Top 15 Places to Visit in Japan

25/02/2024 Indrani Ghose

Inhabited since antiquity Japan is characterized by its shrines, castles, beautiful gardens, rich museums, simmering volcanoes, sandy beaches, holocaust battered cities, wonderful cuisine and more; you can’t go wrong by exploring at least several Japan destinations on any venture through the country. Here are top 15 places to visit in Japan. I am back from my 18 days Japan tour and I am excited to share with you my experiences in the top places to visit in Japan.

So, if you are planning your itinerary and are undecided about what to see in Japan, I have you covered in this blog about the top attractions in Japan, which cities to visit in Japan and what you must see in Japan.

MOST Famous Places in Japan are: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hakone, Nara, Hime-ji, Okayama, Odawara, Fukuoka, Kanazawa, Kumamoto, Takayama, Mt. Aso Volcano, Kamakura, and Nikko.

Let us start right away!

Top 15 Places to Visit in Japan

1. Kamakura

One of the most peaceful places to visit in Japan is Kamakura. A beautiful coastal town, Kamakura, is located in the Kanto region on the island of Honshu. It had an important historic role as it was the seat of the Kamakura government that ruled Japan for over a century. Known by the name – “the little Kyoto”, Kamakura has hundreds of temples scattered around the hilly, green city, of course all of which you cannot visit if you are there for just a day.

When visiting places in Kamakura visit the important ones like the Hase Kannon Temple, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine and Kotoku-in that enshrines Kamakura Daibutsu (Great Buddha of Kamakura).

It’s also home to oodles of coffee shops, bars, the stylish Starbucks and the interesting food that you can try out are the soft serve ice-cream, the most popular flavor among all is the Murasaki Imo or purple sweet potato and Tako-Senbei (octopus cracker). Better still, visit Kamakura Komachi, the street lined with shops selling a wide variety of street food.

The best time to visit Kamakura Japan is late spring when Hydrangeas are in full bloom in different hues and colors. The crowds will be significantly less than in the high season (i.e., during the summer).

Read: For further planning a visit read Epic things to do in Kamakura Japan

Kumamoto Japan – Top Places to Visit in Japan

2. Odawara

Odawara can easily be added to the top sights in Japan. The city is worth visiting for its popular attractions – the Odawara Castle, Odawara Dynacity, and Odawara Castle Park. The Park is worth visiting all year round. The best part is it is free to view the castle and walk around the grounds unless you wish to go to the tower.

Learn about Samurai and Ninja here. Odawara Castle Museum and Samurai Gallery is an eclectic display of samurai armor, swords, and explanation of the historic battles that took place here.

If local food is your weakness too like me then try Odawara’s most famous product Kamaboko. Being close to sea and blessed with abundant supply of fish, this dish is easily available in most shops that are concentrated along the Kamaboko Road, a few minutes’ walk from the castle. Kamaboko is a surimi fish paste that can be prepared in many different ways and flavors. Kamaboko has been made for centuries in the city and you can taste, and get adventurous and try to make your own at the Suzuhiro Kamaboko Village one train stop away! Uiro, Umeboshi are the other local delicacies in the area.

Read: Odawara City: 11 Best Things to Do

3. Hakone

Hakone is one of the must-see places in Japan. Ideally Hakone deserves two days, sadly I had only one day in Hakone. It is part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and has the most beautiful scenery in Japan packed in one place.

Hakone is about 60 km from Mount Fuji, you can see it on a clear day. Every tourist here gets excited at this sight and the air is filled with sounds of deep gasps. I too didn’t lose the opportunity of clicking one frame. The Hakone pass allows you to ride in bus, train, ropeway and a cruise too.

You can visit the Hot springs, which are in abundance in Hakone. Don’t miss out on the Open-air Museum with stunning displays, the views around Lake Ashinoko, Hakone Shrine and Owakudani, a crater created during the last eruption of Mount Hakone some 3000 years ago. Today, much of the area is an active volcanic zone where sulphurous fumes, hot springs and hot rivers can be experienced.

Read: Memorable and Exciting Things to Do in Hakone Japan

Hakone Japan

4. Nara

Yamato, Nara was Japan’s first capital and the seat of the emperor of Japan. There is so much to see in Nara, it easily gets ranked high in list of famous places in Japan. In a one-day itinerary of Nara you can easily fit in the visit to UNESCO sites, the historic monuments of ancient Nara.

Todaji Temple is the most famous attraction in Nara, with most tourists heading there first. The temple has a magnificent bronze Nara Daibutsu statue (or the Great Buddha of Nara). Proceed to Horyu-ji Temple and from there through the Deer Garden and narrow forest paths to Kasuga-Taisha Shrine from there all the way west until you reach Kofuku-ji Temple.

The abundance of wild deer that roam freely through the region is a scene that you won’t forget easily. The Isui-en Garden and Nara National Museum too are worth a visit.

Food specialities that you must try in Nara are somen noodles (a string-thin flour noodle) and bitter persimmon leaf sushi, kaki no ha zushi.

5. Osaka

I found Osaka a charming, relaxed city with lots of fun activities. During our walk to Osaka Castle, we stumbled on two fun events going on with huge crowds cheering the performing artists. It is best known for its food (Osaka has been called the best food city in Japan), fun and nightlife; with some history and culture peeking through.

Osaka is a sprawling metropolis but slightly less crowded in comparison with Tokyo. With its underground world, a plethora of shopping malls, the experience here is one of the greatest tourist attractions. The city is known as the ‘Manchester of Japan’ as it is an important textile center in Japan.

While modernity has seized the city, one can’t ignore the fact that Osaka has 3,395 shrines and temples that make it the city with the second most temples in Japan. Most upmarket place to visit in Osaka is the popular Universal studio of Osaka. This is counted amongst the six universal studio theme parks. So, if you go by the sights in Osaka chances are that even two days may fall short.

Try these:

6. Hime-ji

Being an ardent fan of UNESCO sites all over the world I couldn’t give Himeji Castle a miss. This definitely is among the top attractions in Japan.

Himeji-jo is 17th-century Japanese castle architecture, comprising 83 buildings with highly developed systems of defence and ingenious protection devices dating from the beginning of the Shogun period.

Plan to arrive early to visit the castle. It is a wooden structure and they restrict the number of people to enter the castle at a time especially in the tower area. It will take around 1.5-2 hours to look around Himeji castle. It seemed like an adventure to me to walk through the narrow lanes of the inner castle and walk up to the six-story main keep.

While in Himeji don’t miss out on the taste of imagawa-yakis. I had just one and the taste still lingers in my mouth. It is a popular Japanese dessert made of batter and filled, usually with azuki bean paste.

7. Okayama

Okayama city is highly recommended among Top Places to Visit in Japan as it is famous for its imposing, the black Okayama Castle and Okayama Korakuen. Okayama Garden is one of Japan’s three greatest traditional landscape gardens in Japan (my reason for including Okhayama in Japan itinerary).

This city of Japan gets more sunny days than most places in Japan which makes it one of the best cities in Japan to visit even during winters. Throughout the year, Okayama is blessed with minimal rain and a mild climate, earning it the nickname the “Land of Sunshine.”

Once you are done with the castle and garden explore Kurashiki in the neighborhood. The alleyways make pleasant walkers’ paths. Take boat rides through the canals, an activity loved most by children. Hop into one of the museums, there are many.

Okayama has easy access to the Seto Inland Sea – a serene stretch of water between Honshu and Shikoku. It is dotted with several islands, earning it the nickname “The Aegean of Japan”. Do read up my fav. list of things to do in Okayama if you are planning a visit – What to Do in Okayama in One Day.

Geisha in Japan

8. Fukuoka

Fukuoka is a popular city in Japan. Start with the historic temple walk from Shofukuji Temple, a well-known religious attraction of Fukuoka. Tranquil and peaceful, we found it devoid of crowds. Next, visit the Tochoji Temple, a Shingon Buddhist temple. Main attractions here are The Great Buddha of Fukuoka, the walk-through heaven and hell and the huge, red 5 story pagoda.

Kushida Shrine, spread over a large area, is home of the Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival. The festival’s enormous floats are displayed on the shrine’s grounds. Besides that, many small curiosities and interesting details to be found around Kushida, like the Chikara Ishi stones – a set of huge, engraved stones which Sumo wrestlers have donated to the shrine.

Take a ‘time travel’ through the Meiji and Tasho periods, from 1868 to 1926, in the Hakata Machiya Folk Museum. It is such a contrast to Fukuoka’s most energetically modern district. The museum celebrates several traditional arts. To mention a few are weaving, doll making and also the complex and elaborate festival floats used in Kushida Shrine’s annual festival.

Read: BEST Things to Do in Fukuoka

9. Kumamoto

Kumamoto with its thick green cover is known as the land of forests. It is located on the Japanese island of Kyushu. Kumamoto Castle, now under severe repair works, is worth a visit. Once you are done with the castle visit Sakura no Baba Josaien. This traditional walled castle town is a complex of shops and restaurants. It has a museum on the history of Kumamoto. Take a stroll through Suizenji Jojuen, a garden (kaiyu shiki teien) set around a pond fed by springs from Mount Aso.

Kumamoto is famous for “Mount Aso” where one of the world’s largest calderas lies. Because of this live volcano Kumamoto is known in Japan as “The Land of Fire.” Not just the silent simmering volcano, Kumamoto also has a beautiful sea Amakusa with a group of 120 islands. Both the mountains of Aso and the sea of Amakusa are designated as national parks by the Japanese Government.

Plan in advance to see the three great fire festivals – The Aso Fire Festival, The Yamaga Lantern Festival and the huge Hinokuni Land of Fire Festival and fireworks in August in Kumamoto City.

10. Mount Aso Nakadake Volcano

With Kumamoto as base make a trip to Mount Aso to witness the live sleeping volcano spewing smoke. This active volcano in Japan is among the largest in the world.

The no-entry zone around Mount Aso’s crater was lifted on March 23, 2023. Unless gas levels are too high or the weather or visibility are bad, entry around the crater is permitted. So, just a word of caution – make sure to check the volcano’s current state before traveling there.

Other activities possible around Nakadake crater is horse riding in grass-covered plain Kusasenri (or Kusasenri-ga-hama). You can see grazing cows and a few horses. Horse riding is possible from early March to mid-December. Keep aside time to visit the Aso Volcano Museum with explanations about the volcano.

Try this: Private guided tour around Mt. Aso volcano, grassland, Aso Shrine

11. Kyoto

Included in every list of quintessential places to visit in Japan is Kyoto. Historical Kyoto is the major live hub of traditional Japanese culture. For the wholesome experience of traditional Japan, a visit to Kyoto is a must. Kyoto has natural scenery, a plethora of historical buildings with traditional architecture, amazing culinary spread and is a hub of art and culture.

The city has a record 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites! There are 1600 Buddhist temples, over 400 Shinto shrines, castles, palaces, gardens and museums. Kyoto deserves two days and more to soak in its vibes well.

Most of the landmarks in Kyoto are scattered. Take help from the Tourism information office in Kyoto station to plan out your itinerary, especially about the bus routes. The bus network is good but it takes at least an hour from one end to the other of the city. Ideal way would be to choose one area of Kyoto to focus on each day of your stay in the city.

Read more: Kyoto Top Things to Do

Suggested Tour: PERFECT KYOTO 1 Day Bus Tour

Kyoto – Top Places to Visit in Japan

12. Kanazawa

When visiting places in Japan include Kanazawa. Japan’s Garden city, Kanazawa, was recognized in 2009 as a UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art. Kanazawa is a good off the beaten path Japan and a must include in Japan itinerary if you have taken the Japan rail pass.

The best part of touring Kanazawa is a bus route goes along all the best attractions of Kanazawa. It is like taking HOHO (hop on hop off) bus. You can start the day at the castle – built in the 1580s, the garden – Kenrokuen Garden, begun in the 17th century, is celebrated for its classic landscape designs incorporating ponds and streams. Then tour Nagamachi Samurai district and Higashi Chaya district, both are well-preserved Edo-era districts.

This alone will consume good eight hours including the small lunch break. But there are sights and experiences beyond that. There are a good number of art museums and regional handicrafts.

Read: 25 Best Things to Do in Kanazawa

13. Takayama

Looking for some historic destinations in Japan? Takayama is a good place to experience old Japan’s rural life, history, and culture. Walking through the well-preserved Edo-era streets, lined with buildings with traditional architecture, is like a trip back in time.

Read: What to Do in Takayama in One day

The Hida Folk Village (Hida no Sato) has over 30 thatched-roof houses that were relocated from different parts of the region and is a popular attraction in Takayama. You get a sense of what life was like in the past. ‘Shirakawa-go’, located about 50 minutes by bus ride away, is another site with the best-preserved thatched houses in the country.

The Old Town (Sanmachi Suji), is one among the most visited tourist spot in Japan. A collection of narrow streets that are lined with well-preserved wooden buildings, some of them converted into shops. They sell local handicraft items, a variety of Sake, you can actually walk into the breweries. The morning markets are worth exploring where local people set up stalls with their produce.

You can then make your way to The Float Hall in Sakurayama Hachiman. It has a collection of 11 floats that are used for the fall Takayama festival. They change and display 4 floats at a time 3 times a year (March, July, and November).

14. Nikko Japan

Nikko features in top attractions of Japan. It is famous for its distinctive mystical atmosphere. Popular attractions include historical shrines and temples. The World Heritage area of Nikko can be explored in one day and is worth visiting from Tokyo.

Read: Nikko: Comprehensive Travel Guide

The famous Shinkyo Bridge near Nikko Futarasan Shrine is a stunning sight. This vermillion-lacquered bridge arches over the Daiya River marks the beginning of trail to Nikko’s World Heritage Sites.

Nikko Toshogu Shrine with 55 separate buildings that include stunning gates with intricate wood carvings, Rinnoji Temple and Futarasan Shrine together are registered with UNESCO as The Shrines and Temples of Nikko.

Nikko is home to Kegon Falls, one of Japan’s highest waterfalls. At a height of 97 m it is one of most impressive landmarks of Nikko. Outdoor lovers will simply want to be in the Nikko National Park, a sprawling expanse of mountains. One can indulge in the various activities ranging from hiking to canyoning.

Lake Chuzenji — poetically known as the Sea of Happiness — is another such place. Fiery autumn leaves in mid-November when I visited were a treat to the eyes. If time permits, enjoy the place for peaceful bird-watching and rugged trekking.

The best part is the excellent bus service in Nikko city.

15. Tokyo Japan

The list of things to do in Japan is literally endless, all depending on how much time you have! It will take a good amount of study to tailor an itinerary of your preferences. Check out: Is One Day Enough in Tokyo?

There are endless attractions in Tokyo that are of historical, traditional, art and cultural importance. Similarly for shopping and food too Tokyo is a haven. Even hardcore vegetarians can find unique Japanese dishes that are healthy. For events and festivals, a calendar would be helpful to plan out your visit to Tokyo. Amidst all modernity there are pockets of nature where you can rest and rejuvenate after the long walking tours.

Tokyo is the most populated city in the world, a slice of that can be witnessed at the world’s busiest intersection at Shibuya Crossing.

Try these:
Tokyo by Night: Japanese Food and Drinks Experience
Best of Shibuya Food Tour

Map of Japan with my Travel Route through the Must-See Places in Japan

Map of Japan with my Travel Route

FAQ questions and answers for your blog on the best places to visit in Japan

What are some must-visit cities in Japan?

Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima are some of the top cities to visit in Japan, each offering unique cultural experiences, historical landmarks, and modern attractions.

What are the best times of year to visit Japan?

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are generally considered the best times to visit Japan due to the pleasant weather, cherry blossoms in spring, and stunning fall foliage in autumn.

What are some must-see attractions in Tokyo?

Tokyo offers a plethora of attractions including the iconic Tokyo Tower, bustling Shibuya Crossing, historic Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, and the high-tech district of Akihabara.

What are the must-visit temples and shrines in Kyoto?

Kyoto is famous for its traditional temples and shrines such as Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kiyomizu-dera, and the serene gardens of Ryoan-ji.

What are some unique experiences to have in Japan?

Enjoy a traditional tea ceremony, stay in a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn), visit a sumo stable, explore rural villages like Shirakawa-go, and take part in a Japanese cooking class.

What are the best places to experience Japan’s natural beauty?

Visit the picturesque landscapes of Hokkaido, explore the scenic beauty of the Japanese Alps in Nagano, relax in the hot springs of Hakone, and hike the iconic Mt. Fuji.

What are some family-friendly attractions in Japan?

Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea, Universal Studios Japan in Osaka, the Ghibli Museum in Tokyo, and the Deer Park in Nara are popular attractions for families traveling in Japan.

How can I experience traditional Japanese culture in Kyoto?

Participate in a tea ceremony, try on a kimono and stroll through the streets of Gion, attend a traditional theater performance like Kabuki or Noh, and explore the traditional machiya (wooden townhouses) in the city.

Try this: Nighttime All-Inclusive Local Eats and Streets, Gion and Beyond

What are some off-the-beaten-path destinations in Japan worth exploring?

Consider visiting the art island of Naoshima, the historical town of Kanazawa, the remote island of Yakushima with its ancient cedar forests, and the charming town of Takayama in the Japanese Alps.

How can I make the most of my visit to Japan on a budget?

Look for budget accommodations like hostels or capsule hotels, take advantage of discount transportation passes such as the Japan Rail Pass, enjoy affordable street food, and explore free attractions like parks and gardens.

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Indrani Ghose is an Indian Travel Writer and Blogger based in Bangalore, India. She has written for numerous publications across the globe – including Lonely Planet, The National UAE, Whetstone Asia, Deccan Herald. You can follow her on her social media handles Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest and Facebook to see the wonderful destinations, beautiful offbeat places and get instant updates about them.

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