Amazing Places to Visit in Japan

Explore the most amazing places to visit in Japan, from historic temples to vibrant cities. Discover must-see destinations for an unforgettable travel experience.

Although small, Japan offers a plethora of incredible things to do and places to see. Home to a striking culinary offer, futuristic cities, awe-inspiring nature, and an ancient history as old as time, Japan is nothing short of bewildering.

If this is your first time traveling to Japan, chances are you’re feeling overwhelmed by the number of destinations that are worth exploring. And even though you could spend an entire year exploring the country, these are a few of the most amazing places for first-timers to visit.

Amazing Places to Visit in Japan

1. Kyoto

Kyoto is a city that brims with tradition, be it through ancient temples and shrines, idyllic zen temples, geishas rocking kimonos, or wooden teahouses that make you feel as though you traveled back to the Tang dynasty.

Even though you’ll definitely find modern buildings and amenities here, the real magic of Kyoto lies in the surrounding neighborhoods, where you’ll find yourself in a world of quaint cobblestone streets lined by wooden houses and temples.

Some of the best things to do in Kyoto include is visiting the Fushimi Inari shrine and its red torii gates, taking a day trip out to the village of Kibune to see ancient temples, strolling the streets of Gion, and visiting the various shrines scattered all over.

2. Tokyo

Ultra futuristic, neon lights and enormous skyscrapers are the staples of the Japanese capital. The city is enormous, so we recommend spending several days here to truly experience it.

While here, don’t miss out on uncovering its incredible foodie scene, checking out its many theme parks (Tokyo Disney Sea® and Tokyo Disneyland® are just two of the must-visit ones!), walking across the renowned Shibuya Crossing, strolling through Memory Lane and getting the best views of the city at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.

3. Hakone

Mount Fuji is one of Japan’s most iconic sights, and the village of Hakone is the place to go to see it in all its splendor.

Aside from seeing Mount Fuji on clear days (Lake Ashinoko is one of the best spots to see the volcano), there are plenty of other fun things to do in Hakone.

Onsens (natural hot springs created by underground geothermal activity) are aplenty here, as are gardens and temples. Not to mention the many interesting museums, such as the Hakone Glass Museum, that are worth checking out.

4. Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

Located on the outskirts of Kyoto, the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is the perfect place to escape the cities and find yourself in a peaceful setting that looks straight out of a Japanese storybook.

Here, you’ll find groves of gigantic bamboo trees that look as photogenic as it gets. There’s a single path to walk amid the forest, which goes uphill and ends at the Okochi-Sanso Villa.

Once you reach the end, you can take a tour of the villa and its exquisite gardens and reward yourself with Japanese sweets and matcha tea at the property’s traditional teahouse.

5. Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park

Seeing monkeys relaxing and hanging out in hot springs is not exactly a sight you’d ever expect to see, but in Japan, everything is possible.

Due to its altitude, Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park remains pretty chilly year-round, and snow is present here about three-thirds of the year. To escape the cold, the wild macaques that reside in the park find respite in the many natural geothermal springs in the area, and the sight is truly extraordinary!

6. Takayama

Located next to the mountains of central Japan, Takayama is a small town that brims with historical importance and tradition.

During your visit, you’ll truly get to see a more local side of Japan. Traditional thatched houses, small shrines, and bustling markets are the staples of Takayama.

Aside from its heritage, Takayama is also a popular foodie destination, so make sure not to leave without trying a few of its gastronomical specialties such as Hida beef, a variety of wagyu which you’ll find all over the town in various forms (croquettes, hamburgers, and plenty more!).

7. Nikko

Known for being the home of the UNESCO world heritage temples, the Toshogu Shrine Futarasan Shrine, and Rinnō-ji, Nikko is one of the best places to visit in Japan if you want to feel as though you stepped back into the past.

The most popular shrine is the Toshogu Shrine, built to enshrine samurai leader Tokugawa Ieyasu. Aside from that, you’ll find dozens of quieter shrines scattered all over the town and plenty of opportunities to get out in nature (you can even hike up to shrines in the mountains for an uber-peaceful experience!)

8. Hiroshima

Even though its past is grim, Hiroshima is a city that managed to completely rebuild itself after the atomic bombing that took place during World War II.

These days, Hiroshima is alive and thriving. Still, visitors are encouraged to come and pay respects to the victims of the attack at the Peace Memorial Museum and Park, where you’ll also get to learn about the city’s rough history.

After you’ve done that, you can explore the city’s magic by checking out the Itsukushima Shrine, a gorgeous shrine on the water, visiting the gorgeous Hiroshima Castle, or enjoying the various beaches nearby!

We hope this list of amazing places to visit in Japan helped you choose a destination for your next escape! Even though some are more popular than others, they all guarantee a wonderful time.

Have you ever visited any of these places in Japan? What are some other destinations worth checking out?

Looking For More Japan?

If you love to read about a destination before you visit, try these books set in Japan for my favorite fiction and non-fiction books.