Table of Contents
From Shrines and Temples to Local Specialties and Festivals
The Japanese have a phrase, “one country – two traditions,” which is a perfect way to sum up their unique ability to offer something for everyone. On the one hand, Japan has been referred to as an “Eastern USA” because of its high-tech cities, department stores and amazing shopping arcades, while on the other, its more rural areas retain a traditional charm. For those who want to immerse themselves in the modern world, Tokyo is a megalopolis with enough sights and sounds to last visitors weeks. It’s also the best place for shopping! But Tokyo is only part of Japan, and if you head out into the boondocks, you’ll find yourself in a very different world.
Japan is a country with mountains and cities, temples and pop culture, traditions and hi-tech. It’s no surprise that there are so many attractions for those who love to explore! This article lists some of the best places to visit in Japan as you travel through its various regions. Alongside Tokyo’s famous landmarks such as the Imperial Palace and Sensoji Temple, you’ll find Japan’s best festivals and most stunning scenic spots, plus some more unusual attractions of historical or cultural interest. The list below complements our previous articles on places of interest in Tokyo , Kobe , Kyoto and Osaka.
#1 Mount Fuji (FUJIYAMA)
Any visitor to Japan should set aside a day for an expedition to the top of Mount Fuji, Japan’s highest mountain and one of its most famous symbols. It’s relatively easy to access by public transport from Tokyo, and you can enjoy the view from the top at night as well as during daylight.
#2 Himeji Castle (HIMEJIJO)
For those who like to see a bit of history, Himeji Castle is one of Japan’s best examples of old-world architecture and construction techniques. It was commissioned in 1333 and took many decades to complete, with most of the work done by carpenters without the help of any nails. Although it suffered two airstrikes in World War II , an earthquake and a lightning strike, experts agree that Himeji Castle is still the finest example of Japanese castle architecture in Japan—and probably one of the finest castles in the world.
#3 Sanjusangendo (SANJUSANGENDO)
For architecture buffs, this temple in Kyoto is a marvel. The exterior walls are lined with 1,001 small statues of Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy. But the main attraction lies within: an interior hall which houses an incredible assembly of statues. There are 1,001 life-sized statues on either side of the hall—a total of 2,000 figures in all!
#4 Aogashima Volcano
This tiny volcanic island lies off the coast of southwest Tokyo. Surrounded by craggy cliffs and pristine beaches, Aogashima is an ideal spot for scuba diving, snorkelling and just lazing around on the beach. With only 150 residents, it’s one of Japan’s smallest inhabited islands. The volcano is still active today, so visitors should take care while exploring the area!
#5 Akihabara (AKIHABARA)
For anyone who’s ever wished to step inside their favourite anime, manga or video game, a visit to Akihabara is essential. This district in Tokyo is packed with shops selling every kind of pop-culture paraphernalia imaginable: cosplay costumes and accessories, manga books and dolls and toys. There are also numerous maid cafes , game centres and electronics shops. All this makes Akihabara one of the best places to shop in Japan!
#6 Jigokudani Monkey Park (JIGOKUDANI)
This park is home to Japanese macaques, which are also known as snow monkeys because they’re virtually hairless even during winter time. They’re surprisingly cute when they’re young, but they grow up to become surly and temperamental—unlike the little ones pictured above! The Jigokudani Monkey Park in Nagano is one of the few places where you can observe monkeys in their natural habitat.
#7 Shibuya Crossing (SHIB UYA-KU)
Some people call this urban intersection the busiest place on Earth . It’s certainly one of Tokyo’s most popular meeting spots. Every time the lights change, thousands of pedestrians and motorists converge at Shibuya Crossing —the perfect opportunity for a snapshot! This is also where many TV dramas and movies set in Tokyo are shot.
#8 Ghibli Museum (JIBURI MUSEUM)
For many fans of anime, the works of Studio Ghibli are second only to Disney productions! The studio’s films—such as Laputa: Castle in the Sky , My Neighbour Totoro and Kiki’s Delivery Service —have achieved worldwide fame, and the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka is a tribute to them. Fans of all ages will enjoy its vast collection of original artwork and memorable characters—and even a cat bus for children!
#9 Kyoto Imperial Palace (KYOTO IMPERIAL PALACE)
This sprawling palace was once the residence of Japan’s emperors. It covers an expanse of 18 hectares and is divided into three main compounds: Honmaru , Ninomaru and Sannomaru . The palace grounds also house other important government buildings—including the office of Japan’s Prime Minister.
#10 Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium (CHURAUMI AQUARIUM)
This aquarium in southern Japan is one of the largest in the world—its centerpiece being a colossal glass tank containing over 8,000 fish! The tanks are home to some of the ocean’s most fascinating creatures, including manta rays, hammerhead sharks and the world’s largest fish—the whale shark.
#11 Kiyomizu-dera (KIIYOMIZU)
For excellent views of Kyoto, head to this Buddhist temple perched high above the city on Mt Otowa. The best time to visit is in the morning, when you can watch the sun rise over Kyoto’s many skyscrapers. In addition to its scenic location, Kiyomizu-dera boasts a fascinating history: it was founded in 778 and has been destroyed several times by fire and natural disasters.
#12 Ishinomaki Mangrove Forest (ISHINOMAKI)
This mangrove forest in northern Japan is at risk of being underwater due to rising sea levels caused by climate change. It’s the only example of its kind in Japan, so it’s well worth a visit if you’re interested in botany or conservation. You can also learn about local culture and traditional fishing methods at the museum onsite.
#13 Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park (PEACE MEMORIAL)
This park in Hiroshima commemorates the victims of the atomic bomb that was dropped there in August 1945 . It’s dedicated to world peace and includes a museum, monument and prayer hall. In addition to reflecting on the tragedy of war, it’s also a great place to appreciate nature and beautiful architecture.
#14 Naoshima Island (NAOSHIMA)
Naoshima is one of three islands in Kagawa Prefecture that have been developed as part of a project to promote contemporary art . Some notable artworks include Niki de Saint Phalle’s The Egg , Tadao Ando’s Benesse House Museum and Le Corbusier’s Unite d’habitation . There are also a number of museums, galleries, cafes and restaurants to choose from.
#15 Shinkansen (NEW TRAIN)
One word: shinkansen ! In Japan, this is the name given to its famous high-speed rail network. Shinkansen literally means “new trunk line,” and it’s been in operation since 1964 . It’s one of the world’s busiest train networks—carrying over 10 billion passengers per year!
#16 Dotonbori (DOTONBORI)
This famous street in Osaka is adjacent to the Dotonbori canal and home to countless restaurants, shops and arcades. At night it’s crowded with pedestrians—giving it an energetic atmosphere perfect for taking photos! Some attractions include Glico Man , a huge neon sign of a running man advertising a local brand of sweets, and Kuidaore , an enormous golden version of the popular character Doraemon .
#17 Fuji Q Highland (FUJI Q)
This amusement park in Yamanashi Prefecture has roller coasters to rival those at any other theme park. Its most famous attraction, however, is a life-size replica of Japan’s iconic Mount Fuji—a perfect way to get a taste of this spectacular mountain! In addition to its thrilling rides, the park also hosts an international fireworks competition every year.
#18 Tokyo Skytree (TOKYO SKYTREE)
This telecommunications and observation tower in Sumida, Tokyo , is the second tallest structure in the world (and Japan’s tallest). At 634 meters high it offers spectacular panoramic views of Tokyo. If you’re interested, you can even go all the way to the top for a special spot in one of its glass-fronted capsules!
#19 Atami (ATA MI)
Atami is a small hot spring town on the Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka Prefecture . It’s famous for its onsen (hot springs), which are thought to have healing properties. One of the best places to soak your feet or try an auto-massage chair is at Spa LaQua , a hot spring facility next to Tokyo’s Odaiba Island.
#20 Naoshima Bath (NAOSHIMA)
Another place you can soak your feet is at Naoshima Bath, a public bathhouse in the spa town of Atami . Its interior is designed to resemble that of a hotel, and customers can watch movies on flat-screen TVs during their stay. It’s also built with eco-conscious materials like bamboo. If you’re not staying at Naoshima Hotel (which is connected to the bathhouse), you can still use its facilities for 500 yen!
#21 Asakusa (ASAKUSA)
This traditional district in Taito, Tokyo , is home to many historical attractions. The focal point of the area is Sensoji Temple, which dates back to 645 AD . It’s famous for its impressive Nakamise shopping arcade leading up to the main temple gate, which is decorated with colorful banners. There are plenty of other temples and shrines to explore as well—all surrounded by traditional shops selling food, crafts, clothes and more.
#22 Ginkakuji (GINKAKU)
This zen temple in Kyoto ‘s northwestern hills was originally constructed as a villa for a shogun in the 15th century, but has since been converted into a traditional temple. Its most famous feature is its Japanese garden , which features plenty of trickling waterfalls and lush green plants. The exterior of the building itself is also very picturesque—gilded with what appears to be silver (but is actually just covered in silver foil).
#23 Oyama Shrine (OYAMA)
This shrine in the city of Fukushima is dedicated to a local warlord who was killed in battle. Its most distinctive feature is its two-story gate—the only one of its kind in all of Japan! Visitors can enjoy walking around the grounds, which are planted with over 200 species of trees. Located just outside the shrine is Oyama Cave, a man-made tunnel built by laborers during the Edo Period .
#24 Tottori Sand Dunes (TOTTORI)
The sand dunes in Tottori Prefecture are some of Japan’s most scenic. They’re a popular destination for outdoor activities like sand sliding and ATV driving, but can also be admired from afar. The surrounding area of San’in Kaigan is often touted as the “Realm of Eight Million Beauties” because its beautiful cliffs and beaches never fail to impress visitors.
#25 Naruto (NARUTO)
Located in Tokushima Prefecture , Naruto is best known for its whirlpools. At high tide, the Naruto Strait appears as if it’s boiling as thousands of whirlpools swirl together to create a spectacular natural phenomena . The town is also home to the Naruto Whirlpools Museum, which houses exhibits and artifacts from overseas. You’ll also find the Naruto Kanko Hotel (Naruto Hot Springs) and three aquariums in town.
#26 Yuzuruha Shrine (YUZURU HACHIMAN)
This shrine is dedicated to a bodhisattva said to protect seafarers and fishermen from disasters at sea. It’s famous for its ornate structure and massive torii gate , which is around 17 meters tall! The shrine itself dates back to the Heian Period (794–1185), and was even recommended by Sei Shonagon in The Pillow Book .
#27 Nagasaki Peace Park (NAGASAKI)
This park’s most notable landmark is the Atomic Bomb Dome, a former building that was close to ground zero of the first atomic bomb dropped on Japan during World War II. The dome itself has been left mostly intact as an anti-war memorial, and sits next to a modern museum built by the city’s Roman Catholic community. It’s also surrounded by Peace Memorial Park, which has plenty of memorials dedicated to the bombings.
#28 Kurokawa Onsen (KUROKAWA)
This hot spring town in Kumamoto Prefecture is filled with wonderful onsens (hot springs/bath houses). You’ll find that most hotels and inns in the area offer their own private onsens, which are open to guests for free or a small fee. The city itself dates back to the 8th century, and has some beautiful traditional streetscapes that can be admired by visitors.
#29 Kitakami River Fireworks Festival (KITAKAMI)
This festival takes place within Kitakami Park in Morioka city, Iwate prefecture. In addition to the many food stalls selling festival favorites like kaki-koori (shaved ice) and yakibuta (grilled pork), you’ll find lots of live entertainment and carnival games for kids. The main draw of the festival, however, is its sky-high fireworks display throughout the night.
#30 Kiso Valley (KISO VALLEY)
Lined with several traditional Japanese kyo-machiya houses, this section of Nakasendo Road takes you through the mountains of Nagano Prefecture . You’ll also find some beautiful waterfalls and rivers along the way, making for some scenery that’s truly breathtaking.
However, it’s worth noting that this area can get very chilly in the winter months.
