5 Places You Need To Visit In Japan

From cherry blossoms, sushi platters, Mount Fuji, vending machines to Anime, Manga, tea ceremonies, and bullet trains, Japan is a beautiful amalgamation of culture, nature, modernity, food, history—enough reasons to captivate tourists from far and wide.

Nihon, Nippon, Yamato, The Land of the Rising Sun—whatever you wish to call this beautiful country, Japan has many places to visit. You can run out of money and energy but never come up short of breathtaking places to discover when you are in Japan.

If you are ready to plan your Japan itinerary, here is a list of 5 places that we recommend you must visit on your trip.

1. Kyoto

The cultural capital of Japan, Kyoto city, is a no-brainer when it comes to the list of must-visit places in Japan. It is the seventh-largest city in Japan, located on the island of Honshu.

This city has many temples, shrines, palaces, heritage spots, and ancient art and cultural sites with considerable cultural significance that tell you a lot about Japan’s colorful history. Would it come as a surprise if we told you that its rich history and vivid culture are hard-wired into the city’s DNA?

Whether you have planned a long stay, or a short one, some places that you can absolutely not miss visiting when in the city include the Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine, the Sanjūsangen-dō Temple, the Nijo Castle, and Kinkaku-Ji, and the Golden Pavilion.

2. Hiroshima

Located on the head of the Hiroshima bay, southwest of Honshu, is the city of Hiroshima. The town is perched between stunning topography that includes lush mountains and tranquil waters.

AlthoughHiroshima was the world’s first city to be devastated by the atomic bomb in 1945, the city has rebounded in a way that is truly inspiring. Today, it is known as the world’s peace capital. So if you are headed to Hiroshima, you cannot end your trip without visiting some of the following places—the Peace Memorial Park, the colorful Hiroshima Castle, and the Mitaki-Dera Temple.

3. Osaka

Located on the main island of Honshu, Osaka is one of the most popular cosmopolitan cities in Japan. It is the third-largest city in Japan and is home to some of the most humorous, lively, and easy-going locals you’ll find anywhere in the world.

If you want to experience Japan’s western, contemporary side, Osaka is the best place for that. Other than being the financial hub of Japan, Osaka is also known for its delectable street food, vibrant nightlife, and state-of-the-art amenities.

To make your trip to Osaka an unforgettable experience, you must visit popular destinations like the Tempozan Ferris Wheel, the National Museum of Art, Osaka Tennōji Zoo & Park, the Osaka Castle, and Universal Studios.

4. Nagano

Nagano, the highest prefectural capital in Japan, is beautifully perched between mountains on all sides. So if you’re seeking an escape from bustling city life and seek to enjoy yourself amidst serene nature, calm waters, majestic mountains, and other marvels, then Nagano is your dream destination!

When in Nagano, you can hike along the mountain trails in Kamikochi or visit the largest wasabi farm of Japan, Daio Wasabi Farm. You can also enjoy the gorgeous views of Mount Fuji from lake Kawaguchiko or dip your feet in the Ushibuse River. Should you be traveling during summer, don’t forget to participate in the Togura Kamiyamada Summer festival.

5. Yakushima

Yakushima, a subtropical island of Japan, is situated in the southwestern tip of Japan, 60kms south of Kyushu island. It is home to some of the oldest Yaku Sugi trees, commonly known as Japanese Cigar trees, preserved for over 1000 years. Besides this, the island is dotted with mystical waterfalls, serene beaches, museums, and more.

Shiratani Unsuikyo Valley, Oko no Taki Fall, Nagata Inakahama beach, Sempiro falls are some of the city’s most liked and popularly visited spots.

Final Words

Tourism has been a major contributing factor to Japan’s economy, and rightfully so. The colorful streets of this island country can make anyone fall in love with it. So book your tickets, pack your bags, and get ready to immerse yourself in the wonders of Japan right away! Every corner of Japan provides you with an opportunity to embark on fun and exciting adventures.