All Posts, Asia, Japan · 15 Places You Must See in Japan Dreaming of a trip to the Land of the Rising Sun? Hoping to see all the best sights in this culture-filled country? Keep reading for 15 Places You Must See in Japan. Japan, also called the Land of the Rising Sun, is a country that has it all. There’s the history: With its ancient temples and shrines, Japan is one of the few countries in the world that has preserved much of its culture, The nature: Every spring, cherry blossoms mark the beginning of the new season and fill the country with pink, fluttering blossoms that tourists from around the world come to see for themselves. The food: Japan has the freshest sushi you’ll ever eat – hands down. Plus the ramen, with its rich broth and homemade noddles, isn’t the same ramen you ate every day in college. No, it’s 1,000x better. The people: Japan is home to some of the nicest people in the world. The samurai culture of respect and honor shines through in everything they do. You won’t see anyone stealing the last seat on the metro or bumping into you on the street. Japan is the definition of class and respect. The technology: As the most technologically advanced country in the world, you’ll see technology in everything you experience. From ordering ramen from a vending machine to simply using the bathroom (just wait, trust me!), the advanced technology in Japan is something that all travelers love to experience. As a country that truly has something for everyone, here are 15 photos to inspire you to visit Japan. Also included below is a customized map with all 15 GPS locations. Enjoy! 1. Mt. Fuji Perhaps one of the most photographed mountain tops in the world, Mt Fuji is the symbol of Japan. Standing over 12,000 feet tall, My Fuji is the highest peak in Japan and the 7th highest peak in the world. Inspiring artists and tourists alike, this mystic mountain is sure to take your breath away. It’s not surprising that the perfectly shaped white-capped volcano has been a pilgrimage site for centuries as one of Japan’s most sacred mountains. During the months of July and August, you can join the pilgrimage and climb the 12,000 feet to the top of the mountain. If you’re not that adventurous, you can also see Mt Fuji from Tokyo and Yokohama on clear days. Location: Kitayama, Fujinomiya, Shizuoka 418-0112, Japan Interested in a tour to Mt Fuji? Here are some of the best day tours: 2. Kinkakuji As the former capital of Japan, Kyoto is famous for its numerous temples and gardens. With more than 1,000 to choose from, Kinkakuji outshines them all – literally! If you love all things gold and shiny, this gleaming, gold leaf Zen Buddhist temple is for you. Kinkakuji, literally translated to “Temple of the Golden Pavillion,” is Kyoto’s most visited attraction and perhaps the most well-known temple in Japan. This temple actually only dates back to 1955, as the ancient original was burned to the ground in 1950. The bedazzled gold leaf was added in 1987 and has been impressing every on-looker since. Location: 1 Kinkakujicho, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8361, Japan 3. Shibuya Crossing Tokyo is the most populous city in the world and Shibuya is its most crowded pedestrian crossing. Fittingly called “Scramble Crossing,” this crosswalk is one of the busiest in the world. Once the traffic light changes, vehicles allow pedestrians to cross at the same time from 5 different directions. This results in pure madness as hundreds of people rush to reach the other side of the street. You have to experience the rush of crossing this street alongside hundreds of other locals and tourists. View the crossing from above (for free) from the Shibuya Station mall. Or if you need a coffee break from the craziness of simply crossing the street, head to the Starbucks. Yes, it’s probably the most expensive Starbucks in the world, but you’ll be treated to views of the crossing while sipping your Chai Tea Latte. Want to experience this crossing in Mario Cart inspired tour? With this Tokyo: Guided Costume Go-Kart Tour, you’ll get to dress up as your favorite character and explore Tokyo from a different perspective! Location: 2 Chome-2-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0043, Japan 4. Osaka Castle Towering over the lively city of Osaka sits its most beautiful landmark – Osaka Castle. Built as a display of power after unifying Japan in the late 16th century, General Toyotomi Hideyoshi constructed this castle to become the center of a new, unified Japan. Although, like many Japanese castles and temples, it was rebuilt in 1931 and has been looming dramatically over the surrounding moat and park ever since. Inside the castle are collections such as art, armor, portraits, and other historical Japanese artifacts. Don’t miss the top floor observation deck, featuring 360° views over the city. Plan your visit during the spring to admire the beautiful cherry blossoms lining the castle grounds, or during the vividly colored foliage season in autumn. Location: 1-1 Osakajo, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 540-0002, Japan 5. Sapporo As one of the best winter escapes in Asia, Sapporo is the gateway to Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido. As the site of the 1972 Winter Olympics, Sapporo is famous for its ski resorts, thermal baths, and stunning mountain scenery – the ultimate winter destination in Japan! Location: Sapporo, Hokkaido 6. Hiroshima Learn more about one of the most controversial events of human history by visiting the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. This city’s tragic past is now surrounded by a vibrant, rebuilt city that only gives you hope for the future. Location: 1-10 Otemachi, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, 730-0051, Japan 7. Okinawa Known as the “Hawaii of Japan”, this island paradise is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of mainland Japan. Head here for snorkeling, scuba diving, and ultimate relaxation. Location: Okinawa 8. Nara Located less than an hour from Kyoto and Osaka, Nara is becoming increasingly popular – and with good reason. Nara is full of historic treasures, temples, and even deer. Yes, I said deer! As Japan’s first capital city, Nara became one of Asia’s grandest cities during its 74-year reign. Nara is unique in that it somehow escaped destruction in WWII, and is now home to 3 World Heritage Sites. Don’t miss Nara Park, where hundreds of Sika deer roam freely around the park, admiring Japan’s beautiful temples for themselves. Location: Nara, Japan 9. Itsukushima Shrine The Maldives may have floating bungalows, but here in Japan, they have floating shrines. Itsukushima – literally meaning ‘island of worship’ – is an island off the coast of Hiroshima that was worshiped as a god in ancient times – hence the shine that was built here in 593AD. Nowadays, this mythical shrine is considered one of the ‘Three Views of Japan’ and is certainly a place you must see for yourself. Location: 1-1 Miyajimacho, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima 739-0588, Japan 10. Nachi-san A temple AND a waterfall – yes, please! This picture-perfect site is quintessential Japan. with nature, history, and spirituality all rolled into one. Seiganto-ji Temple is a Buddhist temple set in front of the scenic Nachi Falls, the tallest waterfall in Japan, which drops 430 feet onto the rocky river below. But wait, there’s more. Not only will you see the three-story Seiganto-ji Buddist Temple, but there is also a Shinto temple – the Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine. This shows the harmonious relationship between Buddhism and Shintoism. Located 4 hours by train from Osaka, this isn’t the easiest destination to reach. However, this means that many tourists don’t venture out this far, making this destination a hidden gem in Japan. Location: Nachisan, Nachikatsuura, Higashimuro District, Wakayama 649-5301, Japan 11. Nikko National Park Looking for the great outdoors in Japan? Look no further than Japan’s most beautiful natural experience – Nikko National Park. Here, you can spot cascading waterfalls, serene lakes, inviting bridges, and even temples and shrines. Home to Toshogu, Japan’s most lavishly decorated shrine, this park is another example of Japan’s harmonious connection between nature and religion. TIP: This area is especially picturesque in fall when the leaves are turning their stunning autumn colors. Location: Yumoto, Nikko, Tochigi 321-1662, Japan 12. Fushimi Inari Shrine Perhaps the most ‘Instagrammed’ and most recognizable shrine in Japan, the Fushimi Inari Shrine is a must-see in Kyoto. This mystical trail – made up of over 10,000 fire orange gates – forms the path that leads you straight up to the sacred Mount Inari. Inari is the Sinto god of rice, and this shrine is the most important (and most impressive) of several thousands of shrines dedicated to the god. The hike to the summit of Mount Inari takes about 2-3 hours, but you can also simply walk around these playground-looking gates, then turn back to discover more of the city of Kyoto. Fun fact: These gates were donated by individuals and companies. You can spot the donor’s name inscribed on the back of each gate. Location: 68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, 612-0882, Japan 12. Cherry Blossoms Cherry blossoms, known in Japan as sakura, are one of Japan’s most iconic symbols. While most of us see a blooming cherry blossom tree and think of its stunning beauty, the Japanese think of these trees as much more. They not only see natural beauty but also relate the quick life span of this tree to human life, hope, and renewal. The best time to see these natural wonders are between the months of Match to early May, varying each year based on weather patterns. Do note that they are only in full bloom for about a week before fluttering gracefully to the ground below. 13. Tokyo Tower Standing over 1,000 feet tall, the Tokyo Tower really does tower over Tokyo. Modeled after the Eiffel Tower, it stands 42 feet taller than the Iron Lady, making this the world’s tallest, self-supported steel tower in the world. You can climb (or take the elevator) to the tower’s main deck for a 360-degree view over the city of Tokyo. If you’re not afraid of heights, take another elevator to the top deck, where you’ll be treated to more stunning views over the city. If it’s a clear day, you’ll even be able to spot Mount Fiji in the distance! Location: 4 Chome-2-8 Shibakoen, Minato City, Tokyo 105-0011, Japan 14. Bamboo Forest Located 30 minutes from Kyoto city center, Arashiyama’s Sagano Bamboo Forest is a stark contrast to the urban city surrounding it. Be prepared to look up and listen all around as the bamboo stalks sway in the wind. In fact, this noise is so appealing that Japan’s Ministry of the Environment designed it as one of the country’s “100 Soundscapes of Japan.” You can discover this bamboo forest by renting a bike or simply strolling along the path to spot the sun peeking between the bamboo groves. Location: Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-0007, Japan 15. Himeji Castle Considered Japan’s most spectacular castle, Himeji Castle sits atop a hill boasting its size and beauty for all to see. Also known as ‘White Heron Castle’, it’s easy to see how this elegant castle got its nickname. The castle complex we see today is over 400 years old and is the best example of early 17th-century Japanese castle architecture. TIP: Visit during cherry blossom season to spot the lawn below the castle filled with cherry blossom trees, making for the perfect photo of the castle! Location: 68 Honmachi, Himeji, Hyogo 670-0012, Japan So there you have it, that’s 15 Places You Must See in Japan. Are you visiting soon? Have you been before? Let me know in the comments! Looking for more Japan tips? Check out my Japan Travel Guide, including helpful info like the best time to visit, how to get around, Japanese etiquette, and more! DID YOU LIKE THIS POST? PIN IT FOR LATER!
