Japan has always been among travelers’ top travel bucket lists for a reason. The region has the best landmarks to offer, be it off the beaten path or a popular tourist destination. This country is a cultural and holiday hotspot, where you can capture the best views and beyond. Come late March or early April, exciting landscapes await your journey—the allure of cherry blossom in the city during the sakura season, the fall foliage, the wonders of winter, and many more!
Foreign tourists flock to Japan for its sights, scenes, and top tourist attractions like ancient temples, historic treasures, hot springs, world heritage sites, a bunch of beautiful gardens, torii gates, traditional architecture, tea houses, and a host of famous festivals. Many visitors make a second trip to it or so, easily becoming an essential in a sea of dream destinations. So, it’s time to visit Japan and its tourist spots soon!
Popular cities like Tokyo, Japan’s capital, or Osaka, a port city, are brimming with culture. You can casually feast on traditional treats at food stalls, do some shopping at department stores, or have a good time at geisha districts. Whatever you choose to do, there are tons of hangouts from accommodations and hotels, which generally, you can get to at a short distance. For a seamless travel experience, however, try to approach a travel agent for premium tour packages.
Top Tourist Attractions in Japan for a Historical Adventure
Take a break, unwind, and ready yourself for an unforgettable trip to Japan by booking the best day trip destinations, combing its major cities, and of course, seeking some Japan travel tips from credible sources such as travel agencies and tourists themselves who have already traveled to different prefectures and districts.
Hiroshima Peace Park
Housed within a tragic history that is Hiroshima’s atomic bombing, Hiroshima Peace Park assembles personal effects and priceless artifacts from the victims of the vicinity’s atrocious nuclear attack in 1945. Now, people visit the place for for education, exhibits, and events.
Toyota Commemorative Museum
Apart from art museums, one of the must-see tourist spots in Japan is the Toyota Commemorative Museum. Built in Nagoya, the birthplace of the Toyota Group, the platform of interest preserves Toyota’s original plant to offer guests a glimpse of the transformational advancements in automobile technology.
Hida Folk Village
Hida Folk Village gives guests a glimpse of the rural life in the Hida region. Abound with traditional architecture, most famous festivals in Japan happen near here. Major occasions like the Takayama Festival is one of the must-not-miss affairs in the area.
Senso-ji Temple
A time-honored temple and one of Japan’s finest, Senso-ji is the oldest pagoda in Tokyo. The sacred place has a tale that dates back to the 7th century, and was built as a dedication to Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy.
Himeji Castle
A medieval architectural masterpiece, Himeji Castle is a heritage site and hilltop castle complex in Hyogo. It is the perfect example of a prototypical castle architecture in Japan, which consists of advanced defensive enclosures, doors, stone walls, steep walkways, and watchtowers.
Matsumoto Castle
Set against the scenic Japanese Alps, Nagano’s Matsumoto Castle is one of Japan’s long-living original castles, and is the oldest castle in the country. As a cultural stronghold, it serves as a fine example of a feudal palace, where important personalities and fallen feudal lords used to live.
Itsukushima Shrine
Itsukushima Shrine is a Shinto shrine that rose to fame for its red torii gates, garnering added attention due to its floating position. Founded in 741, the destination is believed to be a spiritual sanctuary, where the tides are thought to have ebbed and flowed endlessly.
Toshogu Shrine
Situated in Nikko, Tochigi, Toshogu Shrine enshrines the eminent samurai leader Tokugawa Ieyasu. The landmark is said to showcase a design fit for divinity, constructed with intricate carvings and detailed decoration.
Lake Ashi
Hakone’s Lake Ashi is a picturesque lake that treats you to panoramic landscapes. Often, it offers postcard-perfect views of Mount Fuji, vying for tourists’ attention. Those who are seeking serenity travel here to experience the hiking trails, onsen, and many other stunning sights.
Seisonkaku Villa
Located in the city of Kanazawa, Seisonkaku Villa is a large retirement residence for the mother of a once-revered samurai in the region. Open to the modern people, the place is now considered a national architectural and cultural asset.
Todai-ji Temple
One of the world’s largest wooden building, Todai-ji Temple in Nara was built as an overarching, central temple in Japan. The colossal sitting Buddha statue at Great Buddha Hall is also housed in this historical architecture, which is designated as one of Japan’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites destinations.
What to Experience
Japan is a melting pot for all four seasons, so if you’re flying to the archipelago, plan the month that you are booking your trip. If you are betting on the cherry blossom season, you should visit between late March to early May, but it varies from region to region. For example, if the location is Central Japan, you might want to make a trip between March to April. If you are traveling to Northern Japan, however, you should explore it from mid-April to early May. Some forest-covered mountains turn to winter wonderland, too, making the countryside a favorite destination during winter. Winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding are popular in the Hokkaido prefecture, where cold winters and cool summers never stop. You can also visit the Japan alps and check out the outdoor activities available in the area.
Where to Shop
Japan is a shopping paradise so there is no shortage of new treats to pick and pack. In Tokyo, you can check out Akihabara, Ginza, Harajuku, Omotesando, and Shibuya; in Kyoto, you shouldn’t miss street markets such as Gion and Nishiki Market. Additionally, you can navigate the neon city of Osaka and its leading attractions like Dotonbori, Namba Parks, and Shinsaibashi. If you’re in Sapporo, however, Sapporo Factory and Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade are a must-not-miss. Whatever Japan tourist spot you’re traveling to, there is something in store for tourists. It’s great to go to Daiso and Don Quijote/Donki as well for unique wonders and functional finds. Outlet malls offer terrific deals and discounts, too!
What to Eat
Japan’s delicious dishes are great culinary gems that people and tourists celebrate worldwide. Classic staples such as sushi, ramen, sashimi, tempura, onigiri, okonomiyaki, takoyaki, matcha, yakisoba, and mochi are the gastronome’s favorite, giving them a taste of the country’s distinct cuisine. Izakayas are also ideal for people who enjoy pubs and taverns with a cultural twist.
