10 interesting places to visit in Japan

tripmydream has compiled a list of 10 interesting places in Japan that you absolutely must visit. We’re sure your acquaintance with this incredible country will be delightful.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park

This is one of the most fascinating natural spots in Japan, attracting about 20 million tourists annually. The park is home to the famous Mount Fuji, five large mountain lakes situated at over 1,000 meters above sea level, hot springs, waterfalls, islands, beaches, as well as ancient Buddhist and Shinto temples.

A popular attraction in the park is the cable car to Mount Hakone, which was once an active volcano. Surrounding it are six small volcanoes that still emit smoke to this day. The clear cabins of the cable car offer incredible views of the park's landscapes, and upon landing, you can enjoy hot springs and the breathtaking Ashi Mountain Lake.

Matsumoto Castle

What else should you see in Japan? Of course, Matsumoto Castle. Located in the city of the same name, it is considered one of the most beautiful castles in the country. Amazingly, it has been preserved in its original form, despite being built in the 16th century.

Due to its black walls and roofs across five stories, which resemble the wings of a bird, Matsumoto is known as the "Crow Castle." This attraction is located by a lake where white swans swim, and the grounds feature a stunning park with cherry blossoms and a chrysanthemum garden.

Want to take a walk through the castle? Book a tour. You'll learn the rich history of all the owners of Matsumoto, who fought for the right to reside within these walls.

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden in Tokyo

One of the largest parks in Japan, it is a favorite among locals and visitors to Tokyo. The park is famous for its beauty and diversity. Shinjuku Gyoen features three large gardens: a classic Japanese garden set around two ponds, a "regular" French garden, and a landscape-style English garden.

You can book a hotel with a discount of up to 65% on the website.

The Japanese garden is very popular - it is here that the record number of sakura trees (more than 1,500) grow. You understand, in the spring there is "no room to swing a cat".

The French and English gardens are created in European landscape traditions. There are fountains, trimmed bushes, and flower beds. Between the gardens is the Taiwanese pavilion, where there is a tea house and an old wooden fork.

Itsukushima (Miyajima Island)

Itsukushima Shrine is a national treasure of Japan. This ancient Shinto shrine is located in the Seto Inland Sea, surrounded by green mountains and bays on Itsukushima Island, better known as Miyajima Island. Due to its rich nature and long history (the shrine dates back to before our era), Itsukushima has become a pilgrimage site for thousands of travelers.

The island features a large pagoda, various torii gates, and terraces for prayer rituals. As you stroll through Itsukushima, you might encounter deer or monkeys, which will surely delight children. How do you get to the island? Tourist boats regularly travel here, so come on over. And don't forget to try momiji-manju—sweet cakes that are, by the way, made only on Miyajima.

The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation in Tokyo

Japan respects ancient traditions while actively embracing new technologies. In Tokyo, many travelers feel like they've stepped into the future, especially after visiting the Museum of Innovation (also known as the "Robot Museum").

Here, you'll definitely feel like a character in a movie set on another planet. The interactive exhibits in the museum are not only to be seen but also touched; visitors can use electronic guides available in six languages; both staff and guests can move around on Segways, and in the center of the museum, in addition to a huge "Earth globe", there is a complete seismological station that vividly demonstrates that Japan is "shaking" almost every second.

But the museum's main attraction is the famous robot Asimo. He can talk, walk upstairs, and even play soccer.

Kenroku-en Garden in Kanazawa

Kenroku-en (or the "Garden of Six Attributes") is one of Japan’s most prominent gardens. It is incredibly picturesque, designed for perfect and peaceful relaxation. Kenroku-en features over 8,000 species of trees, shrubs, and plants, along with waterfalls, streams, fountains, and bridges. There are also teahouses and rest areas. Every meter of the garden is meticulously planned, with designers and dozens of gardeners working on it daily. A stroll here is definitely worthwhile.

You can book a hotel with a discount of up to 65% on the website.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

One of the greatest tragedies not only for Japan but for the entire world was the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945. Although the cities were rebuilt relatively quickly, the memory of that horrific time lives on to this day.

The main Peace Memorial Park is located in Hiroshima and includes a large Peace Park as well as the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. Here, you can see numerous monuments dedicated to the victims, including a memorial for the girl Sadako Sasaki, whose story was adapted into a film. There is also an eternal flame that, according to its creators, will only be extinguished when the last atomic bomb on earth is destroyed.

The Peace Museum houses exhibits that focus on the tragedy itself, its causes, and its consequences.

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in Kyoto

This is a true oasis in the heart of Kyoto! Here, bamboo trees grow up to 40 meters high, creating an awe-inspiring sight. Walking through the vast avenues, the sky is almost entirely obscured. The atmosphere of tranquility and serenity that prevails in this place is something you must experience.

You can book a hotel with a discount of up to 65% on the website.

The park is especially beautiful in the evenings and at night when the bamboo grove is illuminated by hundreds of lights. On one side of Sagano is the Buddhist temple Tenryu-ji, and on the other, a picturesque garden with a magnificent view of Mount Arashiyama. The entire ensemble is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

National Museum of Modern Art (MOMAT) in Tokyo

A must-visit for all art lovers. Many travelers skip MOMAT because they are not fans of Eastern or modern art. However, they are unaware that the museum also boasts an impressive collection of world heritage art: works by Picasso, Modigliani, Gauguin, Kandinsky, Rousseau, Bacon, Chagall, and other famous artists.

MOMAT is divided into three main centers: the Gallery of Modern Art, the Crafts Gallery (featuring works in textiles, ceramics, and wood from the late 19th century to the present), and the National Film Center, where screenings of both the latest Japanese films and older movies are regularly held.

Seiganto-ji Pagoda and Nachi Falls

Finally, here’s an interesting spot where you can see both an ancient temple and enchanting nature. In Wakayama Prefecture, near the 113-meter Nachi Falls, one of Japan's tallest waterfalls, stands the ancient Buddhist temple Seiganto-ji. Millions of travelers come here to pray and enjoy the mesmerizing beauty.

The view from the pagoda, where ceremonies and services are held, offers a stunning panorama of the mountains and the waterfall.

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