tourism in south japan

Visit Kyushu The Official Kyushu Travel Guide

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Visit Kyushu

Endless energy, wild beauty and warm smiles.

Be Inspired by Kyushu

Kyushu is a land full of energy, from its vibrant people to its famous volcanoes. Close to the rest of Asia and easily accessible from Tokyo, Kyushu has welcomed new ideas and cultures for over a thousand years. Experience the dynamic landscapes, relax in the many hot springs, and enjoy the warmth of genuine hospitality.

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7 Distinct Prefectures

Fukuoka is the geographical and historical gateway to Asia: steeped in history, but open to new ideas and cultures. With a vibrant city and historical sites, it’s a perfect introduction to Kyushu.

A small region with a large cultural impact, Saga is rich in history, craft, and food. Experience the beautiful colors of Saga, from the bright hot air balloons to the elegant shades of Arita pottery.

Nagasaki has been shaped by history, natural forces and a blend of international influences. The city’s turbulent past has created a remarkable culture of peace and tolerance.

Kumamoto is a product of the forces of nature and its samurai heritage, symbolized by two powerful landmarks: Kumamoto Castle and Mt. Aso, Japan’s largest volcano.

Oita is famous for its hot-spring towns Beppu and Yufuin, but it also has charming castle towns and a mountainous inland, perfect for hiking and cycling.

Miyazaki is considered a home of the gods and ancient legends. Dense forests, dramatic gorges and hidden mountain villages take you back to those storied times.

Kagoshima is a beautiful land of contrasts, from Sakurajima, the active volcano, to the ancient forests of Yakushima and the tropical islands around Amami Oshima.

Top Attractions

Dazaifu tenmangu shrine.

This major Shinto shrine less than an hour from Fukuoka's city center, is famous for its abundant plum blossoms and fascinating history.

Hells of Beppu

Beppu Onsen is one of the most famous hot spring towns in Japan. Visit Beppu's colorful "hells," hot springs that reach over 100 degrees Celsius.

Kumamoto Castle

With a black facade and commanding views over the city, the castle is a symbol of Kumamoto. Although it was damaged in the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake, its restoration is a sigh of hope for the area.

Ibusuki Onsen

This hot spring town at the southern tip of Kagoshima is famous for its sunamushi, or sand bathing. The sands are warmed by volcanic hot springs.

Kujukushima

Although the name translates to ninety-nine islands, there are actually 208 lushly forested islands, scattered across the bay near Sasebo. only four are inhabited.

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The Most Beautiful Places to Visit on Japan’s Southern Island of Kyushu

Sightseeing

The furthest south of Japan's main islands and the third largest after Honshu and Hokkaido, Kyushu's seemingly out-of-the-way location means most people don't tend to make it out here. However Kyushu is home to some of the country's most incredible scenery, delicious foods and a unique side of Japan that's much different to the rest of the archipelago.

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Takachiho Gorge

Nagasaki night view, kumamoto castle, yoshinogari historical park.

Photo by Sean Pavone/Shutterstock

Nestled in the far southern reaches of Kyushu, Kagoshima is well worth making the extra journey to get to for its beautiful views over the city and out to the imposing Sakurajima, a volcano peak rising out of the water across from the city. While it's sloping sides might be reminiscent of the iconic Mt Fuji (Although Sakurajima looks like it's had the top hacked off), unlike its northern cousin, this volcano is highly active, the most active in Japan in fact, and plumes of smoke can often be seen billowing out. Due to its highly active status, it's not permitted to walk to the actual crater, however you'll find several viewing spots across the island where you can get a closer view.

Photo by Journey is bliss/Shutterstock

This chilled-out town is packed full of hot springs, both public and private, divided into eight different onsen areas. While it's a great place for anyone to visit, the town really shines for those who might consider themselves as more hardcore onsen enthusiasts. With almost three thousand hot spring vents spread throughout the city, here you can find a range of different water styles and relaxation spots. Apart from standard baths with different mineral contents you'll also find mud baths and sand baths, where you'll be buried in heated sand.

Photo by Kitinut Jinapuck/Shutterstock

Some of the best natural scenery you'll find around the island, Takachiho Gorge is renowned for its huge sheer cliffs that rise up either side of the Gokase River. While admiring the scenery from the walkway built there is stunning enough, for the best experience rent a kayak as you traverse down the gorge. It's not just limited to the gorge itself either, the surrounding mountains, rice paddies and quaint rural villages make for some gorgeous backdrops that highly warrant spending a little longer to explore the area.

Photo by www.istockphoto.com

Remarked as one of Japan's top three night views and even the world, the view over Nagasaki from the adjacent Mt Inasa is a sight you can't miss out on while visiting Kyushu. With views over the busy port, the sprawling metropolis and the jagged mountain scenery, there's no sight quite like it in the country. Due to Mount Inasa's close proximity to the city, there are several ways to get there. The most scenic journey would be to take the cable car to the top as you're able to get panoramic views every step of the way. However you can also take a bus or taxi to the top or even just hike up there if you're up for more of a challenge, which takes just under an hour.

One of the most beautiful of the traditional Japanese castles found around the country, Kumamoto Castle's beauty is heightened by the incredible surrounding scenery. The castle and its surroundings were heavily damaged during the destructive earthquakes in 2016, however repairs to the main buildings are expected to finish sometime this month in time for the Rugby World Cup. The city is due to host two of the world cup games.

Photo by kan_khampanya/Shutterstock

An extraordinary archaeological site in Saga Prefecture, Yoshinogari is the site of an ancient settlement dating back to Japan's Yayoi Period from 300 BC to 300 AD. The perfect place to learn about this fascinating time in the country's history, the park features a number of wonderfully reconstructed buildings to show visitors just how life was like during this time.

Photo by Alick To/Shutterstock

Requiring a ferry journey from Kagoshima, few make it out to this subtropical jungle island covered in ancient forests and overgrown trails, but those who do are always pleasantly surprised. A real must-see for any nature-lovers, much of the forest covering the island is over a thousand years old with some trees thought to date back to 7000 years ago. Hiking around the forests is truly spectacular especially when mist forms giving it an eerie, enchanted feel to it.

It might not be as popular as the region around Tokyo and Kyoto, however Kyushu offers a number of unique experiences and escapes to nature you won't find anywhere else in the country. Well connected by frequent air routes to all over the island, along with the bullet train that takes between two and three hours from Osaka, Kyushu is easy to get to and just as easy to get around.

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• Asia pacific

The South travel guide

Southern Japan encompasses the islands of Shikoku and Kyushu, and Chugoku – the western extremity of Honshu. Each is quite different yet all have one element in common: Seto Naikai, or the Inland Sea. All three regions also face the open ocean, and as a result, each area has widely varying climates. The area also extends far to the southwest along the subtropical island chain of Nansai-shoto, which includes Okinawa.

Chugoku and Shikoku

Chogoku is the westernmost third of Honshu, a predominantly rural area anchored by the large city of Hiroshima . The northern coastline along the Sea of Japan is particularly attractive.

One of the least-developed and least visited parts of Japan, Shikoku is an island of rugged terrain battered by Pacific typhoons in the late summer months. Its attractions (and drawbacks) are attendant on its relative isolation – particularly away from the more developed north around the cities of Takamatsu and Matsuyama, Shikoku can provide a more “Japanese” experience than either Honshu or Kyushu. The people are less familiar with foreigners and its atmosphere has been less influenced by the homogenising aspects of modern culture.

As for Kyushu , there are those who believe that this large island, particularly the southern part, is a nation unto itself. Winters are noticeably milder than further north, and the summer heat lasts longer. It seems, at times, almost forgotten by the rest of Japan.

But Kyushu has always been in the vanguard of development and change. This is where the Yamato tribe – and thus the Japanese people – first took root in what was to become their homeland. It was Kyushu that withstood the onslaught of the Mongols from the mainland. It is also from where the Japanese first struck out on foreign conquest – the invasion of Korea in 1594 – and where ancient Chinese and Korean culture entered the archipelago as foundations for Japanese art and philosophy. In later years, it was one of the few places where Westerners had a foothold in the xenophobic islands.

Even in the most populous and industrial cities such as Fukuoka and Nagasaki , the pace is mellow, if not downright sleepy, ­compared with Tokyo and Osaka. The island has some fantastically scenic countryside, and there are more active volcanoes than on any other Japanese island. Overall it is one of most enjoyable parts of the country to visit.

Island chain

Chugoku, Shikoku and Kyushu are large enough to keep travellers occupied for quite some time. Smaller gems await even further south, however. Like pearls upon the ocean, islands drip away from Kyushu’s southern tip and stretch down to within 200 km (125 miles) of Taiwan. This string of islands, Nansai-shoto , is over 1,200 km (750 miles) in length. Best known by foreigners is Okinawa for its historical importance in World War II and also for its cultural uniqueness. There are numerous other islands, each significantly distinct from its neighbours and all worthy of exploration.

Places to visit in the South of Japan

One moment – 8.15am, 6 August 1945 – irrevocably changed world history. An atomic flash signalled the instant destruction of Hiroshima, the eventual loss of over 200,000 lives, and forever linked the city’s name with nuclear horror. The immediate and lasting impact on Hiroshima gives concrete reality to the horrors of atomic and nuclear war. Unlike Nagasaki, the second city to have received such an attack but which doesn’t dwell much on past history, there seem to be reminders of Hiroshima’s atomic bombing around virtually every corner in the city.

Amazingly, Hiroshima’s people quickly rebuilt a vibrant city from the ashes, making it larger and more prosperous than the old one and leaving a few carefully chosen scars to memorialise its abiding atomic legacy. Modern Hiroshima is a prosperous and attractive city of broad avenues, green parks and almost a million citizens, which is more than double its World War II population.

Peace Memorial Park and Museum

Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park (Heiwa Kinen-koen) is the city's must-see sight, a sobering reminder of the tragedy of 1945.

The movingly simple Peace Memor­ial Mus­eum documents the horror with charts, models, photo­graphs, videos, everyday objects transformed by the unimaginable heat of the blast and a life-sized diorama portraying horribly burned victims. One of the most powerful exhibits is a single photograph: a human shadow left imprinted on the steps of the Sumitomo Bank at the moment of the ‘flash’. The curators have gone to considerable lengths to document the horror of atomic weapons and nuclear war in general, driving towards the in­evitable­ conclusion that such weapons must never again be used.

Outside the museum, the Cenotaph contains the names of the 108,956 casualties, with the inscription: ‘Let all the souls here rest in peace, for the evil shall not be repeated’. There is also a huge bronze Peace Bell. At the northern end of the park stands the lone structure preserved since 1945: the former Hiroshima­ Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall, the Atomic Dome, which marks ground zero of Hiroshima’s atomic explosion.

A short distance along the bay from Hiroshima is the crimson torii (shrine gate) of Miyajima, one of Japan's holiest Shinto sites, rising dramatically from the waters off the eponymous island. Miyajima is known as the island of shrines: most of the island is covered with forest, and visitors make their way through herds of semi-wild deer to arrive at the best vantage points. The current gate was built in 1874 but its predecessor had lured pilgrims for 7 centuries before that.

Dogo hot springs (onsen), Shikoku

The Dogo hot springs in the city of Matsuyama are reckoned to be the oldest in Japan. They are mentioned in the Manyoshu , the ancient collection of Japanese poetry ( circa 759). Head up the precipitous stairways to Tamano-yu (Water of the Spirits) and soak your body in the revitalising waters. Read more…

Ranged around an hilly peninsula on the west coast of Kyushu, Nagasaki is an unexpectedly charming city. To a large extent, this reflects its unbroken experience of more than four centuries of hospitality to foreigners – Chinese, Portuguese and Dutch – during a period in Japanese history when the country was characterised by often murderous xenophobia. Its natural harbour, surrounded by green hills, is one of the most attractive in the world. Indeed, the city’s distinct geography allowed most of its older neighbourhoods to survive the terrible destruction wrought by the second atomic bomb to be dropped on Japan, on 9 August 1945 – despite the fact that the Nagasaki bomb was more powerful than the one dropped on Hiroshima three days earlier.

Foreign communities

Christianity was utterly and viciously suppressed following the Christian-led Shimbara Rebellion of 40,000 peasants south of Nagasaki in 1637. As a result, Japan’s sole officially sanctioned contact with Europeans for the next two centuries was through a settlement on Dejima island in Nagasaki Harbour. The artificial island – now part of the mainland – was built for Portuguese traders but it was occupied by the Dutch after the Portuguese were banished in 1638. Its occupants were confined to a small, walled area and contact with Japanese was limited to a small circle of ­officials, traders, prostitutes and, in the later years, scholars. The Dejima Museum of History (Shiryokan) has interesting relics of the Dutch community.

To see how the Dutch of a later era lived, climb the cobbled street of Hollander Slope, where you’ll see some red-brick and wooden clapboard houses with colonial-style verandahs and – a rare sight atop houses in Japan – chimneys.

The British presence in 19th-century Nagasaki is commemorated at the hillside Glover Gardens (Glover-en) – named after Thomas Glover, a prominent 19th-century trader – a short distance west of Hollander Slope. Escalators take you up to the houses of British traders, elegant mixtures of Japanese and Euro­pean architecture. To the delighted curiosity of Japanese visitors, the houses are filled with  Victorian paraphernalia: damask-covered furniture, an upright piano, a massive mahogany sideboard and a grand old gramophone with a big horn, manufactured by the Nippon-Ophone Company.

Kofukuji temple was the first of the Zen Buddhist temples built by the Chinese (1620) after the Tokugawa shoguns had outlawed Christianity and ordered citizens to register as Buddhists. In a picturesque setting with palm trees in the courtyard, the temple’s architecture and sculpture are typical of southern China.

The pride and joy of the neighbourhood is the Megane-bashi , a double-arched stone bridge across the Nakajima River. It was built in 1634 by the abbot of Kofukuji and is the oldest of its kind in the country. The reflection of the double arches in the river on a fairly calm day creates a visual image resembling a pair of glasses. The narrow streets bordering the river are full of interesting antiques shops, coffee shops and restaurants.

Memories of war

The Nagasaki Peace Park (Heiwa-koen) embraces the epicentre of the atomic blast that left 73,884 people dead, 74,904 injured and a miraculous 71,585 unscathed. The hills surrounding the city did much to contain the subsequent atomic fallout. The park features a monumental sculpture (by local artist Kitamura Seibo) that stirred considerable controversy when unveiled in 1955. The massive figure’s right hand points skyward – towards­ the actual point of detonation – as a warning of the constant threat of nuclear weapons, while his left hand stretches out in a gesture of universal peace. As in Hiroshima, one of the most moving monuments is a single piece of masonry­ left standing. Here it is the red-brick and grey-stone remains­ of an arch from the Urakami Catholic Church, at the time the largest church in Asia.

A short distance south is the Atomic Bomb Museum , less elaborate than the one at Hiroshima , but provocative and challenging nonetheless. The exhibits powerfully document the build-up to the dropping of the atomic bomb on Nagasaki and the horrific effects of the blast itself and its aftermath. Simple objects – a melted bottle, the charred remains of a kimono – as well as photo­graphs of victims provide stark evidence of the bomb’s destructive­ powers.

Finally, a rewarding experience at the end of a long day is to take the cable car to the top of Mt Inasa , 332m (1,089ft) high, for a dramatic sunset view of Nagasaki and its harbour as the city lights begin to sparkle.

Looming large in the middle of Kyushu, Mt Aso is actually a series of five volcanic cones, its massive caldera stretching to a circumference of 128 km (80 miles). Signposts along the roads welcome visitors to Hi-no-Kuni , the “Land of Fire”.  Of the five peaks Daikanbo, at 936 metres (3,070 ft), is the highest. Nakadake, emitting sulphurous fumes and high-temperature gases that occasionally bring hiking above the basin to an abrupt halt, is an active volcano. The ideal way to explore the area beyond the main road connecting the caldera with the town would be by bicycle – a steep ride up, a blissful one down – or time permitting, on foot.

Once in the caldera, a striking shape materialises on the right-hand side of the road. This is the grass-covered hill known as Komezuka , the name meaning “inverted rice-bowl”. Equally suggestive of the ziggurat or burial mound of some ancient nature cult, it is a configuration of great beauty.

Buses en route for Nakadate , the massive, highly active crater which is for many the highlight of an Aso trip, stop a little further on at Kusasenri-ga-Hama, a circular plain that was originally a minor crater. A large pond at its centre serves as a watering hole for cattle and horses. The Aso Volcano Museum , with its 170-degree multi-screens relaying images of the crater and its catchment area is also here. All this subterranean activity means superb hot springs, most found in the caldera itself, though there are onsen retreats tucked away in the highlands nearby as well.

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Read more from the travel guide to Japan

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Southern Japan Tours & Trips

Southern Japan is worth adding to your bucket list. With its ancient temples, soaring skyscrapers, progressive technology and abundant nature from forests to idyllic beaches can keep the pickiest traveller busy. Make sure you add Kagoshima and Hiroshima to your adventure itinerary.

250+ Southern Japan tour packages with 4,715 reviews

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Japan Express: Osaka to Tokyo

The guide was the best

Japan Adventure

Couldn't have asked for a better trip to Japan. Such an amazing tour, guide and group of people. I love how everything is planned and included but you also have the time needed to make the trip your own. Intro are such an easy company to use, can always get in touch with someone and alter your trip if you need to.

Japan One Life Adventures - 10 Days

This was my first group trip. I am more than happy with OneLife Adventures and especially with the tour guide Sarah Dalley! She organized everything perfectly and always responded to individual requests and questions. I couldn't imagine a better trip to Japan!

Discover Japan

The tour guide, Kumiko, was fantastic — patient, friendly, informative and always helpful. Accommodation was OK to good. The overall schedule was well paced.

9D Splendid Japan with Nagoya (private 3 star hotel rooms)

We really enjoyed our tour. Accommodation was very good and comfortable. We weren't sure until each day where we were actually staying- the bookings should be confirmed before we leave so we can look at what to go and see around the hotels in the evenings in advance. We met fabulous fellow travellers which made it worthwhile too. The only downside is that day 1 and 10 are essentially arrive and leave days - so no touring as such. On 2 1/2 days- to make use of your tour guide's expertise- you pay extra for 'optional tours' and for another 2 days before leaving- no tour guide around to advise as they've gone to meet another group. I was aware of this when booking, but be sure you are aware that of the 10 days, essentially 4 are either not guided days and 2 1/2 are only guided if you pay extra. So we paid for accommodation, breakfast, bus travel and guiding for 3 1/2 days. We did all the extra tours at a cost of about US$500 extra to the initial cost, and we found it worthwhile though rushed at times. It gave us a glimpse- we'd really want to come back to experience some places in more detail. Our guide was a character- very knowledgeable, a little hard to understand sometimes- when he spoke quickly, had a dry sense of humour! Japan is magnificent, safe and wonderful to travel in.

Stunning Japan with Shirakawa-go (private 3 star hotel rooms)

The tour was good in : 1.coverage of many different cities in the 9 days 2. Visited many popular places of interest 3. Philip, our tour guide was nice but the driver, Uchimura-san was really topnotch. His driving was very smooth and very safe,. even when the roads were wet with snow. The tour was not so good in: 1. The Osaka Castle Hotel was abit rundown, and it was very noisy in the early morning. It sounded like someone was doing some construction work. The airconditioning was not working and it was warm. 2. The itinerary states that we would visit Arashiyama in Kyoto but we were asked to join and pay for a Kyoto tour. 3. In the Mt Fuji area, itinerary stated that we would go for a cruise on Lake Ashi but we were taken on a cruise on Lake Kawaguchi. 4. In Suwa, the Sun Route Inn had 2 blocks. I don't understand why we were put in the block where the bus can't access., and we had to lug our luggage across the road. 4. The hotel in Tokyo was situated in Ariake. While it is pretty new. Ariake is quite far to go to various places in Tokyo. Overall, I would give this tour a 4/5

Japan One Life Adventures - 14 Days

It was incredible. Felt like I saw, ate and experienced everything there is in Japan! The planning and efficient use of public transport was very nice. Our guide (Alyssa) made sure we got to places on time and ensured a hassle free trip through out. She explained just the right amount and at the right time so that we got most relevant info and yet not too much so that we could experience it ourselves and form our own perspectives. Overall it was a great memorable trip!

Essential Japan

I was a solo traveller and was exclusively focused on the must-see sights of Southern Japan. Europamundo offered the exact states and locations for me. They also offered the flexibility to join or leave the tour depending on individual travel plans. The tour was operationally excellent. The guide was the best tour guide I have ever had. The hotels were centrally located or had transfer services. Wonderful trip.

Epic 13-Day Japan Budget Tour: Odyssey Across the Land of the Rising Sun

Ricardo was our trip leader and was incredible! He is so chill. Even with such a fast paced tour he was always calm and collected and always giving out recommendations and advice for things to do. The trip is fast paced and involves a lot of walking and public transport. I personally loved this as it meant I was always busy and travelling like a local. There is a good amount of free time and to be able to do Nara on the free day is great as it meant we could take our time there. The hostels were pretty good (one was a bit too cramped for the amount of people but that’s hostel travelling for you). The rest were good and to be honest it’s only a place to sleep as you’ll be so busy. I would highly recommend this trip. I had never heard of the company before but so glad I took the risk. Again I would like to thank Ricardo for being so amazing as a tour leader!

• 5% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Japan Express

Very good experience. The leader was knowledgeable and friendly. There was also plenty of free time to explore on my own

• Coach / Bus

Wonders of Japan End Osaka

Nice hotels, good food and many palaces to see

Premium Japan

We had an amazing holiday. Japan was all we had hoped for. The group worked so well, we all got on and became good friends. Shingo, our guide was totally great. He was so pleasant and helpful. His English not brilliant but he did a great job. We felt maybe a little more information on places and sights might have been good. He was constantly helping us all and looking after us. He made great suggestions for meals and always checked up on us all, even when we split into smaller groups for the evening. He went way beyond what he could have done and made everyone feel safe and well looked after. He even helped booking all our onward travel and ensured we were all ok on the day. Wonderful man!! The hotels were nice, if a little small with almost no storage in most of them! Breakfasts were generally very good. We saw and did so much. In fact, we felt sometimes it was a little too much to fit into each day, and either missed some things out or were too rushed, missing stopping and looking at leisure at things and shops etc. Shingo was so patient, even when we caused him to run a little late! Due to distances covered we spent a lot of time travelling which was an interesting experience. Just meant time at destinations was a little short. As Most of us were older we all felt very tired at the end of each day and struggled especially when we had to carry back packs whilst waiting to be reunited with luggage. Dont know what the answer is, if extra days added, then expense goes up. If itinerary cut back, then Interesting sights missed out! Overall, a truly great trip. We enjoyed it all!

Japan Family Holiday

Yuji did an amazing job of ensuring a smooth trip, while being very flexible to the desires of the group. He planned beautifully and gave us the skills and confidence to navigate on our own for our free time. He kept the group from frittering away time and shared insights into history and culture for the many highlights. Had we tried to do this trip on our own, we would optimistically have been able to see half as much and would have entirely missed some very memorable experiences, like Hakone. We did the family tour and would highly recommend for families with kids 9-16.

All Inclusive Japan Classics- 9 days

This tour was fantastic. The tour owners are foodies so we were told and it showed. The tour itself was terrific and well organized but on top of that the restaurant and other food choices etc. were just stellar.

Premium Highlights of Japan

What people love about southern japan tours.

Excellent tour. Knowledgeable and passionate guide. Tour had great value for the money. Great itinerary. I would have probably skipped Hakone and added Hiroshima if it makes sense logistically. Otherwise perfect itinerary.

The tour was amazing and blew away my expectations. This tour gives you everything from enjoying the neon cities of Tokyo and Osaka to the peaceful quiet towns of Takayama. This tour covered a lot of Japan and if you want to the most in Japan this tour does it. I can't express how much fun I had and our tour guide Holly just made it more fun also. I would recommend this trip to anyone as it was one of my best trips of my life.

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Southern Japan Experience

12 days | go off the path in southern japan through steaming onsens, inspiring artworks and volcano panoramas.

One of Japan’s greatest attractions is its ability to offer modern and traditional versions of itself. On this 12-day trip, you’ll veer off the main island of Honshu and travel to the less-touristy southwest. Discover revived art on the island of Naoshima, wander the castle in Matsuyama and spend a night in a tranquil homestay in the village of Usuki. Steam away your worries in the onsens in Beppu and be treated to two nights in the volcanic Mt Aso, staying right in the middle of a caldera in a traditional Japanese inn surrounded by rice terraces. Remind yourself of the sobering history of Nagasaki and end it all back where it began – in thriving Osaka. This adventure is the ultimate combination of modern art, bullet trains, countryside villages, traditional inns, delicious feasts and onsens, surrounded by impressive views of rice terraces, volcano craters and deep gorges. If you’re looking for a new side of Japan – this is it!

Trip overview

• Explore the unique island of Naoshima – transformed from a sleepy fishing community into a world-class art destination, with sleek and stylish museums and artworks that harmonise with the landscape.
• Stay in a countryside homestay, taking you off the beaten track to experience excellent Japanese hospitality. Feast on home-cooked meals over fascinating conversations with your welcoming hosts and learn about rural life in Japan.
• Watch the steam coming out of the ‘hells’ (hot spring pools in Jigoku) of Beppu and enjoy a soak in a Michelin star onsen, followed by a unique experience for dinner – you’ll steam your food in the hot spring water, creating authentic flavours rich with healthy minerals!
• Take in the stunning view of the five peaks of Mount Aso from the Daikanbo Observatory, then a light hike on the moon-like terrain to the largest crater of Nakadake before hopping in a rowboat to paddle through the deep gorge of Takachiho.
• Expect the unexpected in Nagasaki, tragically famous for being one of the only two cities that were bombed during the war. Discover the unique charm of this port-side Dutch influenced city and all the history it has collected over the years.
• By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Eden Reforestation Projects. Donations help them provide local employment opportunities and tackle climate change one tree at a time as they restore forests across 10 different countries.
• Japan is best to explore on foot – in fact, most travellers are surprised at how much distance they end up covering just exploring places! Make sure your shoes are comfy and sturdy, and you’re fit enough to spend most of each day on your feet.
• You’ll stay in a homestay and a traditional Japanese inn on this trip. It’s a great taste of tradition and local life and you’ll sleep on the traditional tatami mat (futons and blankets on the floor mat), just like the locals do! The facilities here will be shared.
• This trip uses mainly public transport, which means you’ll ravel the same way as the locals do. These are great opportunities to experience authentic local travel but be prepared to pack light and smart for this trip as you'll be required to carry your luggage between train stations and to hotels, which can include going up and down multiple flights of stairs in crowded areas.

Konnichiwa! Welcome to Osaka, Japan. Ever-vibrant Osaka is also the country’s unofficial culinary capital, whose motto is 'Kuidaore' (eat until you drop). Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm where you'll meet your trip leader and fellow travellers. You can arrive at any time during the day, as no activities are planned until then. After the meeting, perhaps join your new travel companions for an optional dinner at a local restaurant.

• Hotel (1 night)

There are no meals included on this day.

It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place. As this trip spends very little time in Osaka, it’s recommended that you arrive a few extra days before your trip if you want to experience all the city has to offer.

Depart Osaka this morning and begin the journey west. Take the train across the bridge spanning the stunning Inland Sea and onto Takamatsu. This may be the largest city on the island of Shikoku (the smallest of Japan’s four main islands), but it's a beautifully unpretentious town full of history, top-notch food and interesting local art. Here, you'll visit Ritsurin Garden – one of the most beautiful gardens in the country. Dating back to the Edo period, it comprises several ponds and arched bridges designed around strolling paths, tea pavilions and historic trees, with a western garden in addition to the Japanese one. The garden also houses the Sanuki Folkcraft Museum, which displays a variety of ceramics and basketwork dating from the time of the Tokugawa shoguns.

• Takamatsu - Ritsurin Garden & Sanuki Folkcraft Museum

Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

Take the ferry this morning for a daytrip to the island of Naoshima, in the Inland Sea between Takamatsu and the mainland – famous worldwide for its modern art galleries, museums, avant-garde architecture and lovely natural setting. Explore the island by public bus or bicycle to take you between the galleries and installations. Wander between artworks, hear the sound of waves lapping at quiet coves and stumble upon the wonderful outdoor sculptures. Return to Takayama after a full day on the island, where you’ll have a free night.

• Takamatsu - Naoshima day trip (ferry, public bus & bicycle)
• Naoshima - Art House Project (combined ticket) - JPY1050
• Naoshima - Chichu Art Museum - JPY2100
• Naoshima - Benesse House Museum - JPY1300

If there are particular art projects that you would like to visit on Naoshima Island, please check the official websites for their opening days and times so you can plan accordingly.

This morning, take the train and head west to Matsuyama – one of Japan’s least discovered prefectures coined ‘the citrus state’ by the locals. When you arrive and have maybe picked up a mikan (mandarin) or two, visit the hill-top Matsuyama Castle with your group. This is one of Japan's most impressive surviving castles, sitting right in the middle of the city. Unlike most castles in Japan, this one has an exciting collection of artefacts inside, so take the chance to check them out and learn a little more about Matsuyama's feudal history while you’re there. This afternoon, you’ll have some free time to relax and unwind at the Dogo Onsen – one of the oldest bath houses in Japan – or if you’d prefer more exploration, maybe visit Ishiteji Temple – the 51st of the 88 temples that make up Shikoku’s 88 Sacred Temples circuit (Japan’s most famous pilgrimage route).

• Matsuyama - Matsuyama Castle
• Matsuyama - Dogo Onsen (basic entry) - JPY460
• Matsuyama - Ishiteji Temple - Free

Your travel time today will be approximately 1.5 hours.

Get ready for a bit of a travel day today. Jump on a train and then ferry for Usuki, on Kyushu Island – the third largest of Japan’s four main islands. When you arrive around midday and get on a public bus to the village. You’ll visit the local sake brewery, where you’ll get to see how sake (the national drink of Japan, beloved by the locals) is made, followed by a tasting of the brewery’s finest. Your hospitable hosts will be waiting for you as well and will welcome you into their house once you arrive. Your evening here will be filled with fun, collaborative dinner preparation, followed by a feast of delicious home-cooked dishes. Share stories with your hosts, get to know about their life here and learn a few things about Japanese cooking that you can bring home with you.

• Homestay (1 night)
• Usuki - Local Sake brewery visit and tasting
• Usuki - Japanese home-cooking experience

Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours. Your homestay tonight will be in twin share rooms with shared bathrooms. The group may be divided into different households, depending on the group size and composition. You’ll sleep on the traditional tatami mat with a futon, a pillow and blankets provided. Prepare an overnight pack for your homestay tonight, as your main luggage will be transferred to the hotel in Beppu today. Please make sure you take your valuable belongings with you. The cost of only one piece of main luggage is included. If you have additional luggage to transfer, you leader will advise you the extra cost.

Say goodbye to your hosts after a traditional home-cooked breakfast together. Then, head to Beppu, famous for its variety of hot springs and onsens in Kyushu. Enjoy a lunch that is special to Beppu. This specialty restaurant offers a unique dining experience where you can select the food you’d like, put the dishes in a steamer and watch as they’re cooked by the steam of the hot springs! This means your food will be infused with all the healthy minerals of the baths. Some may find this a little bland as very limited seasoning is used however this is the perfect chance to enjoy the true original flavors of the food. Then you’ll visit Jigoku (translated to 'hell' & you'll see why locals call it that) – a collection of differently coloured steaming hot spring pools that showcase different benefits. Afterwards, head to a local Michelin star onsen for an authentic onsen experience including a relaxing soak. The evening is yours to spend in this relaxing city.

• Beppu - 'Hells' of Beppu (Jigoku)
• Beppu - local onsen
• Beppu - Steamed lunch (Beppu style)

The onsen we visit today is tattoo friendly. Your leader will explain the etiquette for onsen prior to the visit. The basic entrance fee is included that'll allow you to try a variety of different public hot spring pools here. But if you prefer some privacy, a private one can be booked at additional cost. Sand bath is also available at additional cost. Please check with your leader at the start of the trip if you would like to arrange these alternative experiences.For limited departures where we can’t book the Michelin star onsen, we’ll book an alternative one in the town which can also provide an excellent experience.

Today is all about chasing stunning views! Hop in your private transfer this morning and head to Mt Aso, stopping at Ogi Rice Terrace along the way. Soak up the scenic landscape of Ogi, which locate between Mt. Aso and Kuju Mountains Range. When you’ve snapped some photos, head on to the Daikanbo Observatory for some pretty excellent views of the five central peaks of Mt Aso. This viewpoint is also known as the Nehan-zo, or Nirvana Buddha, referencing the image of Buddha in repose. Fuel up your energy with a lunch stop and then get ready for a hike on the moon-like Sunesenri trail to Nakadake Crater – the largest among the five craters of the mountain. After your hike, continue your journey to your accommodation for the next two nights – you’ll be staying in a traditional Japanese inn, right in the caldera formed from ancient volcano eruptions. Surrounded by rice fields, you’re in for a peaceful couple of days and nights here.

• Japanese Inn (1 night)
• Mount Aso - Ogi Rice terraces
• Mount Aso - Daikanbo Observatory
• Mount Aso - Nakadake Crater
• Mount Aso - Sunasenri trail hike

Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours. The hike is about 45 minutes to a hour on established trails, but there may be some sections that are a little steep, so please make sure you wear comfortable and sturdy shoes with good grip. For those who prefer not to hike, you may take the bus to see the crater, but you’ll need to wait for the group to return from the hike. In cases where the weather or risk level is not suitable for the hike or to see the crater, you'll head onto the accommodation directly. We'll follow local authority's advice in these cases. You’ll stay in twin shared rooms tonight with shared facilities in the traditional inn tonight. As it’s the traditional style, you’ll sleep on the tatami mat with a futon, pillows and blankets provided. Breakfasts and dinners are included here. Occasionally we may not be able to book the minshuku on the caldera and an alternative minshuku or hotel will be booked in a different location to ensure there won't be an impact to the itinerary.

This morning after breakfast, you’ll head out and visit the stunning Takachiho Gorge – a narrow chasm cut through the rock by the Gokase River. This gorgeous spot has sheer cliffs of volcanic basalt columns, which the locals say represent the scales of a dragon. Here, you’ll hop in rowing boats and head out on a serene paddle through the gorge, passing Minainotaki Waterfall against the backdrop of the green foliage (this area is especially colourful in autumn!). After, take a walk above the gorge for a different perspective, followed by a visit to Takachiho Shrine. Return to your guesthouse in the mid-afternoon.

• Takachiho - Takachiho gorge rowing boat ride
• Takachiho - Takachiho Shrine

Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours. The rowing boat fits three people and only the person sitting in the middle can row, so you’ll need to decide who can take one for the team! In case of bad weather or ticketing issue at Takachiho Gorge, your leader will arrange an alternative activity instead.

This morning, say goodbye to your scenic guesthouse and hop back on the train to the porcelain town of Arita – porcelain in Japan was first produced here and this small town is known nationwide for its pottery, known as Arita-yaki. Embark on a walking tour to see the old part of town and the Tonbai Wall Alleys. Then, continue to Tozen Shrine, dedicated to the god of pottery – you’ll see the locals’ dedication to the art form here, as they even have a porcelain Torii gate and a porcelain guardian dog! Continue to Nagasaki via train, arriving in the late afternoon. You have a free evening, so maybe ask your leader where to grab the best local fare.

• Arita - Tonbai Wall Alleys walking tour
• Arita - Tozan Shrine

Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.

Wake up in Nagasaki this morning – the coastal city set on a natural harbour, with the surrounding hills providing gorgeous viewpoints over the scenic hub. Visit the Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum for a sobering reminder of what happened on that dreadful day – the 9th of August 1945. If you wish to reflect and explore further, there are some other interesting museums nearby worth visiting. Take the time to explore Nagasaki in your free afternoon. Consider heading over to Dejima – this fascinating artificial island was once a Dutch trading post in the 17th to the 19th centuries (and the sole foreign presence in the whole country at one point). The 26 Martyrs Memorial, Oura Catholic Church, Glover Garden and Dutch Slopes also give you a glimpse into the life of the early Christians and European traders in Japan. This evening, maybe slurp up some champon noodles (ramen, Nagasaki-style)!

• Nagasaki - Peace Park & Atomic Bomb Museum
• Nagasaki - Glover Garden - JPY620
• Nagasaki - Nagasaki Museum of History & Culture - JPY630
• Nagasaki - Dejima Historical District - JPY520
• Nagasaki - 26 Martyrs Memorial - JPY500
• Nagasaki - Oura Catholic Church - JPY1000

Say goodbye to Kyushu and jump on the shinkansen back to Osaka. When you arrive this afternoon, soak up some free time to relax or explore. Tonight, why not head out for dinner and drinks with your leader and fellow travellers, to celebrate an amazing trip in southern Japan?

Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours. There will be a few changeovers on your journey back to Osaka, involving quick transitions or going through crowds at train stations. You may want to check with your leader about luggage transfer from Nagasaki at your own expense if you prefer not to take your luggage with you for the train.

With no further activities planned, your trip comes to an end this morning. That doesn’t mean your time in Japan has to end! There is plenty to do and explore in Osaka, so if you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

3 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners

Train, Ferry, Public Bus, Private bus, Metro, Bullet Train

Hotel (8 nights), Homestay (1 night), Japanese Inn (2 nights)

Dates and availability

Important notes.

1. A Single Supplement is currently not available for this trip due to limited rooms at our chosen accommodation.

2 It is essential that you pack light and compact for rail travel in Japan. There are size restrictions for luggage on Shinkansen trains. Luggage from 160cm to 250cm may require an additional JPY1000 oversize luggage fee per train journey. Luggage over 251cm will NOT be permitted on the Shinkansen trains at all. Please notify your tour leader at your Welcome Meeting if your luggage is from 160cm to 250cm so they can make the necessary arrangements.

3. We are currently unable to book pre or post trip accommodation at our start and finish point hotels due to limited room availability. We recommend booking a hotel of your choice through your booking agent.

4. Please note that there are generally less double rooms in Japanese hotels, even those in Western style. While every effort will be made to accommodate double room requests, this may not always be possible.

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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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 .

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The maximum number of participants will not exceed 26 people during your Japan tour. Your group may be joined with other tour groups during the tour. Please note that your bus and tour guide may be changed if other groups join the tour.

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Single travelers are required to pay a single supplement in order to guarantee single room accommodation.

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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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Japan-bound Statistics

Time series data-set related to Overseas Residents’ Visit to Japan can be downloaded.

Overseas Residents' Visits to Japan 10 April 2024

• According to Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), the estimated number of international travelers to Japan in February 2024 was 2,788,000 (+7.1% compared to 2019).

Overseas Residents' Visits to Japan (Estimated figures)

2,788,000 Visits

YOY　 +89.0％

January to February

5,476,100 Visits

1.1 Overseas Residents' Visits to Japan by month

Source : Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)

1.2 Overseas Residents' Visits to Japan by year　 Annual

Overseas residents' visits to japan by country and region 12 april 2024.

• Looking at the number of international travelers to Japan by country/region in February 2024, South Korea had the highest number of foreign visitors to Japan at 818,500, followed by Taiwan at 502,200, and China at 459,400.

1.3 Overseas Residents' Visits to Japan by Country and Region

Source : Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) Figures until December 2023 are provisional. Figures up to January 2024 are estimate.

1.4 Overseas Residents' Visits to Japan by country or region, 2023　 Annual

Source : Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) *Provisional

1.5 Overseas Residents' Visits to Japan by Region　 Annual

Source : Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) Figures until 2022 are final. Figures in 2023 are provisional.

Download time series dataset .xlsx

Statistics of Overseas Residents' Visits to Japan (Historical figures/by Country/by purpose)

EXCEL formatted file/ 810kB Modified: 05 April 2024

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Discover the 4 Most Visited Countries in Asia

Posted: January 29, 2024 | Last updated: February 29, 2024

Asia is made up of several countries. However, some stand out when it comes to tourism. The top four most visited countries in Asia all have millions of visitors on average, with the lowest being close to 30 million and the highest over double that.

If you want to learn more about the most popular countries in Asia to visit, how many visitors they get a year, and why they are so popular, continue reading.

What Countries Are Considered Asian?

Generally, countries are grouped up by continents. However, when it comes to islands and outlying areas, it's not always easy to tell. Looking at a map doesn't help much unless you know where the tectonic plates that separate continents are.

There are a total of 48 countries in Asia . Because there are so many, people generally break them up into sections such as Southern Asia, Eastern Asia, South-Eastern Asia, Western Asia, and Central Asia.

Southern Asia

There are a total of nine Asian countries that are considered a part of Southern Asia.

The nine countries are:

• Afghanistan

Eastern Asia

Eastern Asia contains some of the more arguably developed and well-known Asian countries.

There are five countries classed under Eastern Asia:

• South Korea
• North Korea

South-Eastern Asia

South-Eastern Asian countries are fairly well known, though arguably not as developed.

There are 11 of these countries:

• Phillippines
• Timor-Leste

Western Asia

Western Asia is made up of the most countries, compared to the other sections of Asia.

There are a total of 18 Western Asian Countries:

• Saudi Arabia
• United Arab Emirates
• State of Palestine

Central Asia

Central Asia is a little more unknown. Part of this may be the similarity in the names, especially the ending of the names of the countries.

There are five Central Asian countries:

• Turkmenistan

The 4 Most Visited Countries in Asia

Now that you know all of the countries in Asia, take a look at which ones are visited the most every year.

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The fourth most-visited Asian country is the islands of Japan. On average, it was getting a little over 30 million visitors a year, with the number steadily increasing. Unfortunately, their progress was halted in 2019, and they haven't managed to reach 30 million visitors since then.

For post-COVID numbers, Japan hasn't been doing too bad. In 2023, right after the country opened up, Japan managed to reach 25 million tourists. This is roughly 79 percent of pre-COVID tourism, which is a bit better than they expected.

This didn't upset the Japanese government too much, which was happy to note that while tourism numbers weren't up to pre-COVID numbers, the income earned from tourists was up 10 percent higher. Japan expects to beat its 2019 tourism record in 2025.

3. Thailand

Thailand is in third place for tourism, only slightly beating out Japan on average. In 2018, Thailand had 38.2 million visitors. In 2019, there were 39.8 million.

Unfortunately, COVID hit Thailand hard. When the country fully opened back up in 2023, it didn't get the numbers it expected. Instead of 35 million people or more, there were only 24.5 million tourists.

Though the number difference is quite staggering, it's about what the country expected. They'd hoped to get somewhere between 25 and 30 million and were quite close to this number.

The government suspects that they'll reach pre-COVID numbers within the next few years. More importantly, they're expecting to get tourism revenue that matches pre-COVID amounts by the end of 2024.

Turkey is up for some heavy debate. Though it is usually considered an Asian country, it crosses into both continents. A large majority of the country is in Asia, which is why most people consider it Asian.

However, if you look at other lists to do with tourism, you'll often find that Turkey is included in Europe's lists.

For ease and consistency, this article includes Turkey in Asia. However, if you don't agree, you're free to skip right on ahead to number one on this list and pretend Turkey was never here.

Turkey has an average annual tourism of around 50 million people. During COVID, the numbers dropped down to between 17 and 30 million. In 2022 and beyond, the numbers jumped right back up to the 50 million mark. It's safe to say that Turkey is still doing fine, and earns its place on this list.

Russia is technically another country that is in both Europe and Asia, and you'll see it on many Asian maps. However, it's more often considered to be European than Asian, unlike Turkey.

For many years, China has topped the charts for most tourists, ranking closely with countries like the US, Spain, and France. In 2018, it had over 62.9 million international visitors. In 2019, it was up to 65.7 million.

Unfortunately, with COVID, the number of visitors to China dropped dramatically. Even by 2023, the number was only 35.5 million.

While that's a pretty dramatic drop, it's actually a good sign for China. It may be roughly half of the visitors pre-COVID, but it's seven times higher than the number of tourists in 2022.

It remains to be seen whether China can get back on track and stay at the top for tourism when compared to other Asian countries. Based on the increase in one year alone, though, it's looking good.

• Discover the 10 Most Visited Countries in Europe
• Discover the Top 10 Cheapest Countries in Asia
• The 75 Most Iconic Places Around the World – In Alphabetical Order by Continent!

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Japan blocks overcrowded selfie spot, bans tourists from traditional areas to cope with explosion of travellers

After fears that tourist numbers would never return to pre-pandemic levels, it may now be a case of too much of a good thing for Japan.

A combination of a weak yen, more affordable airfares, the relaxation of coronavirus restrictions and "revenge travel" has led to monthly visitors to Japan hitting a record high.

Over-tourism is now such a problem for one Japanese town it has erected a barrier to block snow-capped views of Mount Fuji, after locals complained about the bad behaviour of selfie-seeking visitors.

So, what measures have been implemented to curb over-tourism?

How is Japan handling over-tourism?

Over-tourism happens when so many visitors are attracted to an area that life becomes unpleasant for the locals, despite any economic or other ostensible benefits.

One of Japan's busiest tourist periods of the year ended on Monday.

Golden Week — which ran from April 27 to May 5 — coincided with multiple public holidays and near-perfect spring weather.

To help deal with all the international tourists in the country during one of Japan's busiest periods, authorities have tried a range of measures.

In Kamakura, a popular temple city, English-speaking guides have been helping to direct tourists to stop them obstructing busy train stations, according to Nikkei.

Kyoto's traditional neighbourhood, Gion, recently banned visitors from its small private alleys. 

Locals had complained of snap-happy tourists harassing the city's immaculately attired geisha, who had to remind them it was "not a theme park".

Authorities in Kyoto have also reportedly installed screens at the main train station showing live feeds of tourist areas so visitors can assess crowds and plan their trips better.

Many people visit the small, scenic Japanese town of Fujikawaguchiko in Yamanashi Prefecture, causing chaos on local streets while trying to photograph Mount Fuji.

Authorities said they had had enough of the excessive number of foreigners littering, ignoring traffic regulations and even climbing on roofs of office buildings in search of the perfect selfie spot.

Exasperated town officials eventually blocked the view of Mount Fuji with a 2.5-metre-high black barrier.

"It's regrettable we have to do this because of some tourists who can't respect rules," a town official said.

Hikers using the most popular route to climb Mount Fuji, where the climbing season begins in July, will be charged 2,000 yen ($19.50).

Numbers will be capped.

Where are Japan's visitors from?

The January earthquake in the western prefecture of Ishikawa had minimal impact on 2024 arrivals, according to the Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO).

Tourist numbers have quickly rebounded, and apart from Australia, Japan has had a large influx of visitors from South Korea, Taiwan and Hong Kong.

Street Kart, which offers rides for tourists in Tokyo, Okinawa and Osaka, said most were from Australia, the US, Canada and the UK — with decent numbers from Europe and Asia.

"The demand for our activity has risen significantly [this year] in conjunction with the increase of visitors to Japan," Street Kart spokesperson Mai Ishido told the ABC. 

However, tourism from China has stayed well below pre-pandemic levels.

The JNTO said visitors from China, which had made up nearly a third of all visitors and 40 per cent of tourist spending, were slowly returning.

The April numbers aren't out yet, but in March, visitors to Japan hit a record high of 3.08 million visitors, according to the JNTO.

The previous record of 2.99 million was set in July 2019 during a year that Japan welcomed a record 31.9 million visitors.

It's a stark contrast from the early days of the pandemic, when Tokyo banned spectators from the postponed Olympics in 2021 .

Tourists have been making the most of Japan's weak yen, which fell to a three-decade low against the US dollar last month. 

Even Australia's faltering currency still has buying power in Japan, with one dollar converting to almost 102 yen, up more than 10 per cent from a year ago.

A hearty dinner on Tokyo's famous Ramen Street will set you back around 1,080 yen ($10.55) while a bus ride in Kyoto costs 230 yen ($2.25) — both cheaper than Australia's capital cities.

What have other countries done?

Over-tourism has also affected other popular Asian destinations, like Bali and Thailand, with international travel returning to normal after the pandemic.

A new $15 tourism tax was introduced to Bail in February, after a series of incidents involving visitors desecrating holy sites and behaving badly.

In Thailand's Maya Bay, which was made famous by The Beach, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, a maximum of 375 visitors are allowed at one time.

Even though access had earlier been restricted and it was later closed for three years, an estimated 80 per cent of the coral reefs there died due to over-tourism.

While there are plenty of plans to restrict and control tourist numbers, not everyone in Japan is sick of all the foreign visitors.

Ms Ishido from Street Kart said there was no such thing as having too many tourists and that everyone was welcome.

"We hope to see many more happy smiling faces coming to and from our shops," spokeswoman Ms Ishido told the ABC.

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As visitors surge, Japan seeks ways to make tourism eco-friendly

Nestled in the heart of Okinawa Island, Onna is a pleasant village of just over 10,000 people, with a stunning, elongated coastline that makes it a sought-after tourist destination, as demonstrated by its numerous resort hotels.

On a visit to the renowned Nakayukui market two years ago, however, the scene at the food court was markedly different. There were no lines in sight; the pandemic had kept Japan closed to inbound travelers.

"It's lovely to relish the serenity of the village, but a few more customers would probably help," remarked a young coffee shop owner.

With the waning of the COVID-19 pandemic, domestic and inbound tourism in Japan has rebounded — and then some. According to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), the estimated number of international travelers to Japan in March surged to 3.08 million, a remarkable 11.6% increase compared with the same month in 2019 and the highest monthly figure since record-keeping began in 1964.

But as tourist arrivals reinvigorate local economies, a pressing concern has also reemerged: the resulting overtourism not only harms the daily lives of local residents, but also puts enormous stress on the environmental resources upon which that tourism depends, raising key questions about sustainability as tourism becomes an ever-more integral part of the Japanese economy.

Sustainable travel hub

The COVID-19 pandemic laid bare the vulnerabilities of the tourism industry, and for some it provided a window of opportunity to rethink the sector.

In 2021, Kazumasa Namekata, former senior managing director of travel agency H.I.S., launched Sustabi, an online travel information platform advocating for eco-conscious travel that respects local communities. While still in its nascent stage, Sustabi has gained traction among like-minded individuals and local communities.

Namekata is one of the founding members of H.I.S., but prior to his involvement with the travel agency, he took a yearlong overland journey around the world.

“I started this journey seeking to understand the differences between Japanese and others," Namekata reflected. "However, what I discovered was that deep down, human beings are the same. This realization had a big impact on my life and career choices.

“It instilled in me a profound belief in the enormous value of travel," he added. “Through exploration of different locales and engagement with inhabitants, travel can challenge stereotypes, mitigate conflicts and promote peace.”

While H.I.S., which was founded in 1980, initially began as a venture aimed at backpackers, soaring demand and profits quickly led to the proliferation of group and package tours. Following his retirement from H.I.S. in 2019, Namekata established his own travel company, Peace Travel Project, which invested in startups such as Matcha (a Japan travel information site for international visitors) and Sagojo (a platform matching travelers with temporary jobs). The core initiative of Peace Travel is Sustabi, a portmanteau of “sustainability” and “tabi,” which is Japanese for “trip” or “journey.”

When asked about the inspiration behind the launch of Sustabi, Namekata explained that it stemmed from his concern about the growing sense of isolation pervading many countries during the pandemic.

He also noted that the tranquility enjoyed by residents of popular travel destinations amid the pandemic-linked travel restrictions underscored a newfound aversion to mass tourism.

“The resumption of travel post-pandemic does not have to mean a return to the status quo,” he said. “Consequently, there arose a need to educate travelers to adopt a more sustainable approach to travel, one that is not only environmentally friendly, but also supports small-scale businesses deeply ingrained within local communities and dedicated to community enhancement.”

According to the Sustainable Travel Report 2023 by Booking.com, sustainable travel remains a top priority for three-quarters of global travelers, who believe urgent action is required to safeguard the planet for future generations. But a key question remains: How can this goodwill be turned into action in order to usher in real change for an industry that is responsible for roughly 8% of global emissions?

Transportation is tourism’s main source of greenhouse gas emissions, and while​​ accelerating climate action in tourism is therefore of utmost importance for the resilience of the sector, there is a long list of other outstanding damages to the environment caused by it. These include waste generation, water pollution, soil erosion, attrition of natural resources and general strain on infrastructure in and around tourism hot spots.

To that end, Sustabi provides 20 guidelines with practical tips for sustainable travel, advocating for actions like utilizing public transportation, employing reusable bags and exploring lesser-known attractions rather than staying on the beaten path. Moreover, it showcases accommodations, restaurants and activities in Japan that align with these guidelines to aid users in pursuing a sustainable travel experience.

The platform aggregates information and reports from local business owners, travelers and Sustabi team members, allowing users to easily search for information based on location or purpose.

With the diversification of travel interests and styles today, Namekata thinks it is necessary to foster a paradigm shift among tourism stakeholders that include not just travel agencies and hotels, but local community representatives, businesses, farmers, artists and nonprofits.

"The key lies in fostering collaboration among all stakeholders within local communities to devise community-led solutions,” Namekata said.

Grow local, eat local, experience local

Japan has set an ambitious target of welcoming 60 million inbound tourists by 2030, nearly double the previous record of 31.9 million in 2019.

But as cities like Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka grapple with overtourism, and with rural depopulation pushing many towns to the brink of extinction, the central government is making a push to draw overseas tourists to lesser-known locales.

Enter Ogawa, a picturesque town in Saitama Prefecture surrounded by the scenic Sotochichibu Mountains, whose approach to sustainable travel — both in terms of the numbers of tourists and their environmental impact — could make it a model for other places across the country.

Often referred to as the "Little Kyoto of Musashi," Ogawa is steeped in history and renowned for its traditional industries. Among its notable offerings are Hosokawa-shi, one of Japan's three UNESCO-listed washi (traditional paper) varieties, as well as local methods of silk production and sake brewing.

Despite its natural beauty and historical allure, Ogawa has been overlooked by domestic and international tourists.

“Ogawa is just an hour’s train ride from (Tokyo’s) Ikebukuro, yet it is unknown to mainstream travelers,” said Minori Koda, the 30-year-old CEO of the local nonprofit Shimosato School. “We are working with other local business and nonprofit players to showcase the unique 'Ogawa elements' that appeal to tourists seeking to explore the town, appreciate its charm and contribute to its enhancement.”

As a pivotal player in community revitalization and tourism promotion, Shimosato School spearheads diverse initiatives, including the redevelopment of a defunct elementary school building and the operation of Ogawa tourist information centers and migrant consultation services.

Organic agriculture is a hallmark of Ogawa's identity. While organic farming encompasses less than 0.5% of Japan's agricultural landscape, Ogawa defies the odds, with 19% of its fields dedicated to organic cultivation. Ogawa owes its success not only to its clean water and rich biodiversity, but also to Yoshinori Kaneko, the pioneering founder of Shimosato Farm.

Kaneko, who died in 2022 at age 74, began practicing organic farming in Ogawa back in the 1970s when the use of fertilizers and mass production was the standard in Japan. Soon, farmers from across the nation were coming to Ogawa to become his apprentice, and forged lasting connections with him.

Shimosato farm is self-sufficient in energy, utilizing solar power and biogas. Waste cooking oil collected from local tempura shops is reused as fuel for tractors, while human waste is decomposed in tanks containing microorganisms, and the resulting water, after complex fermentation, is utilized as liquid fertilizer rich in enzymes and proteins.

Organic produce from Shimosato Farm and other local farms adorns the shelves of local markets, shops and restaurants in the town, showcasing Ogawa's commitment to sustainable living. Warashibe, a local eatery housed within a historic sericulture training center dating back to 1888, sources ingredients exclusively from local purveyors, including organic vegetables, free-range eggs and organic wine. Zakkoku Koubou, a brewpub, harnesses organic grains from Shimosato Farm and locally sourced organic crops, fruits and herbs to craft artisanal beers.

Organic farming also serves as a conduit for immersive tourist experiences. Shimosato Farm annually allows people to engage in every facet of sake production, from rice planting and weeding to creating their own labels.

Indeed, the mantra of “grow local, eat local and experience local” helps synergize diverse small businesses united by a common ethos.

It’s also clear that this is not a destination for package tourists: There are no hotels in Ogawa, only guesthouses ranging from compact dormitories to two-floor renovated historic houses. Guesthouses don’t offer dining; instead, they recommend that guests go out and experience local food, hot springs and, above all, nature.

“You can meet many interesting people here, and then you want to start something with them,” said Kano Takahashi, a Shizuoka Prefecture native who runs the Ogawa Machiya guesthouses. Takahashi discovered Ogawa through her father, a disciple of Kaneko, and quickly fell in love with the town.

Government support is pivotal to Ogawa's promotion, including through what are known as Community-Reactivating Cooperator Squads put together through an initiative under the the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. Members of the squad help promote the charm of the area, engage in agriculture and fishing activities, and organize events and festivals.

According to Isao Tokutake, tourism promotion officer of the Ogawa squad, visitors to the town can receive a free guided walking tour led by volunteer staff members at the tourist information center.

"We listen to visitors' interests and decide on a walking course with them,” he said. “There are increasing numbers of visitors from Tokyo and neighboring prefectures after the pandemic. Most people long for the healing power of ... the beautiful nature in Ogawa, but some are attracted by the local sake brewery tour and farming experience.

“My goal is to have first-time visitors become regulars and ideally return four times a year, as each season offers different attractions and experiences."

Sustabi’s Namekata discovered Ogawa’s charm after receiving a guided tour by Koda and his team two years ago.

"I think the best place for tourists is where local residents can live a happy life that promotes their own well-being," Namekata said.

The next step for Sustabi, and perhaps Japan’s sustainable tourism industry as a whole, is to discover more places like Ogawa and work together with local communities on information dissemination and tourist education. "Global surveys indicate that Japanese travelers' awareness on sustainable travel is lacking,” Namekata said. “Our primary aim is to enlighten travelers.​​"

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