26 Most Instagrammable Japan Tourist Spots You Shouldn’t Miss for the World

Japan, like any other country, is filled with interesting stories, a rich culture, history, and many beautiful Japan tourist spots but, there’s something about the Land of the Rising Sun that makes travelers go crazy about it. 

If you’re wondering what that is, you’ll soon discover it through this blog.

Top 26 Places to Visit in Japan

Just like the pocket of Japan-born fictional anime character Doraemon, Japan never fails to surprise us with many beautiful Japan tourist spots to explore and amazing things to experience. Here are the must-visit Japan tourist attractions:

1. Tokyo – Japan’s capital and largest city
2. Kyoto – Japan’s capital for over 1000 years
3. Nara – City of culture
4. Mt. Fuji – The country’s most iconic landmark
5. Hitsujiyama Park – Hill of pink moss
6. Hokkaido – Perfect for nature-lovers
7. Sapporo – Long winters, mild summers
8. Shibuya – Popular district among younger generations
9. Hiroshima – The city with a tragic history
10. Osaka – A city of unique culinary style
11. Fukuoka – Kyushu’s most vibrant city
12. Ueno Park – A city park with many museums and a zoo
13. Yokohama – Home to one of the world’s largest Chinatowns
14. Hakuba – Famous for skiing
15. Nagano – Perfect for every traveler
16. Kawaguchi – Home of the beautiful landscapes and beaches
17. Ishigaki Island – Features some of Japan’s nicest beaches
18. Asakusa – Perfect to experience old Tokyo and a great nightlife
19. Akihabara – District for electronic and otaku goods
20. Odaiba – A popular shopping and entertainment district on a man made island in Tokyo Bay
21. Kabukicho – Japan’s largest and wildest red light district
22. Nagoya – A mix of traditional and modernity
23. Shirakawago – A mountainous region famous for its farmhouses
24. Nagasaki – A city with a moving history
25. Kobe – Known for their delicious beef

Read this Japan guide to discover the best of the country—from Tokyo Japan tourist spots to Osaka Japan tourist spots, and more! 

1. Tokyo

Photo source: Wikimedia Commons

Tokyo is the most famous tourist spot in Japan. Being the capital of the country, Tokyo is one of the country’s premier hubs for entertainment, shopping, culture, and cuisine. While it boasts some of the country’s most vibrant spots, you can also immerse in Japan’s culture through the temples, shrines, and gardens in Tokyo.

Tokyo tourist attractions

• Tokyo Disneyland
• Skytree
• Disney Sea
• Imperial Palace 
• Imperial East Garden

2. Kyoto

Photo source: Wikimedia Commons

Another famous place in Japan is Kyoto which has the highest concentration of cultural treasures in Japan. This is a perfect place for travelers who want to get a glimpse of old Japan. 

It served as Japan’s capital and the emperor’s residence from 794 until 1868, and witnessed some of the worst disasters. But, it stood the test of time. Now, its main attractions include various temples, gardens, and castles, many of which are part of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. To make your trip more fun, make sure to visit the Kyoto tourist spots we’ve listed below.

Top attractions

• Nijo Castle
• Kyoto Imperial Palace
• Sento Palace
• Philosopher’s Walk
• Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine

3. Nara

Photo source: Wikimedia Commons

Known for its concentration of some of the oldest and most important temples in Japan, Nara is a must-see destination for those interested in the traditional Japanese culture. This tourist destination in Japan is also popular for stunning parks and hundreds of deers.

Top attractions

• Nara Park
• Todaji Temple
• Isuien Garden
• Kasuga-taisha
• Ninja Museum of Igaryu

4. Mt. Fuji

Photo source: pixy.org

Undoubtedly, Mt. Fuji is Japan’s most iconic landmark and the country’s symbol of natural beauty, making it one of the most famous places in Japan. Standing at 3776 meters, this active volcano is Japan’s highest mountain. This nearly perfectly shaped volcano has been worshiped as a sacred mountain. 

If you want to enjoy Mount Fuji at a more leisurely pace and from a nice natural surrounding, you should head to the Fuji Five Lake (Fujigoko) region at the northern foot of the mountain, or to Hakone, a nearby hot spring resort. 

Top attractions

• Mount Tenjo
• Fujiten Snow Resort
• Snow Town Yeti
• Chureito Pagoda
• Fujiyoshida Sengen Shrine

5. Hitsujiyama Park

Photo source: Wikimedia Commons

If you’re a certified pink lover, your heart will skip a beat when you see this beautiful place in Japan. Hitsujiyama Park is known for its pink moss festival in spring. The Hill of Pink Moss fields are located at the southern end of the park and have multiple types of moss pink spread all over the fields to give them hues of pink, purple and white. If you’re wondering how they bloomed so beautifully, it’s because the flowers there have been planted strategically to make colorful patterns that make for quite the display.

If you want to see it in full bloom, visit the park around late April to early May.

Top attractions

• Pink Moss Festival
• Hill of Pink Moss
• Shibazakura Hill
• Mount Buko
• Nagatoro

6. Hokkaido

Photo credits to BOCCITABI via Pixabay

While Hokkaido is the least developed of Japan’s four main islands, it remains on every traveler’s radar who wants to get closer to nature. Because of Hokkaido’s unspoiled nature, many outdoor lovers, including skiers, snowboarders, hikers, cyclists and campers visit here.

During winter, its weather is harsh with lots of snowfall, below zero temperatures and frozen seas, while in summer it doesn’t get as hot and humid as in the other parts of Japan. Don’t miss this Japan tourist attraction if you want a memorable trip.

Top attractions

• Asahiyama Zoo
• Lake Toya
• Farm Tomita
• Otaru 
• Blue Pond

7. Sapporo

Photo credits to Denny Ryanto via Unsplash

After the Filipino film Kita Kita was shown, Sapporo became one of the most popular places in Japan the Filipinos dream of visiting. Sapporo is known for its long winters, mild summer, and amazing cuisines. It is Japan’s fifth largest city and one of the youngest major cities. In 1972, Sapporo became famous worldwide because it was the first Asian city to host the Olympic Winter Games. Today, Sapporo is well known for its ramen, beer, and the annual snow festival held in February.

Top attractions

• Moerenuma Park
• Sapporo Beer Museum
• Former Hokkaido Government Office
• Mount Moiwa
• Historic Village of Hokkaido

8. Shibuya

Photo credits to cegoh via Pixabay

Shibuya is one of the best Tokyo tourist spots you must visit. Aside from the famous “Shibuya Crossing,” the city is also known for its many shopping places with really cool clothing brands of Tokyo. That’s why Shibuya is a popular district among younger generations. 

Top attractions

• Hachiko Statue
• Meiji Jingu
• Yoyogi Park
• Bunkamura
• Omotesandō

10. Hiroshima

Photo source: Wikimedia Commons

If you’re looking for Japan historical places, go to Hiroshima. When the first atomic bomb was dropped over Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, the city became known worldwide. The destructive power of the bomb was tremendous and wiped out nearly everything within a two kilometer radius. After the bombing, it was predicted that Hiroshima will be uninhabitable but proven wrong. Now, it’s among the most popular Japan tourist attractions.

Top attractions

• Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park & Museum
• Hiroshima Castle
• Peace Park
• Itsukushima
• Shukkeien Garden

11. Osaka

Photo source: Wikimedia Commons

Next to Tokyo, Osaka is Japan’s second largest metropolitan area. Being a city of unique culinary style, food is another area where Osaka stands out. The food is filling, sumptuous, and so affordable. Make sure to visit the Osaka tourist spots we’ve listed below.

Top attractions

• Universal Studios Japan
• Osaka Castle
• Dotonbori
• Osaka Aquarium
• Minami 

12. Fukuoka

Photo source: Wikimedia Commons

If you want to experience a fusion of Korea and Japan, visit Kyushu’s largest city—Fukuoka. This famous place in Japan has been an important harbor city for many centuries and was chosen by the Mongol invasion forces as their landing point in the 13th century because of its closeness to the Asian mainland (it’s actually closer to Seoul than to Tokyo), Fukuoka has been an important harbor city for many centuries and was chosen by the Mongol invasion forces as their landing point in the 13th century.

Top attractions

• Fukuoka Castle
• Canal City
• Uminokamichi Park
• Ohori Park
• Yatai 

13. Ueno Park

Photo credits to Trevor Paxton via Unsplash

Ueno Park is one of the best Tokyo tourist attractions you’ll never regret visiting. It is famous for its many museums, especially the Tokyo National Museum, the National Museum for Western Art, the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum and the National Science Museum. It is also home to Japan’s first zoological garden—Ueno Zoo.

This park is also one of Tokyo’s most popular and lively cherry blossom spots with more than 1000 cherry trees lining its central pathway. The cherry blossoms are usually in bloom during late March and early April.

Top attractions

• Tokyo National Museum
• Kiyomizu Kannon Temple
• Ueno Zoo
• Kaneiji Temple
• Toshogu Shrine

14. Yokohama

Photo source: Wikimedia Commons

While it boasts a lot of great tourist attractions and fun things to do, it is still an offbeat destination to most travelers but remains popular among expats, has one of the world’s largest Chinatowns and preserves some former Western residences in the Yamate district. There are many stunning places in Yokohama to visit, making it one of the most beautiful Japan tourist spots.

Top attractions

• Chinatown
• Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse
• Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise
• Ramen Museum
• Sankeien Garden

15. Hakuba

Photo credits to alala_p via Wikimedia Commons

If you want to ski in Japan, the best tourist spot in Japan to do it is in Hakuba. Located in the Northern Alps of Nagano Prefecture, Hakuba is one of Japan’s most popular ski areas, offering good snow and several large ski resorts to choose from.

Top attractions

• Mt. Shirouma
• Hakuba Happoone Winter Resort
• Lake Aoki

16. Nagano

Photo source: Wikimedia Commons

Home to a lot of hidden gems like the Kids Ninja Village, Togakushi Shrine, Shiga Kogen Ski Resort, and Zenkoji Temple, Nagano makes a perfect Japan tourist spot for all types of travelers. For a fun trip, make sure to visit the Japan tourist attractions we’ve listed below.

Top attractions

• Togakushi Shrine
• Zenkoji Temple
• Karuizawa
• Matsumoto Castle
• Ninpo Museum

17. Kawaguchi

Photo source: Wikimedia Commons

If you want to make the most of Japan’s nature wonders, visit Kawaguchi. Here you can enjoy the most beautiful views of Mt. Fuji by the Lake Kawaguchiko.

Top attractions

• Lake Kawaguchiko
• Kubota Itchiku Museum
• Fujiten Snow Resort
• Oshino Hakkai
• Kawaguchiko Museum of Art

18. Ishigaki Island

Photo source: Wikimedia Commons

If you’re craving some sun, sand, and sea, the best tourist spot in Japan you must visit is Ishigaki Island. It features some of Japan’s best beaches, and beautiful snorkeling and diving sites. You can enjoy snorkeling at nearly every beach on the island, while diving is best experienced around Manta Scramble near Kabira Bay. Ishigaki’s rivers also offer a jungle-like scenery and are nice to explore by kayak. 

Top attractions

• Yonehara Beach
• Sukuji Beach
• Kabira Bay
• Taketomi Island
• Ishigaki Limestone Cave

19. Asakusa

Photo source: Wikimedia Commons

Asakusa is one of the top Tokyo Japan tourist spots to experience old Tokyo and a great nightlife. Its main attraction is Sensoji, a very popular Buddhist temple, built in the 7th century. 

Top attractions

• Sensoji Temple
• Asakusa Shrine
• Amuse Museum
• Hanayashiki Amusement Park
• Kaminarimon

20. Akihabara

Photo source: Wikimedia Commons

Looking for the latest and affordable electronic and otaku goods? Then go to one of the best Tokyo tourist spots—Akihabara. It is famous for its many electronics and otaku shops. If you’re a diehard fan, you’ll definitely enjoy the maid and manga cafes in the area.

Top attractions

• Tokyo Anime Center
• Ryōgoku Edo Noren
• Ginza Line Crossing
• Sofmap
• Don Quijote

21. Odaiba

Photo credits to Samueles via Pixabay

One of the best Tokyo tourist spots is Odaiba. It features great shopping centers, interactive museums, and interesting buildings.

In DiverCity, you’ll find a life-size Gundam statue in front of the building and Gundam Base Tokyo, a shop dedicated to plastic models.

Top attractions

• Daikanransha Ferris wheel
• Seaside Park
• Yurikamome train
• DiverCity Tokyo Plaza
• teamLab Borderless

22. Kabukicho

Photo source: Wikimedia Commons

Named after a kabuki theater, Kabukicho is Japan’s largest red light district featuring countless restaurants, bars, nightclubs, pachinko parlors, love hotels and a wide variety of red light establishments. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, Kabukicho is one of the Tokyo tourist attractions you must see.

Top attractions

• Robot Restaurant
• Shinjuku Golden Gai
• Museum of Haiku Literature

23. Nagoya

Photo credits to Hiroaki Kaneko via Wikimedia Commons

Nagoya is the country’s third largest metropolitan area and one of the most famous places in Japan. It is home to some of the most successful Japan-based international businesses like Toyota. In Nagoya, you can explore its different attractions from the likes of museums, gardens, and themed parks.

Top attractions

• Nagoya Castle
• Korankei
• Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens
• Tokugawa Garden
• Nabana no Sato

24. Shirakawago

Photo credits to JordyMeow via Pixabay

Shirakawago is one of the most beautiful places in Japan. The little village in the valley of Ono District looks like it came right out of a fairytale. That’s the main reason Shirakawago is popular. This tourist destination in Japan is the epitome of the traditional village life. 

Ogimachi, Shirakawa-go’s largest village and main attraction is a must see. The best way to experience Shirakawago is to stay overnight at one of the farmhouses.

Top attractions

• Fairytale Houses
• Wada House
• Gassho-zukuri Minkaen
• Hakusan National Park
• Ogimachi Village

25. Nagasaki

Photo credits to Hruruk via Pixabay

Like the city of Hiroshima, Nagasaki was the second city destroyed by an atomic bomb towards the end of World War II, making it in the list of Japan historical places. It has played an important role in foreign trade relations for many centuries. Here you can visit some of the most beautiful places in Japan like temples and shrines. 

Top attractions

• Gunkanjima
• Mount Inasa
• Nagasaki Chinatown
• Kofukuji Temple
• Glover Garden

26. Kobe

Photo credits to isseymatnoh via Pixabay

In 1995, Kobe was hit by the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, which killed over 5000 people and destroyed tens of thousands of buildings, making it one of the notable Japan historical places. To commemorate the significant event, you can check out the Earthquake Museum.

Apart from this, Kobe is also known for its delicious beef so a food trip here is a must.

Top attractions

• Wakamatsu Park
• Arima Onsen
• Kobe Oji Zoo
• Earthquake Museum
• Sorakuen Garden

Frequently Asked Questions About Japan Tourist Spots

Q: What is famous in Japan? 

A: Japan is famous for so many things—anime, culture, history, beautiful Japan tourist spots, food, and disciplined people.

Q: What are the best places to visit in Japan?

A: Here are the famous tourist spots in Japan every traveler must visit.

1. Tokyo
2. Kyoto
3. Nara
4. Mt. Fuji
5. Hitsujiyama Park
6. Hokkaido
7. Sapporo
8. Shibuya
9. Hiroshima
10. Osaka
11. Fukuoka
12. Ueno Park
13. Yokohama
14. Hakuba
15. Nagano
16. Kawaguchi
17. Ishigaki Island
18. Asakusa
19. Akihabara
20. Odaiba
21. Kabukicho
22. Nagoya
23. Shirakawago
24. Nagasaki
25. Kobe

Q: Is 3 days enough to explore Japan?

A: If you want to experience the best of Japan, from the top tourist spots and food to rich culture, 3 days may not be enough. We recommend you stay in Japan for at least 5 days and more.

Q: What are the fun things to do in Japan?

A: Japan is a fun country to visit. Here are the best things to do in Japan for an unforgettable experience:

1. Explore the temples
2. Immerse yourself in the Japanese culture
3. Try making your own sake
4. Visit shrines
5. Go to museums
6. Take pictures at the beautiful gardens
7. Have fun at theme parks

Q: Do Filipinos need a visa to enter Japan?

A: Filipino citizens who wish to travel to Japan for a short-term stay require a visa. The most common visa is the temporary visitor visa which grants permission to stay in Japan for up to 90 days. This Japan tourist visa can be used for short-term business trips, visiting friends and family, or for general tourism in Japan.

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