10 Best Places To Visit In Japan | Tourist Attractions

Japan a country that welcomes the sun and is rising every day with new technological advancements has its deep roots in culture. With its mix of engaging, ultramodern cities; and small towns Japan is loaded with innumerable tourist attractions that motivate and charm guests. From memorable châteaux and eye-catching flower presentations to bizarre scenes, here are some 10 best places to visit in Japan.

List Of The 10 Best Places To Visit In Japan

1. Mount Koya
2. Noto Peninsula
3. Nachi Falls
4. Kiso Valley
5. Mount Fuji
6. Shikoku Island
7. Hiroshima
8. Matsumoto Castle
9. Gokayama
10. Sagano Bamboo Forest

1. Mount Koya

Mount Koya, the profound home of Shingon Buddhism in Japan, a group established over 1,200 years ago by one of Japan’s most essential religious figures, Kobo Daishi. The order’s central station, Kongobuji Head Temple, is located at the woods-secured peak of Mount Koya. More than 100 different sanctuaries have been built up around Mount Koya. They offer the opportunity to the guests to encounter a run-of-the-mill priest’s way of life amid an overnight remain.

Best Routes: Cable cars run from Gokurakubashi where you can reach via train from the Nankai Koya Line of Shin-Imamiya Station.

Top Attractions: Okunoin Temple, Reihokan Museum, and Pilgrimage Trails.

Hotels To Book: Either stay at Shukubo Koyasan Ekoin, a mid-range hotel with old-style accommodation and all modern facilities, or Kumagai which is a budget-friendly stay.

Also Read: Top 10 Backpacking Destinations in the World

2. Noto Peninsula

Containing the northern segment of Ishikawa Prefecture, the Noto Peninsula is home to some of Japan’s most staggering untouched wide-open scenes. Besides appreciating the characteristic landscape, the landmass also offers various spots for angling, swimming, and the outdoors.

Its two principal vacationer focuses, Wajima City and Wakura Onsen, are home to less than 30,000 individuals.

What To See In Noto Peninsula?

1. Scenic Okunoto Coast
2. Chirihama Beach
3. Myojoji Temple
4. Kongo Coast
5. Sojiji Temple

Getting There

Every day 2 flights take off from Haneda Airport of Tokyo to the Peninsula. You can take the bus to get around the place. Wakura Onsen is the only bus station here and trains from JR Hokuriku Shinkansen departures every hour.

Budget Stays: Freedom 2 dormitory for separate rooms for men and women is the cheapest stay at Wakura Onsen.

Also Read: 10 Best Honeymoon Destinations in Asia

3. Nachi Falls

Nachi waterfall is the highest waterfall in the country, which drops below 133 meters (436 feet), gushing down the river. This waterfall is overlooked by the grand Nachi Taisha Shinto Temple, which is more than 1,400 years old. Built in the memory of the waterfall’s Kami (soul god), this temple is one of the many Buddhist and Shinto religious places, which are found around the fall. You won’t regret travelling to one of these beautiful top 10 tourist attractions in Japan.

Route: Kii-Katsuura Station runs buses every hour to the Nachi station from where the waterfall is 5 minutes away.

Opening Hours: 07 am to 04:30 pm

Admission Fees: 300 yen

Hotels around Nachi

If you want to stay at a place closer to Nachi, look no further than Minpaku Kodo. It is within 2 km of the waterfall but a one-night stay here is expensive. Albergue Kodo and Maru House are budget-friendly but they are pretty far from the destination.

Also Read: Shopping Paradise: 5 Streets around the Globe Shopaholics Should Not Miss

4. Kiso Valley

The Kiso Valley in Japan is the home to the Nakasendo Trail, one of just five Edo-period parkways associated with Edo (Tokyo) and Kyoto. Along the valley lies several popular tourist attractions of Japan such as:

• Mount Kisokoma
• Mount Utsugi
• Hirasawa Town
• Chiune Sugihara Memorial Hall
• Akasawa Natural Recreational Forest

Route: Reach Kiso Valley via JR Shinano Express train from Nagoya which is easily accessible from JR Tokaido Shinkansen Station, Kyoto.

Best Hotels: You’ll find ample hotels around the valley with different accommodation facilities. But some are extremely fabulous, here we have listed a few:

• Komao
• Onyado Tsutaya
• Morino Hotel
• Tsutaya Tokinoyado Kazari
• Nezame Hotel

5. Mount Fuji

Japan is known for this incredible and renowned mountain. But did you know that Mount Fuji is also a perfect spot for a romantic getaway? Tourists all over the world come to one of the most beautiful and famous places in Japan.

Although every season is ideal to witness the tremendous snow-capped mountain, the duration between July and September is highly recommended. There is a lot to explore and capture with your naked eyes.

Things To Do At Mt. Fuji

1. If you haven’t done skiing here, you missed all the fun of being at Fuji. So come to the Snow Town Yeti for the ultimate skiing experience.
2. Arakurayama Sengen Park, Fujiyoshida Sengen Shrine, Chureito Pagoda, and Mt. Tenjo should be on your checklist.
3. You can gaze at the mountain from Gotemba 5th Station or Subaru Line for stunning views.
4. Curb your hunger at Tetsuyaki, Tempura or Houtou Fudou restaurant.

Route: Cabs and buses take visitors daily from Shizuoka Airport to Mt. Fuji which is approx 80 km away.

Places to Stay: Either book a Mt. Fuji hotel or Hatago Ichiya, both are the best value for money with all necessary amenities.

6. Shikoku Island

Shikoku is Japan’s fourth-biggest island, found southwest of the primary island of Honshu to which it is associated using two extension frameworks. This island is likewise attached to persuasive priest Kobo Daishi as the home of the 88 Temple highways, one of Japan’s most essential journeys.

Besides drawing in those looking for profound satisfaction, the island offers some dynamite coastlines, mountain ranges, and tumbling streams.

Top Sights Within Island

1. Ritsurin Garden is a historic green place with a small tea house along the pond.
2. Matsuyama Castle, Marugame Castle, and Kochi Castle are must-visit historic places to visit in Japan.
3. For a scenic view and rope climbing experience, come to Mount Ishizuchi.

Transport Facilities

Night buses, cars, trains, and flights are all easy ways to reach Shikoku from Tokyo. However, costs and duration vary for each. You can even get from Osaka via bus or train.

Best Shikoku Hotels

The island has superb views that guests can witness from these top 3 hotels:

1. Setouchi Retreat Aonagi at the small hill of Ehime
2. Iya Onsen is a hotel in Iya Valley, Tokushima
3. Auberge de Oishi is a French-style inn in Kagawa

7. Hiroshima

The city carrying the burden of the past has major tourist attractions of Japan such as Hiroshima Castle, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, and so on. So, don’t miss this on your Japan itinerary. You will surely get some stories to take back with you.

Also add Shukkeien Garden, Mazda Museum, Atomic Bomb Dome, and Itsukushima floating Torii gate to your travel bucket list.

When To Plan A Trip To Hiroshima?

Weather is moderate all year round but visitors should plan during the spring and fall months- March to May, and October. This is the time when all the famous places in Japan are painted with nature’s best colours.

Hotels In Hiroshima With Views

Several mid-range hotels are easily available at one of the famous places to visit in Japan – Downtown Hiroshima. Check out the following:

1. 4-Star Knot Hotel
2. Nest Hotel
3. Rihga Royal
4. Hiroshima Washington Hotel
5. Candeo Hotels

8. Matsumoto Castle

Matsumoto Castle, Japan is one of the original landmarks left in Japan. Originally built in 1504, its present form was extended to its modern form in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. The nickname Karasu-Jo (Crow Castle), is known for its amazing black and white three-turreted main keep.

Opens at 8:30 am and closes at 04:30 pm

Getting There: You can reach Matsumoto via Azusa Express from Shinjuku station.

9. Gokayama

Gokayama is part of the World Heritage Site declared by UNESCO, which also includes the neighbouring village of Shirakawa-go. Both areas are famous destinations in Japan for their traditional Gassho-Zukuri farmhouses.

These centuries-old houses in Japan have different thatched roofs, which are designed to withstand heavy snowfall. It is less approachable than the popular Shirakawa-go, resulting in more serene and secluded villages.

Things You Must Do Here

• Visiting Murakami-Ki Museum which is a collection of houses built in 1578.
• Learn about ancient crafts and farming methods at the Ainokura Museum.
• Nail-free houses at Shirakawa-go.
• Selfie spot Ogimachi castle.
• Know everything about gunpowder at the Gokayama Folk Center Museum.

Spend A Night At Himi Umiakari Onsen

Situated close to Toyama Bay, this hotel gives unobstructed views you won’t see anywhere else. Hot water baths, delicious Japanese food, and sea-front rooms; what else does one need?

10. Sagano Bamboo Forest

Sagano Bamboo Forest in Japan is positioned in Arashiyama, which is a district on the western outskirts of Kyoto. With the rising sun between the green stalks, the winds pass through gigantic bamboo trees. The bamboo forest is as famous for its beauty, as for the typical sounds created by the bamboo stalks flowing in the air.

How Do I Get There?

It is only 15 15-minute journey to the forest from Kyoto station. Get on the train on JR Sagano Line to Saga-Arashiyama Station and walk to the world’s most beautiful forest.

10 Famous Places To Visit In Japan, Tokyo & Osaka

• Tokyo Sky Tree
• Disneyland of Tokyo
• Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel of Osaka
• Universal Studios, Osaka
• Shinjuku Gyoen- The most stunning garden in Japan
• Inokashira Park- A Heaven in Tokyo
• Colourful Ghibli Museum, Tokyo
• Traditional Asakusa, Taito
• Jodo Shinshu Buddhist Temple, Tsukiji
• Amerikamura- The American Village in Osaka

10 Tourist Attractions In Japan’s Largest City- Kyoto

If you are on the exploring journey of Kyoto, head to these famous landmarks:

• Nijo Castle
• Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine
• Kyoto Imperial Palace
• Nishi Honganji Temple
• National museum art
• Tennoji Zoo
• Ohori Park
• Philosopher’s walk
• Railway Museum
• Ninja Museum

Next time when you want to explore a new side of the country, head to these famous places in Japan. We bet your itinerary will be full of new experiences.