If you’re going to Japan, knowing the best places to visit is important. Japan is a mix of old and new, with bustling city streets and peaceful temples, as well as beautiful natural landscapes and tall buildings. It’s a country full of contrasts, making it a great place to explore. Here are some must-see attractions in Japan!
Mount Fuji
Mount Fuji is a famous tourist spot in Japan. It’s about 100 kilometers from Tokyo, and you can get there by bus. In Japanese culture, it’s considered one of the three sacred mountains. Many artists have been inspired by its perfect shape. People who follow Shinto and Buddhism often visit it as a pilgrimage site. The highest point in Japan, many visitors go to the Subaru Fifth Station to see it up close. Another great view is from Lake Kawaguchiko. If you travel from Tokyo to Kyoto on a clear day, you can see Mount Fuji from the bullet train, and it’s amazing!
Harajuku & Takeshita Street, Tokyo
You have to visit Harajuku when you’re sightseeing in Tokyo. It’s a famous spot in Japan known for its pop culture, cute shops, and anime. Takeshita Street is the main street there. It’s busy and colorful, with lots of unique shops and cafes. If you want to see Japanese pop culture at its best, you can’t miss Takeshita Street. And if you go on a Sunday, you’ll see locals dressed up in fun costumes!
Dotonburi, Osaka
Dotonburi is a lively area in Osaka, right by the canal, with the same name. It’s famous for its bright lights, entertainment, bars, and street food markets. If you want to try Japanese street food, this is the place to go in Osaka! The people in Osaka really love food, and you can eat until you’re full here! There’s so much to see in Dotonburi, you might not know where to start! Make sure you check out the famous ‘Running Man’ neon sign in the middle of the area and enjoy the view from Ebisubashi Bridge.
Shirakawago Village
Nestled in the mountains along the Shogawa River Valley, Shirakawago village is a lovely place to visit in Japan. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its unique farmhouses with steep, A-shaped roofs called gassho-zukuri. These houses were built to handle heavy snow. Some are over 250 years old, giving you a glimpse into traditional Japanese life. About 2,000 people live in the village, and staying with a local family is a great way to experience Shirakawago. But day trips from Nagoya or Kanazawa are also popular if you’re short on time.
Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kyoto
Fushimi Inari Shrine is a top spot in Kyoto, Japan. It’s a Shinto shrine known for its thousands of red gates that lead to the main shrine. The shrine is dedicated to the Shinto god of rice. The building itself is stunning and shows traditional Japanese architecture. Many visitors enjoy hiking the trails in the surrounding mountains, which offer peaceful walks through the woods. If you hike to the top of the mountain, which takes about 2-3 hours, you’ll get amazing views of Kyoto.
Umeda Sky Building Floating Garden, Osaka
The Umeda Sky Building is a famous skyscraper in Osaka. It’s known for its amazing “floating garden” on the top floor, which is 173 meters above sea level. The garden is suspended between two towers and offers a 360-degree view of the city. It’s a great place to visit, especially at night, to see the sunset or the city lights.
Meiji Shrine, Tokyo
This shrine in Tokyo’s Shibuya district is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife. It’s surrounded by a lush forest and was built in 1920. It’s a calm place in the middle of busy Tokyo. Many locals visit during New Year to pray. Nearby is the Meiji Jingu Museum, which has valuable treasures from the shrine.
Himeji Castle
Located in the city of Himeji, Himeji Castle is a famous tourist spot in Japan. It’s known as the ‘White Heron’ because of its bright white color. This castle is rare because it’s one of the few that survived from the feudal period in Japan. It’s been around since the 14th century and is the biggest and most popular castle in Japan. There are many local stories about the castle, including one about a ghost that supposedly lives in the tower. Himeji Castle is an important part of Japanese history and culture.
