Things to see in Japan
It's already a given that you won't be able to see absolutely everything Japan has to offer but visiting the Himeji Castle, marvelling at the towering figure of Mt Fuji, and wandering around the Hiroshima Peace Park (among other things) is a must-do when contemplating the best things to see in Japan. In fact, you can't really say you've been to Japan if you haven't seen the flowering cherry blossom trees in Spring or laid your eyes on the golden architecture of Kinkakuji temple.
To ensure you don't miss out on experiencing some of the things Japan is famous for, we've put together a list of the best things to see and do so you don't have to scour the internet for hours - you can thank us later. Perfect for first-timers to Japan or seasoned travellers looking to explore the country even further, these top things to see in Japan are bound to add a little extra excitement to your Japanese itinerary.
1. Mt Fuji
Mt Fuji is one of those things you simply have to see when you travel to Japan because not only is it the seventh-highest peak on Earth but it's also a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site and a volcano. Towering over the Shizuoka skyline at over 12,000 feet, this famous natural landmark is best seen with snow lightly dusting its peak (which occurs 5 months out of the year) and can be climbed up or marvelled at from afar - both Kyoto and Osaka offer unparalleled views. But Mt Fuji isn't just a mountain. It's actually a part of Japan's Three Holy Mountains, a collection of peaks that are all believed to have different, unique powers, making it not just iconic but spiritual too.
Catch a glimpse of Mt Fuji on our Japan: Land of the Rising Sun tour
2. Cherry blossoms
Many travellers plan their entire Japanese trips around catching sight of the flowering cherry blossom trees - and with good reason. Known as one of the most sacred trees in Japan, these natural beauties play an important part in Japanese culture and usually mark the beginning of Spring at festivals and celebrations. While it can be hard to see these trees in full bloom if you're not travelling to Japan during their flowering season, it's still worth going for a wander around cherry blossom hot spots such as Mount Yoshino in the Nara prefecture and Kyoto's Botanical Garden if only to learn more about these fascinating trees and what they represent in Japanese society.
3. Kinkakuji temple
There are few structures in Japan that look as opulent as Kyoto's Kinkakuji temple thanks to the material its top two floors are covered in - gold leaf. Yes, you read that right. Originally constructed as a place of retirement for shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the Kinkakuji temple is an architectural masterpiece with each floor depicting a different style - the first in Shinden style, the second in Bukke style, and so on. While it has been destroyed repeatedly over the years (the structure that's standing today was rebuilt in 1955), this UNESCO World Heritage-listed site remains a favourite for travellers who flock to the incredible pond and gardens that surround it.
Visit the Kinkakuji temple on our Japan Express tour
4. Himeji Castle
Affectionately known as the 'White Heron Castle' (one glimpse of its elegant, white structure is enough to see why), the Himeji Castle doubles as a spectacular treasure and a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site that's loved by both travellers and Japanese locals alike. Sitting on a landscape of well-preserved grounds featuring sacred cherry blossom trees and Japanese maples, spend your time wandering the castle's six floors and take in the interesting view of the city of Himeji from the top. Unlike so many others, this castle has never been destroyed and rebuilt, remaining one of Japan's twelve original wooden castles, so visiting this landmark will feel as if you're visiting the past itself.
5. Hiroshima Peace Park
The world will never forget the events that unfolded during WWII and the Hiroshima Peace Park is one of many memorials in the district dedicated to remembering the devastation. Once the site of unimaginable tragedy, the Hiroshima Peace Park is now a serene landscape full of lush greenery and native plant life spanning an impressive 1.3 million square feet. Specifically designed to allow for both tranquil contemplation and historical reflection, the park features several monuments and shrines dedicated to the victims of the bombing including the Peace Memorial Museum, the Atomic Bomb Dome, the Flame of Peace, and the Memorial Tower.
Wander the streets of Hiroshima on our Premium Japan tour
6. Osaka Castle
Boasting the title as one of Japan's most dramatic historical monuments, Osaka Castle is downright beautiful to behold with its huge stone walls, moat surroundings, and perfectly detailed, nature-inspired designs. Guaranteed to draw your eye (and your camera's lens), this famous structure poses an interesting juxtaposition to the glass skyscrapers around it and offers travellers the chance to walk its impressive 260-acre gardens and wander its very own Osaka Castle Museum, which is located inside the castle's main tower. Come springtime, the castle's lush gardens burst into full bloom with flowering cherry blossom trees everywhere you look, making it one of the more special places to spend a couple of memorable hours with friends and family.
Marvel at Osaka Castle on our Essential Japan tour
Read more about Japan
May 14, 2018
How to eat and drink like a local in...
Combinis, depachikas, izakayas and restaurants in alleys off alleys off alleys....
Mar 15, 2017
Why Osaka is the best city in Japan...
Osaka's most famous dishes are okonomiyaki (cabbage pancake) and takoyaki (octopus...
May 28, 2015
Fortune rookie: one man’s fateful...
“Nothing will go well, so you always feel uneasy.” Wish these words, the dragon...
Sep 21, 2017
Cycling Japan: from Osaka to Tokyo
With onsen, exercise, and freedom to escape the crowds amidst a beautiful and...
Nov 26, 2019
Things to do in Japan during summer
If you’re planning a visit to Japan, or have your travel plans locked in, here’s...
Sep 20, 2017
The top 10 places you should visit in...
Everything in this amazing land is so different from Western norms, you’re bound...
May 05, 2015
Ichi, ni, san! A photography guide to...
Japan is a photogenic country, but there are certain spots you should check out if...
Mar 19, 2018
Everything you need to know about...
Respect the respect and keep the charm alive on your next visit to Japan.
Jul 23, 2022
The naked truth: a non-nudist’s guide...
Okay, I’ll admit it, I was nervous about using a Japanese onsen. I’m not a big...
Jul 14, 2015
Monk life: what to expect from your...
If you’d ask me to picture the quintessential Japanese Shinto building, this would...
Aug 08, 2018
What to expect on a Real Food...
What's your ticket for finding the tastiest meals in Japan? Travelling with a...
Jan 19, 2020
Hey kids! 10 awesome family travel...
On family holidays, it can sometimes be tricky finding fun things to do that...
Jul 10, 2023
The top 7 destinations for travel in...
From witnessing Bolivia's salt flats to staring in wonder at the cherry blossoms...
Sep 20, 2022
Japan or South Korea? How to choose...
They might be next to each other but is one country actually better?
Jan 12, 2018
Why you should add Southern Japan to...
With vast, dramatic landscapes and dramatically fewer tourists than the rest of...
Jun 30, 2022
What is Japan famous for? The 11...
Japan is full of wonders, both naturally and man-made. We've put together a list...
Oct 11, 2022
Now is the perfect time to visit...
After two and a half years of border closures, Japan is finally reopening its...
Jan 02, 2023
6 ways you can go beyond Asia’s...
The world’s biggest, most populous continent has so much to offer, it can be...
Nov 14, 2022
Japan or China: Where to travel next?
Sometimes the hardest part of travelling is choosing where to go...
May 05, 2022
Convenience store food: Japan’s world...
Convenience store fare? Food from vending machines? Isn’t travel all about eating...
May 16, 2022
Why train travel is the one...
So what’s so good about Japanese trains anyway? Answer: just about everything.
Jun 24, 2022
Try and spot these 8 native Japanese...
The vibrant culture and delicious cuisine aren't the only reasons to travel to...
Aug 07, 2017
A local’s guide to visiting Japan on...
After 8 years based here, I can say that Japan rivals many nations with its budget...