With charming villages, gorgeous Buddhist temples, spectacular open-air museums, and breathtaking high-rises — Japan boasts an abundance of treasures waiting to be explored.
Discover the top tourist attractions in Japan and immerse yourself in its rich culture and stunning sights. Here are the 10 must-visit places in Japan!
The 10 Best Tourist Attractions In Japan
Mount Fuji
Mount Fuji, one of Japan’s sacred mountains, boasts a peak of 3,776 meters. For the clearest views of Mount Fuji, visit Japan between December and January.
Although clouds frequently obscure the peak, you should be able to see it in the morning. The following locations offer some of the best views of Mount Fuji: Koyo-Dai, Chureito Pagoda, Route 134, Mt. Fuji Panorama Ropeway, and Izunokuni Panorama Park.
Shirakawago Village
Shirakawago Village is a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated in Ōno District (Gifu Prefecture). It’s a charming place full of traditional gassho-zukuri houses dating back to 1800. If you’re looking to spend a day in nature, we highly recommended this place. It’s surrounded by rice paddies, mountains, and tall trees.
Location: Ōno District, Gifu Prefecture, Japan
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
The Hiroshima Peace Memorial or Genbaku Dome was the only standing building left after the atomic bomb exploded in 1945. It was once utilized as an exhibition space for local products.
In the heart of Hiroshima, a park has been built around the Genbaku Dome to honor the victims of the attack. The entrance is free.
Visit the nearby Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum if you want to learn more about this historic event.
Entry Fee (Museum): adults ¥200, high school students ¥100, junior high school students
and younger children can enter for free, visitors 65+ can enter for ¥100
Location: １丁目-1-10 Nakajimacho, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, 730-0811, Japan
Ōhori Park
Ohori Park is known for its remarkable natural beauty. It features traditional Japanese gardens, a trail around the lake, bridges, and cherry blossom trees. The perfect spot for walking and jogging in central Fukuoka.
Location: Chūō-ku, Fukuoka, Japan
Osaka Castle
Osaka Castle is one of the most visited attractions in Japan. It was built by a famous Japanese warrior Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1586. This castle played an important part in the unification of Japan during the Azuchi-Momoyama period. A must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and travelers seeking captivating sights!
Location: Japan, 〒540-0002 Osaka, Chuo Ward, Osakajo, １番１号
Entry Fee (Castle & Museum): adults and children 15+ ¥600, children under 15 are free to enter
Golden Pavilion
Kyoto’s Kinkaku-Ji (Golden Pavilion) is an iconic Buddhist temple. The beautiful building has two levels covered in gold leaf and incorporates Shinden and Bukke architectural styles.
It should be noted that guests are not permitted to enter the temple. You are welcome to wander the gardens and take in the outside view of the temple. Plus, there is a lovely tea garden and a gift shop.
Entry Fee (Garden Area): adults ¥400, children ¥300
Location: 1 Kinkakujicho, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8361, Japan
Tokyo Imperial Palace
This beautiful palace is the residence of Tokyo’s Imperial Family. The area is surrounded by stone walls, bridges, and a large park. Visitors usually cannot enter the inner grounds outside of January 2 and February 23. These dates mark the New Year’s Greeting and Emperor’s Birthday. To make the most of your visit, take an hour-long guided tour of the park.
Location: 1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-8111, Japan
Itsukushima Shrine
One of the most popular UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Japan is the Island Shrine of Itsukushima. It lies in Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima Prefecture, and is known for its magnificent “floating” gate. The shrine complex has a main hall, a noh theater stage, and a prayer hall. A visit to Itsukushima Shrine offers a rare chance to connect with Japan’s rich cultural heritage and experience a true sense of wonder.
Entry Fee: adults ¥300, highschool students ¥200, junior high and elementary school students ¥100
Location: 1-1 Miyajimacho, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima 739-0588, Japan
Umeda Sky Building
Umeda Sky Building is a phenomenal high-rise in Kita. Sometimes, it’s also called the New Umeda City. It’s 173 meters tall, has two connecting towers, and has a restaurant in the basement. The observatory on the 39th floor offers unforgettable views of the city!
Location: 1 Chome-1-88 Oyodonaka, Kita Ward, Osaka, 531-6023, Japan
Entry Fee (Observatory): adults ¥1500, children 4-12 ¥350
Hakone Open Air Museum
Hakone was home to Japan’s first outdoor museum. Numerous art pieces are shown here, including the Picasso Exhibition Hall, Symphonic Sculpture, and Zig Zag World. An excellent way to take in the beauty of the nearby mountains and more than 100 works of art!
Location: 1121 Ninotaira, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0407, Japan
Entry Fee: adults ¥1600, university and high school students ¥1200, middle and elementary school students ¥800
Find Places To Stay In Hakone
FAQ
What are the best tourist attractions in Japan?
The 10 best tourist attractions in Japan:
Mount Fuji;
Shirakawago Village;
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park;
Ōhori Park;
Osaka Castle;
Golden Pavilion;
Tokyo Imperial Palace;
Itsukushima Shrine;
Umeda Sky Building;
Hakone Open Air Museum.
What’s the most popular tourist attraction in Osaka?
Osaka Castle.
What are the best UNESCO world heritage sites to visit in Japan?
Himeji Castle;
Mount Fuji;
Itsukushima Shrine;
Golden Pavilion;
Genbaku Dome;
Shirakawago Village;
Daigoji Temple.
What should you not miss in Japan?
Here’s a list of the things you have to experience in Japan:
Stay At A Ryokan;
Bathe At Onsen Hot Springs;
Admire The Gorgeous Itsukushima Shrine;
Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park;
Taste Amazing Japanese Food;
See Mount Fuji In All Its Glory;
Ride A Bullet Train;
Visit The Stunning Kinkaku-Ji Zen Temple;
Explore The White Heron Castle;
Roam Around Hakone Open-Air Museum.