Tourist Attractions in Japan

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Japan

Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps

About Japan

Japan is a country that carefully and carefully preserves and cherishes its traditions and culture. Thousands of tourists come to see Japan’s historical and architectural treasures. There is something magical about this calm, balanced culture. Take just the tea ceremony, which is a favourite of travellers. But it’s not all Japan.

Japanese technology will surprise any European. They build tall skyscrapers and TV towers in the cities. Tokyo’s television tower is the tallest in the world. The Toyota Museum finds a lot of fans not only among motorists. And Tokyo Disneyland is one of the best parks in the world.”

Top Cities to Visit in Japan

Top-25 Tourist Attractions in Japan

Mount Fuji

 4.6/5

10216 reviews

Fujiyama is the calling card of Japan. Its height is 3,776 metres. For Japanese people this place is sacred, and for tourists it is incredibly attractive. The volcano has a surprisingly symmetrical cone. The most beautiful view of it in winter or early spring. Near Fujiyama there are 5 volcanic lakes. Climbing the mountain is carried out in summer. Guides and well-developed infrastructure help to conquer Fujiyama.

Tōdai-ji

 4.6/5

22987 reviews

It’s the most sacred place in Japan. Three million visitors come here every year. Todai-ji Temple was reduced in size by fires, but it is still the largest wooden structure in the world. It was built in 745. In the middle of the temple is a 15 metre high statue of Buddha. Almost all the bronze was used to make it. The temple is also home to deer, a favourite of tourists.

Open time

Monday: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Tuesday: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Thursday: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Friday: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturday: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Sunday: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

 4.4/5

7091 reviews

The grove was created by the monk Muso Soseki. It is located in the Kyoto district. Everything in the park has a deep meaning. It’s not for nothing that they say you can understand the meaning of life here. There are paths running through Arashiyama. You can walk round the park in 15 minutes, but you will want to walk there for hours. The bamboo stalks make special sounds. It’s incredible forest music. The trees are up to 40 metres high.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Himeji Castle

 4.6/5

45626 reviews

Himeji is called the castle of the White Heron. Its walls are snow-white and its lines and features are as graceful as the bird’s. During its existence, the castle has never suffered from fires or enemy raids. And if someone tried to seize the castle, he would be confused in the labyrinth of gardens and rooms. The whole complex is 83 buildings. Sakura blossoms around them, which makes the castle even more beautiful. No wonder it has been featured in films many times.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Shibuya

 0/5

It is one of Tokyo’s 23 special districts. It was once a village, then a small town. Now it is part of the capital and the centre of nightlife, entertainment, fashion and shopping. It is also home to some of the city’s tallest skyscrapers, Microsoft and Coca-Cola offices. The Hachiko monument is considered the centre of the district. In addition to boutiques and entertainment centres, there are museums and temples.

Koyasan

 0/5

It is a mountain in Wakayama Prefecture and is home to many temples and Shingon Buddhist schools. The first temple was founded in 819. Today, the temples welcome tourists. The mountain is very picturesque and the place is peaceful. Travellers can feel a part of the life of the monks. There is also a beautiful cemetery on the mountain which is illuminated at night. It is possible to go up the mountain by tram.

Kumano-Nachi Taisha

 4.5/5

5528 reviews

This is one of Kumano’s shrines. It is located near the Katsuura thermal spring. There are numerous paths leading to the shrine. They are surrounded by huge trees and stretch for 600 metres. One of the main beauties of Kumano Nachi Taishya is the highest waterfall in Japan. Its height is 113 metres and for the Japanese it has religious significance. Its power and beauty surprises even seasoned travellers.

Open time

Monday: 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Thursday: 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Friday: 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Saturday: 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Sunday: 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Ishigaki

 4.6/5

922 reviews

It is the main island of the Yaeyama Islands. It is home to Mount Omote-dake, which is 526 metres high. Ishigaki is famous for its coral reefs. You can swim in the sea near the island all year round, the water is warm. Diving is very popular here. Also here are very beautiful caves Hirakubo and Ugan. The boats take tourists to the neighbouring islands.

Kotoku-in

 4.3/5

21865 reviews

Kotoku-in is a temple made famous by its bronze Buddha statue. It is 13.5 metres high and more than eight centuries old. The statue was originally made of wood and reached 24 metres in height. But it was destroyed by a storm in 1247. Then in 1252 they began to build a new statue. Twelve years later, a creation appeared that resisted all the elements and survived the temple in which it stood.

Open time

Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Atomic Bomb Dome

 4.7/5

27356 reviews

Until 8:15 on the sixth of August 1945, the Gembaku Dome was Hiroshima’s exhibition centre. After the atomic bomb that hit the building exploded, all visitors were killed. The dome was 160 metres from the epicentre of the blast. It burned out, but survived. It was reinforced and became the main exhibit showing the consequences of the atomic explosion and the inadmissibility of the use of atomic weapons.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Happo-en

 4.4/5

3700 reviews

Happo-en Garden is a green island in the middle of a tarmac city. Its beauty has been recognised by the government, and tourists are increasingly adding it to their itinerary. In the garden, you can attend an authentic tea ceremony. Afterwards you can walk along the path through the valley surrounded by bonsai trees, admire the fish in the pond or visit the temple. There are two of them and they regularly host weddings.

Open time

Monday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Snow Monkey Park (Jigokudani Yaen Koen)

 4.5/5

7657 reviews

The park is located on the island of Honshu and lies in the Yokoyu Valley at an altitude of 850 metres. The park attracts tourists because it is home to about 160 macaques. One third of the year the park is covered with snow. But the favourite place for monkeys is the waters of thermal springs. Whole groups of them relax in the warm water. The monkeys have their own rules and hierarchy. Some warm themselves, some carry food. They eat plants.

Open time

Kiyomizu-dera

 4.5/5

48630 reviews

The temple is located on Mount Otowa in Kyoto. It is considered a jewel among the shrines of the area. It was built in 798. According to legend, the monk Entin noticed a stream and, wishing to find its source, climbed up the mountain. At the top he found a clearing with an amazing waterfall. After a prophetic dream, the monk founded a temple. Over time, a temple complex was built here. The water here is considered sacred, and the view of Kyoto from the temple is spectacular.

Tokyo Tower

 4.4/5

68801 reviews

Tokyo Sky Tree is the tallest television tower in the world. It is located in the Sumida district of Tokyo. Its height is 634 metres. The only building in the world that is taller is the Burj Khalifa. The tower has cafes and souvenir shops, two observation decks and a restaurant with a mind-blowing view of the city. At the base of the tower is a shopping and entertainment centre.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 10:30 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 10:30 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 10:30 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 10:30 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 10:30 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 10:30 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 10:30 PM

Kinkaku-ji

 4.5/5

47927 reviews

It is a structure covered with sheets of gold. The pavilion was built by Yoshimitsu in 1397 when he grew tired of ruling. Near the shrine is a beautiful lake and garden, which is considered one of the most beautiful in the country. It has many paths, streams and ponds. On the ground floor of the pavilion guests are received, on the second floor there is an exhibition of paintings. On the third floor, religious ceremonies are held.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Itsukushima Jinja

 4.6/5

27101 reviews

The shrine is located on the island of Miyajima. The torii gate, which is located on its grounds, is considered one of the symbols of Japan. The view of them belongs to the “Three Famous Landscapes of Japan”. They are 16 metres high. They are built on stilts in the water. You can only reach the gate at high tide. When you reach the gate, you must put a coin in a crack in the wood and make a wish.

Open time

Monday: 6:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 6:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 6:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 6:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 6:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 6:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 6:30 AM – 6:00 PM

Gokayama

 0/5

These are very colourful villages, which are well preserved and show the history and life of the Japanese. The climate and geography are harsh. The villages are located in a mountainous region on the island of Honshu. In winter, the island was often cut off from civilisation. This has formed a special way of life for the inhabitants. There is a special architectural style, which is designed to protect the houses from snow.

Osaka Castle

 4.4/5

65845 reviews

A famous military leader built this castle in the 16th century. Its area is a square kilometre. It has five above-ground floors and three underground floors. The walls of the castle are decorated with gold leaf. The structure itself is located on a stone mound for protection from enemies. Some of the boulders are up to six metres high. From the observation deck of the main tower of the castle you can enjoy an amazing view of the city.

Open time

Chubu-Sangaku National Park

 4.6/5

1206 reviews

The national park is located in the central part of Honshu Island. It is more than 50 years old and its area is 17.4 thousand hectares. Maple and coniferous forests and bamboo grow there. This territory is called the Japanese Alps. There are meadows, amazing mountain lakes and even an active volcano. The park is inhabited by typical inhabitants of Japanese forests.

Open time

Atsuta Jingu

 4.5/5

16160 reviews

The temple was founded about 1900 years ago, making it one of the oldest in Japan. It houses one of the three sacred imperial relics, the sword of Kusanagi-no Mitsurugi. The halls of the temple house some 3,000 historical treasures. Every June, a Japanese martial arts competition is held at Atsuta Shrine. 8 million people come here to honour the sun goddess Amaterasu.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Imperial Palace

 4.4/5

24639 reviews

It is the residence of the Emperor and the Imperial Palace. It is located in the very centre of Tokyo. The area of the entire palace complex is 7.5 square kilometres. During its existence, the palace has been burned and destroyed. Now it consists of one underground and two ground floors. At any time, tourists can only get to the Eastern Park. It is possible to get to the palace only twice a year.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 9:00 – 11:15 AM, 1:30 – 2:45 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 – 11:15 AM, 1:30 – 2:45 PM
Thursday: 9:00 – 11:15 AM, 1:30 – 2:45 PM
Friday: 9:00 – 11:15 AM, 1:30 – 2:45 PM
Saturday: 9:00 – 11:15 AM, 1:30 – 2:45 PM
Sunday: Closed

Kegon Falls

 4.4/5

16418 reviews

The waterfall is located in Nikko National Park. Its height is 101 metres. It is considered one of the most beautiful in Japan. At its foot there is a tea house and a lift. On the sides of the waterfall flows 12 more jets. You can see the waterfall from different angles. The national park itself has combined pristine nature and modern comfort.

Open time

Megaweb Toyota City Showcase

 4.3/5

10698 reviews

The Palette Town entertainment centre is home to Japan’s premier car museum. It is an amazing place where high-tech shows and the most interesting cars are presented. Six halls show both cars that have ever been produced and projects of the future. Among them there are rarities and cars that look like moon rovers. In the Ride One hall you can take a test drive of any car, provided you have a licence.

Place is closed permanently

Tokyo Disneyland

 4.6/5

100150 reviews

The city of Urayasu is home to Tokyo Disneyland. It is the first Disney park built outside the United States. It is part of an entire Disney resort. It opened on 15 April 1938. The territory of the park is 465,000 m². It is divided into 7 themed zones. There are 47 rides in the park. There are also shops, cafes, hotels. Disneyland is open all year round and is the third most popular park in the world.

Open time

Monday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM

HANABI

 4.7/5

513 reviews

Hanami is the festival of sakura, when people admire the flowers. It takes place in spring. The whole country is transformed then. Parks, temples and castles attract even more tourists. For the Japanese themselves it is an amazing phenomenon, peaceful and joyful. In the evenings, the trees are beautifully illuminated, so admire them not only during the day. A very popular activity is to have picnics under blossoming sakura trees.

Open time

Monday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM
Friday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM