15 x Best Places to Visit in Japan

Japan is a mystery. It's the perfect marriage of centuries-old customs with cutting-edge technology. Many first-time visitors to Japan are startled to discover that, in addition to being one of the world's most advanced industrialized nations, this relatively small Asian country has a rich and intriguing history dating back thousands of years.

Photo by Kirill Petropavlov on Unsplash

Indeed, long before many of Europe's most stunning cathedrals were constructed, Japan's Shinto and Buddhist temples were well-established and attracting pilgrims and patrons with their ornate designs and décor. At the same time, the country was honing the talents and trades that would lead it to wealth, from beautiful porcelains and ceramics to fabrics like silk.

Despite wars and natural disasters, much of this rich culture has been kept (or restored), and a trip to Japan is an unforgettable adventure. A holiday in Japan is a terrific investment of time and money, with an unending number of top attractions, entertaining things to do, and points of interest to discover.

1. Imperial Tokyo

2. Historic Kyoto

3. Osaka Castle

4. Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji, often known as "Fuji-san" in Japan, is an active Stratovolcano located southwest of Tokyo. As the locals name it, Fuji-san is one of Japan's "Three Holy Mountains," along with Mount Tate and Mount Haku. It is located in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and stands 3,776.24 meters tall.

Mt. Fuji is a well-known symbol of beauty in and around Japan; it is not only a visual beauty that draws tourists from all over the world, but it is also a cultural icon of Japan. About a million tourists visit the mountain annually, with approximately 300,000 climbing to its summit.

Climbing the mountain is no longer regarded as a challenging effort but a relaxing and enjoyable experience due to the abundance of fulfilling comforts nearby, such as lodging, food, and other enjoyable activities.

5. Kiyomizu-Dera, Kyoto

6. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Tokyo

7. Naoshima

8. Osaka

Many travelers to Japan consider Osaka to be a must-see destination. You can enjoy the neon madness of Dotonburi, the delicious food, the friendly people, the affordable rates, and the terrifying coasters and brilliant Harry Potter World at Universal Studios Japan.

However, if you have a short time on your first vacation to Japan, you can choose Osaka or Tokyo, both of which are massive metropolitan cities. Spending a night or two in Osaka makes sense if you are traveling into or out of Kansai Airport. It is also feasible to visit as a day excursion from Kyoto.

9. Chūbu-Sangaku National Park and the Japanese Alps

10. The Atsuta Shrine, Nagoya

11. The Yaeyama Islands

When most people think of Asian beaches, Japan is hardly the first location that jumps to mind. Nonetheless, it is home to one of the most stunning subtropical locations in the region: the Yaeyama Islands.

The Okinawan archipelago is packed with beautiful tiny islands, but the secluded Yaeyama Islands offer one of Japan's unique experiences. The Yaeyama Islands, closer to Taiwan than to mainland Japan, include beautiful beaches, thick woods, and a rich Ryukyu tradition and culture, not to mention Okinawan food.

12. Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

13. Matsumoto Castle, Nagano

14. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Visit Hiroshima's emotional Peace Memorial Museum and Park to pay your respects to the victims of the atomic bombs, and then stay to experience the modern city nearly fully rebuilt following World War II. In Hiroshima, you can also visit neighboring Miyajima Island's iconic floating torii gate at the Itsukushima shrine.

15. The Island Shrine of Itsukushima, Miyajima

Itsukushima, typically known as Miyajima, is a small island in Hiroshima Bay famed for its trees and historic temples. The Shrine of Itsukushima was first built in the 12th century. While visiting one of Japan's most beautiful places, you will also have the chance to see the Museum of History and Folklore, which houses cultural relics dating back almost a century.