Best things to do in Japan

Japan's Absolute Essentials

This collection spans Japan's diverse landscape, from the UNESCO-listed Shurijo Castle in Okinawa to the 13-meter bronze Great Buddha in Kamakura. In Tokyo, Ueno Park houses the Le Corbusier-designed National Museum of Western Art and the historic Toshogu Shrine. Natural landmarks include the sacred Mt. Misen and Lake Kawaguchi at the base of Mount Fuji. The list also features cultural hubs like the traditional Namiki Yabusoba restaurant, the vibrant Kabukicho district, and the seasonal floral displays of Hitachi Seaside Park.

Japan's Absolute Essentials — Map

wHyC@Re / CC BY 3.0

A

Ueno Park

Large urban park featuring seasonal natural scenery, museums, and a zoo. Known for its gardens and cultural facilities.

Dirk Beyer / CC-BY-SA-3.0

B

Great Buddha of Kamakura (Daibutsu)

Known as the Great Buddha of Kamakura, this huge bronze statue of Amida Buddha is the second highest in the country (13,35 meters).

Joe deSousa / CC0

C

大鳥居

Part of the Itsukushima Shrine complex, the gate attracts plenty of tourists every year.

Midori / CC BY 3.0

D

Lake Kawaguchi

The second largest lake of the five lakes in the Mount Fuji region. It is popular for its natural beauty and splendid scenery - an…

663highland / CC BY 2.5

E

Shurijo Castle

Shuri Castle was a Ryukyuan gusuku castle in Shuri, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan.

663highland / CC BY 2.5

F

National Museum of Western Art

A stunning collection of Western artworks housed in an equally stunning building by Le Corbusier, inscribed as a cultural heritage on the…

Wiiii / CC BY-SA 3.0

G

Yasukuni Shrine

Founded in 1869, this Shinto shrine is devoted to those who died in wars in the 19th and 20th century.

Joe Mabel / CC BY-SA 3.0

H

Ueno Tōshō-gū Shrine

Built in 1627, this Shinto shrine is dedicated to the most famous shogun of the Tokugawa clan and one of Japan's most prominent…

Kakidai / CC BY-SA 3.0

I

Asakusa Culture and Tourism Center

Designed by architect Kengo Kuma, this multi-story wood and glass building serves as a visitor center. The eighth-floor observation deck provides free panoramic views of the Senso-ji temple complex and the Tokyo Skytree.

Robert / CC-BY-SA

J

Mt. Misen

Rising 535 meters above sea level, this sacred mountain is surrounded by magnificent forest and offers gorgeous views from the observation…

Cory Doctorow / CC BY-SA 2.0

K

Robot Restaurant

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

Shiny Things / CC BY 2.0

L

Kabukichō

Kabukichō is an entertainment district in Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan. Kabukichō is the location of many host and hostess clubs, love hotels,…

Carolina Talavera / CC-BY-SA

M

Namiki Yabusoba

Soba - popular Japanese noodles made from buckwheat flour, that can served both hot and cold, with every side dish imaginable - are one of…

katorisi / CC BY-SA 3.0

N

Hitachi Seaside Park

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

Ocdp / CC BY-SA 3.0

O

Tokyo Anime Center

Paradise for all the anime fans. This place holds both permanent and temporary exhibitions related to all the favourite anime series and…

Other Lists

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