Quick Summary:

  • With its dynamic cities, snow-capped mountains, and awe-inspiring temples, Japan offers a fascinating blend of ancient culture and dazzling modernity.
  • There's plenty to do here, and the country's many bullet trains make it easy to zip from one destination to the next.
  • Plan to dine on sushi and sake, visit one of the 21 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and relax in a bubbling hot spring after enjoying some of the country's world-class skiing.
  • There's no doubt that visitors to Japan will be spoiled by the incredible array of things to see and do, but here are 25 of the best.


  • Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Fushimi Inari-taisha ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Fushimi Inari-taisha | What to See in Japan
© Courtesy of jdavenport85 - Fotolia.com

2. Ghibli Museum ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Museums & Culture
Ghibli Museum | What to See in Japan
© Courtesy of mrnovel80 - Fotolia.com

3. Gotokuji Temple

Gotokuji Temple | What to See in Japan
© Courtesy of tamami - Fotolia.com

4. Himeji Castle

Romantic Castles
Himeji Castle | What to See in Japan
© Courtesy of hayakato - Fotolia.com

5. Hiroshima Peace Memorial

Category: Attractions
Hiroshima Peace Memorial | What to See in Japan
© Courtesy of apinpornb - Fotolia.com

6. Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama

Category: Attractions
Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama | What to See in Japan
© Courtesy of lhboucault - Fotolia.com

7. Itsukushima Shrine

Itsukushima Shrine | What to See in Japan
© Courtesy of pigprox - Fotolia.com

8. Jigokudani Park

Category: Activities
Jigokudani Park | What to See in Japan
© Courtesy of sewcream - Fotolia.com

9. Kamikochi

Kamikochi | What to See in Japan
© Courtesy of norimoto - Fotolia.com

10. Kenroku-en

Kenroku-en | What to See in Japan
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11. Kinkaku-ji

Kinkaku-ji | What to See in Japan
© Courtesy of borisbelenky - Fotolia.com

12. Kiyomizu-dera

Kiyomizu-dera | What to See in Japan
© Courtesy of BigGabig - Fotolia.com

13. Kochia Hill

Kochia Hill | What to See in Japan
© Courtesy of shihina - Fotolia.com

14. Mount Fuji

Category: Activities
Mount Fuji | What to See in Japan
© Courtesy of tt2pb - Fotolia.com

15. Nijo Castle

Romantic Castles
Nijo Castle | What to See in Japan
© Courtesy of oben901 - Fotolia.com

16. Nikko Tosho-gu

Nikko Tosho-gu | What to See in Japan
© Courtesy of SeanPavonePhoto - Fotolia.com

17. Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

Category: Attractions
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium | What to See in Japan
© Courtesy of TheAnswer - Fotolia.com

18. Ryoan Ji

Ryoan Ji | What to See in Japan
© Courtesy of SeanPavonePhoto - Fotolia.com

19. Sagano Bamboo Forest

Category: Activities
Sagano Bamboo Forest | What to See in Japan
© Courtesy of SeanPavonePhoto - Fotolia.com

20. Tokyo Skytree

Tokyo Skytree | What to See in Japan
© Courtesy of pigprox - Fotolia.com

21. Tokyo Tower

Tokyo Tower | What to See in Japan
© Courtesy of Phattana - Fotolia.com

22. Epic Road

Epic Road | What to See in Japan
© Courtesy of f11photo - Fotolia.com

23. Wisteria Tunnel

Wisteria Tunnel | What to See in Japan
© Courtesy of SoulAD - Fotolia.com

24. Zao Fox Village

Zao Fox Village | What to See in Japan
© Courtesy of leungchopan - Fotolia.com

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