Top Tourist Attractions in Japan - 10 Places You Need to Go To
Japan rewards preparation. The shinkansen runs on time to the second, popular restaurants may require reservations weeks in advance, and the best experiences — like Fushimi Inari before the crowds — depend on arriving at 6am rather than 10. Here are the 10 tourist attractions in Japan that are worth the planning.
At a Glance: Where Each Attraction Sits
- Tokyo: Tokyo Skytree, Odaiba
- Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kinkaku-ji
- Near Tokyo: Mount Fuji (Hakone/Fujikawaguchiko area)
- Hiroshima: Peace Memorial Park
- Osaka: Osaka Castle
- Nara: Nara Park
- Hokkaido: Shikisai-no-Oka Flower Fields
- Gifu: Takayama Old Town
1. Tokyo Skytree
At 634 metres, Tokyo Skytree is the tallest structure in Japan. The two observation decks — Tembo Deck (350m) and Tembo Galleria (450m) — give genuinely different views. On clear days you can see Mount Fuji to the southwest.
Travel tip: Book tickets online a few days ahead. Visit at sunset to catch the city transitioning from daylight to the lit-up evening sprawl.
2. Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kyoto
The thousands of vermilion torii gates at Fushimi Inari form a trail winding up Mount Inari for 4km. The lower section is crowded from 9am to 5pm. But the upper trail is quiet at almost any time — the full hike (2–3 hours return) has sections that feel genuinely remote.
Travel tip: Arrive before 7am to walk the lower path without crowds, or hike all the way up where tourist density drops sharply after the first 20 minutes. Wear comfortable shoes — it gets steep.
3. Mount Fuji
Mount Fuji's climbing season runs from early July to mid-September. Outside that window it's often snow-covered and closed to climbers — but still one of the most photogenic subjects in Japan. The Chureito Pagoda (near Fujiyoshida) gives the classic shot: pagoda in the foreground, Fuji behind.
Travel tip: If climbing, start late at night to summit at dawn — this avoids afternoon heat and the worst crowds. The Yoshida Trail (most popular) has huts for rest stops and gear rental.
4. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
The park sits at the hypocenter of the 1945 atomic bombing. The Atomic Bomb Dome — the only structure left standing near ground zero — and the Peace Memorial Museum together take about half a day. The museum is graphic, honest, and worth every minute.
Travel tip: Visit on a weekday morning before school groups arrive in the afternoon. Miyajima Island (the floating torii gate) is a 30-minute ferry ride away and pairs naturally with a Hiroshima day.
5. Osaka Castle
Built in 1583 and rebuilt multiple times since, Osaka Castle's main tower is now a museum covering the castle's history and Osaka's role in the unification of Japan. The surrounding park is one of the best free experiences in the city — particularly during cherry blossom season.
Travel tip: The castle grounds and exterior views are the real draw. Combine with Dotonbori in the evening for a full Osaka day.
6. Nara Park
Nara Park has around 1,200 freely roaming deer, considered sacred in Shinto tradition. They bow when they want shika senbei (deer crackers) from vendors throughout the park. Todai-ji Temple — housing the world's largest bronze Buddha at 15 metres tall — is at the park's north end.
Travel tip: The deer are most manageable in the morning; by midday they're bolder. Nara is 45 minutes from Osaka by train and easily done as a day trip.
7. Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Kyoto
A Zen Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf, reflected in a large pond. It's always crowded — accept that and go early (opens 9am). The garden walk around the pond takes about 30 minutes. Combine with nearby Ryoan-ji (the famous rock garden) to make the trip worthwhile.
Travel tip: Capture the reflection of the pavilion in the pond for the classic shot — best light is in the morning before noon.
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8. Shikisai-no-Oka Flower Fields, Hokkaido
In Biei, Hokkaido, Shikisai-no-Oka is a hillside farm with colour-coordinated rows of flowers that bloom from July through October. Lavender peaks in late June to mid-July; sunflowers in August; cosmos in September. The fields are free to walk; fees apply for tractor rides.
Travel tip: Rent a bike to cover the broader Biei area — the famous patchwork quilt fields extend well beyond this single site. Nearest city: Asahikawa (30 minutes by car).
9. Odaiba, Tokyo
An artificial island in Tokyo Bay with shopping malls, the teamLab digital art installations, the National Museum of Emerging Science (Miraikan), and a life-size Gundam statue. Touristy but genuinely fun, especially with kids.
Travel tip: teamLab Borderless or teamLab Planets require advance booking — often weeks ahead. Take the Yurikamome monorail from Shimbashi for views of the bay and Rainbow Bridge on the way in.
10. Takayama's Historic Old Town
Takayama, in the Japanese Alps of Gifu Prefecture, has a well-preserved Edo-period merchant district — narrow streets lined with sake breweries, miso shops, and traditional wooden buildings. The Jinya (old government house) and the morning markets are the highlights.
Travel tip: Takayama is 2.5 hours from Nagoya by limited express. Stay overnight — the town is at its best in early morning and evening when day visitors have gone. Winter visits (snow-covered rooftops) are especially atmospheric.
Planning Your Japan Route: Practical Tips
Rail pass: A Japan Rail Pass covers shinkansen and most limited express trains. Buy before you arrive — it's not available inside Japan. A 14-day pass covers Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Nara, Osaka, and more.
Book early: teamLab, popular sushi counters, and some onsen require reservations weeks or months ahead. Plan must-dos early.
Timing: Cherry blossom (late March to early April) and autumn foliage (mid-November) are the best times visually — and the most crowded. May, June, and October offer similar weather with fewer tourists.
IC Cards: Get a Suica or Pasmo card at the airport on arrival. It covers virtually all public transport and works at convenience stores.
Cash: Japan remains largely cash-based outside major tourist areas. Carry ¥10,000–¥20,000 at all times. 7-Eleven ATMs accept foreign cards reliably.
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