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15 Best Places To Visit In Japan That Make It Look Right Out Of A Storybook In 2022


15 Best Places To Visit In Japan

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

  • Tokyo – Essence Of Japan

  • Kyoto – Sacred And Serene

  • Nara – City Of Culture

  • Mt. Fuji – A Breathtaking Marvel

  • Hokkaido – Closer To Nature

  • Ishigaki – Exotic Destination

  • Hiroshima – Historically Significant City

  • Sapporo – Forget The Heat And Humidity

  • Osaka – A Cultural Delight

  • Yakushima – Naturally Gifted

  • Hakuba – For Adventurous Activities

  • Kamakura – Where The Buddha Resides

  • Nagano – Great For Family

  • Kawaguchi – Beautiful Landscapes

  • Takayama – Away From City Life


1. Tokyo – Essence Of Japan



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

Top Attractions:

  • Tokyo Disneyland

  • Tokyo Skytree

  • Tokyo DisneySea

Best Things To Do:

  • Spend an evening near the Tokyo Tower in Japan

  • Shop in Odaiba

  • Witness the grandeur of the Meiji Shrine

Places to stay:

  • Guest House Trace

  • Manga Art Hotel

  • Khaosan Tokyo Samurai

Places to eat:

  • Tapas Molecular Bar

  • Ise Sueyoshi

  • Sometarō


2. Kyoto – Sacred And Serene


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

  • Kyoto Imperial Palace

  • Philosopher’s Walk

  • Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine

  • Visit the Kiyomizu Temple

  • Explore the Nijo Castle

  • Visit the famous Kinkaku-ji

Places to stay:

  • Village Kyoto

  • Downtown Inn Kyoto

  • Santiago Guesthouse Kyoto

  • Samurai Juku

  • Sugarhill Kyoto

  • Saishuan Shiraki


3. Nara – City Of Culture


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


Top Attractions:

  • Nara Park

  • Kasuga-taisha

  • Ninja Museum of Igaryu

Best Things To Do:

  • Visit the Isuien Garden

  • Befriend the deers at the Nara-koen Park

  • Explore the Nara National Museum

Places to stay:

  • Smile Hotel Nara

  • Super Hotel Lohas JR Nara Eki

  • Guesthouse Nara Komachi

Places to eat:

  • Kameya

  • Kura

  • Tonkatsu Ganko Nara


4. Mt. Fuji – A Breathtaking Marvel


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

Top Attractions:

  • Mount Tenjo

  • Chureito Pagoda

  • Fujiyoshida Sengen Shrine

Best Things To Do:

  • Go for skiing

  • Visit the Arakurayama Sengen Park

  • Enjoy the views of Mt. Fuji from the Subashiri 5th Station

Places to stay:

  • Hatago Ichiya

  • Bself Fuji Villa

  • Hotel Mount Fuji

Places to eat:

  • Hoto Fudou

  • Tempura Restaurant Ninja

  • Tetsuyaki


5. Hokkaido – Closer To Nature


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

Top Attractions:

  • Asahiyama Zoo

  • Farm Tomita

  • Blue Pond

Best Things To Do:

  • Relax in the hot spring

  • Treat yourself with scrumptious seafood

  • Visit the famous national parks

Places to stay:

  • Yorkshire Farm

  • Hotel Park Hills Hokkaido

  • Puremiahoteru – CABIN – Obihiro

Places to eat:

  • Daruma

  • Hokkaido Cafe

  • Hokkaido Ramen Kyowakoku


6. Ishigaki – Exotic Destination


The most trending travel spot in Japan! Voted as the most trending travel spot for 2022, the Ishigaki Island is definitely amongst the best places to visit in Japan. Despite its size, the island has no limit when it comes to offering unique experiences to its tourists, and glamming up their holiday in the Japanese land. It has been also voted as the best places to visit in Japan in cherry blossom season.

Top Attractions:

  • Kabira Bay

  • Taketomi Island

  • Ishigaki Limestone Cave

Best Things To Do:

  • Indulge in snorkeling

  • Relax on the beaches

  • Savour the Ishigaki Beef

Places to stay:

  • Ishigaki Guesthouse HIVE

  • Blue Cabin Ishigakijima

  • Ishigaki Seaside Hotel

Places to eat:

  • Sushi Taro

  • Usagiya

  • Akebono


7. Hiroshima – Historically Significant City


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

Top Attractions:

  • Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park & Museum

  • Hiroshima Castle

  • Itsukushima

Best Things To Do:

  • Try Okonomiyaki, the local delicacy

  • Visit the Mazda Museum

  • Capture pictures at the Shukkeien Garden

Places to stay:

  • K’s House Hiroshima

  • Grand Prince Hotel Hiroshima

  • Court Hotel Hiroshima

Places to eat:

  • Parco della Pace

  • Guttsuri-ann

  • Nagataya

8. Sapporo – Forget The Heat And Humidity


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

Top Attractions:

  • Moerenuma Park

  • Former Hokkaido Government Office

  • Mount Moiwa Observation Deck

Best Things To Do:

  • Visit the Sapporo Beer Museum

  • Party in Susukino

  • Indulge in local delicacies at the Curb Market

Places to stay:

  • The Stay Sapporo

  • Relief Sapporosusukino Hotel

  • Tmark City Hotel Sapporo

Places to eat:

  • Gotsubo Oyster Bar

  • Hyousetsu No Mon

  • Sapporo Beer Garden


9. Osaka – A Cultural Delight


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

  • Universal Studios Japan

  • Osaka Castle

  • Dotonbori

  • Visit the Kaiyukan Aquarium

  • Visit the Hozenji Temple

  • Go beer tasting and partying at night

Places to stay:

  • Hotel Taiyo

  • Hotel Fine Garden Juso

  • APA Hotel Osaka Higobashi Ekimae

  • Osaka Tacos

  • Giga Rabbit

  • Curry Yakumido


10. Yakushima – Naturally Gifted


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

Top Attractions:

  • Senpirono Falls

  • Jōmon Sugi

  • Mt. Miyanoura

Best Things To Do:

  • Kayaking or canoeing in Anbo river

  • Witness the Oko-no-taki Waterfall

  • Watch the Loggerhead turtles lay eggs

Places to stay:

  • Seaside Hotel Yakushima

  • Guesthouse Yakushima

Places to eat:

  • Yakushima Curry House

  • Panorama

  • Wakadaisho


11. Hakuba – For Adventurous Activities


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

Top Attractions:

  • Mt. Shirouma

  • Hakuba Happoone Winter Resort

  • Lake Aoki

Best Things To Do:

  • Ski at the Cortina Resort

  • Visit Hakuba 47 Winter Sports Park

  • Hike to the Happo Pond

Places to stay:

  • Courtyard by Marriott Hakuba

  • Morino lodge

  • Hakuba Highland Hotel

Places to eat:

  • Raicho Lodge Madarao

  • B.O.S

  • Izakaya Kaz


12. Kamakura – Where The Buddha Resides


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

Top Attractions:

  • Enoshima Aquarium

  • Kamakura Museum of Literature

  • Kannon Museum

Best Things To Do:

  • Witness the Great Buddha of Kamakura

  • Go surfing at Shonan Beach

  • Visit the Jufukuji Temple

Places to stay:

  • Kamakura Park Hotel

  • 8HOTEL

  • WeBase Hostel

Places to eat:

  • Kebab Kamakura

  • Sometaro

  • Miyoshi Udon-noodle & Sake


13. Nagano – Great For Family


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


Top Attractions:

  • Karuizawa

  • Matsumoto Castle

  • Kamikouchi

Best Things To Do:

  • Visit the Zenko-ji temple

  • Enjoy winter sports at Shiga Kogen Heights Ski Resort

  • Rejuvenate at Shirahone Onsen

Places to stay:

  • Hotel Metropolitan Nagano

  • Hotel JAL City Nagano

  • Hotel Mielparque Nagano

Places to eat:

  • Nihonmatsu

  • Ramen Misoya

  • Shinshu nagaya sakaba


14. Kawaguchi – Beautiful Landscapes


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


Top Attractions:

  • Lake Kawaguchiko

  • Fujiten Snow Resort

  • Oshino Hakkai

Best Things To Do:

  • Attend the Shibazakura Festival

  • Paddle Around Lake Kawaguchiko

  • Sip on Koshu Wine

Places to stay:

  • Smile Hotel Kawaguchi

  • Wa Style Hotel Tokyo

  • Kawaguchi Station Hotel

Places to eat:

  • Kaenzen Restaurant Kawaguchi

  • Itsumo Korean Restaurant

  • Pusan Korean Restaurant


15. Takayama – Away From City Life


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


Top Attractions:

  • Hida no Sato

  • Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition Hall

  • Sanmachi Suji District

Best Things To Do:

  • Go back in time at Takayama Jinya

  • Stay in a farmhouse

  • Attend the Takayama Festival

Places to stay:

  • Takayama Ouan

  • Ryokan Tanabe

  • Best Western Hotel Takayama

Places to eat:

  • Heianraku

  • Suzuya Restaurant

  • Kyōya


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