Mount Fuji, located on Honshu Island, is Japan’s highest mountain at a staggering 12,389 feet. It's an active stratovolcano, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of Japan's most popular tourist sites.
The Daigoji temple in Kyoto, a temple of the Shingon sect of Japanese Buddhism, is a designated world heritage site and a favorite destination to visit in the autumn when the leaves offer an array of vibrant colors.
Jigokudani, which sits atop the town of Noboribetsu Onsen, has been named Hell Valley due to its display of hot steam vents, sulfurous streams, and volcanic activity. The destination includes a hiking trail you can walk across to witness the magnificent site.
Japanese macaques (snow monkeys) like to bathe in the hot springs here. The park has been nicknamed Jigokudani Monkey Park.
The Zao Onsen hot spring and ski resort in the mountains of the Yamagata Prefecture, is known for its “ice trees”, trees that take on fascinating shapes due to heavy amounts of snowfall in the winter. One of Japan’s oldest ski resorts, Zao offers over 30 lifts, gondolas, and ropeways.
The Karachi Fuju Garden in Kitakyushu is home to 150 Wisteria plants from over 20 different species. You can walk through its stunning tunnel filled with the flowers.
If you have the chance, visit Japan in the springtime to witness streets filled with cherry blossoms.
Japan’s Nabana no Sato winter light show takes place in the Nabana no Sato botanical garden in Kuwana. About 7 million LED light are used to create intricate displays every year from mid-November to March.
Learn more about the Nabana no Sato light show.
Meoto Iwa, or the “Wedded Rocks,” is made of two stones representing husband and wife. During the summer, you can see the sun rise between the two rocks.
The Sagano Bamboo Forest, located in Arashiyama, is a bamboo forest path that stretches over 500 meters long. The sound of wind blowing against the plants has been voted one of the “one hundred must-be-preserved sounds of Japan” by the Japanese government.
Mount Yoshino, in the Nara Prefecture, is considered one of the best areas to view cherry blossoms, with over 30,000 of the magnificent trees.
Robot Restaurant is one of of Tokyo’s most unique attractions, with three-hour long shows each night that combine a meal with robot battles and performances.
Learn more about the Robot restaurant.
The Reclining Buddha of the Nankin Temple in Fukuoka is said to be one of the largest bronze Buddhas in the world at a whopping 11 meters in height and 41 meters in length.
The Oi River runs through the district of Arashiyama in Kyoto and offers boats you can rent to explore its exquisite scenery.
Japan is home to majestic castles like the Matsumoto Castle, which dates back to 1590 and still maintains its original wooden interiors and external stonework.
Beppu, in Kyushu, is home to a variety of different springs including hot water baths, sand baths, and steam baths for visitors to enjoy.
Witness one of the most awe-inspiring nature displays at Hitachi Seaside Park, a public park in Ibaraki that is home to 4.5 million blooming plants and flowers throughout the year.
From January through March, the Otofuke Tokachigawa Swan Festival Sairinka at the Tokachigaoka Park features whimsical light displays.
Learn more about the Otofuke Tokachigawa Swan Festival Sairinka.
Taisho pond is a popular walk in Kamikochi due to the mirror-like reflections of Mt. Take and the Japanese Alps seen in the water.
The Sapporo Snow Festival, a seven-day festival in February, is one of Japan's largest winter events. Around two million people visit the exhibit every year to see an array of snow and ice sculptures along Odori Park.
Learn more about the Sapporo Snow Festival.
Onjuku Beach, in Chiba, is a popular surfing and sunbathing destination where you can also rent inflatables to recline in the sea.
One of Japan’s largest lavender fields is located in the Higashinaka District of Kamifurano, where you can witness views of the Tokachi Mountains and fields covered in aromatic lavender plants.
Learn more about the lavender farm.
The Sand Museum at the Tottori Sand Dunes is an open air museum that displays intricate sand sculptures that replicate everything from the Taj Mahal to Leonardo Da Vinci’s paintings. Since the sculptures are made of sand, they eventually collapse before new ones are built in place.
Learn more about The Sand Museum.
In the city of Yokohama is the Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum, where you can see and bring home ramen from various parts of the country and even make your own version of the noodles.
Learn more about the Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum.
