The most beautiful places in Japan in a nutshell

🕗 6 minutes | March 8, 2024 | Text Mateusz Łapuć

The fascinating places in Japan attract with intriguing nature, a captivating atmosphere, and oriental architecture. The country’s culture includes iconic Japanese castles, natural sites such as Mount Fuji, and historical temples in Japan. Sounds interesting? Add to this the Japanese cities — Tokyo, Nara, and Osaka. Read our article and discover which places are worth visiting in Japan.

Are you wondering what the biggest tourist attractions in Japan are? The number of fascinating places and important landmarks in Japan is impressive, which is why we've selected those that are definitely worth visiting. Intriguing Tokyo, Japan's highest mountain — Mount Fuji, or maybe national parks and Japanese castles? Keep reading and find out which of these places is for you.

Tokyo — the capital, the largest city in Japan, and... the largest city in the world! This place is exceptionally intriguing, where traditional Japanese culture and history blend seamlessly with modernity in a spectacular way.

Visit the most important places in Tokyo, such as:

• The Imperial Palace and Park Complex
• Sanja Temple
• Sensoji Temple
• Kaminari Mon Gate
• Yanaka District
• Ueno Park

Experience the diversity of the capital of the Land of the Rising Sun and explore what the luxurious Ginza district has to offer. Also, visit Japanese antique shops in the Kanda district and electronics stores in the commercial district of Akihabara.

Taste the essence of Japan's capital and book your flight to Tokyo now.

In addition to well-known attractions like the Sensō-ji Temple in Asakusa and Ueno Park, near Tokyo, it’s worth visiting small towns such as Kamakura with its giant Buddha statue, or the picturesque Hakone with a view of Mount Fuji.

Continuing your journey through Japan, head to the largest island in Japan — Honshu. Here, you'll find the historic city of Kyoto — one of the former capitals of the country. Feel the unique atmosphere and see fascinating buildings with landmarks and symbols of Japan.

Your eyes will be drawn to the traditional Japanese residence — the Imperial Palace, as well as the Silver and Golden Pavilions, which allows you to delve even deeper into Japanese culture. When planning a trip to Kyoto, please keep in mind the impressive temples: the wooden Kiyomizu-dera Temple, the Buddhist Ryōan-ji Temple with its rock garden, and the Shinto Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its corridor of orange gates. As you can see, Kyoto on Honshu Island is a place where you'll never be bored!

What is worth seeing in Japan? Kanazawa, known as the city of shoguns, is a historic place that survived World War II, fully preserving its architecture and traditional Japanese buildings. For centuries, it has been an important cultural centre and the residence of rulers.

When visiting this Japanese city, see the Kenrokuen Gardens, considered some of the most beautiful in the country, as well as the historic Kanazawa Castle. Moreover, notice the traditional architecture in the Higashi Chaya district and experience the taste of traditional Japanese culture at the Omicho Market.

When visiting fascinating places in Japan, head to Nara — the first capital of the Land of the Rising Sun. Visit the Todai-ji Temple, stroll through historical streets, and immerse yourself in the beauty of Japanese nature. Among the tourists visiting Japan, Nara is one of the most popular places. Find out why and see the first capital of the country in person!

If you have time, also visit Yokohama or Osaka, considered the culinary capital of the country.

Continue your journey through Japan towards Osaka — a city that is an important centre of commerce, industry, and entertainment. It is also considered the culinary capital of the country.

Discover the brightly lit streets of Dotonbori, where you'll find many restaurants, taverns, and gathering spots for locals. Osaka will captivate you with its numerous flavours — try delicious sushi or aromatic ramen.

While sightseeing in Osaka, be sure to visit the luxury boutiques next to humble souvenir stalls, as well as one of Japan's most famous landmarks — Osaka Castle.

Imagine a relaxing bath and natural hot springs with a view of the vast ocean… Onsen Saki-no-Yu is the oldest Japanese hot spring, offering not only deep relaxation but also incredible views, especially at sunset.

Yakushima, an island listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to ancient, moss-covered forests and dense, untouched trails. Particularly, Shiratani Unsuikyo delights with its laurel forest, which served as the inspiration for the anime Princess Mononoke.

The best time to visit Yakushima is late spring and early autumn, when you can avoid the crowds and enjoy a mild, pleasant climate.

This elegant stone bridge, also known as the Spectacles Bridge, is one of the oldest stone bridges in Japan. Meganebashi got its name because its reflection in the water resembles glasses.

Known as Battleship Island, Hashima is an abandoned island that, just a century ago, was a thriving mining centre. Today, with its concrete ruins and deserted houses, it is a fascinating destination for history enthusiasts and urban explorers.

Do you already know which major cities in Japan you'll visit? Now it's time to conquer the peak of Japan's natural attractions — the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, home to the famous Mount Fuji.

Rising to a height of 3,776 meters (ca. 12,388.45 feet) above sea level, this volcanic peak is not only the most iconic landscape in Japan, but also a sacred site listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Several hiking trails of varying difficulty levels lead to its summit.

In the park, you'll also find the Shiraito Waterfall, the Five Fuji Lakes, a forest growing on solidified lava, Japanese hot springs, an archipelago of islands, and a volcanic lake.

The most beautiful places in Japan? Among them, you'll find Nikkō National Park, which is a combination of mountain ranges, crystal-clear rivers, waterfalls, and dense forested areas. Discover the local wildlife and explore the region's historical landmarks in the city of Nikkō.

See the Northern Japanese Alps and visit the Chubu-Sangaku National Park. Explore the Kamikōchi Valley, located along the Azusa River, and see the largest dam in Japan on the Kurobe River.

In your travel plan, be sure to set aside some time to delve into the history of the country. Discover the most important landmarks in Japan, starting with Matsumoto Castle, which impresses with its long history and unique architecture. Due to its dark colour, it is often called the Crow or Raven Castle. The fortress still features authentic 16th-century wooden interiors, with beautiful mountains in the backdrop.

In contrast, Himeji is home to the White Heron Castle, whose white walls resemble the outstretched wings of a bird. Additionally, the castle is situated on a hill of the same name, and in the past, it was home to the blind herons of the heron species. Himeji also attracts attention with its distinctive wooden structure.

When visiting interesting places in Japan, also check out Hiroshima Castle, the Peace Memorial Park in Nagasaki, and the nearly 400-year-old Spectacles Bridge – Meganebashi. Get closer to the history of Japanese warriors by visiting samurai residences on Japan's largest island — Honshu. These places are particularly popular among tourists visiting Japan. Become one of them and book your flight to Tokyo today!