From Osaka’s neighborhoods to Okinawa’s islands, stunning temples and flower-filled parks, discover 15 iconic places to visit in Japan.
A dream destination for many travelers, Japan is a country rich in cultural sights, delicious cuisine and centuries-old traditions that go hand in hand with futuristic technology. For many visitors every custom, neighborhood, train station, and even every manhole cover becomes a source of wonder and curiosity.
With the Expo Osaka 2025 just around the corner, visitors from around the world will travel here for the event, taking the opportunity to explore as much of the country as possible.
If you’re one of those planning to visit Japan this year, or if you’re still undecided about whether it’s the right destination for you, I’ve compiled a list of 15 iconic places that capture part of the beauty and diversity of this fascinating country. Scroll through the list, which includes not only the classics but also a few hidden gems.
1. Dotonbori, Osaka: The beating heart of the city
We start our journey with a district in Osaka. Colorful, bustling and irresistible, Dotonbori is famous for its neon signs, nightlife and delicious culinary scene. Snap a photo under the famous retro-style Glico Man billboard, taste some of Japan’s most renowned dishes, such as takoyaki (battered balls filled with octopus) and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes), and let yourself be captivated by the neighborhood’s countless attractions.
Dotonbori at a glance
- Where: Osaka
- Must-try: Takoyaki and okonomiyaki
- When to go: After sunset when the neon lights turn on, creating a unique atmosphere
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2. Fushimi Inari Taisha: 10,000 red torii gates
Ever seen those photos of endless red torii gates that lead up a mountain? Those are from Fushimi Inari Taisha, undoubtedly one of Japan’s most famous sites. Dedicated to Inari, the Shinto deity of prosperity, the shrine features about 10,000 red torii gates ascending the mountain, guarded by numerous fox statues that are considered to be divine messengers. The main shrine dates back to 711 AD, but the current torii gates have been donated over the centuries by worshippers and businesses.
Fushimi Inari Taisha at a glance
- Where: Kyoto
- The trail: The full walk to the shrine takes about two hours but is well worth it—especially because the higher you go, the fewer people you’ll find, making the visit more enjoyable and spiritual.
- Best time to visit: The shrine is always open. It’s recommended to visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
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3. Ueno Park, Tokyo: Temples, art and lotus flowers
Ueno Park was the first place I visited upon arriving in Japan. Perhaps it’s because of this emotional connection, but it remains one of my favorite spots in the Japanese capital. Located in the heart of Tokyo, this urban oasis is one of the largest in the city and houses several points of interest. These include museums, such as the Tokyo National Museum, temples and shrines, such as the Toshogu Shrine, a zoo, and Shinobazu Pond, with its spectacular lotus-filled basin.
Ueno Park at a glance
- Where: Tokyo
- Tip: On warm summer evenings, take a stroll and sit on the benches to watch practicing skaters.
- When to go: March-April for cherry blossoms, July-August for the full bloom of the lotus flowers at Shinobazu Pond (visit early in the morning).
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4. Kiyomizu-dera, Kyoto: A temple surrounded by nature
Kyoto is full of spectacular temples, but Kiyomizu-dera is one that impressed me the most. It’s a rather large Buddhist complex, built entirely out of wood without the use of nails, and is now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Beyond the beauty of its architecture and the allure of its symbolism, the position of the temples is striking—set uphill on a slope, surrounded by wild vegetation.
Kiyomizu-dera at a glance
- Where: Kyoto
- Tip: Climb all the way to the top of the hill and watch out for monkeys…
- When to go: In autumn, when the maple leaves paint the landscape in shades of red and orange.
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5. Nara Park: Deer, temples and the Botanical Garden
Nara Park, with its sacred deer, is another super-famous place in Japan. For this reason, it can be a bit overcrowded, while encounters with overly bold deer are quite common. However, just wander a bit deeper into the park, and you’ll discover quieter corners, less stressed deer, stunning temple complexes, and an incredibly beautiful botanical garden. Here you’ll also find Todai-ji, one of Japan’s most important Buddhist temples, which houses the gigantic (about 15m tall) wooden statue of the Great Buddha.
Nara Park at a glance
- Where: Nara
- Tip: Feed the deer shika senbei (rice crackers, sold at the park entrance) to add to the interactive fun. Just maintain a respectful distance—they’re still wild animals (and can be a bit stressed, too).
- When to go: May, when the wisteria blooms in the Manyo Botanical Garden.
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6. Himeji Castle: The White Heron Castle
One of the few original Japanese castles still preserved, Himeji Castle is a masterpiece of feudal architecture and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its name comes from the white walls, reminiscent of the wings of a heron in flight. While it’s a bit sparse inside, it’s stunning and scenic from the outside, plus it’s definitely worth visiting the gardens and learning about its long history.
Himeji Castle at a glance
- Where: Himeji
- Tip: On Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays you can take a boat tour of the inner moat; it’s a fun and alternative way to visit.
- When to go: In the morning when it opens, to avoid the busiest times. If you don’t mind crowds, the Cherry Blossom Festival is a special occasion, with performances of koto and Japanese drums.
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7. Miyajima and the floating torii
When talking about iconic places in Japan, you can’t leave out Miyajima’s red torii gate, located on a small island just minutes away from Hiroshima by ferry. The uniqueness of this torii, the entrance to the island’s shrine, lies in its appearance—it seems to float on the water during high tide, while during low tide, you can walk around it. Besides the shrine, Miyajima is often one of travelers’ favorite stops in Japan, thanks to its serene atmosphere, quaint town center, and delicious seafood dishes.
Miyajima at a glance
- Where: Miyajima
- Must-try: Oysters—raw, boiled, or fried
- When to go: During high tide to experience the magic of the ‘floating’ torii.
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8. Okinawa: Beaches, snorkeling and Ryukyu culture
Japan also boasts tropical islands with crystal-clear waters, and the Okinawa archipelago is a great example. Here you’ll find a distinct atmosphere compared to the rest of the country, enriched by Ryukyu culture, which blends Chinese and Japanese influences. The archipelago’s most beautiful beaches are found in Miyakojima, though each island has its own gems. Get ready for fantastic snorkeling sessions along the coral reef and excellent meals where you can savor the region’s uniquely flavorful cuisine.
Okinawa at a glance
- Where: East China Sea, southern Japan
- Which islands to visit: Miyako-jima and Kerama Islands for beaches, Naha for cultural sites, and Yaeyama–jima for untouched nature.
- When to go: April to November is Okinawa’s summer season. Be cautious of typhoon season from June to October, with the highest likelihood of typhoons occurring in August and September.
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9. Sapporo: The capital of the north
Hokkaido, the northernmost island of the Japanese archipelago, is adored by locals yet often overlooked by Western travelers. Sapporo, the island’s capital, is best known for its spectacular Snow Festival of ice sculptures held every February, but it’s worth visiting year-round. The city offers vast parks with hiking trails, wooden temple complexes, botanical gardens, beer and chocolate museums, outdoor art parks and much more. It also serves as a great base for exploring the surrounding wilderness!
Sapporo at a glance
- Where: Hokkaido
- Must-try: Sapporo ramen, Sapporo curry, yogurt, and ice cream
- When to go: While Sapporo is always beautiful, it’s particularly enchanting in winter, when it’s blanketed with fresh snow. Plus, in summer it offers cooler weather than the rest of Japan.
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10. Shirakawa-go: A journey into the past
Located in Gifu Prefecture, Shirakawa-go is a historic village recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and famous for its unique gassho-zukuri houses. This architectural style was developed to withstand heavy winter snowfall. Today the village, with its well-preserved houses set up as museums, tells the region’s story in a truly fairytale-like setting.
Shirakawa-go at a glance
- Where: Gifu Prefecture
- What to see: Wada House, a perfectly preserved ancient residence open to the public; Shiroyama Viewpoint, a breathtaking panoramic spot; Tajima House, a silk culture museum.
- Must-try: Doburoku, a traditional homemade unfiltered sake.
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11. Nikko: Nature, waterfalls and spirituality
A day trip to Nikko is a very popular excursion from Tokyo. The town stands out for its historic sites surrounded by nature, including the majestic Toshogu Shrine, dedicated to the warlord Tokugawa Ieyasu. This shrine is a masterpiece of Japanese architecture, adorned with gold inlays and colorful details. Beautiful walks among waterfalls and around the picturesque Lake Chuzenji, surrounded by mountains, are also highlights.
Nikko at a glance
- Where: Tochigi Prefecture
- Don’t miss: Toshogu Shrine, Shinkyo Bridge, and the Irohazaka road between Nikko and Okunikko
- When to go: During the week, to avoid peak times for visitors
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12. Onsen villages
One of the best experiences to have in Japan is visiting an onsen, a hot spring spa—a ritualistic activity with deep cultural significance. The country boasts many thermal towns, often nestled in stunning natural landscapes. Here are some of the most beautiful destinations:
- Yudanaka Onsen: Famous for snow monkeys bathing in the hot waters of Jigokudani Monkey Park during winter.
- Hakone: One of the closest hot spring destinations to Tokyo, offering splendid views of Mount Fuji.
- Kamisuwa Onsen: Located in central Japan, known for its beautiful traditional ryokan (Japanese inns) and the merging of seven different hot springs
- Noboribetsu Onsen: In Hokkaido, hosting the spectacular Hell Valley, with sulfuric vapors and colorful waters.
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13. Naoshima Island: An open-air museum
A tiny island that has become a must-see for contemporary art enthusiasts. Naoshima hosts some of Japan’s most renowned architectural works and art installations, including Yayoi Kusama’s famous Yellow Pumpkin. The island also features the Chichu Art Museum, designed by Tadao Ando. One of the most innovative museums in the world, it showcases works by Monet and seamlessly integrates into the surrounding landscape.
Naoshima at a glance
- Where: Seto Inland Sea
- Don’t miss: Yayoi Kusama’s Yellow Pumpkin and the Chichu Art Museum
- How to get there: Ferry from Takamatsu or Okayama
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14. Ashikaga Flower Park: The blooming garden
Accessible in under an hour from JR Tokyo Station, Ashikaga Flower Park is a true spectacle. This botanical garden showcases seasonal plants, with various blooms throughout the year. Its highlight, however, is undoubtedly the breathtaking wisteria tunnels, which create a vivid display of purple, pink, and white in late spring. The park is open year-round, transforming into pure magic in winter with its illumination festival.
Ashikaga Flower Park at a glance
- Where: Tochigi Prefecture
- When to go: April-May for the wisteria bloom; winter for the Festival of Lights
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15. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park: A must-visit
It’s always vital, particularly in today’s historical context, to reflect and remember the horrors of war. This is why the last place I recommend visiting in Japan is Hiroshima, stopping at the Peace Memorial Park, home to the Genbaku Dome—the only building left standing after the atomic bombing in 1945. The Peace Museum offers an educational journey through the city’s history and the importance of promoting global peace. Today, Hiroshima is a modern, vibrant city also famous for its signature dish: Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, prepared in layers.
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park at a glance
- Where: Hiroshima
- Why visit: To reflect on the importance of peace and learn about the city’s history
- What to eat: Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki
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Want to know more about Japanese cuisine? Take a look at our article on 8 essential food experiences in Japan!