Spending holidays in Japan is an experience that will make your dreams come true. Japan offers its
visitors not only modern vibrant cities and the most- extraordinary tourist attractions but also
intact nature, thousands of shrines, and temples as well as magnificent palaces and lush gardens.
No matter if you are looking for the best hiking trails in the mountains or kayaking in the sea,
Japan satisfies all your needs. Its magnificent flower festivals are as captivating as its
history, arts, and traditions which you cannot find anywhere else. Its breathtaking coastline
and white sand beaches will make your holidays unforgettable, and beauty and diversity of marine
life will take your breath away. Haven’t you already decided where to go on your visit to
Japan? Discover with us the best places to see in Japan which offers endless tourist attractions.
Number one. Tokyo.
Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is a modern city which welcomes more than 31 million
tourists every year. It has many great places to see. Not even 2 weeks would be enough to see
all of the great attractions. We recommend first seeing the Imperial palace, the main residence of
the emperor. It is surrounded by a few gardens and you can take a 75-minute guided tour of the
inner grounds. Another sight to see is Sensoji Temple, the most significant temple in Tokyo.
It is visited by more than 30 million visitors every year
making it the most visited spiritual site in the world. Its atmosphere is one for the bucket list.
Do not miss the beautiful Inokashira Park which is popular among locals and full of Sakura trees.
You can also take a ride on a row boat for a more romantic experience.
For museum lovers there is Tokyo National Museum, the best one for art and archeological artifacts
and Tokyo National Museum of Nature and Science with over 25000 exhibits from dinosaurs
to the latest advances in technology. Visit also Meiji shrine which is dedicated to Emperor Meiji
and his wife. It is located in the forest consisting of 120,000 trees of 365 species.
Additionally, visit the Tokyo Skytree, the modern broadcasting and observation tower.
With its 634 meters in height, it is the second tallest structure in the world after the Burj
Kalifa. By the way, do not forget to taste sushi, the most famous Japanese food. Day or night
Tokyo is a great place to go out no matter if you look for seightseeing, adventure, or nightlife.
Number two. Osaka.
Osaka is an innovation hub for startups in Japan. It is situated on the island of Honshu and belongs
to the largest and most populated cities in Japan. Thanks to its waterways, canals and bridges,
Osaka is nicknamed “The Venice of the East”. A top starting point for travelers is Osaka castle
completed in 1583. The castle is popular with both domestic and international tourists and
is surrounded by an enchanting castle park full of Sakuras – flowering cherry trees and
apricot flowers. From the observation deck on the top floor you can enjoy panoramic views of the
castle park and the city. Osaka Kaiyukan – one of the world’s largest aquariums – shows the aquatic
animals by recreating the natural environment of their habitats. Its largest tank named “Pacific
Ocean“ is 9 meters deep and is a home to whale sharks - the largest fish species in the world.
Millions of tourists visit the park every ear. It is impossible to overlook the 112 meter-tall
Osaka Tempozan Ferris wheel, which boasts as the largest in the world. You can enjoy
a 15-minute-long journey through the sky in one of its 60 cabins. Bring out the child in
you in Universal Studios Japan theme park. One of its themed areas is The Wizarding
World of Harry Potter. Taste Okonomiyaki - a typical Japanese savory pancake dish.
Number three. Kyoto.
Kyoto is one of very few cities that avoided destruction during the Second World War.
With its 2000 temples and shrines, it is considered the cultural capital of Japan.
Fushimi Inari Shrine is famous for thousands of vermilion torii gates which are known as Senbon
Torii. Millions of worshipers come here every year and show their respect by making a short prayer.
Another must-see attraction is the Nijo-jo castle which was the residence of the Tokugawa shoguns
in Kyoto, who had been ruling Japan for over 260 years. The castle is surrounded by the beautiful
Ninomaru Garden with a lake which was laid out around 1602–1603 when the castle was built.
If you want to see Geishas – women trained for years in the traditional Japanese arts such as
dance, music and singing – visit Gion – Kyoto’s most famous geisha district. It is filled with
shops, restaurants and teahouses and you can get a glimpse of these famous Japanese entertainers.
Kyoto has always been famous for its tea. To fully appreciate this timeless drink,
go to the area of Wazuka and Uji where you can enjoy activities focused on the
region’s world-famous tea which both emperors and peasants have enjoyed for centuries.
Taste delicious Japanese Kyoto traditional sweets dessert set - dango, jelly noodle and green tea.
Number four. Hiroshima.
Welcome to Itsukushima Shrine, one of the most famous tourist attractions
not only in Hiroshima but in Japan. The shrine complex is most famous for its dramatic torii gate
built in water which appears to float during high tide. This is the time when this place
is most picturesque. Pilgrims can access the gate during low tide. It was rebuilt 8 times since 1168
and the current one was completed in 1875. One of the most recognized landmarks in Horoshima
is Peace memorial park commemorating the victims of the world's first nuclear attack. In this green
island situated in the middle of the city you can find there not only the Children's Peace Monument
but also the Atomic Bomb dome. Situated close to the hypocenter of the nuclear bomb, it remained
standing, and it has been left intact since then. For car enthusiasts there is Mazda museum. You can
admire present as well as past models of this car manufacturer based in Hiroshima. In Yamato museum
you can see 1:10 scale replica of the battleship 'Yamato' as well as a real Mitsubishi Zero A6M
fighter plane. Hiroshima gardens attract thousands of visitors especially in spring and autumn. We
recommend Shukkeien Garden which is the oldest Japanese Garden in the city and 5000 square-meters
Hill of Hope Garden built of white marble that was excavated from a quarry in Carrara, Italy.
Number five. Nara.
The most iconic place of Ancient Nara, which is located less than an hour from Tokyo and Osaka,
is Todaiji Temple completed in 752. Its Big Buddha Hall is the largest wooden building in the world
despite losing 1 third of its size during the last reconstruction in 1692.
Inside you can find a 15 meter tall bronze statue of the Buddha Vairocana, which is
the largest in Japan. For another unforgettable experience, feed the deers in adjacent Nara park
with “Shika Senbei“ – special crackers for this lovely animal that are sold for around 200 yen.
In the center of Nara you can enjoy quiet time in Yoshikien garden which consists of 3 unique
gardens – a moss garden, a tea ceremony garden and a pond garden. Do not miss Heijo Imperial
palace with its East Palace Garden filled with ponds, bridges and Sakura cherry blossom trees.
Are you looking for shops or cafés? Then Naramachi, the former merchant district,
is the right place for you. If you are in Nara on the forth Saturday of
January, you will have an opportunity to take part in annual Wakakusa Yamayiaki festival when the
grass on the hillside of Mount Wakakusayama is set on fire. This is preceded by a fireworks display.
Number six. Kanazawa.
Next to Kyoto, Kanazawa is another Japanese city which avoided destruction
during the 2nd world war. Start your Kanazawa trip with Kenrokuen garden
which is considered one of the most beautiful gardens in Japan. It covers an area of more
than 11 hectares and attractions include large artificial pond and the garden which is filled
with flowers and trees. It is one of the best photography locations in the city.
Continue to the Kanazawa castle which is located right next to the garden. Once
a seat of the powerful Maeda clan, it burned down several times and is partially restored.
Visit old geisha houses in Higashi Chaya - Kanazawa’s largest geisha district.
They are 200 years old and some of them have been converted into restaurants or cafes.
In Nakazawa you will find the D.T. Suzuki museum. This Buddhist philosopher was the driving force
behind spreading Buddhist philosophy to the West. Over 280 years old, the local Omicho fish market
consists of more than 170 shops which offers freshly caught seafood from the Sea of Japan.
Taste Jibuni – a traditional Kanazawa dish made of duck or chicken meat, vegetables, and wheat flour.
Number seven. Izu Peninsula.
Located less than hour from Tokyo, start discovering Izu Peninsula by visiting
picturesque Atami city located right between ocean and mountains. It is impossible to overlook Atami
castle. However, this castle is not so old – it was built in 1959 as a tourist attraction
and is a home to a museum. Another tourist attraction is the Atami plum garden.
Opened in 1886, it contains over 470 trees and the peak of the flower-viewing season is from late
January to mid-February. If you want to experience cherry blossom season, celebrate Kawau Cherry
Blossom festival from early February to early March. The atmosphere is one for the bucket list.
This is Mishima sky walk – a great place for those who like stunning views and are
not afraid of heights. From this 400-meter-long bridge, which is the longest suspension bridge
in Japan, you can even see Mount Fuji. One of the most popular beaches of Izu Peninsula
is Shirahama white-sand beach. It extends 800 meters and has crystal clear blue water.
It is extremely popular among tourists as well as locals. You can enjoy great time with your friends
here right next to the torii gate located on the rock. Watching sunset from this spot
is unforgettable. When you walk along the Jogasaki coast – a beautiful 9 km
long section of Izu coastline - you will fall in love with its dramatic scenery.
A view from the 18-meter-high Kadowaki suspension bridge is a dream of every photographer.
Number eight. Nikko.
Nikko is favorite tourist destination not only thanks to pilgrims who travel here because of
its shrines, but also natural landscape and rich history. The number 1 tourist attraction of Nikko
is Toshogu Shrine. Completed in the first half of 17th century it is Japans’s most lavishly
decorated shrine. You can find here the famous Yomeimon gate decorated with richly painted
wood carvings and gold leaf. Another must-see attraction are the 3 famous wood carved monkeys,
representing hear, speak and see no evil. If you love breathtaking sceneries with bright foliage,
visit Japan’s highest natural Lake Chūzenji in autumn and enjoy kayaking or hike the 25-kilometer
hiking trail along its perimeter. Another sightseeing opportunity is the 97-meter high
Kegon falls cascading from Lake Chuzenji, which is considered one of the three most beautiful
waterfalls in Japan. There is a paid observatory platform at the base of this waterfall.
This waterfall is equally beautiful in winter when it is almost frozen. Taste delicious
colorful Japanese yuba tofu curd soup with soba noodles which is a typical Nikko dish.
Number nine. Mount Fuji.
Located on Honshu Island, Fujisan or Mount Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan.
It is one of Japan’s most iconic places and hundreds of thousands of visitors come here every
year for sightseeing and climbing. The climbing season for Mount Fuji lasts from early July to
early September. As for the rest of the year, climbing mount Fuji is prohibited because it is
too dangerous. There are 4 trail roads that lead to the summit of Mount Fuji, the most popular one
is Yoshida trail which takes 6 hours to ascent and 4 hours to descent. From this trail even beginners
can climb, and its starting point is Fuji-Subaru Line 5th Station where you can find plenty of
shops, information office and public toilets. The trail for ascent is completely different from the
trail for descent and do not forget that while there are many mountain huts on the trail for
ascent, there is none on the trail for descent. Once you reach the summit of the mountain,
take a walk around its crater. It takes only one hour. If you are on Honshu Island in April or May
when climbing Mount fuji is prohibited, you cannot miss Fuji Shibazakura festival. You can admire
800 thousand of moss-phlox flowers blooming in 6 different colors in a park covering 2.4 hectares.
Number ten. Okinawa.
Okinawa belongs to the most popular destinations in Japan thanks to its stunning white sand beaches
and crystal-clear waters. You can enjoy not only swimming and snorkeling here, but also diving and
other waters ports. We recommend Furuzamami beach on Zamami island where you can do everything from
swimming to kayaking or strolling Emerald beach, which owes its name to greeny-turquoise sea. This
beach is located right next to the Ocean Expo Park with Churaumi aquarium, which is the largest in
Japan. Its main attraction is “Kuroshio Sea” where you can observe the world’s biggest fish, whale
sharks and manta rays. It is the first aquarium in the world successful at breeding manta rays.
Once you visit the aquarium, go to “Okichan Theater” to see the dolphin shows. You can
learn about their extraordinary physical abilities, free of charge. Are you curious
about the secrets of longevity? Then visit Ogimi village nicknamed “Land of immortals” with the
highest percentage of centenarians in the world. At age 80, you are merely a youth here. Another
recognized landmark is Cornerstone of peace which commemorates the Battle of Okinawa which took
place during World War 2. It contains the names of over 240 thousand people who lost their lives.
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