the Hakone-torii jinja’s gate, which rises out of the water to create the ideal Japanese setting, is the centerpiece. 

14 years ago today, we visited the Hakone Torii, Lake Ashinoko, built in 1951 to commemorate of the Peace Treaty signed by Japan with 49 nations, formally ending the World War II pic.twitter.com/Ul2UZEhlkx — Gary Methven (@gary_methven) August 6, 2022

Additionally, the town is renowned for its top-notch onsen (hot springs), authentic Japanese inns, and art museums. Even though Hakone is reachable from Tokyo by day trip, it’s worthwhile to stay overnight.

One of the most culturally significant cities in the nation, Nara has a history of being the first permanent capital of Japan and is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 

Although Nara was the only capital of Japan for about 70 years, it was during this time that the traditions still associated with Japan today emerged from the country’s art, literature, and culture. 

Nara, which can be reached in less than an hour from Kyoto and Osaka, is a charmingly small town with most of its historic sites concentrated in Nara Park. The park is renowned for its herd of curious, roaming deer in addition to its temples.

Deers and blooming cherry trees in Nara Park in Japan pic.twitter.com/jC91rwPPK3 — Tansu YEĞEN (@TansuYegen) August 6, 2022

 The most striking element is Todaiji Temple, a massive wooden structure that contains one of Japan’s largest bronze Buddha sculptures. 

Kagoshima is a beautiful city located on the southernmost tip of Kyushu Island in Japan. 

Known as the “Naples of the East” due to its beautiful bay and nearby active volcano, Kagoshima is a popular tourist destination with a rich history and cultural heritage.

One of the most popular attractions in Kagoshima is the Sakurajima volcano, which is one of Japan’s most active volcanoes. 

Visitors can take a ferry to the island and hike to the top for spectacular views of the surrounding area. 

Another popular spot is Senganen, a beautiful Japanese garden that was once the villa of a powerful feudal lord.

Ogawanotaki fall in Minamioosumi town, Kagoshima prefecture. #vanlife and wandering #Kyushu 44th day pic.twitter.com/FmmKtn01rT — Snufkin@Japanese no job wanderer (@SnufkinJapanes1) December 12, 2020

Kagoshima is also famous for its cuisine, which includes fresh seafood, black pork, and a variety of local dishes. 

Some popular local dishes include Kibinago sashimi, Kurobuta pork, and Satsuma-age, which is a type of fish cake.

Overall, Kagoshima is a charming and picturesque town that offers visitors a chance to experience traditional Japanese culture and natural beauty.

Furano is a beautiful town located in the center of Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan. Known for its picturesque landscape, Furano is a popular tourist destination for both Japanese and international visitors.

One of the main attractions in Furano is the beautiful flower fields that bloom in the summer months, with lavender being the most famous. 

Visitors can explore the fields and take in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

During the winter, Furano is also a popular ski resort destination with over 20 ski runs suitable for skiers of all levels. 

There are also many hot springs in the area where visitors can relax and unwind after a day on the slopes.

Furano is also known for its delicious local cuisine, including fresh seafood, meat, and vegetables. 

Some popular dishes include Furano-style ramen, which is a type of noodle soup with a rich pork-based broth, and Furano melons, which are a famous local specialty.

Overall, Furano is a beautiful town that offers visitors a chance to experience the natural beauty of Hokkaido and enjoy delicious local cuisine.

What is the prettiest area of Japan?

The prettiest areas in Japan are the region of Shirakawago and Gokayama. Located in the Gifu and Toyama Prefectures, this area is known for its traditional gassho-zukuri houses, which are built with steep thatched roofs to withstand heavy snowfall in the winter. The houses are surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery and rice paddies, making for a stunning and picturesque view. The area has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is particularly beautiful during the winter when the thatched roofs are covered in snow, creating a winter wonderland scene.

Which are the 3 most beautiful places in Japan?

Japan is home to numerous beautiful and scenic places, so it’s difficult to narrow it down to just three. However, here are three of the most popular and picturesque destinations in Japan:

• Mount Fuji: Mount Fuji is Japan’s highest mountain and is considered one of the country’s most iconic symbols. The mountain’s snow-capped peak, surrounded by lakes and forests, makes for a stunning and memorable sight.
• Kyoto: Kyoto is a cultural and historical hub of Japan and is known for its traditional Japanese architecture, temples, and gardens. The city is particularly beautiful during the cherry blossom and fall foliage seasons.
• Miyajima Island: Miyajima Island is located in Hiroshima Bay and is famous for its “floating” torii gate, which is one of Japan’s most iconic images. The island is also home to several shrines and temples, and its natural beauty makes it a popular destination for both domestic and international visitors.

Note that there are many other beautiful places to visit in Japan, and the choice of the “most beautiful” is subjective and depends on personal preferences and interests.

What is the prettiest street in Japan?

the most picturesque streets in Japan is the Philosopher’s Path in Kyoto. The Philosopher’s Path is a stone walkway that runs along a canal lined with cherry trees, creating a serene and picturesque atmosphere. The path is named after the philosopher Nishida Kitaro, who used to walk along the path daily while meditating.

Along the way, visitors can enjoy views of temples and shrines, as well as the beautiful cherry blossoms in the spring and fall foliage in the autumn. The Philosopher’s Path is a popular destination for both tourists and locals alike and is considered one of Kyoto’s most beautiful and peaceful spots.

Where Japan has some quite big cities, it also has a lot of smaller and lesser-known towns and villages that deserve your time to be explored and discovered.

So, make sure to stop by some of these most beautiful towns in Japan on your next trip.

Each of these lovely small towns is worth visiting for its own individual charm.

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The History Hit Miscellany of Facts, Figures and Fascinating Finds

10 Significant Historic Sites in Japan

Japan - famously nicknamed the 'land of the rising sun' - is home to a number of stunning temples, monuments, and castles. here's our pick of 10 which you shouldn't miss when paying a visit..

Lucy Davidson

16 sep 2021, @lucejuiceluce.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the Land of the Rising Sun is its sheer breadth of culture and architecture that has emerged over its long history. Across the country there are thousands of shrines, temples, and castles which date back hundreds of years, and are often located against picturesque landscapes. All year round, travellers make pilgrimages to the various stunning sites that the country has to offer as a way of learning about Japanese culture and history. Here’s our pick of 10 which make for essential viewing.

1. Meiji Jingu

Meiji Jingu is a sacred shrine to Emperor Meiji, modern Japan’s first emperor following the fall of the Samurais , and his wife, Empress Shoken. Made up of three sections, Meiji Jingu consists of a series of shrine buildings, inner and outer gardens, and a Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery. Visitors can enter the Meiji Jingu through two of Japan’s largest gates, or ‘tori’, which date back over 1,700 years and bear the imperial seal.

Visiting Meiji Jingu is a very peaceful experience and one imbued with a great sense of the Japanese culture, particularly when traditional tea ceremonies or one of the many wedding ceremonies held there takes place. It’s an experience in great contrast to the rest of the buzzing city of Tokyo where Meiji Jingu resides.

2. Yasukuni Shrine

The Yasukuni Shrine was originally established in 1869 by the first emperor of modern Japan, Emperor Meiji, in honour of those who fought and died for the country.

Approximately 2,500,000 names are enshrined at Yasukuni, amongst them the casualties of wars since 1853, including the Boshin War, the Seinan War, the Sino-Japanese and Russo-Japanese wars, World War I , the Manchurian Incident, the China Incident, and World War Two , known in Japan as the Greater East Asian War. The Yasukuni Shrine is part of a six hectare precinct and the shrine itself is surrounded by statues and commemorations to other victims such as war widows, kamikaze pilots, and animals.

3. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial

The Hiroshima Peace Memorial, also known as the A-Bomb Dome or the Genbaku Dome, in Hiroshima , Japan, was the only building in the city which survived following the first ever explosion of an atomic bomb . On 6 August 1945, US forces dropped an atomic bomb on the Japanese city of Hiroshima. It was the first ever use of the ‘A-bomb’.

Originally constructed in 1915, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial building is a domed structure which served as an office building for businesses as well as the Japanese government during the war. Today, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial building forms part of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park which also includes a museum. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site .

4. Sensoji Temple

The Sensoji Temple is a Buddhist temple in Tokyo in Japan. Whilst the original structure of the Sensoji Temple is thought to have been built in 628 AD, making it the oldest one of its kind in the city, most of this burned down during World War Two. The current temple was rebuilt following the war.

Sensoji Temple is dedicated to Kannon-Bosatsu, the goddess of mercy, whose statue is housed here, although it is not on display. Legend says that the original Sensoji Temple was founded after this statue was caught by two fishermen in 628 AD. Today, the Sensoji Temple is one of Tokyo’s most popular attractions.

5. The Edo Tokyo Museum

The Edo Tokyo Museum in Tokyo in Japan chronicles the history of the city, which was originally known as Edo. Split into three sections, one devoted to Edo, another to Tokyo, and the last named the ‘Comprehensive History Zone’, the Edo Tokyo Museum has over 2,500 artefacts and objects charting the history of Edo and Tokyo, from social aspects to the political and the economic.

English routes run through the museum and it offers a great insight into Tokyo and Japan’s history. One of its more popular exhibits is its reconstruction of the original Nihonbashi Bridge, through which one enters the Edo Tokyo Museum.

6. Tokyo National Museum

The Tokyo National Museum (Tokyo Kokuritsu Hakubutsukan) houses national treasures from Japan and around the Far East and Asia.

Its archaeological finds range from Japanese artwork and archaeological pieces to artefacts from Egypt and India . It also has a collection known as the Horyuji Treasures, made up of over 300 pieces of Buddhist art. The exhibits at the Tokyo National Museum are arranged by category.

7. Kiyomizudera

Kiyomizudera or Kiyomizu-dera is a famous UNESCO-listed Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan. The first temple of Kiyomizudera was founded in 780 AD during the Heian period and designated an imperial temple in 805 AD, although much of this was destroyed and rebuilt in the 1630s, including the Main Hall. The Main Hall at Kiyomizudera is renowned for hanging over a steep cliff.

Each part of Kiyomizudera is dedicated to a different Buddhist deity. The oldest surviving parts of Kiyomizudera date back to the seventeenth century and include the Niomon Gate and the Unatodome stable.

8. The Nagasaki Peace Park

The Nagasaki Peace Park commemorates the atomic bombing of this Japanese city by American forces in World War Two. This occurred on 9 August 1945, three days after the bombing of Hiroshima. Approximately 74,000 people were killed and 30% of the city was devastated, with many more suffering the effects of radiation poising many decades later.

Today, the Nagasaki Peace Park houses several monuments relating to this event, including one marking the site of the bomb’s hypocentre.

9. Todai-ji

The largest wooden building in the world, the temple of Todai-ji, or ‘Great Eastern Temple’, is the Japanese headquarters of the Kegon school of Buddhism. Located in the capital Nara, the main buildings of the Todai-ji temple complex were constructed between 745 and 752 BC under Emperor Shōmu, a devout Buddhist, marking the adoption of Buddhism as state religion.

Today, Todai-ji is home to many precious cultural treasures linked to the temple, whilst also remaining a place of Buddhist rituals such as the Shuni-e. You can walk around the main hall of the Daubutsu-den, reconstructed to half of its original size, and beyond into the central park of Nara, looking out onto the beautiful Wakakusayama hills. Many people visit to see the giant bronze Buddha, over two-hundred and fifty tons in weight. There is also a museum by the main gateway, displaying intricately crafted religious treasures.

10. Osaka Castle

Located in Chūō-ku, Osaka, Japan, Osaka Castle is one of the country’s most famous landmarks. The construction of the castle started in 1583 on the former site of the Ishiyama Honganji Temple, which had been destroyed thirteen years earlier. As the largest castle in Japan at the time, the general Hideyoshi Toyotomi intended for Osaka Castle to become the centre of a new, unified Japan.

Today, the castle is five stories high and is a hugely popular site and historical museum. On each floor of the castle are a wide variety of artefacts detailing the extensive history of Osaka and the castle itself. Make sure to visit the top floor for a view of the city, as well as the beautiful surrounding park which is full of cherry trees, and even offers boat rides along the moat.

14 Traditional Japanese Towns That Still Feel Like They’re in the Edo Period

Take trip back to the Edo Period at one of these historic towns around Japan, from Tohoku to Shikoku

February 26, 2021 Updated On March 26, 2024

With their charmingly retro architecture and atmosphere, these traditional towns around Japan offer a glimpse back in time to the Edo period — perfect for a strolling weekend getaway. As a handy guide for you, we’ve grouped them into regions, and offered a few suggestions on when to go, and things to do while there.

Tohoku Region

1. kakunodate, akita.

Kakunodate has retained the same city layout since 1620 , where samurai living quarters and merchant districts were separated into the northern and southern sides of the city. Here, you can stroll along the same streets as samurai — and even visit their homes! About 80 samurai families used to live in the district and many of the houses are well-preserved and open to visitors.

When to go: Late April to early May

What’s on: The Sakura Festival , where an extraordinary canopy of weeping cherry blossoms hangs over the jet-black walls of the samurai houses.

More things to do in Akita here .

2. Ouchi-juku, Fukushima

Ouchi-juku lies nestled among the mountains and was a flourishing post town along the Aizu Nishi Kaido back in the Edo period. It was an important thoroughfare for lords traveling to Edo and for the transportation of rice to the capital, as well as an important connector between castle town Aizu Wakamatsu and Imachi (Nikko). During the modernization of Japan during the Meiji Restoration, railways were built far from the area as a punishment for Aizu Wakamatsu’s samurai revolt against the new regime, allowing it to retain its traditional thatched-roof houses.

When to go: July 2

What’s on: The Hange Midsummer Festival at Takakura Shrine features a procession of white-clad men sporting black eboshi caps and tengu masks. It dates back over 800 years and remains a unique celebration in Japan.

Click here for more things to do in Tohoku

Kanto Region

3. sawara, chiba.

Skirting the border of Ibaraki Prefecture next door, Sawara is the name of a historical district in Katori City. Formerly an independent city, Sawara had a nickname similar to Kawagoe’s: Edo Masari, which means “superior to Edo” – they weren’t shy about their prosperity, and the city thrived in the past thanks to its many connective waterways. Now the rivers and canals are mostly trafficked by tourists on boat rides, which offer a lovely view of the traditional residences, stores, and warehouses on either side of the water.

When to go: May to June

What’s on: The Ayame Matsuri , a festival where 1.5 million irises of 400 varieties bloom in the Suigo Sawara Aquatic Botanical Garden.

More things to do in Chiba here .

4. Kawagoe, Saitama

Affectionately known as “Little Edo,” this bustling city is only a 30-minute train ride from Ikebukuro (45 minutes if you leave from Shinjuku). Once there, take the charmingly retro Co-Edo loop bus (¥500 for a day pass) to reach the main attractions in style and to get discounts at some of the shops. Highlights include the Kurazukuri (old storehouse) district, where you’ll find one of the area’s most famous landmarks, the Toki no Kane (Bell of Time) tower. Find Kashiya Yokocho (Penny Lane Alley) nearby, lined with quaint sweet shops and cafes. Head further out to avoid the crowds and to explore a slew of serene temples and shrines.

When to go:  End of July

What’s on:  The Kawagoe Million Lights Festival features lanterns hanging from rooftops, giving the traditional buildings a soft glow.

Check out  things to do in Ikebukuro , before or after your trip.

Chubu Region

5. asuke, aichi.

Asuke, a 30-minute drive from Arimatsu, lies on an old side road of the Nakasendo Trail, known as the Ina-kaido road. Because of this thoroughfare, the city flourished. This prosperous history is still visible in a two-kilometer stretch of old storehouses with white plaster walls and imposing houses with black wooden fences. The people of Asuke have worked hard to preserve this area, removing unsightly power lines from this stretch of road so that visitors can enjoy an unrestricted view of the area. Keep an eye out for tiny side streets with charming little shops hiding down them.

When to go:  November

What’s on:  The Korankei Maple Festival is held at Korankei Gorge, featuring about 4,000 fiery red maple trees

6. Arimatsu, Aichi

Arimatsu is a post town on the Tokaido Trail, which was one of the main thoroughfares along with the Nakasendo Trail. The area became famous due to its unique method of tie-dyeing. Arimatsu Narumi Shibori dates back to the earlier 17th century, and the complex patterns artisans produced became extremely popular with merchants and samurai passing through, who bought the dyed cloths as souvenirs. Not only that, but the post town’s success was further solidified when a local feudal lord banned any reproduction of the method elsewhere. Arimatsu, like Asuke (above), has removed power lines along the main historic area.

When to go:  Beginning of June

What’s on:  The Arimatsu Shibori Festival features shibori demonstrations by artisans, dyed cloths on sale, and the usual matsuri fare.

Get more info about the Nakasendo Trail  here .

7. Gujo Hachiman, Gifu

This old castle town has two exceptionally well-preserved areas in town, known as the Kajiya machi and Shokunin machi respectively. The houses here used to belong to craftsmen, blacksmiths, and carpenters, with their workshops on the ground floor and lodgings above. A few artisans can still be found plying their trade in the area. Keen observers will notice the narrow water channels along the streets – these are still used today, both for fire prevention and for daily household use, like rinsing vegetables. Be sure to stop by Sougian Matcha, a café inside a traditional old house that overlooks the river.

When to go:  Mid-July to early September

What’s on:  The annual Gujo Odori (bon odori) dance festival , which lasts a total of 31 days, mostly on weekends. There is an intense four-day period in the middle of August where the dancing goes on every day (and night)!

8. Magome-juku, Gifu

Magome-juku is one of many picturesque post towns along the Nakasendo Trail. This feudal highway was one of the main connections between Edo, the shogun’s home, and Kyoto, where the emperor resided. The steep slopes of this sleepy town have greeted weary travelers for centuries and though time has passed, the town has changed little. Lattice-windowed buildings still line the streets, though the businesses inside them may have changed. You’ll find old houses as well as souvenir shops, tea houses, and ryokan.

When to go: Spring or autumn

What’s on: The delicate cherry blossoms and bright red autumn foliage look stunning against this traditional backdrop in Magome-juku .

9. Mino, Gifu

Mino City has flourished for over 1,300 years thanks to the skill of its washi artisans. Famed across the nation for centuries, Mino has benefited from its trade, and it’s still visible in the architecture throughout the main street. The long rows of wooden houses — beautiful in themselves — display udatsu decorations on the rooftops between the buildings. The udatsu, essentially raised walls between houses to prevent the spread of fire, were often elaborately decorated as a way to show off the prosperity of the owner. The more intricate the design, the richer the merchant — and thanks to its historic washi trade, the whole town was extremely rich.

When to go:  Early October

What’s on:  The annual Mino Washi Akari Art Competition and Exhibition , featuring illuminated washi sculptures made by professionals and amateurs alike. If you can’t make it to the festival, there is a museum open year-round where you can view the winners from the previous year.

Find more things to do in Gifu  here .

10 & 11. Higashichaya and Nagamachi Buke Yashiki, Ishikawa

Located in Kanazawa, the former entertainment area of Higashichaya used to be a lively area with geisha and their clients. There used to be four such areas, with Higashichaya being the largest. Drop by on a Saturday for a throwback to these times when the local tourism association holds a geisha performance show. Make sure to check out the side streets, as although the main thoroughfare is impressive, it’s the back alleys that hold all the charm.

The nearby Nagamachi Buke Yashiki District is in stark contrast to the Chaya area, as the old samurai houses in the area are surrounded by mud walls, giving a more muted atmosphere to the town.

When to visit: The first Friday, Saturday and Sunday of June

What’s on:  Kanazawa Hyakumangoku Festival  re-enacts feudal lord Toshiie Maeda’s entrance into Kanazawa Castle.

Here are more things to do in Ishikawa Prefecture .

Kinki, Chugoku and Shikoku Regions

11. seki-juku, mie.

Out of the Tokaido Trail’s 53 stations, Seki-juku was the 47th on the way to Kyoto, from Edo. Serving as a junction between the Tokaido Trail and the Yamato-Kaido (which led to Nara), it was an important meeting point for many traders and travelers. It still boasts a two-kilometer area of 200 machiya (traditional wooden townhouses) is the largest of the remaining post towns on the Tokaido Trail. Despite its size, the tourists are still few, making it an ideal spot to soak up the atmosphere without having to battle the crowds.

When to go: Mid-July

What’s on: Seki-juku’s Gion Summer Matsuri , a festival featuring large floats pulled through narrow streets of this traditional town.

Go find m ore  things to do in Mie Prefecture  here .

13. Nagahama, Shiga

Nagahama is a port city nestled on the eastern coast of Japan’s largest lake, Lake Biwa. The old Hokkoku-kaido Trail cuts across the center of Nagaham’s old town, Kurokabe Square. Since 1989, locals have made efforts to preserve the town’s historic atmosphere by renovating and repurposing old structures and building new ones that match the atmosphere. Here you’ll find a mixture of rustic cafes, museums, glass workshops, and temples to delight and entertain the whole family.

When to go: April 13-16

What’s on: The Nagahama Hikiyama Festival , where boys aged five to 12 perform traditional Kabuki plays on festival floats.

Learn more about Lake Biwa  here .

14. Kurashiki, Okayama

Back in the old Edo days, Kurashiki was a prosperous town thanks to its strategic position on a river connected to the Seto Inland Sea. The Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter (“bikan” literally translates to beautiful views) still has centuries-old buildings and shops lined across the river. Boatsmen ferry tourists along the water in the preserved canal area. The area isn’t just beautiful though — it’s a cultural center with several art galleries and museums.

The Ohara Museum of Art exhibits works by European masters El Greco and Monet, while nearby Japan Rural toy Museum displays toys from the 1600s to the 1800s. The Archaeological Museum, located inside a restored rice granary building, has unique displays of excavated artifacts from the ancient Kibi region.

When to go: Any season at sunset and beyond

What’s on: The Kurashiki Canal and Ivy Square are lit up every evening at sunset. The illumination was designed by world-famous lighting designer Motoko Ishii and shows the Bikan Quarter in the best light.

Find more things to do in Okayama  here .

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Temples & Shrines

J apan temples and shrines are historical and cultural places of worship with beautiful architecture and vast gardens. Many are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and are visited by tourists year-round.

Temples are Buddhist places of worship and often function as monasteries. Shrines house gods of the Shinto religion.

When visiting temples and shrines, remember to act respectfully, the same as you would if you were visiting famous churches in Europe.

15 Most Notable Japan Temples and Shrines

Izumo Taisha Shrine

Photo by Shrk / CC BY

1. Izumo Taisha Shrine

Izumo Taisha in Shimane Prefecture is possibly the oldest and tallest shrine in Japan. Visitors go to the shrine to pray for good relationships and marriage.

Byodoin Temple

2. Byodo-in Temple

Byodo-in in Uji, Kyoto Prefecture was built in 998. The Phoenix Hall features 1,000 year-old Buddhist statues and other national treasures. The image of the Phoenix Hall can be seen on the Japanese 10 yen coin.

Yamadera Temple

3. Yama-dera Temple

Yama-dera is a mountain temple in Yamagata Prefecture built in 860. Visitors must hike up nearly 1,000 stone steps in order to reach the temple grounds. The trek takes approximately 30 minutes and can be quite strenuous. Once at the top, the temple offers fantastic views of the valley.

Todaiji Temple

4. Todai-ji Temple

Todai-ji in Nara was built in 752 and is the largest wooden structure in the world. Inside is the largest Buddha statue in Japan, measuring 15 meters tall and consisting of 437 tons of bronze and 130 kg of gold.

Kinkakuji Temple

5. Kinkaku-ji Temple

Kinkaku-ji in Kyoto Prefecture was built in 1397 and is covered in gold foil. The golden pavilion shines brilliantly in the sun and casts a beautiful reflection on the pond.

Kiyomizu Temple

6. Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Kiyomizu-dera in Kyoto Prefecture was built in 780 and sits at the top of a steep hill. The walk up to the temple takes around 10-15 minutes, but you can stop along the way at the many souvenir shops on both sides of the street. At the top, the temple offers stunning views of the city.

Fushimi Inari Shrine

7. Fushimi Inari Shrine

Fushimi Inari Taisha  in Kyoto Prefecture was built in 711 and is one of the oldest and most popular shrines in Kyoto . It is the main Inari Shrine in Japan and famous for its thousands of torii gates.

Itsukushima Shrine

8. Itsukushima Shrine

Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island in Hiroshima Prefecture dates back to the 6th century and is famous for its large torii gate standing in the water. During high tide, the shrine and the gate look as if they are floating on the water.

Sensoji Temple

9. Senso-ji Temple

Senso-ji, or Asakusa Kannon Temple, is the oldest and most famous temple in Tokyo . It was built in 645. The long street leading from Kaminarimon Gate to the temple offers a wide variety of souvenir shopping and Japanese sweets.

Ise Jingu Shrine

10. Ise Jingu Shrine

The two Ise Shrines in Mie Prefecture are some of the oldest and most respected Shinto shrines in Japan.

The Inner Shrine, or Naiku , was founded over 2,000 years ago and features the Sun Goddess. The entrance to the shrine has a beautiful wooden bridge with large torii gates on both sides.

The Outer Shrine, or Geku , was founded over 1,500 years ago and features the guardian of food, housing, and clothing.

Ninnaji Temple

11. Ninna-ji Temple

Ninna-ji in Kyoto Prefecture was built in 888. The main feature is the Goten where there is a beautiful pond, rock garden, and buildings connected by covered corridors.

Okunoin Temple

12. Okuno-in Temple

Okuno-in at Koyasan in Wakayama Prefecture is a popular pilgrimage area. The temple features the largest cemetery in Japan with over 200,000 tombstones. Inside the main hall are 10,000 lanterns.

Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine

13. Kumano Nachi Taisha

Kumano Nachi Taisha in Wakayama Prefecture is said to be 1,700 years old and is a main destination on the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail. The area features Japan’s tallest waterfall, Nachi no Taki, at 133 meters.

Nikko Toshogu Shrine

14. Nikko Toshogu Shrine

Nikko Toshogu Shrine in Tochigi Prefecture was built in 1617. It features 55 buildings, including a beautiful five-story pagoda, in vibrant colors and gold leaf.

Horyuji Temple

15. Horyu-ji Temple

Horyu-ji in Nara Prefecture was founded in 607 and includes the oldest wooden structures in the world, including a five-story pagoda.

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Becki and Shawn Japan Travel Specialists

Hi, we’re Becki and Shawn! We love Japan and are truly passionate about Japan and Japan travel.

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16 Japanese Cities To Visit Besides Tokyo And Kyoto

• Osaka: Experience incredible nightlife and outstanding cuisine in this seaside city known for its energetic atmosphere and delicious food.
• Naoshima: Discover the art island with its galleries, sculptures, and installations, and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and sea views.
• Himeji: Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site Himeji-jo castle and explore the picturesque Mount Shosha and Kokoen garden for a diverse cultural experience.

As Japan finally opens its borders to eager travelers after one of the strictest lockdowns that the world has seen, most itineraries focus on the shopping districts of Tokyo and the Buddhist temples of Kyoto. Occasionally, the street food of Osaka might make it to the list.

Few consider venturing beyond the big cities of Tokyo and Kyoto, but for those who dare try, thrilling adventures await in Japan's best cities. From former homes of samurai warriors and current cities of geishas, hot springs spas, traditional architecture, and ski mountains — these cities deserve a spot on everyone’s Japanese bucket list.

UPDATE: 2023/10/09 19:32 EST BY MARIA BOU INK

Japan's beauty is not limited to Tokyo and Kyoto. The country is a hub of wonderful towns that are worth a trip. Therefore, this list was updated to include two of the best cities to visit in Japan besides Tokyo and Kyoto.

Related: Beautiful Tourist Pics Showcasing The Best Things Japan Is Known For

If tourists want to sample some of the greatest cuisine and beverages Japan has to offer, they should head over to Osaka , a seaside city famed for its incredible nightlife and outstanding cuisine. Tokyo's big-city energy is also present here but on a little lesser scale. This way, tourists can visit cities in Japan other than Tokyo and Kyoto while having the same vibes and escaping the crowds. Tourists are recommended to visit the Osaka Castle and Park in between all of their eating and exploring. It is one of the most well-known sights in Japan and is definitely worth visiting.

• Some attractions: Tempozan Ferris Wheel, Universal Studio Japan, Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, etc.

The island of Naoshima, which is reachable via ferry, is a wonderful location. The area is referred to as the art island, and tourists may find galleries, sculptures, and installations everywhere they go, especially if they stay at the upscale Benesse House, which serves as both a hotel and a museum of modern art. On the island, there are two towns, both of which include charming stores and little restaurants. There are also sea views everywhere, which enhances the tranquil atmosphere.

• Some attractions: The Yellow Pumpkin, Chichu Art Museum, Naoshima Public Bath I Love Yu, etc.

Home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site castle , Himeji is worth a special trip for the Himeji-jo castle alone. Widely considered to be the finest example of 17th-century feudal-era Japanese architecture that still survives, Himeji-jo may be the reason tourists visit this city in Japan, but Himeji gives them several reasons to stay. On the outskirts of the city is the picturesque Mount Shosha, with a Buddhist temple at its peak. And if a hike isn’t someone’s cup of tea, tourists can spend a day at the Kokoen garden, which is made of nine walled gardens connected by a network of streams, waterfalls, and ponds and sits on the former feudal lord’s residence.

• Some attractions: Himeji Castle, Engyoji, Himeji Central Park, etc.

Related: Three Days In Japan: 10 Cities You Can Explore In Only 72 Hours

Matsue’s location on a peninsula by the Sea of Japan with Lake Shinji on its west and Lake Nakaumi on the east has given the city another name: The City of Water. While the water bodies that surround it have given Matsue its second name, there are also water bodies within the city. Canals with boat tours for tourists flow through the city, old samurai houses flank its streets, and Matsue is home to one of only twelve medieval castles that are preserved in their original state in Japan. But that’s not all: the city has long attracted curious travelers with its rich myths and legends related to Matsue being the place where Japanese gods descend.

• Some attractions: Matsue-jō Castle, Yuushien, Yaegaki Shrine, etc.

Yokohama is the second-largest Japanese city and the first to have opened its ports to the world at the end of the Edo Period. The port city quickly transformed from a small fishing village to a major city when foreign trade introduced new cultures to the old Japanese traditions of the village. As a result, Yokohama offers a contrast between old and new, and travelers can explore the streets of Yokohama to see the Western influence on the Japanese way of life everywhere. Tourists can visit traditional Japanese gardens and tea rooms, ramen and instant cup noodle museums, giant ferry wheels reminiscent of the London Eye, and one of the largest Chinatowns in the whole country.

• Some attractions: Shin Yokohama Ramen Museum, Yokohama Chinatown, Yokohama Cosmoworld, etc.

For those who like the crowds of Tokyo but wish for a city just a tad more quite than the Japanese capital, Fukuoka’s contemporary attractions make it the ideal city. Fukuoka is Japan’s eighth most populous city and balances urban life with the natural beauty that is synonymous with Japan. The port city is filled with hot springs, hike trails, tea plantations, and sake breweries. But the best part, perhaps, is the fact that Fukuoka happens to be the city that invented tonkatsu ramen , so for those who’d like to slurp their way through Japan via its ramen, Fukuoka has to be the starting place.

• Some attractions: Ohori Park, Marine World, Uminonakamichi Seaside Park, etc.

Hokkaido is an island region of Japan that is known for its hot springs, ski mountains, and volcanoes. Hakodate — located on the island’s southern tip — is one of the largest cities in Hokkaido and was voted Japan’s most attractive city in 2015. Visitors can hike to Mount Hakodate and enjoy spectacular views of the city surrounded by the sea, soak in the hot springs, go down ski slopes, or take in the views of the Mount Komagatake volcano from the lakes of Onuma Park. The best part of the port city, however, is its food. Surrounded by the sea, Hakodate is famous for its freshly-caught seafood, and the Hakodate Morning Market is the best place to enjoy it.

• Some attractions: Goryokaku, Goryokaku Tower, Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward, etc.

Related: After Cherry Blossom Season, Here Are 10 Unique Activities To Enjoy In Japan This Fall

Kyoto isn’t the only city in Japan famous for its Buddhist monasteries and temples. Formerly known as Heijo-Kyo , Nara was once Japan’s capital city and is now home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites . The Horyuji Area of Nara was the first to be on the list and includes 48 Buddhist sites, all of which are of immense importance to the Japanese culture and religion. Also on the list are areas with several temples and historical monuments from ancient times when Nara was still the capital, as well as pilgrimage routes and sites on the Kii Mountain. Tourists can end their tour of the temples and spiritual sites of Nara with a friendly visit to greet the deers at the Nara Park or stroll through Imaicho — a merchant town preserved from the Edo period that will take everyone back in time.

• Some attractions: Today-ji, Nara Park, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, etc.

Nagasaki is most often associated with the atomic bomb and the tragedy that followed. Still, the city has a lot more to offer beyond the Atomic Bomb Museum and the Nagasaki Peace Park, which attract most tourists. Not only is the city home to several stunning islands off its coast, but Nagasaki has consistently ranked on top of the list of places with the best night views in Japan . Travelers can hop onto a ropeway to the peak of Mount Inasa and enjoy spectacular views of Nagasaki as it lights up after sunset. More surprisingly, however, Japan’s first and oldest Chinatown happens to be in Nagasaki, and it has continued to serve Japanese-Chinese fusion foods since the 17th century.

• S ome attractions: Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum, Peace Park, Glover Garden, etc.

For those whose idea of a holiday in Japan includes spending hours soaking in hot water springs, Beppu is the place to be. Beppu’s gushes of hot spring water rank second highest in the world and the highest in Japan, gushing more than 100,000 liters of water each minute through thousands of hot springs. Not only does the abundance of hot springs make Beppu the Onsen City of Japan, but Beppu also has several boiling ponds known as Jigoku or hell. Locals use these Jigoku ponds for cooking food as well, giving rise to a culinary custom known as Jigoku-Mushi, or hell-steaming, that is peculiar to Beppu.

• Some attractions: Kannawa Hot Springs, Beppu Ropeway, Shidaka Lake, etc.

Takayama is several things: A city surrounded by the Japanese Alps, Japan’s ski destination, home to bustling morning markets and festivals dating back to the 1600s, and a place where Japanese tradition flourishes through some of the country’s most beautifully preserved villages. Takayama’s Sanmachi area, in particular, houses preserved thatched-roof houses from which antique dealers and artisans sell their wares, and hidden cafes and brewers dish out hot coffees and icy sake to any visitors who manage to spot them.

• Some attractions: Takayama Jinya, Hida Folk Village, Shinhotaka Ropeway, etc.

The city that served as the seat of the second most powerful feudal clan in Japan during the Edo period, Kanazawa has always been a place of great cultural significance in Japan. More importantly, Kanazawa was the second largest city after Kyoto, which managed to remain safe from the bombings of World War II. As a result, most of the city’s old castles, gardens, samurai, and geisha districts have survived the test of time. That being said, Kanazawa also houses the iconic 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art and is the city where traditional teahouses and crafts, including Kaga-yuzen (a silk dying technique), ohi ware (tea ceremony bowls), and gold leaf production continue to prosper.

• Some attractions: Kenroku-en, Higashi Chaya District, Myouryouji, etc.

Related: Unwind & Relax In Japan: The Best Onsens To Soothe Your Soul

Shirakawa-go

Shirakawa-go is not a city but a traditional Japanese alpine village stuck in time . It is part of a national park and is a great place to visit to see the way things used to be in Japan. Here (and its sister village Gokayama), visitors may feel like they are living in the world of the 2003 movie, The Last Samurai starring Tom Cruise (although it was actually filmed in New Zealand).

These traditional villages are UNESCO World Heritage Listed and are a great example of how Japan works to preserve its heritage.

• Some attractions: Wada House, Gassho-zukuri Minkaen, Myozenji, etc.

Hiroshima is one of only two cities to ever be hit with a nuclear bomb . It is also a testament to how cities can bounce back from destruction, being today a thriving city of over one million people. It was founded in 1589 as a castle town but transformed into a major industrial hub (which made it a target for nuclear bombing).

Today visitors can see the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Hiroshima Peace Memorial and commemorate the bombing wishing for such destruction to never again return to this planet.

• Some attractions: Peace Memorial Park, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, Atomic Bomb Dome, etc.

Sapporo is the capital of Japan's northern island of Hokkaido. It is the largest city north of Tokyo and is considered the cultural and economic center of Hokkaido. The city hosted the 1972 Winter Olympics and is one of the best places in Japan to enjoy the winter season. Come in early February and attend the Sapporo Snow Festival. The festival draws over 2 million visitors from far and wide. Additionally, Sapporo is home to the only beer museum in Japan - the Sapporo Beer Museum.

• Some attractions: Hokkaido Jingu, Moerenuma Park, Sapporo Beer Museum, etc.

Naha is the capital of the Okinawa Prefecture of Japan ( Okinawa is Japan's fifth major island ). The city has a population of around 300,000 and enjoys a humid subtropical climate (quite the opposite of Hokkaido's Sapporo). It is a stunning city and the gateway to Okinawa Island (which Americans may recall from the costly American invasion of the islands in World War Two). One of the top attractions in the city is the restored and rebuilt Shuri Castle (a former royal palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom).

• Some attractions: Shuri Castle, Naminoue Shrine, Okinawa Prefectural Museum & Art Museum, etc.

10 Most Underrated Spots in Japan

While there are of course valid reasons that top-rated tourist attractions draw more and more tourists, some spots are unfortunately underrated and never get an opportunity to get their spot in the limelight. Some of these hidden gems might even end up unexpectedly being the most memorable place you visited during your travels! This is why we recommend getting out of your comfort zone and taking the path less traveled with our list of the top ten most underrated spots in Japan.

1. Yoron Island (Kagoshima)

2. mt. aso (kumamoto), 3. takachiho (miyazaki), 4. shodoshima (kagawa), 5. iya valley (tokushima), 6. kayabuki-no-sato village (kyoto), 7. sado island (niigata), 8. tadami line (fukushima & niigata), 9. mt. haguro (yamagata), 10. akan mashu national park (hokkaido), japan wonder travel tours, other articles you might be interested in, are you looking for a sim card in japan.

Yoron Island is a scenic remote island which is located approximately 600 kilometers off the southern coast of Kagoshima prefecture . It is one of the Amami Islands and officially belongs to Kagoshima prefecture, however location-wise, it is actually closer to Okinawa hence the subtropical climate.

The island is surrounded by beautiful coral reefs and home to great beaches that are perfect for swimming. Yurigahama Beach is particularly popular and is about 1.5 kilometers off the Okaneku coast and accessible by boat. This sandbar beach appears only during the spring and summer seasons when the tide is low making it a true hidden gem. 

Diving and snorkeling are great options if you want to enjoy the impressive underwater world up close and the sea is teeming with marine life such as sea turtles, dolphins, and schools of brightly colored fish.

If you are planning a trip to the Kyushu region , don’t forget to add Mt. Aso to your itinerary! Mt. Aso is an active volcano located in Kumamoto prefecture . It has Japan’s second-largest caldera which has been formed by eruptions over the course of centuries.

Within the caldera are Aso’s symbolic five peaks that span over 1,000 meters and offer not only spectacular views but also great hiking trails. For families with small children, outdoor activities are available throughout the year such as horseback riding, hot air balloon experiences, paragliding, valley trekking, and much more. 

Aso Shrine is a sacred Shinto shrine that is believed to have been founded over 2,500 years ago. It is also a perfect spot to try local specialties at small shops and cozy cafes along Aso Shrine’s charming Monzen Shopping street.   

Takachiho is a scenic spot located in the northern part of Miyazaki prefecture . It is close to Mt. Aso and it is recommended that you rent a car if you want to explore both of them smoothly without being limited by local public transport . 

Takachiho is home to impressive views composed of the natural beauty of peaceful gorges, rocky caves, and majestic shrines which are deeply associated with ancient Japanese mythology . 

The best way to enjoy Takachiho is perhaps to take a boat tour through Takachiho Gorge. Paddling through the peaceful volcanic canyon created by the eruption of Mt. Aso will allow you to admire the stunning natural beauty that has charmed locals and travelers for centuries.

If you wish to go relax out in nature, Shodoshima is a great escape from hustle and bustle of big city life. This small island is located in the Seto inland sea and is easily accessible from the Kansai region by ferry. 

It is probably best known for its large production of olive oil and citrus fruits such as oranges but makes for an enchanting visit as well. The climate in Shodoshima is typically mild throughout the year with little rainfall, so visitors can enjoy the warm sunshine, particularly between spring and fall. 

Angel Road is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Shodoshima. It is a scenic sandbar that appears in the beautiful sea only during low tide near Tonosho port. You can walk across the photogenic sand pathway which connects small remote islands to the main island. Take a refreshing stroll at Shodoshima Olive Park or head to Kankakei which welcomes visitors with breathtakingly beautiful autumn colors in fall!     

Nestled deep in the mountains of western Tokushima prefecture , Iya valley is a hidden gem that has preserved both the natural beauty and the traditional lifestyle of Japan for centuries. 

Driving through the Iya area will allow you to take in impressive views including gorgeous gorges and vivacious valleys with vine bridges, peaceful forests, and hiking trails among the beautiful mountains.

Ochiai Village is a secluded lovely village that can be found on the slope of a giant mountain in the Oku-Iya area. It offers amazing scenery with traditional Japanese houses, lush green fields, and stone walls built back in the Edo period . One of the thatched roof farmhouses is called “Chiiori” and is used as a lodge where visitors can stay overnight if they wish to extend their visit.     

From JR Kyoto station, it is about a 2-hour train and bus ride to Kayabuki-no-Sato village . This beautiful mountain village is best known for the stunning landscape created by hundred-year-old traditional Japanese thatched-roof houses. Many of them are still used as residences by locals or for tourism purposes.

 One such repurposed house has been made into a small museum called “ Miyama Folklore Museum ”, which displays daily items and tools that have been used and preserved for hundreds of years. You can also stay at some of them , which allows you to experience the traditional Japanese lifestyle by trying local meals or by interacting with local people.

The village itself is relatively small and easy to walk around, however, Miyama is beautiful and worth a visit any time of the year. We recommend spring however because this is when you can expect mild temperatures and lovely cherry blossoms in full bloom scattered across the peaceful village!       

Sado is a historic island which is located about 30 kilometers off the coast of Niigata prefecture . This small island is widely famous for the gold and silver mines which served as a key source of funding for Japan’s government during the Edo period. 

Today, it offers a wide range of experiences and activity options that can be enjoyed by all ages. Head to Sado Gold Mine and explore the ancient mine shafts while learning about the history and legacy of the mines and what the local people of the island experienced during the Japanese gold rush.

Toki Forest Park is where you can expect to see Japanese crested ibises is on the list of endangered species, but are in great number only here. Futatsugame Beach is a perfect spot for playing in the ocean during the summer season as well.        

Tadami Line is a scenic railway that lies between Fukushima and Niigata prefecture. The secluded railway is approximately 135.2 kilometers and stretches through mountainous areas from Aizu Wakamatsu City in Fukushima to Uonuma City in Niigata. 

Along the way, it offers stunning sceneries of lush green mountains and beautiful gorges, which attracts many photographers all year round. Fall is said to be the best time of the year when the mountains are particularly lovely with colorful autumn leaves. 

However, some parts of the railway are still under restoration due to the damage caused by a devastating rainfall in 2011, and the entire railway is expected to return to full operation by the end of 2022.        

Mt. Haguro is a sacred natural attraction in Yamagata prefecture . This mountain has been respected and visited by Japanese people from ancient times as a center of Shugendo worship and historically has been a major pilgrimage site.

The 414-meter peak is home to historic shrines and buildings, including Hagurosan Five-story Pagoda which is officially designated as a National treasure. At the top of the mountain is Dewa Sanzan Shrine which incorporates two other shrines for the other two holy mountains of Mt. Yudono and Mt. Gassan nearby.

It is also a popular hiking spot that is easy to tackle even for beginners. The most popular hiking trail from the base of Mt. Haguro to the summit is approximately 1.7 kilometers and takes about 1.5 hours to complete.

 Note that you need to walk up over 2,400 stone steps, and avoid the winter season if possible as the stone steps often get iced over with snow and can be very slippery. Hiking through the peaceful forests will help you relax while taking in the sacred atmosphere that has been preserved for centuries.  

Akan Mashu National Park is a beautiful national park located in the eastern part of Hokkaido. The park encompasses about 90,000 hectares of forests, wetlands, and Japan’s largest caldera landform which is home to three scenic lakes formed by volcanic activities.

Each of the lakes has unique charms and characters and you can choose the best destination depending on how you want to enjoy your time there. Lake Mashu is widely famous for its exceptionally beautiful water which can be enjoyed from observatories. 

Head to Lake Kussharo which has great hot springs, or visit Lake Akan which is famous for being home to a legion of tiny moss balls called “Marimo”. 

“ Akan Ainu Kotan ” is a great spot to experience the unique Ainu culture which has been passed down by indigenous people for generations. There are other outdoor activity options, including hiking, fishing, BBQ, camping, wildlife encounters, and much more to explore!   

For many people, the best part of traveling is discovering new experiences and adventures. Visiting underrated spots that we introduced above might give you a great opportunity to uncover hidden charms of Japan that otherwise you would never have had a chance to explore! 

Japan Wonder Travel is a travel agency offering guided tours in Japan. From private walking tours to fun group walking tours, we will organize the best tours for you! If you want to explore Japan to learn more histories and backstories of the area, our knowledgeable and friendly guide will happily take you to the best spots! Also, we can provide you with any assistance for your upcoming trip to Japan, so please feel free to contact us if you have any questions/need some help!

▶ Kyoto Private Full Day Walking Tour Tell us where you want to go and we’ll plan your trip with our flexible itinerary. You just have to enjoy our memorable walking tour with the best local guide!

▶ Tokyo 1–Day Highlights Private Walking Tour (8 Hours) There’s no better way to explore the area than being with a knowledgeable guide. You can learn the history and background story of the town, and discover some hidden gems which can be difficult to find otherwise.

▶ Tokyo Fish Market Tour @Tsukiji – Enjoy Local Food and Drink Explore the most lively and popular fish market in Tokyo to try some local’s favorite street foods and sake with a friendly guide! 

Follow us on  Instagram ,  Facebook , Twitter  and TikTok for more travel inspiration. Or tag us to get featured!

Happy traveling!

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Miho Shimizu is a Japanese freelance writer settled in Shizuoka with her husband and two rabbits. Fascinated with traveling at the age of 18, she has spent most of her long holidays exploring incredible spots around Japan. Also love to listen to music, draw, and read novels over a cup of green tea.

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14 Locations in Japan You Must Visit If You're An Anime Fan

If you give an anime fan a free plane ticket to anywhere in the world, chances are they will end up in Japan. Japan is the birthplace of anime, manga, and video games, and hosts a variety of awesome locations you have to see if you're an anime lover. Western anime fans may not be familiar with the country, but have no fear! Compiled here are some must-see attractions for any anime fan visiting the Land of the Rising Sun. 

There's so many great anime tourist locations to visit that it can be overwhelming for any first-timers. They may be overwhelmed with questions like, which anime store has the best selections of anime? Are there museums about manga and the history of animation? Where is the anime theme park? If you're afraid of wasting your time in Japan on wild goose chases, don't worry - this list of famous anime destinations in Japan will have you covered. Check out the awesome attractions below and vote up the locations that no anime fan should miss in Japan. 

Tokyo Anime Center

Links: Official Website  (in Japanese) / TripAdvisor

About:  The Tokyo Anime Center is the perfect place for tourists to indulge in their love of anime because it was designed with that mind. Located on the fourth floor of the Akihabara UDX building near JR Akihabara Station, the Tokyo Anime Center provides anime information and entertainment for foreigners and Japanese residents.

It regularly hosts live radio interviews with anime creators and voice actors, and holds events like autograph signings. 

Links: GoTokyo  / TripAdvisor

About: Akihabara goes by many names: “Electric City,” “Electric Town,” “Akiba.” For many anime fans dreaming of flying to Japan, Akihabara is simply known to them as the ultimate otaku destination. Akihabara is often characterized as the embodiment of anime culture and for very good reason. An insane amount of electronic shops and otaku-oriented venues are located here, welcoming you with its big and loud anime visuals.

After buying all the anime and manga you can handle, you can unwind with a delightful meal at the various maid cafes and be treated like royalty, or simply enjoy a nice musical performance at AKB48's music theater. 

J-World Tokyo

Links:  Official Website  / Ticketing

About: J-World Tokyo is like a small-scale Disney World of  Shonen Jump anime characters. The indoor amusement park in Ikebukuro’s Sunshine City celebrates the biggest anime action franchises from the magazine like  One Piece , Hunter X Hunter , and  Dragon Ball Z . It's worth the price of admission for the amazing atmosphere alone. 

You'll marvel at the real-life recreation of the Going Merry from One Piece , or the ninja ramen shop from Naruto . Any Toonami fan will jump for joy for thevisiting the J-World Tokyo amusement park and participating in all the fun activities based on their favorite show. 

Tokyo Character Street

Links:  GoTokyo

About:  Anyone eager to spend their hard-earned money on anime merchandise will want to take their wallets to the Tokyo Character Street. The underground shopping street right below Tokyo Station features numerous item shops dedicated to the biggest anime and gaming franchises in Japan.

There's the Studio Ghibli Official Shop, Hello Kitty Shop, Rilakkuma Store, the Pretty Cure   Shop, and so much more.

Suginami Animation Museum

Links: Official Website

About:  Anime fans who are interested in the history and the making of anime should definitely visit the Suginami Animation Museum. There are astonishing exhibits all about animation, dubbing, and the future of anime.

The museum also boasts an anime library, a theater, and interactive workshops. 

Links:  Official Website

About: There's nothing more anime than partaking in a nice, warm dip in a hot spring. If you want a hot spring episode of your very own, visit the Dogo Onsen in Ehime Prefecture. Dogo Onsen's popularity with the locals and tourists surged once the critically acclaimed Studio Ghibli film, Spirited Away , used the place as inspiration for Yubaba’s bathhouse.

You won't find any river gods or witches at Dogo Onsen, but you will find a rejuvenating experience that will refresh your mind and spirit. Any fan can indulge in a warm bath to rejuvenate the body. 

Kyoto International Manga Museum

About:  Any anime fan will be able to appreciate the the International Manga Museum in Kyoto. The facility strives to preserve, study, and research the culture of manga throughout history. You'll see heaps upon heaps of all kinds of different manga, exhibitions about influential manga artists, and seminars and workshops about manga. 

Links: TripAdvisor

About: Otome Road (AKA Maiden Road) has shopping centers filled with anime, manga, magazines, and novels that are directed toward a female audience. Most apparent are the shops and restaurants featuring yaoi, or Boy's Love, merchandise, to the point where Otome Road is often nicknamed “Fujoshi Street.” 

Otome Road's popularity skyrocketed in 2005, thanks to the film  Densha Otoko . The movie portrays Otome Road as a female otaku's dream. 

Asagaya Anime Street

Links: Official Website (in Japanese) / TripAdvisor

About:  With Asagaya surrounded by many famous anime studios such as A-1 Pictures, Madhouse, and Production I.G, it makes sense to create an otaku paradise at the heart of anime culture. While it still has a way to go in catching up with Akihabara, Asagaya Anime Street is still worth visiting for its anime shops, theme cafés, and original character goods. 

Washinomiya Shrine

About:  Lucky Star fans looking for a fun way to spend their New Years in Japan will want to check out the Washinomiya Shrine in the Saitama Prefecture. Washinomiya is the birthplace of the Hiiragi sisters, Tsukasa and Kagami, and features them working as Shrine Maidens in the anime.

Thanks to Lucky Star's popularity, Washinomiya is one of the hottest spot for anime tourisim in Japan, as over 100,000 people visit the shrine to pray, hang up their New Year wishes, and buy otaku goodies. 

Pokemon Mega Center Tokyo

About: When you go to the Pokémon Mega Center Tokyo store, you're going to buy lots and lots of Pokémon merchandise. Why? Because you won't be able to help it. The Mega Center doesn't just have typical Pokémon  stuff like the GameBoy games and console spinoffs. No, no - the Mega Center has exclusive, one-of-a-kind items that can only be found in Japan. Pikachu-themed jelly drinks, noodles, curry, and matcha cookies are just the tip of the iceberg.

There are trading cards, key chains, rice bowls, shirts, socks, sponges, and so much more. It's  Pokémon heaven and a definite must-see for anime fans. 

Gundam Base Tokyo

Links:  Official Website  (in Japanese) / TripAdvisor

About: Formerly the Gundam Front Tokyo, the Gundam Base Tokyo serves as a museum and store for the legendary  Mobile Gundam  franchise in Japan.  Gundam  fans will be in mecha heaven as they explore the rich anime history that dates all the way back to 1979. All the merchandise and goodies are available to purchase, but what makes the Gundam Base Tokyo worth the trip is the grand selection of  Gundam  model kits.

You'll not only be able to assemble them in the store, but also be able to see how they're made. If you get hungry, you can stop by the café and enjoy some  Gundam- themed food and drinks. 

Toyosato Elementary School

Links:  Official Website  (Japanese) / TripAdvisor

About: Despite airing over eight years ago, the K-ON anime fandom is still going strong. While it's no Season 3, visiting the real-life school that inspired the anime is the next best thing. Toyosato Elementary School is a popular spot for cosplay photo shoots and celebrating anime birthdays of the girls.

In case you were wondering, yes, the school stairs are still decorated with small statues of turtles, as seen in the anime. 

Yoshihiro Yonezawa Memorial Library Of Manga And Subcultures

About:  It goes without saying that Japan values its manga industry, but you don't often hear the names of the people who helped legitimize the art form. That's why visiting the Yoshihiro Yonezawa Memorial Library of Manga and Subcultures at Tokyo's Meiji University should be a high priority for history lovers and manga enthusiasts.

The library features the manga collection of Yoshihiro Yonezawa, a manga critic, author, and co-founder of Comiket. He was known for filling houses with manga  to the point where he would just buy a new home if he ran out of room. This was a process he repeated several times. Yonezawa's collection features a wide arrange of books that are not normally saved, such as throwaway manga from vending machines. Of course, his collection boasts famous works like the 1956  Tetsujin 28-go manga ( Gigantor ), the first robot manga in Japan.   

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