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
Best Things To Do In Kyoto:
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
Best Things To Do In Osaka:
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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