Japan’s unique culture is one reason why it’s a bucket-list destination for many people. Let’s explore the most beautiful places in the Land of the Rising Sun!
It is separated from Russia by the Sea of Okhotsk and the Sea of Japan, from South Korea by the Sea of Japan, and from China and Taiwan by the East China Sea. Japan, with its rich history, is today the fourth largest economic power. It’s a highly developed country, contributing significantly to modern technology and science.
Table of Contents
Best beautiful places in Japan
Tokyo
Japan’s capital, a unique blend of modernity and traditional culture. It’s a massive city, with its agglomeration being the world’s most populous urban area.
It has many attractions, among the most beautiful is the Sensō-ji temple. Built in 645, this Buddhist sanctuary is Tokyo’s oldest temple. The past is also represented by the Imperial Palace, which boasts magnificent historical and architectural values.
Another must-see is Ueno Park, one of Tokyo’s largest parks, home to Ueno Zoo, several art museums, and beautifully blossoming cherry trees in spring.
Tokyo hosts numerous museums. Located in Ueno Park, the Tokyo National Museum is Japan’s largest museum, holding the country’s most significant art collection. The National Museum of Western Art and the Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Art contain a vast array of Japanese and modern artworks and nearly 10,000 Japanese and foreign films.
Okinawa
Located between Japan’s main islands and Taiwan, it’s one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations.
Not only does it have beautiful beaches and world-renowned marine life, but it also preserves a unique cultural heritage shaped by the Ryukyu Kingdom’s traditions and American influences. This is especially noticeable in Okinawan music, dance, cuisine, and the traditional karate that originated here.
Besides crystal-clear beaches and coral reefs, it’s worth visiting historical sites like the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Shurijo Castle or World War II memorials, such as the Himeyuri Monument.
Kyoto
One of Japan’s most important and historical cities, often referred to as the country’s cultural heart.
The city was the capital for over a thousand years until 1868. It’s famous for its well-preserved temples, traditional wooden houses, as well as beautiful gardens and centuries-old festivals. Its rich history and culture make it part of the UNESCO World Heritage.
Among the Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, the most famous include the Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), the Ryoan-ji with its famous rock garden, the Fushimi Inari-taisha with its torii gates, and the Kiyomizu-dera, whose main hall extends from the hillside, offering stunning views over the city.
Byōdō-in
One of Japan’s most famous and beautiful temples, located in Uji, Kyoto Prefecture.
Built at the end of the Heian period, in 1052, originally as an aristocratic residence, it was later converted into a Buddhist temple. It’s part of the UNESCO World Heritage list as one of the „Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto”.
Its central and most famous part, the Phoenix Hall, appears on the Japanese 10 yen coin and the 10,000 yen banknote, making it one of the country’s most iconic architectural symbols. The building stands in the middle of a pond, connected to two smaller pavilions by a bridge, designed to resemble a phoenix bird hovering over the water.
Osaka
Known for its vibrant urban life, excellent cuisine, and a mix of modern and historical attractions.
It became particularly important in the 16th century when daimyo Toyotomi Hideyoshi built Osaka Castle. It’s one of Japan’s most famous historical buildings, offering splendid views over the city. The surrounding parks, especially during cherry blossom season, are popular destinations.
Often referred to as the „nation’s kitchen” and „Japan’s culinary capital”, thanks to its diverse and delicious food. Famous for okonomiyaki (Japanese pancake), takoyaki (octopus balls), and kushikatsu (breaded and fried meat).
Hokkaido
Japan’s second-largest island, with its largest city being Sapporo.
Its climate significantly differs from the rest of the country, featuring cooler summers and snow-rich winters, creating ideal conditions for winter sports. Its most popular ski resort is Niseko, known for having one of the world’s best powder snow.
The Daisetsuzan National Park’s mountains and valleys, the rugged landscapes of the Shiretoko Peninsula, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the flowering fields of Furano are just a few examples of the island’s natural treasures.
Nara
The city was Japan’s first capital from 710 to 794. During this period, Nara was the center of Japanese culture, art, and politics, influences that are still felt today.
Seven temples, shrines, and ruins constitute the „Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara” which are part of UNESCO’s World Heritage. These include: Tōdai-ji, Saidai-ji, Kōfuku-ji, Gangō-ji, Yakushi-ji, Tōshōdai-ji, the Kasuga Shrine, and the ruins of the Heijō Palace. Tōdai-ji Temple houses the world’s largest bronze statue of the Buddha.
Gentle sika deer roam the city, especially in Nara Park. Visitors can buy shika senbei (deer crackers) on-site to feed the deer.
Fuji
Japan’s tallest mountain at 3,776 meters. It’s one of the country’s symbols and thus frequently appears in art. In 2013, UNESCO designated it as part of the cultural World Heritage.
Located 100 km southwest of Tokyo, it’s one of the world’s most famous mountains. It’s often covered in clouds, but on clear days, it’s visible from up to 150 km away.
Many climb Mount Fuji, but it’s advisable to do so in summer. It doesn’t require mountaineering equipment or previous experience. Four different trails have been developed, each divided into ten stations.
Nikko
The city is primarily known for its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Several historical temples and shrines are found here, listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage.
The Toshogu Shrine is Nikko’s most famous attraction, built as the resting place for Tokugawa Ieyasu, one of Japan’s most significant historical figures. It’s considered the pinnacle of Japanese art from the Edo period.
The Futarasan Shrine, built to honor the natural beauty of Nikko’s mountains and forests, venerates the mountain deities. Nearby is the famous Shinkyo Bridge, a frequently photographed structure.
The nearby Nikko National Park is an excellent spot for hikers. It features one of Japan’s tallest and most beautiful waterfalls, Kegon Falls, where water plunges more than 97 meters down.
Hakone
This mountain resort and national park located southwest of Tokyo is easily accessible by train.
Its most popular feature is Lake Ashi. You can take a cruise on the crater lake, offering beautiful views of Mount Fuji. The area around the lake has many walking paths and picnic spots set up.
The Hakone Open-Air Museum is worth a visit. This outdoor art museum exhibits modern and contemporary sculptures against the backdrop of the beautiful mountainous landscape. Works by Henry Moore and Picasso can be viewed, along with a picnic area and a hot spring.
Visitors should also explore the Owakudani valley! Here, you can experience the earth’s heat sources, steam clouds, and sulfur mining. Black eggs, a local specialty from Owakudani, are sold, and it’s said that consuming one extends your life by seven years.
Takachiho Gorge
This narrow, steep-sided gorge on the island of Kyushu was carved out by the Gokase River, creating this wonderful canyon.
One of its main attractions is the Manai Waterfall, which drops about 17 meters into the river below. The gorge can be explored on foot via a pathway beside the river, offering great views of the river and surrounding landscape.
The area plays an important role in Japanese mythology. Here occurred the legendary events where the gods created the Japanese islands. Takachiho itself is considered a sacred place, with numerous ancient shrines in the vicinity. The most famous is Takachiho-jinja, built in honor of the gods.
Kanazawa
Known as „little Kyoto” because the city’s historical atmosphere and cultural sights remind of Kyoto, but in a less crowded environment.
Its history is closely linked with the Maeda clan. The castle they built symbolizes their power, showcasing Japanese castle architecture styles and defensive techniques.
Its most beautiful sight is the Kenrokuen Garden, which ranks among Japan’s three most beautiful traditional gardens. Its name means „garden of six attributes”, symbolizing the elements needed to create the ideal landscape: spaciousness, seclusion, artifice, antiquity, water courses, and panoramas. Kenrokuen is especially famous for its beautiful landscape design and seasonal flowers.
Takayama
The city is famous for its well-preserved Edo-period city center, which still retains the atmosphere of past centuries.
Due to its long and harsh winters, Takayama developed relatively in isolation, which resulted in a unique cultural evolution. Its excellent craftsmen and woodcarvers, whose works are highly appreciated throughout Japan, stand out.
The Sanmachi Suji historic district is located in the central part, where well-preserved wooden buildings from the Edo period line the streets. The region’s traditional sake breweries, workshops, and small shops are still operational today.
Shirakawa-go
This wonderful village, located in a valley among high mountains not far from Takayama,
is primarily known for its gassho-zukuri style houses, which have unique, steeply sloping roofs to withstand the heavy snow during the winter months. The name „gassho-zukuri” evokes the form of hands joined in prayer, reflecting the special shape of the roofs.
Shirakawa-go and the neighboring Gokayama villages were listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995, recognizing their cultural value and the preservation of ancient building techniques.
Fukuoka
An important port city that connects Japan with the rest of South Korea and China. Considered Japan’s oldest city.
It has numerous Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines. One of the most famous is Dazaifu Tenmangu, dedicated to the god of learning, Sugawara Michizane. It’s a popular destination for students during exam season.
Fukuoka has a distinct culture, accordingly, it has many cultural attractions. The local traditions are showcased in several museums, such as the Fukuoka Art Museum, the Fukuoka Asian Art Museum, and the Hakata Machiya Folk Museum.
