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

Huis Ten Bosch will take you to the largest resort theme park in Asia, inspired by the style of the Netherlands and 17th century Europe. Located along the coast of Nagasaki Prefecture, Huis Ten Bosch Park is designed exactly like the streets of the Netherlands, so much so that you will feel like you are actually in Amsterdam. There are many recreational activities here, but the colorful landscape is the attraction for tourists, especially the tulips and roses.

Mifuneyama Rakuen Park, Saga

Mifuneyama Rakuen Park is a very famous place in Saga for its blooming flowers when spring comes. In the evening, the park also has a vivid light exhibition that will make you unable to take your eyes off.

You can visit the park at any time of the year, but the most beautiful time is in spring, from late March to early April is cherry blossom season, and from mid-April to mid-May is azalea season. The park is located right next to Takeo Onsen town, so you can also relax in the hot springs.

Kawachi Fujien Wisteria Garden

Kawachi Fujien Wisteria Garden was selected by CNN as one of the 31 most beautiful places in Japan in 2015.

From late April to mid-May, the entire garden is filled with the sweet fragrance and slow color changes of 22 species of wisteria. The main attraction of this beautiful garden is the giant flower trellis and 2 carefully tended wisteria tunnels.

In addition, you should not miss the lush green of the maple leaves, a beautiful contrast to the purple wisteria flowers.

Summer Travel Destinations in Japan for You

Summer in Japan is warm, and immediately makes you want to visit one of the beautiful beaches or islands scattered across the country.

However, if you want to escape the hot sun, Japan is also home to many highland resorts and rolling mountain landscapes in cooler places like Hokkaido. Check out Klook’s picks for the most soothing summer scenery.

Tsunoshima Island, Yamaguchi

This beautiful island is located in the northwest of Yamaguchi Prefecture. To get to Tsunoshima Island, you will have to cross the picturesque Tsunoshima Ohashi Bridge, which stretches 1,780m over the clear waters of the Sea of ​​Japan.

Tsunoshima is famous for its sandy beaches, fresh seafood restaurants, and vibrant outdoor activities. In addition, the 130-year-old lighthouse located on the island is also a must-see attraction.

Unkai Terrace, Hokkaido

If the summer is too hot, cool off in the sea of ​​clouds at Unkai Terrace in Hokkaido. This terrace is an extension of Hoshino Resorts Tomamu, and is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the sea of ​​clouds floating from an altitude of 1,088m. You can also camp here. Take the ropeway from the foot of Mount Tomamu to Unkai Terrace at dawn to hunt for clouds and enjoy a full range of entertainment and leisure services, from Cloud Bar to Cloud Bed and Cloud Pool.

Karuizawa Town

Despite being located near an active volcano, the small town of Karuizawa is known as a romantic, cool retreat at the foot of Mount Asama during the summer. Take a leisurely bike ride through the streets, and you will find countless cafes, restaurants and souvenir shops lining the roads. The surrounding area is also home to great campgrounds, hiking trails, golf courses and more to enjoy.

Takachiho Gorge, Miyazaki

Imagine yourself sailing through a deep volcanic gorge on a boat, surrounded by waterfalls that create rainbows in the mist that surrounds you. That’s the scene at the stunning Takachiho Gorge in Miyazaki Prefecture, famous for its 17m-high Minainotaki Falls.

The area is highlighted by lush green foliage and basalt cliffs that resemble dragon scales. Takachiho is associated with national legends, and locals believe that this sacred gorge is the birthplace of Japan.

Miyakojima Island, Okinawa

The tropical paradise of Miyakojima boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in Okinawa. When the sun sets, the island becomes an ideal place to watch the stars, and you can even see the Milky Way.

In addition, the Miyako Islands also have three bridges spanning the surrounding islands. Among them, the Irabu Ohashi Bridge connecting Irabu Island with a length of 3,540m is the longest in Japan and is a free tourist spot. In addition to the activities at sea, the southern climate and rich natural environment also create conditions to create many specialties such as: fresh mango, high-quality Miako-gyu beef.

Farm Tomita, Furano

If you are looking for a great place in Japan in the summer, the lavender fields in Furano city are one of them, offering a beautiful purple scene from lavender. This flower starts blooming in late June and fascinates visitors until early August.

Farm Tomita, a famous tourist destination with many seasonal flowers, is visited by many tourists all year round! Come here, you will have a peaceful time around the lovely flowers flying in the summer wind.

Super Romantic Autumn Travel Destinations in Japan

Besides the world-famous cherry blossom season, the red leaf season in Japan is also equally anticipated. The Japanese fall foliage season is called “koyo”, starting from mid-September and lasting until December, bringing a gentle, romantic beauty with outstanding orange-red colors.

You should remember the following beautiful destinations to admire the Japanese autumn.

Eikando Temple, Japan

Eikando Temple, officially known as Zenrinji, belongs to the Jodo sect of Japanese Buddhism. Located north of Nanzenji, Eikando Temple is famous for its splendid autumn scenery decorated by 3,000 tall maple trees, and the entire area is lit up in the evening.

The temple has a long history, located near the Nomura Museum of Art and the Nanzen-ji area, which you can combine to visit.

Kurobe Gorge

Kurobe Gorge is a beautiful forested gorge cut by the Kurobe River, located in the rugged mountains of the Alps. The steep, almost vertical cliffs, pristine forests and outdoor hot springs make it a popular destination for viewing the eerie beauty of Japan’s autumn. The highlight here is the 20km long red railway that runs through the mountainous terrain with several stops along the way for you to enjoy the natural scenery.

Jozankei Onsen Town, Japan

Jozankei Onsen is located inside Shikotsu-Toya National Park, amid the high cliffs of the Toyohira River. This charming hot spring town in western Hokkaido is a favorite destination for those looking for “koyo”.

The town is particularly memorable in autumn, when the area around the Hoheikyo Dam and the famous red Futami Suspension Bridge is awash with colourful foliage. Take the ropeway from the Sapporo International Ski Resort and see the leaves turn pink from above.

Shinjuku Gyoen Park, Tokyo

Did you know there is a massive park in the middle of the city in Tokyo? Originally an imperial park, Shinjuku Gyoen became a green oasis for Tokyoites after the war, amid the concrete jungle.

The park is home to a variety of trees, and every autumn, the area is covered in beautiful red, yellow and amber leaves. You can sit and relax on the spacious lawns, or take a walk amidst the tranquil yet vibrant scenery.

Lake Kawaguchiko – One of the Famous Fuji Five Lakes

Nothing says Japan more than a photo of Mount Fuji surrounded by beautiful maple leaves.

Of the five lakes at the foot of the mountain, Lake Kawaguchiko is the one with the most beautiful views. To hunt for the most brilliant autumn photos, you can stand at the Momiji Corridor along the Nashigawa River, or the Momiji Cairo Maple Tunnel. The maple leaves are usually bright red from mid-late November to early December. Take a boat ride across Lake Kawaguchiko, and you will admire the beauty doubled when Mount Fuji and the red maple leaves cast a shimmering shadow on the lake.

Extremely Attractive Winter Tourist Destinations in Japan

When the temperature drops and the white snow begins to blur the landscape in Japan, it is time to go on a journey to find beautiful winter scenes that you may have never seen before.

Whether you prefer to spend time at a ski resort, a hot spring town or to attend a beautiful ice festival, there are plenty of things to see when the weather turns cold. And don’t worry about the freezing temperatures outside, as you can warm up after an outdoor excursion by soaking in a hot spring, or enjoying a hot bowl of ramen.

Add these beautiful destinations to your Japan winter itinerary.

Sapporo Snow Festival

Hokkaido is really cold in winter, but it is definitely one of the most beautiful places to visit in the world, where the Sapporo Snow Festival takes place in the capital city of Sapporo for 2 weeks, transforming the entire city into a wonderland.

Over 2 million visitors from Japan and abroad attend this event every winter. They come here to experience the culture, food, and admire the spectacular snow and ice sculptures.

Shirakawago Village

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Shirakawago Village is one of the must-see places when visiting Japan. The small village is located deep in the mountains, including a number of small houses and traditional Japanese architecture that are well preserved. The peaceful scenery will take you back to old Japan, with lush green rice fields in the summer and a white world with lights in the winter.

All you need to do is take a deep breath and wander around the village, where the local community has existed in harmony with nature for centuries.

Ginzan Onsen Town

Winter is the best time to enjoy an onsen hot spring bath because there is nothing better than soaking in a warm bath when it is freezing cold outside. There are hundreds of onsen towns in Japan, but if you want to enjoy an onsen experience in the snow, then head to Ginzan Onsen in Yamagata Prefecture, in northern Japan. This town possesses a nostalgic, romantic beauty, preserved since the 19th century and was once voted by CNN as “Japan’s most charming winter village”.

Nabana no Sato Park

The beautiful Nabana no Sato Garden is located on the small island of Nagashima in Mie Prefecture. The park offers impressive scenery in all four seasons, but in winter, this place becomes one of the most beautiful winter light show locations in Japan.

Between mid-October and early May, you should take a trip here to see the splendid light party and the stunning dazzling performances. Don’t forget to visit the diverse, colorful flower garden during the day.

“Snow Monster” Zao

Coming to Zao Mountain in winter, you will encounter a “snow monster army” called “Juhyo”. Thousands of strange shapes are created from the white snow falling and condensing on the fir trees, making you admire the wonderful creation of nature.

“Snow Monster” Zao is formed around December and reaches its maximum size in February before gradually melting in March. The best way to see Juhyo is to take a cable car to see the field of frost-covered trees from above. In particular, this place is lit up in many colors at night, making the scene even more magical.

What Do You Know About Traveling to Japan?

Japan is a mysterious story. It is the perfect combination of centuries-old traditions covered by extremely fast development. Many first-time visitors to Japan often find themselves in disbelief as they see a country with the third largest economy in the world, and a rich and fascinating history that dates back thousands of years.

Indeed, long before many of Europe’s most magnificent cathedrals were built, Japan’s Shinto and Buddhist temples were firmly established in this land, inviting pilgrims to admire their exquisite designs. In addition, the Japanese have also perfected modern techniques and technologies, helping them to reach the prosperity they have today.

Despite wars and natural devastation, much of the culture of the Land of the Rising Sun has been preserved or perfectly restored, and a visit to Japan will truly leave you with many beautiful memories. Japan boasts an endless list of attractions, exciting activities to do, and delicious dishes to try. A vacation in Japan is definitely worth your time, effort, and money.

The post first appeared on Klook Vietnam and was translated, more compiled and edited by Living Nomads. If you find any images or text that belong to you, please contact us, so we can credit you or give us permission to use them. Thank you very much!

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, to and from Tokyo you can refer to

• Private Narita International Airport Transfers (NRT) for Tokyo 23 Wards, Hakone, or Karuizawa
• Private Haneda International Airport Transfers (HND) for Tokyo 23 Wards, Hakone, or Karuizawa
• Airport Limousine Bus Transfers from/to Narita and Haneda International Airport (Free Wifi Onboard)
• Tokyo Amazing Sightseeing Bus Day Tour
• Tokyo Highlights Private Day Tour
• Nikko Day Tour from Tokyo
• Mt Fuji & Hakone Day Tour: Lake Ashi & Ropeway Day Trip from Tokyo
• Nikko Cultural Day Tour from Tokyo
• Tokyo Subway Ticket (24, 48, or 72 Hours)
• Tokyo Skyliner and Tokyo Subway Ticket
• Shuttle Bus Transfers (One Way/Round Trip) from Shinjuku/Ikebukuro to Tokyo Disneyland or Tokyo DisneySea
• Tokyo Disney Resort Park Ticket
• Klook Pass Greater Tokyo
• SHIBUYA SKY Ticket
• Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter Ticket
• Skyliner Narita Airport Express Ticket
• TeamLab Planets Ticket
• TOKYO SKYTREE® Ticket
• Limousine Bus Narita or Haneda Airport to Tokyo
• Skyliner Narita Airport Express With Tokyo Subway Ticket
• JR Tokyo Wide Pass
• Sky Hop-on and Hop-off Bus Pass
• 4G Prepaid Sim Card (JP Airports Pick Up) for Japan
• 4G WiFi (BKK and DMK Airport Pick Up) for Japan (Unlimited Data)
• JR Pass for Whole Japan (7, 14, or 21 Days)

Are you looking for more Tokyo travel guide and top things to do in Tokyo: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Read more: Tokyo itinerary 3 days — What to do in Tokyo in 3 days?