21 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Japan: Unforgettable Sights Await You

Japan is a country of amazing beauty and rich culture.

From old temples to modern cities, it has something for everyone.

You can find stunning places all over Japan, from the north to the south.

I’ve put together 21 spots in Japan that stand out as must-see locations.

Of course, feel free to disagree with my choices.

Get ready to explore some of Japan’s most beautiful sights.

1) Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji is Japan’s most famous landmark.

This snow-capped volcano stands tall at 3,776 meters.

You can see it from many places around Tokyo on clear days.

For the best views, head to the Fuji Five Lakes area.

Lake Kawaguchi offers stunning reflections of the mountain in its waters.

The Chureito Pagoda near Fujiyoshida City gives you a classic view of cherry blossoms in spring.

You can climb Mount Fuji in the summer.

The journey takes about 6 hours up and 3 hours down.

At the top, you’ll get amazing views of the sunrise if you time it right.

Even if you don’t climb, there’s lots to do nearby.

2) Atsuta Jingu

Atsuta Jingu is a must-see spot in Nagoya.

This ancient Shinto shrine is over 1,900 years old and holds great importance in Japan.

You’ll find the shrine nestled in a peaceful wooded park.

It’s a great place to escape the busy city and enjoy some quiet time.

The shrine is home to the sacred sword Kusanagi, one of Japan’s imperial treasures.

While you can’t see the sword, you can admire the shrine’s beautiful buildings.

As you walk through the grounds, you’ll pass holy trees and feel the spiritual energy of the place.

Don’t forget to try some local food near the shrine to complete your visit.

3) Ogasawara Islands, Tokyo

You might be surprised to learn that Tokyo has tropical islands.

The Ogasawara Islands are a hidden gem 1,000 kilometres south of the city.

These volcanic islands offer crystal-clear turquoise waters and pristine beaches.

You can swim, snorkel, and dive in the warm ocean year-round.

The islands are home to unique plants and animals found nowhere else.

You’ll see rare bird species as you hike the trails.

To get there, take a 24-hour ferry ride from Tokyo.

It’s a long journey, but the untouched natural beauty makes it worth the trip.

4) Himeji Castle

Himeji Castle stands out as Japan’s most stunning fortress.

You’ll be amazed by its brilliant white walls and elegant design.

This castle has survived for over 400 years, escaping destruction from wars and natural disasters.

When you visit, you’ll see why it’s called the “White Heron Castle.”

Its graceful shape resembles a bird taking flight.

The castle grounds are huge, making it the biggest in Japan.

Spring is a magical time to go.

Cherry blossoms surround the castle, creating a breathtaking scene.

In winter, a light dusting of snow turns it into a winter wonderland.

For the best experience, arrive early in the morning.

You’ll beat the crowds and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

Don’t forget your camera.

5) Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Kinkaku-ji, or the Golden Pavilion, is a must-see spot in Kyoto.

This stunning Zen Buddhist temple shines with gold leaf covering its top two floors.

You’ll be amazed by how the pavilion gleams in the sunlight and reflects in the calm pond surrounding it.

It’s a perfect photo spot in any season.

The temple sits in a beautiful Japanese garden.

As you walk around, you’ll feel peaceful and inspired by the mix of nature and artistry.

Kinkaku-ji dates back to the late 1300s.

It started as a retirement home for a shogun before becoming a temple.

6) Hagi

Hagi is a charming coastal town in Yamaguchi Prefecture.

You’ll love its blend of natural beauty and rich history.

Stroll through the well-preserved castle town, where samurai residences line narrow streets.

The stone walls of Hagi Castle are a must-see, even though only ruins remain.

Take a walk along the beach and enjoy stunning views of the Sea of Japan.

You can even try your hand at fishing like the locals do.

Don’t miss Tokoji Temple, a beautiful site surrounded by lush greenery.

It’s a peaceful spot to relax and soak in Japanese culture.

7) Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is a moving place to visit in Japan.

You’ll find it in the heart of Hiroshima city.

The park honours those who died when the atomic bomb was dropped in 1945.

As you walk through the park, you’ll see many memorials and monuments.

The A-Bomb Dome is one of the most famous.

It’s a building that survived the blast and now stands as a symbol of peace.

The Peace Memorial Museum is also in the park.

Here, you can learn about the bombing and its effects.

The exhibits are sad but important to see.

The park is open all day, every day.

You can visit for free.

It’s easy to get there by tram from Hiroshima Station.

8) Amanohashidate

Amanohashidate is a stunning sandbar in northern Kyoto Prefecture.

It’s one of Japan’s three most scenic views, along with Matsushima and Miyajima.

You’ll be amazed by the 3.6-kilometre-long strip of land covered with about 8,000 pine trees.

It stretches across Miyazu Bay, creating a breathtaking sight.

For the best view, head to the mountains at either end of the bay.

From there, you can see why it’s called the “Bridge to Heaven.”

The sandbar looks like a pathway connecting the earth and sky.

Near Amanohashidate Station, you’ll find Isoshimizu, an ancient freshwater spring.

You can also visit Amanohashidate-jinja Shrine, a popular spot for good luck in romance.

9) Nara Park

Nara Park is a must-see spot in Japan.

It’s one of the country’s oldest parks, dating back to 1880.

You’ll find it in the heart of Nara City.

The park is famous for its friendly deer.

These sacred animals roam freely, and you can feed them with special crackers sold nearby.

While exploring, you’ll come across ancient temples.

The most notable is Todai-ji, home to a massive bronze Buddha statue from the 8th century.

Spring brings beautiful cherry blossoms to Nara Park.

In fall, the changing leaves create a colourful scene.

It’s easy to reach by train from Kyoto or Osaka.

10) Itsukushima Shrine

Have you ever seen a shrine that looks like it’s floating on water?

You can witness this magical sight at Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island.

The star of the show is the giant orange torii gate that stands in the sea.

At high tide, it seems to float on the water, creating a stunning view.

The shrine itself is built on stilts over the water.

You can explore its wooden walkways and admire the traditional architecture.

Don’t forget to time your visit with the tides.

At low tide, you can walk right up to the base of the torii gate.

Itsukushima Shrine is easy to reach from Hiroshima.

It’s a must-see spot that will leave you in awe of Japan’s beauty.

11) Narai, Nagano

Narai is a charming town that will transport you back to Japan’s Edo period.

This well-preserved post town sits in the Kiso Valley of Nagano Prefecture.

As you stroll down the main street, you’ll be surrounded by traditional wooden buildings.

Many now house museums, shops, and cosy inns.

Narai was once an important stop on the Nakasendo highway between Kyoto and Tokyo.

Today, it offers a glimpse into Japan’s rich history.

You can explore the town’s museums to learn about life during the Edo era.

Don’t forget to try local specialities at the town’s restaurants and cafes.

Narai’s peaceful atmosphere and beautiful mountain scenery make it a perfect getaway from busy city life.

12) Lake Ashi

Lake Ashi is a stunning spot in Hakone, Japan.

\You’ll be amazed by its beauty and peaceful atmosphere.

The lake formed 3000 years ago after Mount Hakone erupted.

On clear days, you can see Mount Fuji reflected in the lake’s calm waters.

It’s a breathtaking sight that you won’t forget.

You can take a boat ride across the lake for great views.

The Hakone Pirate Ship is a fun option that stops at different ports around Lake Ashi.

Spring and fall are the best times to visit.

You’ll see cherry blossoms in April and colourful leaves in November.

These seasons make the scenery even more magical.

13) Furano Lavender Fields

You’ll be amazed by the stunning purple waves of lavender in Furano, Hokkaido.

These fields are a top summer destination in Japan.

Farm Tomita is the most famous spot to see the lavender.

You can walk through rows of fragrant flowers and take in the beautiful scenery.

The best time to visit is usually from late June to early August.

This is when the lavender is in full bloom, and the fields are at their most colourful.

You can easily spend a day exploring the different flower farms in the area.

Each one offers its own unique views and photo opportunities.

Don’t forget to try some lavender-flavored treats while you’re there.

The ice cream is especially popular among visitors.

14) Motonosumi Shrine, Yamaguchi

Motonosumi Shrine in Yamaguchi offers a breathtaking sight you won’t soon forget.

Its most striking feature is a line of 123 bright red torii gates.

The gates stretch 100 meters along the coastline.

You’ll be amazed by the contrast between the vibrant gates and the blue sea and sky.

The shrine sits atop cliffs overlooking the Sea of Japan, adding to its dramatic beauty.

Built in 1955, Motonosumi Shrine has gained fame as one of Japan’s most picturesque spots.

It’s even been recognized by CNN as one of the country’s 31 most beautiful places.

To reach the shrine, you can drive from nearby cities like Hagi or Shimonoseki.

The journey takes about an hour to 90 minutes, depending on your starting point.

15) Gion District

Gion is a magical place in Kyoto that feels like stepping back in time.

You’ll find beautiful wooden townhouses lining narrow streets.

This historic district is famous for its geisha culture.

As you stroll down Hanami Lane, you’ll see some of the most stunning traditional architecture.

The area comes alive during the Gion Matsuri festival in July.

It’s one of Japan’s biggest celebrations, filling the streets with colourful floats and lively crowds.

Don’t miss Pontocho, a charming alley along the Kamo River.

It’s packed with restaurants where you can try local dishes or grab a drink.

The mix of old and new makes Gion a must-see spot in Japan.

16) Korakuen, Okayama

Korakuen is a stunning garden in Okayama that will take your breath away.

It’s one of Japan’s top three landscape gardens, along with Kenrokuen in Kanazawa and Kairakuen in Mito.

You’ll find Korakuen right next to Okayama Castle.

The garden offers amazing views of the castle, making it even more special.

As you stroll through Korakuen, you’ll see beautiful ponds, streams, and hills.

The garden changes with the seasons, so there’s always something new to see.

Don’t miss the night illuminations in summer.

They light up the garden in a magical way, perfect for a relaxing evening walk.

17) Shirakawa-go Historic Villages

Nestled in the Japanese Alps, Shirakawa-go is a must-see destination.

This charming village is known for its unique gassho-zukuri houses with steep thatched roofs.

You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time as you wander the narrow streets.

The traditional farmhouses are built to withstand heavy snowfall, and some are over 250 years old.

Visit in winter to see the village blanketed in snow, or come in spring when cherry blossoms bloom.

You can even stay overnight in a farmhouse for a truly special experience.

Don’t miss the Wada House, the largest gassho-style building in the village.

It offers a glimpse into the daily life of past residents.

18) Kamikochi

Nestled in the Northern Japan Alps, Kamikochi is a stunning mountain resort that will take your breath away.

You’ll find yourself surrounded by towering peaks and pristine nature.

The area is famous for its crystal-clear Azusa River, which winds through lush forests and meadows.

You can take leisurely walks along the riverbank and soak in the peaceful atmosphere.

Kamikochi sits at about 1,500 meters above sea level, offering cool temperatures even in summer.

You’ll have plenty of hiking options, from easy nature trails to more challenging mountain climbs.

Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including monkeys and various bird species.

The area’s beauty changes with the seasons, from spring flowers to autumn foliage.

19) Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Kiyomizu-dera Temple is a stunning spot in Kyoto you can’t miss.

Built in 778, this ancient temple sits on Mount Otowa’s slopes.

From its famous wooden stage, you’ll get amazing views of Kyoto.

The temple grounds are huge, covering 130,000 square meters.

You’ll find over 30 historic buildings here.

Many are national treasures.

The temple is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Don’t forget to try the pure water from Otowa Falls.

It’s said to have special powers.

The name Kiyomizu-dera actually means “Pure Water Temple”.

Visit in spring for cherry blossoms or in fall for colourful leaves.

Any time of year, this temple will take your breath away.

20) Miyako Jima

Miyako Jima is a stunning island in Japan’s Okinawa Prefecture.

You’ll find beautiful white sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters here.

The island offers amazing snorkelling opportunities.

You can explore colourful coral reefs and swim with tropical fish.

Maehama Beach is a must-visit spot.

It’s often called one of Japan’s best beaches.

You can relax on the soft sand or try water sports like kayaking.

For a unique experience, visit the small sand islands nearby.

These quiet spots are perfect for some peaceful alone time by the sea.

21) Kenroku-en Garden

Kenroku-en Garden in Kanazawa is a must-see spot in Japan.

It’s one of the country’s top three landscape gardens.

You’ll find beautiful flowers, trees, and ponds spread across 25 acres.

The garden changes with each season, offering new sights year-round.

As you stroll along the paths, you’ll come across the famous Kotoji Stone Lantern.

It’s a unique two-legged lantern that stands out in the scenery.

Take your time exploring Kenroku-en.

Most visitors spend about 1-2 hours here, but you can easily stay longer if you wish.

Notable Mentions

Beauty is subjective, and there are a ton more places I could have added to the top 21.

Some of these are little-known, and others are more famous.

I love the Iya Valley in Tokushima for example.

I also love Korankei, which is an hour or so drive away from my place in Nagoya.