10 Places You Must Visit When in Japan

The list of places you must visit in Japan

Japan is probably one of the places everyone recommends visiting. Even though it is one of the most industrialized countries, it can also be proud of its rich history.

This relatively small Asian country has a diverse offer. You can enjoy the views of giant futuristic skyscrapers, calm bamboo forests, and tranquil temples all at once. Indeed, one might feel the need for adaptation when visiting since there’s a lot on the menu.

To make your visitation (or relocation) more straightforward and more organized, we created a list of places you must visit when in Japan.

Whether you plan to relocate here or just visit, it’s essential to get properly prepared and informed. Since Japan is a country that one can spend a lifetime exploring, it’s crucial to preplan. For instance, if you decide on a 2-week-long vacation, it’s advisable to ensure the safety of your possessions and valuables by storing them while you’re away.

Then, you should make a plan of the places you want to visit, and don’t forget to include how long you plan on staying at a specific place.

To help you make the best travel plan, we curated a list of Japan’s most recommended places to visit.

Mount Fuji

The majestic Mount Fuji is the country’s landmark with the highest mountain peak. Since it’s been celebrated in Japan’s art and literature for many centuries, this mountain was recognized for its cultural significance by UNESCO in 2013.

Millions of people climb the mountain each summer as an act of pilgrimage and finish it off by watching the sunrise from the summit. If you are into climbing, we advise departing in the afternoon (if you attempt to climb it), having an overnight stop at Mountain Huts, and enjoying the sunrise at dawn.

There’s also a chance to start your climb halfway and enjoy a more manageable 6-7 hours long ascent.

However, if none of this is your cup of tea, seeing the mountain from a distance or the comfort of a speeding train is also a possibility.

Tokyo

Tokyo is the country’s most famous landmark. This city is forever future-oriented. Even though it’s densely populated and lying on earthquake-prone land, they keep building impressive and tall structures.

Tokyo is definitely one of the best places to visit in Japan. It’s the best spot for contemporary art, architecture, shopping, pop culture, drinking, and dining. Among the must-see places in Tokyo are:

• The Imperial Palace with beautiful 17-century national parks
• Ginza District for the best shopping experience
• Sensō-Ji Temple – the city’s most famous shrine
• National Musem of Nature and Science
• Ueno Park and Ueno Zoo
• National Museum of Western Art
• Meiji Shrine

Amazed by what the city offers, many visitors decide to stay and start a life here. Luckily, there are numerous job opportunities that make them sure of their decision.

Historic Kyoto

Kyoto is home to more than a thousand temples, thirty of which are still in use. So, if you are a fan of magnificent old buildings, fine old streets, and architecture, this is a place you should include on your must-see list.

Some of Kyoto’s highlights are:

• all of its well-preserved temples
• Golden Pavilion – a 14th-century structure
• Nijo Castle – a 17th-century fortress
• Kyoto Imperial Palace – the city’s landmark built in AD 794
• Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Visiting Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum can be heartbreaking, but it’s an important history lesson. You will learn about the human tragedy that was caused by an atomic bomb. 

However, the city is forward-thinking and will leave you good memories once you try their food and feel the spirit.

The Temple city of Nara

Nara is a city full of historical treasures, and many are counted as UNESCO world heritage sites. So, if you are visiting Kyoto, make sure you reserve a day trip to visit the historic city of Nara.

The city is filled with a large number of historic buildings, national treasures, and works of art, as well as many important temples. Kofuku-Ji Temple and Todai-Ji temples are the two most famous ones.

One of the places you must visit when in Japan is Osaka castle

The Osaka castle was built in 1586 and was the most important fortress in the country of Japan. The present structure dates from 1931, even though it was destroyed and rebuilt a couple of times until that year.

The tower is 42m tall with 5 floors. So naturally, the top floor offers the most beautiful views of Osaka. 

Two other temples worth visiting are Hokoku Shrine and Shitennō-Ji – the first Buddhist temple in Japan.

Sapporo, Hokkaido

Hokkaido is an island in northern Japan. Its city Sapporo is the focal point of cultural activity and hosts many events and festivals. In addition, the city of Sapporo is proud of its distinctive cuisine, numerous museums, art galleries, and rich theatrical history.

However, the city’s highlight is the downtown area. Its center is the famous Odori park filled with greenery and pleasant to visit.

Nikko

Nikko is another temple town that’s included in UNESCO’s world heritage sites list. It would be good to spare some time to visit this town and have a lovely retreat from the city rush. 

Okayama

Finally, Okayama is a place to visit if you are more for a quieter vibe. This modern city isn’t filled with crowds like Tokyo or Kyoto are. However, you can enjoy visiting one of the biggest and most beautiful gardens in the country. The garden is charming in the sakura season, when you can indulge in the scent and views of cherry blossoms.

Final thoughts on places you must visit when in Japan

Whether you plan to visit or move and find a job here, we hope our list of places you must visit when in Japan has given you some ideas. So, whenever you decide to come here, we are sure you’ll have a fantastic time.

Author: Jassica Mendez