Japan, while a small island nation, is big. With so much to see and to do, it can get overwhelming. So, to help make your life a little easier, I put together this list of the top must-see spots in Japan.
There are endless reasons to visit Japan, but this post highlights some of the most quintessential Japanese things to do and places to see.
So let this article act as your comprehensive Japan bucket list. These are the best and most popular things to do in Japan.
5 Must-See Spots In Kantō Region
1. Tokyo
Tokyo is full of incredible things to do and places to see – too many to name them all here! But these are a few of my favourite must-see spots around Tokyo:
- Sensō-ji
- Meiji Shrine
- Shimokitazawa
- Golden Gai yokocho
- Shibuya Sky or Tokyo Skytree
- The Rainbow Bridge (which you can walk across for amazing views of Tokyo)
Recommended: Things To Do In Japan With Kids
2. Disneyland and Disney Sea
Just 15 minutes by train from Tokyo station is Tokyo Disneyland (and Disney Sea). A fan favorite for many locals, this is the perfect day trip if you’re looking for something to do in Tokyo.
You can check ticket prices, times and special events going on from the main website.
3. Kawagoe
To the north of Tokyo is Saitama prefecture, which usually gets skipped over by tourists. But in my opinion, there’s some cool stuff to do there. Specifically, visiting Kawagoe.
Kawagoe is like a mini Kyoto, full of old buildings, shops and cafes. It’s a great way to spend the day if you’re looking for some old Japanese aesthetics around Tokyo (but don’t want to take that 3-hour bullet train).
4. Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum
When looking for a noodle museum (as one does), most people end up going to the Cup Noodle Museum in Yokohama. But in my opinion, it’s not the best (even though you can make your own cup noodles).
Instead, I recommend checking out the Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum (which is also in Yokohama).
It’s way cooler and feels like you’re stepping back in time (into 1950s Japan). You can also spend the day in Yokohama afterwards, visiting popular spots like Chinatown.
5. Enoshima Island & Kamakura
I love Enoshima Island and the Kamakura area. It has a strong beach-town vibe with plenty of historical spots, hiking and areas to explore.
Visiting Kotoku-in (the Great Buddha Of Kamakura) is one of the popular things to do there. But I’d recommend walking across the bridge and hiking to the top of Enoshima for some seriously amazing views. There are also shops and restaurants along the way.
Plus, on the other side of Enoshima Island, you can explore the Iwaya Caves (which feel amazing if you’re there during the hot summer).
3 Must-See Spots In Kansai Region
1. Kyoto
No things-do-in-Japan list would be complete without mentioning Kyoto.
Kyoto is the old capital of Japan and known for its rich culture, vintage buildings and historical aesthetic.
Unfortunately though, the town has been dealing with bigger over tourism issues recently.
So if you plan on going, I’d recommend getting an early start or visiting during the shoulder season (or at least during the week).
But despite the crowds, Kyoto is truly beautiful. One of my favourite places in Japan.
There are tons of must-see spots, like Kinkaku-ji or the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. But one of my favourites is the view you get of Kyoto from the top of Kiyomizudera Temple.
2. Osaka
Osaka is Japan’s second biggest city (after Tokyo). And the vibe is completely different there.
The food is unique, the local personality is more outgoing and even the architecture and aesthetic is different (for example, explore Dotonbori to check out the various mascots and floating ornaments hanging off buildings). I really recommend going to Dontonbori, it was magical!
Osaka is a really fun town and it’s definitely worth exploring.
3. Nara Deer Park
Kyoto usually gets all the love for historical cities to see. But Nara (which is right next door) is another spot worth checking out. Also, it’s the old old capital (before Kyoto).
One of the more popular things to do in Nara is seeing (and feeding) the deer at Nara Park. But there are also plenty of museums, temples and places to eat.
5 Must-See Spots In Chūbu Region
1. Lake Kawaguchiko
Lake Kawaguchiko is one of the best places to see in Japan. I spent a weekend there and it’s definitely one of my best memories.
Lake Kawaguchiko is part of Fujigoko – the Fuji Five Lakes, which are five lakes surrounding Mt. Fuji.
So if you’re looking for the best views of Fuji (without actually hiking it), then spend a night or two in Lake Kawaguchiko. It’s a cool area with plenty to do.
Recommended: Things To Do In Lake Kawaguchiko
2. Mt. Fuji
Mt. Fuji is the full embodiment of Japan. So naturally, it’s one of the top must-see spots in Japan.
You can technically see Fuji-san from Tokyo, but heading to the base or even hiking to the top will give you unmatched views.
Just keep in mind that you can only hike Fuji during the summer months.
3. Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park
The Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park in Nagano is a super unique thing to do in Japan. Basically, it’s an attraction (you need to hike to) where you can watch monkeys take baths in the hot springs during the winter season.
And honestly, who doesn’t love monkeys and hot springs?
4. Fuji-Q Highland
If you’re into roller coasters and amusement parks, then check out Fuji-Q Highland, which is in Yamanashi prefecture (a couple hours outside of Tokyo by train).
Plus, you get incredible views of Mt. Fuji there (hence the name, I suppose).
Admission into the park is free, but the rides cost money (from 500 yen all the way up to 8,000 yen).
5. Kanazawa
Looking for an old Edo-style town and a deep cultural experience? Then Kanazawa may do the trick.
The Nagamachi samurai district, Kanazawa Castle park, Higashi Chaya District and beautiful gardens are just a few of the popular must-see attractions there.
You can get to Kanazawa in about two and half hours using the Shinkansen bullet train.
7 Other Must-See Spots In Japan
1. Hokkaido
Hokkaido is the northernmost island of Japan. While far from Tokyo and other popular areas, it’s definitely a must-see spot – especially if you like nature.
A few popular places are Sapporo, Niseko and Hakodate.
Sapporo is the main capital city and is popular for the Sapporo Ice Festival in February (among other things), Niseko is great for skiing or snowboarding, and Hakodate is a super cool port town with a beautiful view of the sea.
2. Fukuoka
Most visitors default to Tokyo, Osaka or Kyoto. But Kyushu is another island worth checking out (especially if you want to avoid some of the hectic crowds).
Fukuoka is definitely a large city, but many people say it’s more laid back than Tokyo.
You can check out the Gion template cluster district, Fukuoka Tower, Ohori Park and delicious Hakata ramen.
And when you’re done exploring there, head further south down to Okinawa.
3. Okinawa
Okinawa is Japan’s “Hawaii”. It’s tropical and a great place to enjoy a beachy Japanese vacation.
Okinawa is made up of many islands, but Naha is the main capital city. Many people in Japan fly there for the weekend to enjoy hiking, beaches, good food and diving.
4. Hiroshima
Hiroshima is about an hour and a half from Osaka and a great place for historical sites, hot springs and hiking.
For things to do, check out the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, Genbaku Dome, Shukkeien Garden and Hiroshima Castle.
5. The Motonosumi Shrine In Yamaguchi
The Torii Tunnel of Motonosumi Shrine in Yamaguchi is a must-see in Japan. It’s a winding path filled with 123 torri gates set along the sea. And walking through them is a truly unique experience.
You can get to Yamaguchi (from Osaka) in a couple of hours using the Shinkansen bullet train.
6. Tottori Sand Dunes
Want to check out a mini desert while in Japan? Then add the Tottori Sand Dunes to your itinerary. It’s definitely a must-see spot if you’re looking for something truly unique and under the radar.
There are even camel rides for 1,600 yen.
You can get these in a couple hours by train (from Osaka).
And that’s a wrap! This is my list of the best must-see spots in Japan. So, where will you go first?
