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Japan, popularly known as the “Land of the Rising Sun” is a country that is bestowed with scenic beauty, rich culture, traditions and also ancient history. At the same time, it is also known for its contemporary art and architecture, as well as its pop culture, shopping destinations, nightlife scenes, and delightful cuisines. However, what truly captivates visitors is the variety of attractions the country offers with countless natural wonders, historical sights and unique experiences. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, every place you visit in Japan offers a unique blend of the traditional and modern, and is surely engaging for children and adults alike.
Some of the best places to visit in Japan include the active volcano Mt. Fuji, the magnificent views of which you can admire from a distance or go on a hike for an even more enchanting experience. For a day packed with absolute fun, head towards Tokyo Disneyland, Universal Studios Japan or the Ghibli Museum or take a dip in one of the many hot springs scattered throughout the country. If you are looking for something different, Hiroshima is a must-visit destination where the Peace Memorial Park serves as a powerful reminder of the nuclear bombing. Visit the Todaiji temple to admire the approximately about 15m tall Vairocana Buddha which is one of the largest bronze statues in the world if you feel too tired after a day of sightseeing, rejuvenate yourself by visiting the Hakone Kowakien Yunessun, renowned for its coffee and red wine baths. For a hassle-free experience, consider exploring these attractions with Japan Tour Packages.
Here are some of the best tourist places to visit in Japan:
1. Disneyland Tokyo
Enjoy a fun-filled day at Tokyo Disney Resort, where you will find not one, but two parks – Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea in one place. Both parks delight visitors with amazing rides and adventures making them one of the best places to visit in Japan.
The magic kingdom can be easily accessible from Tokyo Station or from Narita airport by bus. Check out the different themed ports of Tokyo DisneySea, only one of a kind in the world, once you have your quota of fun at Tokyo Disneyland.
2. SHIBUYA SCRAMBLE SQUARE
Travelers can visit SHIBUYA SCRAMBLE SQUARE, a new landmark rising to a height of about 229 m, with 47 floors of shops and restaurants, and an observation deck called SHIBUYA SKY.
3. Hakone Kowakien Yunessun
Hakone Kowakien Yunessun in Kanagawa prefecture is a must visit place for one of the most unique hot spring experiences in Japan. As you visit the attraction, you can try some different kinds of baths here – either indoor or outdoor.
You can unwind in the red wine hot spring, an indoor bath with a 3.6-meter-tall wine bottle. If you are a coffee lover, you must check out the coffee hot spring, a real java indoor bath where home-brewed coffee is blended several times a day for a fresh aroma during the relaxing experience.
Apart from the two popular ones, you can check out other indoor baths such as Dr. Fish foot bath, where fishes nibble on their feet, the Green tea bath with tea fragrance, and several others. The outdoor baths include the Cave baths at the hot spring caves, Rodeo Mountain water slides, a hot spring with three slides and others.
4. Universal Studios Japan
One of the best places to visit in Japan for fun and entertainment is the Universal Studios Japan, a theme park located in Osaka. Specially marked by the “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” and the “Super Nintendo World” is included in USJ and is very easily accessible by train from Osaka station or Shin Osaka station.
Once here, not only you get transported to the world of fantasy and frolic, but to give it a more real feel there are themed restaurants where you can taste varieties from Butterbeer like in the Harry Potter movies, to snacks based on the concept of Mario’s world.
This park has a lot of hotels facing the park and some are really interesting with Minion-themed rooms or wonder rooms to awestruck the little ones.
5. Mt. Fuji
Listed amongst the best places to visit in Japan is the world-famous Mt. Fuji, an active volcano located southwest of Tokyo. You can embark on an exciting trekking adventure at this country’s tallest peak with a height of 3,776 m, through the trail which is steep and rocky at some places and relatively easy in others.
Hike to the summit with a private guide while feeling enchanted by the surrounding stunning views. Start by visiting the Kana torii gate at Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine and then approach Yoshida Trail’s First Station, the beginning point of the trek.
Journey through lush green forest trails on your way to reach the summit’s highest point, Kengamine Peak to take a look at the crater. Visit the peak at sunrise hours to enjoy an even more breathtaking view of the Land of the Rising Sun.
6. Ghibli Museum, Mitaka
One of the best places to visit in Japan is the Ghibli Museum, Mitaka in Tokyo, an animation and art museum. At the museum, you will get to witness one of Japan’s most famous animation studios by Hayao Miyazaki who has produced movies like “My Neighbor Totoro”, “Ponyo”, “Princess Mononoke” and others. Tokyo Tour Packages offer excellent opportunities to explore this cultural gem as part of your Japan adventure.
Get fascinated by the pictures of cute animated characters, animals and colorful flowers in the interiors, especially the lamps and windows. You can stroll through the atrium from the 1st basement floor to the 2nd floor and feel delighted by the various displays such as the glass dome on the ceiling with a yellow whale, a mysterious structure from Hayao Miyazaki’s movies and more.
Enjoyable activities await children at the museum as they go to Studio Ghibli to watch an original short animation and board the fluffy boyon cat bus. Witness the guardian deity, the rooftop robot soldiers, as you climb to the top.
7. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the fateful locations of the atomic bomb incident, remain on every visitor’s mind while traveling to the country. If you want to know more about the facts of history, stop by the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park.
The park stretches over 120,000 square meters and is surrounded by lush greenery with some walking paths which give an astonishing tranquil atmosphere. Pay respect to the Atomic Bomb victims at the Cenotaph and know about the real stories of the nuclear bombing, directly and indirectly from the survivors by various motifs and symbols.
One of the major highlights of the park is its construction called “Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome)”, which was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
8. Nara Park & Todai-ji Temple
Among the most interesting places to visit in Japan are Nara Park and Todaiji temple. Nara Park is a huge park at the foot of Mt. Wakakusa is full of very cute and friendly deer. The Park also features a lot of cultural heritage such as Kasugataisha Shrine, Kofuku-ji Temple and more.
Todai-ji Temple is a complex of Buddhist temples dating back to the 8th century, located at Nara. You can start your exploration of the ancient complex at the Great South Gate, the main gate of Todai-ji and walk into the main hall, the Daibutsu-den, once known as the largest wooden building in the world.
As you stroll in this Great Buddha Hall, take some time to admire the star attraction, the about 15m tall Vairocana Buddha (Daibutsu). Visit the Todai-ji Museum to take a look at its various exhibits, displayed at the Nigatsu-do, Hokke-do, etc. along with other well-known buildings inside the temple premises.
9. Himeji Castle
The spectacular Himeji, also known as Hakuro (White Heron) Castle, is one of the most popular castles in Japan. Owing to its beautiful white appearance, imposing size and well-preserved complex grounds, the castle located in Hyogo, has been declared a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site and a national treasure.
As you enter the castle through the Otemon Gate and pass on to the third bailey (Sannomaru), you can admire the architectural magnificence of the distinctive rock chutes, portholes and concealed spaces. In the castle, climb up the six-story wooden structure to reach the topmost floor to catch a glimpse of the famous shrine.
Discover the fish (killer whale)-shaped roof ornaments, which are among the wonders of the castle. The breathtaking sight of cherry blossoms during the fall season, also makes it an interesting place to visit in Japan.
10. Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
One of the most popular places to visit in Japan is the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, in the ward of Minato. At the aquarium, you will be able to get a chance to witness the stunning marine life of the Pacific Rim, extending from the Great Barrier Reef to the Arctic.
Stroll across this aquarium to take a look at 30,000 marine creatures belonging to 620 species in viewing tanks which are a recreated ecosystem of the Pacific Ocean. Do not miss out on watching the world’s largest fish, the mighty whale shark during your visit.
Look out for other popular attractions of the museum, the Ringed seals of the Arctic and the Rockhopper penguins.
