Explore the best tourist attractions in Japan, from cultural icons to stunning natural destinations, perfect for an unforgettable vacation.
Japan, a country full of tradition and technological advancement, offers a variety of attractive tourist destinations.
From its stunning natural beauty to its rich culture, Japan has something for every type of traveler. If you are planning to visit Japan, here are the 10 best tourist attractions that you must visit.
1. Tokyo Tower
Tokyo Tower is one of Japan’s iconic landmarks that is a must-see when in the capital. Built in 1958, standing at 332.5 meters tall, Tokyo Tower is reminiscent of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, but with a distinctly Japanese twist.
Not only does the tower offer a beautiful view from above, it is also the perfect place to enjoy the bustling city of Tokyo, especially at night. The lights that adorn the tower make the view even more stunning.
You can also climb to the top of the tower to see Tokyo from above, offering spectacular views of the city both day and night. Afterward, be sure to try some Typical Japan Food to complete your experience and taste the authentic flavors of the country!
2. Mount Fuji
No trip to Japan is complete without a visit to Mount Fuji, Japan’s highest mountain and also the country’s national symbol. This mountain, which rises to a height of 3,776 meters, offers extraordinary natural views.
Although you can see Mount Fuji from a distance in Tokyo, climbing this mountain is an unforgettable experience. If you climb to a height of 1,000 meters, you will be treated to a beautiful view of five lakes.
In addition, there are also various facilities such as campsites, museums, and onsen or natural hot springs around the mountain area which can be a refreshing place to rest after climbing.
3. Tokyo DisneySea
For theme park fans, Tokyo DisneySea is a must-see destination. This aquatic-themed theme park features attractions based on Disney’s nautical films, such as The Little Mermaid, Finding Nemo, and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.
One of DisneySea’s main attractions is “The Arabian Coast,” an area inspired by the film Aladdin that makes guests feel like they’re walking through the city of Agrabah.
In addition to the rides, the park also features highly detailed accommodations, such as the Hotel Miracosta, which is inspired by a Mediterranean port.
Many have called Tokyo DisneySea “the world’s best theme park,” and it’s certainly worth a visit for anyone looking to experience the wonders of Disney.
4. Akihabara and Harajuku
For those who love Japanese pop culture, Akihabara is a shopping paradise filled with anime, manga, cosplay, and electronics stores. If you are an anime fan, then Akihabara is a must-visit.
Meanwhile, if you are more interested in fashion, Harajuku is the right place to find various unique and creative clothes.
Harajuku is a famous fashion district in Tokyo that is home to many young designers and fashion creators. Here, you can find clothing styles that you won’t find in other countries.
5. Matsumoto Castle
Matsumoto Castle is one of the most famous castles in Japan, located in Nagano Prefecture. Built in the 16th century, the castle has a very distinctive design with curved roofs and walls covered in black, giving it a graceful and sturdy impression.
This castle has maintained its original form to this day and is one of the few intact castles in Japan. Inside the castle, there is a museum that displays various historical artifacts, including weapons used in battle during Japan’s feudal period.
6. Disneyland & Tokyo DisneySea
Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea are two large theme parks located in Urayasu, Chiba, near Tokyo.
Both are among the largest and most popular tourist destinations in Japan, with Disneyland being home to many Disney characters, including Mickey Mouse, Cinderella, and friends.
DisneySea, on the other hand, has a more unique theme, focusing on sea adventures and stories from Disney films. Both parks offer a variety of exciting rides and entertaining shows, making them great places for a family vacation.
7. Shibuya Crossing Tokyo
If you want to experience the bustling city of iconic Tokyo, Shibuya Crossing is the place to be. Known as one of the busiest intersections in the world, Shibuya Crossing is a place where thousands of people pass by every second, creating a very unique and dynamic scene.
Around this area, there are various shopping centers, restaurants, and entertainment venues that are crowded, especially by young people.
Another uniqueness of this intersection is that you can see the view of people crossing with the background of large buildings and giant screens showing advertisements.
8. Ghibli Museum
If you are a fan of Japanese animated films, especially Studio Ghibli’s works, the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka is a must-visit. This museum is dedicated to the famous animator and Hayao Miyazaki’s films, such as Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, and Princess Mononoke.
Inside the museum, you will find various installations of Ghibli films, as well as a screening area that features short animations that you can only see at the museum.
Although taking photos inside the museum is not allowed, the experience of seeing the world of Ghibli firsthand at this museum is very satisfying.
9. Dotonbori Osaka
Dotonbori is Osaka’s central entertainment district known for its glittering neon lights and large billboards displaying famous products. Dotonbori is also one of the most crowded and popular places for tourists coming to Osaka.
In addition to shopping, you can also enjoy various Osaka culinary specialties, such as takoyaki (octopus balls), okonomiyaki (Japanese pancakes), and kushikatsu (fried food on skewers).
Don’t forget to take a photo in front of the Glico billboard, which has been a symbol of Dotonbori since 1935.
10. Fushimi Inari Taisha
Located in Kyoto, Fushimi Inari Taisha is a Shinto shrine famous for its thousand red torii gates that surround the main shrine entrance. The shrine is so iconic because of the thousands of torii that line up in a row, creating a very dramatic and stunning sight.
Fushimi Inari Taisha is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Japan, both for local and international tourists. If you love photography, this place is the perfect location to capture beautiful moments with a very distinctive and unique background.
Japan offers a variety of tourist destinations that not only offer natural beauty but also provide an in-depth experience of the country’s history and culture.
From cultural icons like Tokyo Tower and Mount Fuji, to unforgettable entertainment at Tokyo Disneyland and the Ghibli Museum, Japan is a place that offers something for every type of traveler.
Be sure to visit these amazing places on your trip to the Land of the Rising Sun, and don’t forget to pick up some Typical Japan Souvenirs to capture the essence of your journey!