One of the most difficult things to do when planning to visit Japan is figuring out which of the many interesting regions you might want to explore. Tokyo, Kyoto, Okinawa, and Hokkaido are among the most favored. This is followed by the question of what to include on your itinerary of places to see and things to do, especially when the potential list seems endless. It’s impossible to offer a shortlist of everything that each region has to offer, so here are some of the most popular destinations with a list of the Top 10 Places to Visit in Japan.
Nagano
Snow Monkeys of Nagano – Pixabay
The mountainous prefecture that first gained notoriety when it hosted the Winter Olympics in 1998 has a variety of attractions that many people choose as their go-to spot in Japan. Those interested in seeing the Japanese Alps recommend a visit to the Kamikochi mountain resort area. This is a hiker’s paradise with a wide range of valleys and summits to enjoy fabulous views of the surrounding mountains.
Nagano also has a variety of hot spring towns, ski resorts, castles, temples, and the remaining Olympic facilities that can be visited. It also has the infamous snow monkeys, which are always entertaining and Instagrammable.
A good mix of nature and culture makes Nagano a popular choice for visitors looking to go beyond Tokyo.
Mount Fuji
Mount Fuji – Pixabay
Mount Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan and stands 3,776 meters high. The image of Mount Fuji is reflected beautifully in the lake is known as ‘Sakasa-Fuji’ (upside down Mount Fuji). In 2013, Mount Fuji was registered as a World Heritage Site and has become a popular sightseeing spot not only for visitors from Japan but also for those from all over the world. Some want to view the mountain from the five great lakes that surround Mt. Fuji while others wish to soak in the hot springs located in Hakone which has a beautiful view of the mountain. And of course, some want to climb Mt. Fuji, which sees over 300,000 climbers each year.
The altitude is high and the air gets thin so you should take your time if you decide to climb. There is an observation deck, plus a shrine and a shop, and if the sky is clear you will be able to see the vast view of Lake Yamanaka, Fujiyoshida City, and Lake Kawaguchi. You can take the Fuji Subaru Line (toll road) or take a direct bus from major cities in the Kanto Area to the fifth station that is 2,220 meters above sea level.
Kamakura
Great Buddha of Kamakura – Pixabay
Kamakura City in Kanagawa Prefecture has become one of the most popular day trip destinations because of its traditional atmosphere and closeness to Tokyo.
Located approximately an hour south of Toyko, it is here that travelers can visit a coastal town filled with shrines, temples, and Kamakura’s top attraction — the second-largest bronze statue of Buddha, the Great Buddha of Kamakura.
There are also beaches and walking trails in the vicinity, as well as a large shopping street called Komachi Dori, filled with restaurants, shops, and souvenirs.
Himeji Castle
Himeji Castle – Pixabay
Himeji Castle, located in the city of Himeji in Hyogo Prefecture, is the largest castle in Japan and one of the few original standing castles that remains unharmed by war or disaster.
Designated as both a national treasure and a World Heritage Site, this hilltop castle is the most visited castle in Japan. The structure has a huge complex of winding corridors as well as gardens that are extremely popular among visitors due to the abundance of cherry blossoms.
Hiroshima and Nagasaki
Hiroshima Gate – Pixabay
Both towns were made known by the tragic atomic bombings of World War II. The towns have been rebuilt with memorial museums and peace parks that are beautiful, educational, and steeped in history.
Hiroshima also offers a short boat ride to Miyajima (Itsukushima) Island, a beautiful island filled with deer and the famous floating torii gate.
Nagasaki is also a beautiful port city that has both Japanese and Western influences as it was one of the only ports open to other countries during Japan’s time of isolation. Travelers can find memorials, settlements, and even amusement parks like Huis Ten Bosch which is created to resemble a Dutch town.
Osaka
Osaka Castle – Pixabay
Osaka is the third-largest city in Japan and is located in the Kansai area of Japan. It is most known for its food, fashion, and friendly people. Osaka is home to Universal Studios Japan, and huge underground shopping streets like Umeda, and Osaka Castle.
The famous Dotonbori Street is the culinary center of Osaka and has a variety of foods including famous Osaka foods like takoyaki and okonomiyaki.
Nikko
Toshogu Shrine – Pixabay
For a popular destination that is easily reached within two hours from Tokyo, Nikko is also a great choice for visitors looking for beautiful scenery and a glimpse into traditional Japanese history.
Travelers will discover the colorful and ornate Toshogu Shrine, various waterfalls, wild monkeys, and hiking trails. Also, the famous Lake Chuzenji that lies at the foot of Mount Nantai is especially popular during the fall season when the fall foliage is at its peak.
Temples, shrines, traditional restaurants, and shops, plus beautiful landscapes make for a perfect day trip from Tokyo.
Shirahama
Shirahama Beach – Line17qq
For visitors hoping to spend some time on a sandy white beach, look no further than Shirahama, which quite literally means ‘white beach’.
Located in Wakayama Prefecture, this picturesque hot spring resort is great for families, especially as there is a well-known amusement park called Adventure World in the region. Additionally, visitors will be able to enjoy beautiful views of cliff and rock formation sites and enjoy fireworks.
Kusatsu
Kusatsu Hot Springs – Pixabay
Kusatsu Onsen is located in Gunma prefecture and is one of the most famous hot spring resorts in Japan. Boasting that 100% natural spring water flows from its natural source as well as being the hot spring with the most volume of free-flowing water, Kusatsu water has very high acidity and has strong antibacterial and healing properties.
This resort town has both indoor and outdoor hot springs hot spots. Plus, visitors will find a variety of hotels, restaurants, shops, and a shrine.
Beppu
Beppu Hot Springs – Pixabay
Beppu is located on the south island of Kyushu and is popularly known to house eight geothermal hot spots. It is nicknamed and commonly referred to as the ‘8 hells of Beppu.’
The appeal of visiting Beppu is mainly due to its hot springs and hot baths, all of which have different functions. Some hot springs are just for admiring while others accommodate bathing and mud baths. Some even specialize in sand baths where visitors can submerge neck-deep in the hot sand, which is heated by the geothermal hot springs.
It is clear to see that there are so many options available when deciding on a Japanese adventure. Whether you are looking for temples and shrines, hot springs and natural beauty, or modern urban neighborhoods, Japan has it all. Visit as many as you can fit into your budget and schedule!
Derived from “23 Astounding Places to Visit in Japan” – Live Japan, by Sohail Oz Ali
Lead Photo of Mount Fuji via Pixabay