Top attractions in Japan

Editor's Choice: Japan

This curated selection highlights diverse Japanese attractions, ranging from the futuristic cabaret of Tokyo's Robot Restaurant to the expansive floral displays of Hitachi Seaside Park. The list features unique cultural sites like the Marukin Soy Sauce Museum on Shodoshima and the automatic musical instrument collections at Kawaguchiko Music Forest. Natural highlights include the seasonal wisteria tunnels of Kitakyushu, panoramic vistas from Nosokodake and Tamatorizaki on Ishigaki Island, and the coral reefs of Yonehara Beach. Architectural interest is represented by Houtou Fudo’s distinctive cloud-like design near Mount Fuji.

Editor's Choice: Japan — Map

Cory Doctorow / CC BY-SA 2.0

A

Robot Restaurant

This unique restaurant in the capital city of Japan is the embodiment of Japanese way of having fun.

katorisi / CC BY-SA 3.0

B

Hitachi Seaside Park

Hitachi Seaside Park is a public park in Hitachinaka, Ibaraki, Japan.

Yamaguchi Yoshiaki / CC BY-SA 2.0

C

Kawaguchiko Music Forest

Though small in size, this amusement park is one of its kind. Focused on musical instruments, music will encompass you the second you enter.

そらみみ / CC BY-SA 4.0

D

Kawachi Wisteria Garden

This private garden in Kitakyushu features two 100-meter-long wisteria tunnels with over 20 different species. It is open to the public during the spring wisteria season and the autumn maple leaf season.

VKaeru / CC BY-SA 3.0

E

Nosokodake

A challenging hike up these hills is rewarded by stunning views of the area.

Kzaral / CC BY 2.0

F

Tamatorizaki Observation Point

Located on the northeast coast of Ishigaki Island, this viewpoint offers panoramic vistas of Ibaruma Bay and the Emerald Coast. The surrounding path is lined with year-round blooming hibiscus flowers.

G

Marukin Soy Sauce Museum

This slightly odd sounding museum shows its visitors the process of soy sauce making and it makes for an interesting peek into the process…

H

Houtou Fudo

This restaurant near Lake Kawaguchi is housed in a distinctive, white, cloud-shaped building designed by architect Takeshi Hosaka. It specializes in Houtou, a traditional Yamanashi noodle miso soup served in iron pots.

I

Yonehara Beach

A white-sand beach on Ishigaki Island known for its extensive coral reef located close to the shore. It is a prime location for snorkeling, featuring a wide variety of colorful tropical fish.

Other Lists

Japan's Absolute Essentials Japan's Hidden Gems Historic Temples and Shrines Museums and Cultural Treasures Castles and Fortifications Japan's Natural Wonders Scenic Viewpoints and Observation Points