Did you know that Japan’s famous bullet train has never strayed from the precise time of arrival and departure by more than thirty-six seconds per day?
Japan is one of the world’s most convenient travel destinations because transportation is dependable and safe. On top of this, the country is also full of incredible tourist destinations.
We’ve written a guide to tell you about the best tourist attractions in Japan. Keep reading if you want to find out more.
1. Sapporo
There are many tourist attractions and unforgettable spots in Sapporo. This is why people come from all over the world to visit this city. It is located in Hokkaido and has a population of around two million people.
The most popular attraction is the Sapporo Clock Tower. It is more than one hundred and thirty years old and is recognized by the government as a National Important Cultural Property.
If you are looking for a nightlife scene, don’t miss out on visiting Susukino. Here you’ll find various entertainment options and lots of Izakaya bars.
Sapporo is also an ideal place to try fresh seafood such as crabs and Sapporo Miso ramen.
2. Nikko
This is a quiet city that is tucked in the northwestern part of Tochigi prefecture. You can get here from Tokyo in less than two hours by train. This means that it makes an ideal weekend getaway for those who live in Tokyo.
People come to Nikko to visit Nikko Toshobu. This is a shrine that is dedicated to the first Shogun of Tokugawa Shogunate.
This dynasty ruled the nation for more than two hundred and fifty years.
The shrine itself was created in 1617 and it is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
You can find lots of other historical sites in the Kinno area. There are eight national treasures and thirty-four Important Cultural Properties.
Visit Kegon Falls if you want to relax in nature while enjoying the breathtaking scenery.
3. Mt. Fuji
Mt. Fuji is a symbolic mountain in Japan that amazes visitors because it is so beautiful.
Some people prefer to take in the mountain from a distance. Others choose to hike on the mountain’s trails.
Plan to spend a few days at Mt. Fuji because there are lots to do in the area. You can go kayaking, and enjoy a boat cruise to the Fuji Five lakes. It’s also possible to go camping.
If you visit Mt. Fuji in the wintertime you will be able to get a glimpse of the mountain while it is covered in snow.
4. Shirakawago
This is one of the top things to do in Japan for those who enjoy unique architecture. The village is located in Gifu prefecture, which is a mountainous area.
People come to Shirakawago to see the traditional Japanese houses that are known as Gassho-Zukuri. These houses have steep thatched roofs that serve to prevent the buildup of winter snow.
The community itself is very traditional. You can visit Shirakawago all year round. But lots of people choose to come in the wintertime to see the village when it is covered with snow.
5. Snow Monkey Park
This is one of the few places in the world where you can watch monkeys bathing in hot springs. More and more people started visiting this park after it was featured in Life, the American magazine.
You should come to Snow Monkey Park if you are interested in seeing monkeys in the wild. The park is located at an elevation of eight hundred ad fifty meters. It is usually covered with snow in the wintertime.
Since it gets so cold during this time of year, the area’s monkeys often soak in the natural hot springs to warm themselves.
Park attendants feed the monkeys, which means that they stick around the park all year round.
Even though the park is world-famous, it is not usually crowded because visitors must walk for 2km to get to the hot springs.
6. Osaka Dotonbori
Osaka is Japan’s second-largest city. It is located in the Kansai region, which is much different than other parts of the country.
Dotonbori refers to the city’s lively downtown district that is filled with adorable shops, restaurants, and Izakaya bars.
The best way to visit Osaka Dotonbori is by walking. Make sure that you plan your stroll to pass Ebisubashi, which is a symbolic bridge that passes over the Dotonbori canal. This is an ideal location for taking photographs.
7. Kyoto
This city is filled with beautiful shrines and temples. Kyoto used to be the capital of Japan before Tokyo took over as the country’s economic and political epicenter.
When you walk around Kyoto you will come across various must-see attractions such as Arashiyama, which is one of the city’s many historical sites.
People also come to Kyoto to visit Kiyomizudera, which is a Buddhist temple that UNESCO has designated as a World Heritage Site.
You should also visit Mt Inari if you go to Kyoto. Here you can visit Shinto shrines such as Fushimi Inari. This is one of Kyoto’s top tourist attractions.
Make sure to visit Fushimi Inari in the early morning if you want to avoid crowds.
8. Nara Park
If you visit Kyoto, don’t miss out on the opportunity to make a side trip to spend time at Nara Park. It takes less than an hour to reach Nara Park from Kyoto by train.
Here you can visit Todaiji, which is an eighth-century Buddhist temple that was created by the emperor Shomu.
Nara Park first opened in 1880 and it covers an area of more than five hundred hectares.
Not only will you be able to visit many historic sites and temples. You can also get close to the wildlife. More than one thousand deer live in the park.
9. Miyajima
This beautiful island is part of Hatsukaichi city in the Hiroshima prefecture. You can visit Miyajima by taking a ferry from Miyajima-guchi pier.
Just like Nara Park, there are many deer in Miyajima. But keep in mind that, unlike Nara Park, it is prohibited to feed them.
The park’s most famous historical site is the Itsukushima Shrine. This Shinto shrine was built in the twelfth century.
You can also visit the well-known Torii gate.
Make sure to dry popular local dishes such as Okonomiyaki and fresh oysters when you visit the park.
10. Okinawa
You should spend time in the prefecture of Okinawa if you want to enjoy the deep green ocean and white sandy beaches.
This is one of the best places in Japan to connect with nature. There are many agencies that offer guided tours. You can even go sea kayaking and snorkeling.
The Okinawa’s capital is Naha. You should visit this city if you want to see Shurijo castle. If you want to do some shopping, make sure to make a stroll down Kokusaidori street.
There are lots of remote islands in Okinawa, such as Miyakojima. This island has a great beach.
11. Animal Islands
Do you want to see wild animals? If so, make sure to include Animal Islands on your Japan vacation itinerary. There are various animal islands in Japan such as rabbit islands, sheep islands, and monkey islands.
If you like cats you might be interested in visiting Tashiro, which is located in Miyagi prefecture. There are more cats on this island than people.
You can visit Okuno Island if you want to visit a rabbit island. About nine hundred wild rabbits live on this island. It is located in the Seto Inland Sea.
12. Naoshima: The Art Island
This island is located in the Seto Inland Sea. It is quickly becoming one of Japan’s popular tourist destinations. Many of Japan’s most famous artists live on this island.
There are also lots of museums and galleries to visit. The best way to visit Naoshima is by renting a bicycle or a car.
When you are exploring the island, don’t forget to look up. The city has lots of interesting architecture. Some buildings were constructed in the distant past and others were recently built.
Visit the Top Tourist Attractions in Japan
Since there are so many great tourist attractions in Japan, it can be difficult to know where to go and what to do. If you enjoy spending time in nature, make a visit to Mt. Fuji. Go to Nara Park if you want to see ancient temples.
Are you interested in finding out more about Japan’s many tourist destinations? If so, don’t forget to visit the Travel section of our website.
