Japan Landmarks

1. Mount Fuji 

The highest and most beautiful mountain in Japan, Mount Fuji stands at 12,388 feet high, making it easy to admire it from afar. If you’re up for the adventure, consider a guided summit hike of Mount Fuji, reaching the top by dawn for a sunrise like none other you’ve experienced.

If, on the other hand, you want the best views of Mount Fuji from a lower elevation, head to Chureito Pagoda, the Urui River, Lake Tanuki, Lake Yamanaka or Lake Kawaguchi. From mid-June to mid-July, Mount Fuji is shrouded by clouds. The best time to view Mount Fuji is during the winter, either in the early morning or late afternoon. 

2. Kinkaku-ji Temple

Kinkaku-ji Temple, or The Temple of the Golden Pavilion, is one of the top attractions in Kyoto. On the second and third floors, you can see the gold leaves for which this famous Buddhist temple is named. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994.

From outside, the temple appears to float over its mirror pond. Take time to stroll through the garden, an example from the Muromachi period. There is a path around the pond to various photo spots. 

3. Senso-ji Temple

The oldest temple in Tokyo, completed in 645, Senso-ji Temple was completely destroyed during World War II. Generous donations provided for its reconstruction. Today, it is a busy tourist attraction (early morning or evening are good times to visit for a quieter atmosphere).

The legend behind the temple states that in the year 628, two brothers found a statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, in the Sumida River. No matter how many times they put the statue back in the river, it was returned to them. The temple was then constructed nearby for the goddess of Kannon. 

4. Tokyo Tower 

The Tokyo Tower, based on the Eiffel Tower design, was completed in 1958 and held the title of tallest structure in Japan until 2010. It stands at 1,093 feet high and is a prime spot for a bird’s-eye view of the city.

Break your visit to the Tokyo Tower up into three parts: the base, where you’ll find shops and restaurants; the main observatory at 492 feet high; and the special observatory at 820 feet high (if the weather is clear, you can see all the way to Mount Fuji). 

5. Tokyo Skytree

For another sky-high view of Tokyo, head to Tokyo Skytree in the Sumida City Ward. It’s a 2,080-foot-high tower that is now the tallest in Japan. There is a shopping complex and aquarium at its base.

Two observation decks sit at 1,148 and 1,476 meters, respectively. Your visit starts on the fourth floor, where you may purchase tickets for the first observation deck. At the first observation deck, you may purchase tickets for the second observatory. 

6. Osaka Castle

The top landmark in Osaka, the Osaka Castle tells the area’s history and offers a great observation deck. For the best photo vantage points, walk around the surrounding Nishinomaru Garden or take a boat ride to view the castle from other angles.

Construction on the castle began in 1583, but it was subsequently destroyed by Tokugawa troops in 1615. It was rebuilt in the 1620s by Tokugawa Hidetada. 

7. Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine 

Famous for its vermilion torii gates, Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine is an important Shinto shrine set in southern Kyoto. A network of trails leads to the forest of sacred Mount Inari. Inari is the Shinto god of rice, good harvest and success in business. You’ll see several fox statues throughout the shine’s grounds as foxes are thought to be messengers of Inari.

To see the famous torii gates, head behind the shrine’s main grounds, where you’ll see the entrance to the Senbon Torii (“thousands of torii gates”) trail. All the gates have been donated by individuals and companies over the years (a reflection of the good harvest and success in business celebrated by Inari). 

8. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove 

One of the most recognizable sights of Kyoto, the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is a mystical, otherworldly experience. Stroll the less than half-mile-long path beneath the soaring bamboo stalks for a moment of peace in the midst of the city. You can start from the Tenryu-ji Temple and walk to the far end of the forest at Nonomiya Shrine. To beat the crowds, visit the grove in the early morning or late evening. 

9. Himeji Castle

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Himeji Castle is a Japanese National Treasure. It is one of 12 original Japanese castles, having never succumbed to war, earthquake or fire. It is especially beautiful during cherry blossom season, with a garden boasting more than 1,000 cherry trees.

For great views of the castle roofs, defensive fortifications and city of Hemiji, head to the top floor. This is also where you can see the fish-shaped roof ornament, which are believed to have protected the castle from fire. 

10. Shirakawa-go 

The traditional villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama in the Shogawa River Valley are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for their gassho-zukuri farmhouses, some more than 250 years old. They’re recognizable by their tall, but narrow architecture, with rooflines that almost touch the ground, designed this way due to the heavy annual snowfall.

Some are still residences, while others are museums or guesthouses. Among the most popular to visit are the Wada House, the Kanda House and the Nagase House.

11. Nara Park 

Within Nara Park, you’ll find Todaiji, Kasuga Taisha, Kofukuji and the Nara National Museum. But perhaps the park’s main attraction is its more than 1,000 roaming deer. The deer have become a symbol of the city - and are considered messengers of the gods.

Purchase crackers from various locations around the park to feed to the surprisingly tame deer. Don’t be surprised if they follow you around after you have fed them! 

12. Jigokudani Monkey Park 

Watch wild snow monkeys (also known as Japanese Macaques) soak in natural hot springs at Jigokudani Monkey Park in the Yamanouchi. Close to the onsen towns of Shibu and Yudanaka, the park has a man-made pool that attracts the monkeys. You’ll likely also see some as you make your way along the path to the pool.

Although you will probably see the monkeys up close, please do not touch or feed the monkeys. Winter is the prettiest time to visit (although if you’re visiting in summer, the monkeys will still be there). 

13. Kotoku-in Temple 

Snap some great photos at The Great Buddha of Kamakura at Kotoku-in Temple. Nearly 37 and a half feet high, The Great Buddha is the second tallest bronze Buddha statue in Japan. It dates back to 1252 when it was located inside a large temple hall. Since the late 15th century, it has been sitting in the open air on the temple grounds. 

14. Kasuga Taisha Shrine 

Famous for its thousands of stone lanterns, Kasuga Taisha Shrine in Nara is one of the most sacred shrines in Japan. It is considered to be the home of several gods. Explore the inner buildings and notice the distinctive Kasuga style of architecture. The iconic lanterns are lit twice a year during February and August Lantern Festivals. 

15. Rainbow Bridge

Although its lights are rainbow hues only during the month of December, Tokyo’s Rainbow Bridge is quite a mesmerizing sight any time of year.

Lit up every night, this car and pedestrian bridge, officially known as the Tokyo Bay Connector Bridge, connects Odaiba waterfront entertainment district to Shibaura Pier over the northern Tokyo Bay. Allow 20 to 30 minutes to cross the bridge on foot. There are benches in the middle from which to enjoy the view. 

16. Meiji Shrine

One of Japan’s most popular shrines, Meiji Shrine is dedicated to the spirits of Emperor Meiji and his consort, Empress Shoken. The shrine sits beside the Harajuku Station in Tokyo’s Shibuya district, but along with the neighboring Yoyogi Park, makes for a peaceful visit amidst the bustle of the city.

If you’re visiting over New Year’s, join the many japanese visitors from all over the country who come for “hatsumode,” or the first shrine visit of the New Year. No matter the time of year, you’re likely to glimpse a traditional Shinto wedding during your visit. 

17. Hakone Open-Air Museum

Through a harmonious blend of nature and art, the Hakone Open-Air Museum showcases sculptures by Henry Moore, Marta Pan and other renowned Japanese and international artists.

The indoor Picasso Exhibition hall shows paintings, sculptures and ceramic works by the artist. Stroll across the lawns punctuated with pieces such as the Symphonic Sculpture, into which visitors can enter and take the spiral staircase to a viewing platform. 

18. Okunoin Temple 

Meditate at the sanctuary of samurai warriors from 200 years ago at the Okunoin Temple. Kobo Daishi, the founder of Shingon Buddhism, is believed to be lying here in eternal meditation in wait for Miroku Nyorai, the Buddha of the Future.

The sacred temple is a popular pilgrimage spot. Two paths through the temple ground meet at the Gokusho Offering Hall, where visitors make offerings and throw water at the Mizumuke Jizo statues to pray for deceased family members. 

19. Nijo Castle 

Nijo Castle’s history has included acting as the residence for the first shogun of the Edo period, being used as an imperial palace and finally being opened to the public as a historic site. The buildings at this UNESCO World Heritage Site are some of the best surviving examples of feudal architecture in Japan.

Visit the Honmaru (the main circle of defense), the Ninomaru (the secondary circle of defense) and the surrounding gardens. Nijo Castle is also a United Nations World Heritage site.

20. Itsukushima Shrine 

Also known as Miyajiima, the island of Itsukushima is one of the top three scenic spots in Japan. The shrine and its torii gate are built over water, so that at high tide, they appear to be floating in the sea. Explore the prayer hall, a main hall and a noh theater stage, all connected by boardwalks. The shrine and torii gate are illuminated after dark, although the shrine itself is not accessible after sunset.

21. Imperial Palace

Set amidst 17th-century parks and surrounded by walls and moats, Tokyo’s Imperial Palace is not to be missed. Walk through the grounds and see the famous Nijubashi Bridge, two bridges that together form an entrance to the inner palace grounds. The Meganebashi or Eyeglass Bridge is the stone bridge in front. The Nijubashi or Double Bridge is the bridge in the back, that was once a two-level wooden bridge. 

22. Hiroshima Peace Park 

The Hiroshima Peace Park offers a sobering reminder of the horrific bombing of August 1945. The park is at the epicenter of the blast and includes monuments, memorials and museums - the highlight being the Peace Memorial Museum. Here you can see exhibits relating to world peace, the Flame of Peace, the Memorial Cenotaph and the Atom Bomb Dome. 

23. Chubu-Sangaku National Park 

The Chubu-Sangaku National Park holds the illustrious title of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and for good reason. This spectacular park in the center of Honshu is home to the Hida Mountains, or Japanese Alps. Providing year-round outdoor activity, from hiking to skiing to soaking in hot springs, the park also provides habitat for rare ptarmigans and mountain antelopes. 

24. Atsuta Shrine 

The most important Shinto shrine in Japan, the Atsuta Shrine in Nagoya is the site of preserved Imperial insignia, “the grass-mowing sword,” one of just three in Japan.

The first-century’s main shrine, Hongu, boasts a collection of art, ceramics, jewelry and traditional masks. Bonus landmark: While you’re at Atsuta, visit the nearby Nagoya Castle, a moated complex with two gilded dolphins, a great museum and amazing views of the city and Nobi Plain. 

25. Fukuoka Castle

Impressive in stature and history, the hilltop Fukuoka Castle is a local highlight. Several events and festivals take place here each year, including the two-week, 700-year-old Hakata Gion Yamakasa, known for its colorful parades, traditional races and costumes. The castle ruins are in Maizuru Park and you can walk among them on trails that include several lookout points.