31+ famous, must-see & best places to visit in Japan for all kinds of travelers

Are you finding what to do and where to visit in Japan when visiting Japan? Save famous Japanese tourist destinations to make your journey in the Land of the Rising Sun – whether in Spring, Summer, Fall or Winter – full of emotions with the list of 31+ famous places to visit in Japan, must-see & best places to visit in Japan for all kinds of travelers that we compiled below!

There is no doubt that Japan is a “fascinating” destination for the global visitors. Possessing a distinct four-season climate and a colorful natural landscape, Japan also scores points for its unique cultural beauty and many ancient architectural works, and its art, fashion and entertainment trends have long been leading in the region. Let’s explore famous Japanese tourist destinations that deserve to be included in your travel itinerary.

Famous Japanese Tourist Places You Shouldn’t Miss (#best places to visit in Japan)

The picturesque land of Japan is an archipelago stretching across thousands of active volcanic islands in the Pacific Ocean. The islands of Japan vary in climate and are home to many endemic wildlife species.

Japan has a rich culture and offers a wide range of interesting activities in architecture, art, music, cuisine, lifestyle and nature for visitors. This is a perfect combination of modernity as well as tradition values.

Here is a list of the most famous Japanese tourist destinations that you might want to include in your next itinerary.

Mount Fuji, Japan (#best places to visit in Japan)

The symbol of Japan, Mount Fuji, is the first tourist destination that must be visited. Mount Fuji is located about 100km from the capital Tokyo and can be reached by bus.

In traditional Japanese culture, this conical, snow-capped mountain is one of the Three Holy Mountains, an important pilgrimage site for Shinto and Buddhist followers.

As the highest peak in Japan, most visitors head straight to Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station to enjoy a close-up view of the mountain. On the other hand, you can enjoy the most inspiring panorama from Lake Kawaguchiko.

Harajuku, Tokyo – A Fashionista’s Paradise

To experience pop culture, boutiques, the world of anime and manga, and everything in between, head to Harajuku, with Takeshita Street as its center.

Harajuku is the best place to shop if you like Japanese youth fashion, from budget to high-end. In particular, you will find a lot of cosplay and accessories in all styles. Takeshita Shopping Street is only 400m long but there is a lot to see. For those who love to eat, crepes are a must-visit here.

Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, Kyoto

An important Shinto shrine, Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine is famous for its thousands of sparkling red-orange Torii gates leading to the main shrine, where Shinto gods are enshrined. This is the most legendary and sacred image of Kyoto in particular and Japan in general.

The shrine’s architecture is a wonderful example of traditional Japanese architecture. Visiting the shrine you can admire and explore the trail leading to the top of Mount Inari and admire scenery, passing through quiet forests along the way. When you hike to reach the top of the mountain, you will feel worthy when enjoying the spectacular views of Kyoto from above.

Umeda Sky Building, Osaka

Umeda Sky Building is an iconic skyscraper in Osaka and was voted one of the top 20 architectures in the world.

The building has a unique design, in which two 40-storey buildings, 173m high, are connected by a floating garden in the sky Kuchu Teien. The observatory located on the top of the building is also where you can admire a spectacular panoramic view of Osaka and feel the fresh cool breeze in the sky.

Be sure to visit the building in the afternoon to catch the sunset and admire the city’s magnificent skyline against the night sky.

Himeji Castle

Located in the city of the same name, Himeji Castle, also known as White Egret Castle and it is the only castle throughout Japan which was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The castle has recreated the image of a white heron – a legendary bird, symbolizing the noble purity of a gentleman.

This work is highly appreciated for its design and construction methods. Himeiji Castle dates back to the 14th century, and has just completed a major renovation in 2015, and now it appears with a new look that is even more beautiful. Himeiji Castle contains invaluable cultural treasures, providing rich knowledge about ancient Japanese culture.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Fully named Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, this place attracts over a million visitors each year because it is not so much about the atomic bombing of Hiroshima in August 1945, but rather about the incredible efforts this vibrant city has made to remember the victims of the world’s first nuclear attack.

More importantly, Hiroshima has become a symbol of long lasting peace. Here, you will find a number of monuments, memorials and museums related to those fateful events.

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

The Okinawa Islands of Japan consist of over 150 islands located between Taiwan and the Japanese mainland. This tropical environment is a stark contrast to the rest of Japan, which is home to beautiful beaches and swaying palm trees.

The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is located on the main island of Okinawa. It is the best aquarium in Japan, with its giant Kuroshio tank – home to 60 different species of marine life, including giant whale sharks and manta rays. There are also separate areas for tiger sharks, bull sharks, dolphins, sea turtles, manatees, and more.

Tokyo Skytree (#famous places to visit in Japan)

The Tokyo Skytree, often referred to as Tokyo Tower, is a testament to Japan’s technological advancement and modern life.

Inspired by the Eiffel Tower, it is the second tallest man-made structure in Japan and serves as an observation and communications tower. You can climb to the top of the tower for great views of Tokyo and the surrounding areas, as well as visit the shops and dine at the rooftop restaurant.

Tokyo Imperial Palace

The Tokyo Imperial Palace is the residence of the Emperor of Japan. It is also an administrative center and a museum showcasing Japanese art and history.

The palace was built on the ruins of old castles that were destroyed by fire or war, and the architects honored the past by incorporating design elements from different eras into the modern palace. The new palace is surrounded by traditional Japanese gardens and has many reception and function rooms for receiving guests and greeting the public.

Kamakura Daibutsu

The Great Buddha of Kamakura, or Kamakura Daibutsu, dates back to the 13th century and is the second tallest bronze Buddha statue in Japan. Kamakura Daibutsu is Japan’s most famous Amida Buddhist symbol and one of the most visited tourist attractions in the Kanto region.

Cast in bronze, the Great Buddha of Kamakura stands over 13m tall and weighs nearly 93 tonnes. Originally housed in a small wooden temple, the Great Buddha now stands outdoors as the original temple was washed away in a tsunami in the 15th century.

Japan Travel Destinations in Spring

Spring in Japan is considered the most comfortable time of the year, with an extremely pleasant climate. The weather is warm, not too rainy, just enough for the flowers to bloom everywhere.

You love Japanese cherry blossoms and certainly won’t want to miss the chance to see them bloom in sweet pink in spring! So where can you go in spring? Find out right away.

Join a Japanese Cherry Blossom Tour (#must see places in japan)

Cherry blossoms, the symbol of the land of the rising sun, are also one of the main reasons why foreign tourists visit Japan in the spring. The earliest cherry blossoms are Kawazu in Kawazu, Shizuoka Prefecture, which start blooming in early February and can last for about a month afterwards.

In addition, you can find Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms with light pink color appearing everywhere. Visitors often checks in temples in Kyoto and Nara Prefecture to hunt for cherry blossom photos in ancient spaces.

If you miss the period from late March to early April, you still have the opportunity to see cherry blossoms in the northern region, including Hirosaki City in Aomori Prefecture and Goryokaku Fortress Park in Hokkaido Prefecture.

Mother Farm, Chiba

Mother Farm is a famous tourist attraction in Chiba Prefecture, very popular with young tourists as well as Japanese elementary school students. Spring is the perfect time to visit a farm, see friendly animals such as cows, sheep, pigs, even alpacas and colorful flower fields.

After visiting, you can enjoy the performances of sheep herding by farm dogs, or pet them up close, and many other interesting activities.

Huis Ten Bosch Park, Nagasaki

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