Japanese Joy
With enormous cities and towering skyscrapers brightly clad in neon lights, Japan is a fun country to visit. It is full of history and boasts of a rich cultural heritage. Temples and shrines dot its streets, while world-class restaurants rub shoulders with ancient castles and imperial places. Japan is a warm, welcoming, and endlessly interesting travel destination for tourists all over the world. The country offers you unlimited places to enjoy your trip whether you are alone or with family. However, here are the 10 best places to visit in Japan if peace and serenity is the vibe you want.
10 best places to visit in Japan
- Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
- Arashiyama
- Mount Fuji
- Okinawa
- Takayama
- Shikoku
- Izu Peninsula
- Lake Kawaguchiko
- Miyajima
- Kenrokuen Garden
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Spend an entire day meandering through the gardens in French and traditional Japanese style of Shinjuku. It is free for children but costs 500 yen for individuals and 400 yen for each of a 30-member group. It takes 53 minutes to walk around the garden. Observe the natural beauty of sprawling lawns, trees, and flowers.
From sightseeing to shopping, eating, and drinking, Shinjuku offers unlimited things to do with your family. Once reserved for royalty, this expansive oasis offers a refreshing escape from Tokyo’s urban environment.
Arashiyama
Visit Arashiyama, a small town on the Oi River, which is famous for its moon-crossing bridge, Togetsu-kyo, and Tenryu-ji Temple, one of the 14 world heritage sites in Kyoto. Togetsu-kyo has a beautiful wooden structure.
Enjoy a romantic train tour at Kyoto Sagano, walk around the Iwatayama Monkey Park, or visit the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. The bamboo forest is best visited in the early morning.
Mount Fuji
Enjoy a hassle-free tour of Mt. Fuji, recognizable by its iconic snow-capped peak and Lake Ashi, by bullet train and coach. You can also have an amazing experience riding a cruise on Lake Ashi. Return to Tokyo via bullet train, saving hours of travel time. Absorb the unobstructed views of Mt. Fuji’s five lakes at Mt. Fuji’s fifth station, which is located halfway up the mountain at 7,545 feet.
Visit the world heritage site of Oshino Hakkai, which has eight ponds created by snowmelt from Mount Fuji’s slopes. Enjoy the rides of Fuji-Q Highland, an amusement park at the base of Mount Fuji with world-record-certified attractions. Enjoy the Mount Fuji panoramic ropeway ride up the side of Mount Tenjo for hiking and observing the viewpoints.
Visit Arakurayama Sengen Park and its famous viewing spot of five-storied pagodas and cherry blossoms in the Spring. Don’t forget to check out the Narusawa Ice Cave, visit the Ide Shuzo Sake Brewery, and walk around Lake Motosuko.
You must try Shizuoka Green Tea, Kuro Hanpen (Black Fish Cake), Tatami Iwashi(Sun-dried Baby Sardine Crackers), and Aji(Dried Horse Mackerel), which are some unique dishes of Mount Fuji. Visit Mount Fuji in the morning between 7 and 10 AM in December and January if you want to see its beauty without clouds. Winter offers a unique view with clear skies and snow-covered landscapes, but to climb Mount Fuji, you have to visit during the summer months of July to mid-September.
Okinawa
The next item on our 10-Best places to visit in Japan is Okinava. With unique cuisine, amazing stargazing, diving, and cherry blossoms, Okinawa is a fantastic beach destination for the summer. Explore the famous ‘elephant trunk’ rock formation and stunning sunset views of Cape Manzamo on the western coast of Okinawa. 3-5 days are enough to visit Okinawa with your family.
Okinawa’s extreme longevity of its citizens, generated from its food culture and the influence of the “Yuimaru” spirit, makes it unique in Japan. It has been popular since World War II, and it has some military bases in the United States.
Visit the Southeast Botanical Gardens, enjoy a visit to an American village with your family, and enjoy the amazing views of the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium. Enjoy hands-on activities at Wonder Museum, as well as fun activities at Koza Sports Park or Neo Park of Okinawa with your children. Visit the ancient ruins of Nakagusuku Castle and observe the rich culture of Shuri Castle. You can get an amazing view of the sunset from the Kouri Bridge Viewpoint as well.
Takayama
Enjoy a one-day tour of the important and prosperous merchant town of Takayama, known for its skilled carpenters and artisans. This old city is beautifully preserved with an Edo streetscape and building facades that attract visitors from all over the world. Visit the Hida no Sato Open Air Museum, which offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the Japanese Alps from the Shinhotaka Ropeway.
Enjoy shopping at Miyagawa Morning Markets or have fun with your kids at some of Takayama’s famous museums, such as Hikaru, Takayama Showa Kan, and Takayama Matsuri Yatai Kaikan Museum. Observe the natural beauty at the scenic point of Kamikochi or Yoshijima Traditional House. Try to visit Takayama between May and October when the weather is warm and comfortable.
Shikoku
Enjoy many forms of river recreation on the Shimanto River at Shikoku. Visit Kompira Shrine, home to the god of the sea, the protector of travelers on the waves. You can also enjoy the natural beauty of hot springs at Dogo Hot Spring, one of Japan’s oldest hot springs.
If you have two to three days, you can also visit the seasonal attractions of Shikoku, such as the Uzu-no-Michi walkway, Ritsurin Garden, Kochi Castle, Oku-Iya Double Vine Bridge with Vineyards, Kirosan Observatory Park, and Sanuki Manno National Park, which is filled with local wild animals. People who admire art and crafts can also visit the Teshima Art Museum and Matsuyama Castle.
Remember to try Sanuki Udon(Kagawa), Tai Meshi (Sea Bream Rice)(Ehime), Seared Bonito (Kochi), and Tokushima Ramen (Tokushima), which are the best local dishes of Shikoku. You can visit Shikoku in July, August, and September, which is an ideal time to enjoy summer activities and festivals.
Izu Peninsula
Visit the famous beaches of Shizuoka’s Izu Peninsula, such as Atami, Ito, and Shimoda, and enjoy marine sports with your family. The smaller beach towns of Minami-Ziu and Nishi-Izu also attract tourists. Observe the beauty of the river at Joren Falls and Dogashima, which is famous for beautiful views and natural good harbors.
You can also visit the holy Shuzenji temple to offer prayers for your family and the twin “couple” old trees of Hie Shrine. Enjoy hiking trails dotted with charming sights, including a lighthouse, suspension bridge, and rocky coastline at the stunning Jogasaki coast.
Izu is famous for fresh seafood, locally grown vegetables, black rice, wasabi, shiitake mushrooms, and citrus fruit. The land is most beautiful between mid-April and mid-November.
Lake Kawaguchiko
Enjoy visiting the beautiful Lake Kawaguchiko, which is famous for cherry blossoms, lavender fields at Yagizaki Park and Oishi Park. These places are amazing places where the exceptional natural beauty of Fuji Five Lakes can be seen. For a one-day trip, you can easily visit them from Tokyo by bus or train.
Explore Oishi Park, home to beautiful red flowers, and experience the concerts at the Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum.
The lake, which is also regarded as one of the Best places to visit in Japan attracts tourists in spring during cherry blossom season and autumn as well. Tatsuyuki, Dino Diner, and Nabechan are some of the best places to have Japanese food.
Miyajima
You must visit the famous Itsukushima Shrine of Miyajima for its floating torii gate. Witness the natural beauty at Mount Misen Island. Enjoy hiking trails with your family or offer some prayers at the holy Daisho-in Temple, Senjokaku. The museum of History and Folklore displays local culture of music and is also a famous attraction among tourists.
A reason why this is one of the best places to visit in Japan is because you will get to see a traditional Japanese garden in the courtyard. You can visit the Itsukushima Shrine by walking 15 minutes from the Miyajima ferry pier. Visit Hiroshima or Miyajima in October or November (fall) or between March and May (spring) due to its pleasant weather. Don’t forget to taste the iconic sweet of Momiji Manju at Miyajima.
Kenrokuen Garden
Visit Kenrokuen Garden, or “garden that combines six characteristics,” one of Japan’s three most famous gardens. This garden combines six characteristics: spaciousness, seclusion, artifice, antiquity, water sources, and magnificent views. You must spend at least one hour observing its heavenly beauty.
Experience its tea ceremony audio guide of Kanazawa Castle Park, or have a family tour of this amazing place. Spring and autumn, when the trees are filled with leaves, are always the ideal times to visit Kenrokuen Garden.
In summary…
If you are the one that craves serenity, then Japan is your calling. Get away from the hustle and bustle of work and come here and indulge in authentic cuisine that is to die for and serene views that are not only picturesque but are soothing to your soul making you want even more. These were just 10 of the best places to visit in Japan, and we know this country has so many more. In that case, another visit awaits you soon!
FAQs about Japan
Japan is known for many things, from onsen hot springs and kabuki baths to all-night neon-lit dance parties, anime, sushi boat restaurants, and more.
The best time to visit Japan is during spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November) for its scenic beauty, cherry blossoms, and red leaves.
A budget traveler can expect to spend around $50-$100 per day, while a mid-range traveler can expect to spend around $150 – $250 per day.
The best way to travel between Japanese cities is using a Japan Rail Pass on the hi-tech “Shinkansen” trains, as trains are quick, efficient, on-time, and reasonably priced.
