Japan, although an island, is one of the countries to visit in Asia to explore the spectacular mountains, thousand shrines & temples, beautiful gardens & palaces, cities, and several other tourist attractions.
Japan is famous for being among the countries with several technological wonders. Equally, it is one of the countries to visit and explore different places. There are many places you can tour in this island nation.
If you are planning to visit Japan from Dubai, your trip will be memorable because there are a lot of places to visit. You should keep in mind you need to apply for a Japan visa from Dubai to be allowed to enter the country.
Are you searching for the best places to visit in Japan? In this article, we have listed the must-visit places to include in your itinerary when planning your trip to Japan. Continue reading to find out what awaits you.
The first place that you should visit in Japan is Tokyo. It is the city with a reflection of Japanese colors. It is a city that should be on top of your itinerary because there are lot things you can do. There are world-class attractions and historical sites to explore, experience the anime culture, and try different local traditional cuisines.
If you are planning your first-time trip to Japan, this is the best place to visit. You will also get to enjoy shopping experiences, pop culture, contemporary art, drinking, and entertainment. The city itself is quite a sight to admire.
If you are planning to visit Japan during the spring season, the best place to visit is Kyoto. It is also the best place to visit with your partner or family. Among the places to visit in Kyoto include shrines, gardens, palaces, temples, and bamboo forests. It will be quite a fascinating experience exploring different parts of this city.
If you have heard about the Japanese tea and want to try it, you can visit the elegant teahouses. You can also try different dishes at the various restaurants in the city, like kaiseki (Japanese haute cuisine). Other experiences you should not miss when visiting Kyoto are iconic performers of traditional music.
Known as a world-class center for contemporary art, Naoshima was once a rural island and was nearly becoming a ghost town. But there were successful efforts to restore Naoshima to what it is today.
Famous architects in Japan made contributions to the designing and building of various structures such as museums, a boutique hotel, and even a bathhouse. These buildings were designed to complement its existing settlements and also boast the island's natural beauty.
It's a charming blend of avant-garde and rural Japan. It has inspired several Japanese residents to relocate to Naoshima and run inns and cafes in order to enjoy a more peaceful life outside of big cities.
On top of the list of things to do in Naoshima is to attend the Setouchi Triennale festival and explore exhibitions. The festival is held every three times in a year in the spring, summer, and autumn. It is a unique festival and features a mix of artists, dramatists, musicians, and dancers.
The views of Mt. Fuji even from a distance are stunning. But you can get a close view by taking a trip to the nearest village or hiking to the mountain foot. Mountain climbers visit this mountain every year to try to get to the peak, which is the highest in Japan.
If you love hiking, this is one of the best places to enjoy this outdoor activity. If you are an experienced climber, you can join other climbers and try to get to the peak. While hiking at this mountain, you will come across temples. You can spend time exploring them.
Hiroshima is a renowned city in Japan due to the atomic bombing during World War II. After the bombing, the Japanese government took the initiative to rebuild Hiroshima, and today is a modern city featuring high-rise buildings.
It is important to visit Hiroshima, and more so the Peace Memorial Museum. It is where you will get a clear picture of the tragic event that happened in 1948. You will get to learn about this historical event, even though it will be heartbreaking.
You should also get to visit the park near the museum. It was designed by Tange Kenzō, Japan's great modernist architect. You get to have a reflection moment as you explore the park.
Located in southern Kyūshū off the coast, Yakushima is a small island. It is one of the most visited islands in Japan because of its magical and enchanting beauty. Tourists visit this island for several reasons, some to relax in the peaceful environment and others to hike. There are hiking trails in primeval forests covering craggy terrain, often fuzzy with moss.
The primeval forests are home to the yakusugi, an ancient cedar species endemic to the island. Its massive roots resemble extraterrestrial tentacles. This island landscape is claimed to have inspired Princess Mononoke, a well-known Studio Ghibli animated film.
When you're not hiking, stop by the Yakusugi Museum to learn more about Yakusugi's significance to the Yakushima islanders. There is an audio guide in English available.
Kōya-san is another place to visit in Japan and explore the many temples there. Oku-no-in is the most noteworthy temple, with trails winding amid towering cryptomeria trees and worn stone stupas covered with lichen and moss.
Other temples offer a unique experience by allowing people to stay overnight, eat traditional vegetarian Buddhist meals, and rise early to meditate with the resident monks.
Other temples offer a unique experience by allowing people to stay overnight, eat traditional vegetarian Buddhist meals, and rise early to meditate with the resident monks.
If you are on vacation in Japan, you should make an effort to visit Okinawa and the Southwest Islands. You will have a unique experience different from other places in Japan.
Okinawa and the Southwest Islands before they were annexed to Japan in the 19th century were not part of Japan. They had even formed their own kingdom—the Ryūkyū Empire. Hence, during your visit, you will notice differences in everything, ranging from food to architecture.
Tourists visit this place to explore the beautiful beaches like the ones found in the Yaeyama Islands and the Kerama Islands, with turquoise waters and sugar-white sand fringed with palms. Among the things you can do here are sunbathing, snorkeling, and scuba diving, basking in the sun, and swimming.
Famous because of the street food and even got the unofficial slogan kuidaore (eat until you drop), Osaka is the 3rd largest city in Japan, which you should visit. You can try different street foods, and you should not miss the signature dish, takoyaki (grilled octopus dumplings).
Osaka is also the oldest merchant center, and the city has its own spirit, pace, and zest for life. The nights are dramatic, and in different parts you can see dazzling displays of LED lights and animated signage. Along the canalside strip Dōtombori at night there are flashing video screens.
Kamikōchi, the Japanese alpinism birthplace, is one of the places to visit in Japan and enjoy stunning natural vistas. Among the things you can do in Kamikōch is hike along the Azusa-gawa. The hiking trails lead to the pristine river through tranquil forests of willow, larch, and elm.
If you are experienced trekkers, you can also visit Kamikōchi for a trekking challenge as you strive to get to the peak of the tallest mountain in Japan, such as Yari-ga-take (3180 m/10,433 ft).
Kamikōchi is a less explored place to visit in Japan. The cars are banned, and hence many tourists overlook this place. It is the perfect place to explore nature while hiking or trekking.
Hokkaido is an island that is located in the northern part of Japan. It is a tourist’s destination no matter the season. This island is famous because of the volcanoes, hot springs, and ski areas attracting a lot of tourists.
Tourists visit this island to enjoy the scenery of the stunning natural landscapes, explore the beach, and try different watersport activities. Others visit during the winter for winter sports. If you are visiting in the summer, you will get to see the see the amazing scenery of the vibrant flower fields of Furano.
The other reason why tourists visit this island is to try different seafood dishes, fresh dairy products, and mouthwatering ramen. Others visit the island to enjoy relaxing baths in the natural hot springs.
Hokkaido is an ideal place to visit in Japan with your loved ones if you are looking for a honeymoon getaway in Japan or with your family. There are different attractions to explore, such as Blue Pond or the Zoo, for unique experiences.
Ishigaki is one of the top popular places to visit in Japan and a trending vacation spot. Ishigaki Island is small, yet it is a famous tourist spot because of the stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs.
It is the perfect place to visit in Japan if you are looking for a vacation spot where you can relax in a tranquil environment and also adventure. It is also an also an ideal place to blend with Japanese and tropical cultures.
There are different tourist attractions to explore in Ishigaki; among the spots you should not miss is the Kabira Bay, where you can try different watersport activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and kayaking.
You should also take a hiking tour to explore different parts of this island and will come across waterfalls and also get to scenic viewpoints. You should also not miss to try different cuisines, such as seafood or local dishes like Ishigaki beef.
Sapporo is one of the most overlooked cities in Japan by tourists, yet there are tourist attractions to explore. This city is known for beer, but few know it is where the Japanese premium lager was founded.
Among the places to visit in Sapporo is Sapporo Art Park. The park is one of the most spectacular outdoor institutions for contemporary sculptures, along with the Sapporo Snow Festival. An annual weeklong event in the park showcases dozens of snow and ice sculptures, including several large-scale ones from Japan.
Besides exploring different tourist attractions, you should try different dishes. One of the memorable dishes you can try is creamy soft serve or succulent king crab.
Located around 3 hours’ drive from Kyoto, Kinosaki is a town in Onsen and is known because it’s seven tattoo-friendly hot springs (usually, persons bearing ink are barred from visiting these communal facilities because they are associated with the yakuza).
Once you arrive at Kinosaki, it feels as if you've been taken back in time. Built around a river fringed by willows, the town's buildings retain their original, centuries-old architecture, and divided highways are linked by stone bridges. It is often recommended that visitors wear yukatas, loose versions of kimonos, and getas, wooden flip-flops, while strolling around and browsing the various gift shops or going onsen hopping. This town is the perfect place for relaxing after a busy few days exploring some of Japan's other well-known attractions.
If you are looking to visit a national park, explore mountain landscapes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a lake, Nikko is the place to visit for you. Nikko is a town where you can explore many tourist attractions in one place. On top of the list of places to visit is Toshogu Shrine, which was built in the 17th century in honor of Tokugawa Shogunate founder. This shrine is recognized and listed as a UNESCO world heritage site.
The other place to visit is the national park, where you find waterfalls, hot springs, and Lake Chuzenji, the largest natural lake in Japan. If you want to escape Tokyo's neon lights, you can also go on a scenic tour. If you are looking for outdoor activity, you can go hiking, or if you want a more challenging activity, trekking on the summit Mount Nantai.
Every place you visit in Japan has one thing they have in common: you can try different cuisines. Fukuoka is the place where you can try any type of dish you would like. One of the dishes you should not miss trying is mentaiko (spicy pollock roe). You can also try street food, and the favorite is yatai food stalls.
Besides food, there are other things you can do in Fukuoka, such as exploring the ancient temples like Shofukuji. You can also attend festivals held in the city, like the Hakata Gion Yamakasa.
You can also take a trip to Ohori Park. It is a picturesque park and an ideal place for relaxation as you enjoy the waterfront, stunning views, and a lively atmosphere. If you are looking for the place to visit in Japan for the urban exploration and cultural immersion, Fukuoka is the destination.
Located southeast of Fukuoka, Beppu is a famous tourist destination because of the hot springs. Tourists flock here for relaxation while soaking in the hot mineral-rich waters.
What further distinguishes a tourist destination Beppu is renowned for its eight “hells”—distinct-looking hot springs that are too hot to bathe in—in addition to having the most onsen sources in all of Japan. Chinoike Jigoku, for instance, is reddish because of the mud that is rich in iron oxide.
You can take a tour of the circuit to witness the unparalleled diversity of geology firsthand. You will also see meals being prepared over the steam generated by these thermal spots.
Besides the hot springs, you can enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the surroundings in Beppu, from the scenic mountain views to the coastline. You can take an adventure tour into the villages, like Yufuin village, known for its quaint shops and art galleries.
Located in Shizuoka, Atami is a coastal city that you can visit from Tokyo. You can take a 1-hour train ride from Tokyo Station to Atami. It is an ideal place to visit if you want to get away from the city. The city is well known because of the tropical sandy beach and hot springs.
If you visit Atami in January, you will get to enjoy the spectacular views of the pink flowers that bloom from plum trees ahead of spring’s busy cherry blossom season.
Other aspects that make Atami a tourist destination are beautiful beaches, like Atami Sun Beach, where you can enjoy different water activities like swimming or sunbathing.
There are also different cultural attractions that showcase the city history and contemporary art, among them Atami Castle and the MOA Museum of Art. The atmosphere in this city is lively because of the seasonal festivals and vibrant local markets. If you are looking for a place to visit to relax, you should consider Atami.
Noboribetsu is another tourist’s destination where mainly tourists visit because of the hot springs. Tourists flock to all places in Japan where there is a hot spring to soak in the hot mineral-rich waters for relaxation and wellness.
Besides the hot springs, tourists visit Noboribetsu to explore Hell Valley (Jigokudani). The sulfurous streams, steam vents, and other geothermal features originate from this valley.
Tourists also visit the surrounding national park, where they go hiking and explore the park's natural beauty. At the park, you can also spot wildlife animals such as deer and bears.
Located in the Japanese Alps of Nagano Prefecture, Hakuba is the place to visit in Japan during the winter season for winter sports activities and adventure. There are mountain resorts where the tourists stay during the winter.
Hakuba became an ideal destination for skiers after hosting the 1998 Winter Olympics. No matter your level of skill, you can find the ideal slope for you to ski at Hakuba.
Other outdoor activities tourists can enjoy besides skiing and snowboarding are mountain biking, hiking, and snowshoeing. Also, this destination is known for its dynamic après-ski culture, quaint villages, and mouthwatering regional food, which includes fresh fruit and soba noodles. Hakuba is the ideal destination for adventure seekers and those wishing to relax in a stunning alpine setting because of its stunning scenery.
1. What is the most beautiful place in Japan?
There are different beautiful places you can visit in Japan, and in that list are these places:
2. What’s the oldest city in Japan?
Fukuoka is the oldest city in Japan and is closer to Korea.
3. What are the famous places in Japan?
There are several famous places in Japan to visit, and here are some of those places:
4. Is there any temple in Japan?
There are several temples in Japan that you can visit. They include:
