Amazing Tourist Places to Visit in Japan

Japan is a world within itself. It is similar to no other country in every regards of culture, lifestyle, people, customs, traditions, architecture, technology, and what not. The places to visit in Japan include shrines, palaces, archeological sites, cultural hotspots, rivers, plains, and mountains. There are several great things to do in Japan ranging from partying and cultural engagement to nature exploration and adventure sports. Japan shows a brilliant blend of east and the west. This is a nation known for its etiquettes, manners, customs, and traditions. At the same time Japan is one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world with a thriving urban culture. People embark on Japan travel for many reasons and you won’t have to look hard to find one yourself.

Japan has so much of its culture, food, and traditions popularized around the world, that people embark of Japan travel with a lot of expectations. This is the land of the samurai, the sumo, the geisha, the ninjas, the emperors, the sushi, the sake, and of course the land of the rising sun. Though one of the most surprising things you will experience exploring best places to go in Japan is the incredible technology and its involvement in people’s lives. This land lives many years in the future. Japan destinations have some of the most futuristic tech seen nowhere else in the world. In many ways the lifestyle and the city would seem alien to you. Hence, shopping for electronics and gadgets is a must do in Japan. You would have wasted all visits to Japan tourist spots if you don’t return home with a piece of technology from this incredibly sci-fi land.

A Japan trip is among the best in the world for shopping. You will regret if you don’t shop for something unique and local when you visit Japan. The best places to visit in Japan for shopping aren’t limited to the city. You get incredibly unique items and handicraft pieces in the rural areas as well. If you are shopping in Japan, you should go for the local brands. Especially hunt for unique items which you won’t find elsewhere in the world. There are several Japan travel guide on what items to look for and where to find them. Many of these souvenirs shops are located close to Japan tourist attractions. Perhaps the most fun Japan places to visit for shopping are the city markets, a huge line of shops with a variety of options at your disposal.

Among most popular things to do in Japan is visiting temples and shrines. Japan has some of the most beautifully architecture shrines and temples you will see anywhere in the world. Equally beautiful are the zen gardens around these temples. These are some of the most wonderful sights to behold on Japan trip. Religious events and parades culminating at these shrines are a big reason for people to visit Japan.

Your Japan vacation is also incomplete without absolutely exploring the cuisine of Japan. May it be sushi or ramen or unagi or onigiri or soba or any other dish from the Kaiseki menu. There are several places to go in Japan to try authentic cuisine. You can use the apps mentioned below to hunt great Japan tourist places to relish the taste of the local dishes. The vegans and vegetarians may also taste the authentic Kaiseki cuisine as there are many famous places in Japan serving vegan and vegetarian variants of the famous dishes. Top places to visit in Japan also include sake bars. But, you don’t necessarily have to go to a bar to enjoy good sake. You can also buy them from liquor store and enjoy great cocktails made from sake at various clubs and lounges. These places also get you opportunity to interact with the local crowd, which is an integral part of traveling to a foreign land.

Japan has some of the most breathtaking views of nature. Japan tourism involves incredible mountain, ocean, forests, plains, coast, beaches, and  even volcanoes. There are many nature trails you can enjoy on Japan tours. The most popular natural wonder to visit in Japan is Mount Fuji, the highest mountain in the country and the second highest volcano in whole wide world. There are many places to visit in Japan to satiate you desire to explore nature. Japan sightseeing of nature is an inseparable part of Japan travel.

Yet another aspect of Japan tourism is the events, activities, and the festivals. The traditional festivals are popular and form a variety of Japan tours by themselves. But there are several great places to visit in Japan for amusement parks, adventure activities, concerts, and events.

Japan is unlike any place you might have visited. It is also very different form its neighboring countries as well. You will see this only when you visit Japan, that it is a truly one of its kind specimen.

Cities & Best Places to Visit in Japan

1. Tokyo

The capital city of Japan, defines everything you would expect from Japan vacation. It is ultra modern, yet steeped in history, culture and tradition. It is the perfect blend of the old and new. You have high tech attractions as well as historical structures to visit in Tokyo.

2. Kyoto

Kyoto is a major metropolitan city of Japan. It is famous for wonderful temples and castles to visit in Kyoto. It also has ultra modern attractions like Tokyo as well. Kyoto is surrounded by forest which is great for adventure and nature exploration.

3. Sapporo

Sapporo is one of the most popular places to visit in Japan’s Hokkaido island. The city is surrounded by beautiful mountains. It becomes especially popular in winter as a skiing and other snow activities destination. Sapporo is also popular for local beer and the city’s snow festival.

4. Hiroshima

The city was devastated during World War 2 after USA dropped an atomic bomb on the city. Hiroshima has recovered to become one of the most popular tourist destinations to explore when you visit Japan.

5. Nagasaki

Nagasaki is another city destroyed by atomic bomb during the second world war. The city has several modern and historical tourist attractions. The city also has several small and large islands close to the shore to explore.

6. Yokohama

Yokohama is famous for the iconic Landmark Tower. Other than that there are many small and large Japan attractions to visit in Yokohama. Yokohama is also an important port in Japan and the dock area is also among its tourist attractions.

7. Himeji

The city is known for Himeji Castle. This white castle from the feudal age of Japan is an iconic structure to visit during Japan travel. The city is also close to Mount Seppiko which is another major attraction to explore.

8. Kamakura

Kamakura is most known for the Great Buddha Temple which has a 13 ft tall statue of Lord Buddha. There are many other shrines and temples to visit in the city as well. Being a coastal city, you can also enjoy the beautiful beaches in Kamkura.

9. Kanazawa

Kanazawa is again a coastal city to visit in Japan with pristine beaches to enjoy. The city is well known for Edo era artifacts in the city’s museums. The old districts of the city also reflect architecture from that age. It is among the best places to visit in Japan to learn about Edo era’s culture and traditions.

10. Kobe

Kobe is located next to Osaka and is one of the 10 largest cities of Japan. Kobe is known for marbled beef named after the city. The harbor of Kobe is another major attraction worth visiting. The city also has one of the oldest shinto shrines in Japan.

11. Nara

Nara is a city among the mountains. It has beautiful shrines at serene mountain top locations. It is blessed with some of the most beautiful natural landscapes to explore around a city in Japan.

12. Osaka

Osaka is one of the most popular cities to visit in Japan. The great harbor of Osaka has made in an important trade and commerce center in Japan. The city is one of the best Japan destinations to enjoy a happening nightlife culture.

13. Sendai

One of the biggest attraction in the city is a 17th Century castle named after the city. Sendai is also a major city to preserve the culture, artifacts and traditions of the region from the Edo period.

Best Time to Visit Japan

The best time to visit Japan is anytime. All year you get to see a different side of the country when you visit Japan. Some people plan their Japan travel to coincide with certain festivals. Some people on Japan tourism wish to see certain events take place. Some visit Japan for the scenery so they choose to avoid winters, while some people specifically travel for winter activities among things to do in Japan. Almost all places to visit in Japan remain open throughout the year. The only aspect you need to watch out for are the natural disasters. Always check for natural disasters which recently took place in Japan or which are likely to take place as read by scientists. Plan your Japan tours in accordance to that. The country is incredibly beautiful and people are wonderful all year long.

Popular Festivals, Events & Things to do in Japan

1. Sapporo Snow Festival / Sapporo Yuki Matsuri

• • Dates: February 4 to 11
  • Location: Sapporo, Hakaido
  • This festival is one of the biggest reason to visit Japan during winters and why Sapporo is among the best places to visit in Japan. The beautiful and elaborate ice sculptures alone make this festival a worthy addition to Japan travel guide. The ice-sculptures are times the size of actual buildings, and sometimes even towering above them. This festival is not only among Japan tourist attractions, but also among world’s biggest winter and snow festivals. There are several activities and events taking place during the festival beside the ice-sculpture. Anything and everything you can think of concerning snow, ice, and entertainment is available at Sapporo Snow Festival. That’s why this festival is definitely on most Japan travel guide lists. You can enjoy drinks in ice glasses, visit bars, restaurants and clubs made of ice, enjoy concerts at ice arenas, try out ice based cuisine, have fun at snow slides and even have yourself a snowball fight. Sapporo in winter in among top Japan places to visit. It might even become the most memorable event of your Japan vacation.

2. Nebuta Matsuri

• • Dates: August 2 to 7
  • Location: Aomori Prefecture
  • This festival is visually brilliant. The parade of Nebuta festival showcases large floats of traditional Japanese figures, gods, animals, symbols, and even popular people. These floats are illuminated from within with a yellow and orange hue. They look like large paintings floating. The northern provinces of Aomori prefecture are the best places to visit in Japan to behold this spectacle. The parade is accompanied by traditional dance, and drum music. You can also join in on the fun with a traditional Haneto costume. It will be one of the most fun and culturally enriching things to do in Japan trip.

3. Kanda Matsuri

• • Dates: May 16
  • Location: Kanda Myojin Shrine, Tokyo
  • Kanda Matsuri is one of the biggest festivals celebrated in Tokyo. This festival is only celebrated in years ending with an odd number like 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021 etc. So if you plan to embark on Japan travel for this festival, just check the last digit on the calendar year. This festival usually lasts for up to a week, and the celebrations are not limited to the Kanda Myojin Shrine. The highlight of the festival is the parade with 100 Mikoshi which takes place on Saturday. Mikoshi is a sort of decorated palanquin. Kanda Myojin Shrine is where this parade is culminates and that where you should be to make most of this festival on your Japan tourism.

4. Sanja Matsuri

• • Dates: May 15 to 17
  • Location: Asakusa Shrine, Tokyo
  • This is again one of the most popular festivals in Japan drawing a couple of million people on Japan tours and Japanese residents to Tokyo. This festival is dedicated to the founders of Senso-ji Temple. The festival sees a lot of revelry and celebration all across tokyo, though the Asakusa shrine is the best among places to visit in Japan to for most cultural engagement during this festival. This festival also involves a parade of Mikoshi, 3 to be specific. Besides the parade there are several games, songs, dance, food, and drinks to enjoy on Japan trip at Asakusa Shrine on Sanja Matsuri festival.

5. Jidai Matsuri

• • Dates: October 22
  • Location: Heian Shrine, Kyoto
  • The Jidai Matsuri celebrates the glory days of Kyoto as the imperial capital of Japan. People dress up as various historical figures and form a procession. This procession includes samurai, kings, geisha, emperors, princes, ministers, dancers etc. It is like a mix expression of Japanese culture and traditions all presented in one parade. Kyoto is already one of the most interesting places to visit in Japan, this festival makes it more so. You can experience the kaleidoscope of Japanese culture in one evening if you visit Japan during Kidai Matsuri festival.

6. Aoi Matsuri

• • Dates: May 15
  • Location: Kamigamo Shrine, Kyoto
  • Aoi Matsuri is a festival popular in Kyoto. It originated as a form of prayer to avoid natural disasters and then became part of the traditions. It is one festival which should be on your Japan travel guide if you are looking to interact with Japan’s traditions and culture. The key highlight of the festival is the elaborate procession starting from the imperial palace of Kyoto and culminating at the Kamigamo Shrine. You will see men and women dressed in traditional garbs walking alongside the procession.

7. Nagasaki Kunchi

• • Dates: October 7 to 9
  • Location: Suwa Shrine, Nagasaki
  • This festival showcases many Chinese as well as Dutch traditions and cultural elements, which is unique site when you visit Japan. Nagasaki is one of the most popular places to visit in Japan for many reasons. It has a blend of many cultures and traditions of those who invaded it. You will traditional Dutch dressed people and performances of the famous Chinese lion dance. The cultural blend is also reflected in the cuisine available during this festival as well.

8. Gion Matsuri

• • Dates: July 1 to 29
  • Location: Yasaka Shrine, Kyoto
  • This traditional festival of Kyoto stretches an entire month, so you have ample opportunities to experience it on Japan travel in July. It is one of the most popular and perhaps the biggest celebration to attend during Japan tourism. The biggest event of the festival takes place on July 17th, also known as the day of Yamaboko Junko. On this day a procession is carried out with a small (small is relatively speaking) and a large float. These are known as Yama and Hoko respectively. They are essentially a representation of the temple and also look like an entire temple by themselves as well. These two floats are taken on a procession, which itself is surrounded by festivities. It is a great cultural sight to behold. This festival should be included for cultural experience on Japan tours. You can also witness traditional dance, music, food, games, and more during this festival in Kyoto.

9. Kanamara Matsuri

• • Dates: April 4
  • Location: Kanamaya Shrine, Kawasaki
  • This festival is more infamous for Japan tourism than famous. You will know why when you learn that the other name for this festival is Festival of the Steel Phallus. The festival has great contribution to HIV & AIDS charity. You can find many items including food items & snacks shaped like male and female private parts being sold in markets during this festival. It is kind of light hearted fun festival to attend on Japan trip.

10. Takayama Matsuri

• • Dates: April 14 to 15
  • Location: Takayama, Gifu Prefecture
  • The festival is takes place during transition from Spring to Autumn. It is a very colorful event taking place in the Mountains of Japan. The historic town of Takayama is known for craftsmen and their handiwork. The festival sees parade of intricately cardved floats presented in parade. These are testament to the skills of this town. This festival is also great for street shopping for souvenirs and handicrafts on Japan vacation. The parade is accompanied with dance and music with everyone dressed in traditional costumes. It is one of the best places to go in Japan to experience culture and traditions of the nation. In the evening, these floats are illuminated with numerous lanterns and carried around the town.

11. Omizutori Fire Festival

• • Dates: March 1 to March 14
  • Location: Todaija Temple, Nara
  • This festival is specifically known for the spectacle of priests taking to the top of the temple with torches alit. The festival is not known as fire festival without reason. People on Japan tourism may witness the balcony of the Temple being set ablaze and fire raining down to the ground. This sight is said to induce blessings on the onlookers. You can also be blessed on Japan tours by witnessing the fire show during Omizutori Fire Festival.

12. Tenjin Matsuri

• • Dates: July 24 & 25
  • Location: Tenmangu Shrine, Osaka
  • Tenjin Matsuri is also known as the Festival of Gods. It is a very vibrant and lively festival taking place in Osaka, Japan. The Tenmangu Shrine, which is the most important Japan tourist places for this festival, is dedicated to a well known Japanses poet named Sugawara no Michizane. The Tenjin festival is dedicated to him & his works. The Okawa river is among top places to visit in Japan to experience this festival. People dressed in traditional garbs carry out a procession in the river on boats illuminated with lanterns and torches. The evening ends with a vibrant display of fireworks. Osaka is one of the best places to go in Japan owing to its lively populace. During this festival, the party takes to the street making it a very spirited Japan destinations to enjoy.

13. Awa Dance Festival / Awa Odori

• • Dates: August 12 to 15
  • Location: Tokushima, Shikoku
  • This festival began with the inauguration of of the Tokushima Castle. It is said that the party was so incredible, that this festival became an annual must do in Japan. This festival is focused on the dance competition featuring  a variety of traditional Japanese dance, music, and costumes. The festival has a very party like vibe and is one of the most fun Japan tourist spots to enjoy.

14. Chichibu Yomatsuri

• • Dates: December 2 & 3
  • Location: Chichibu Shrine, Saitama Prefecture
  • This is again a festival focused around huge floats taken to a Shrine in a festive procession. The Chichibu Shrine is one of the famous places in Japan to visit. But engaging in Japan sightseeing of Chichibu Shrine on this festival adds a flavor of cultural engagement to it. The floats are incredibly large and heavy. It takes great effort for the people pulling it during the procession. It is a very impressive feat to witness this cultural tradition on Japan travel.

Emergency Contacts for Japan Tourist

Police: 110
Fire / Ambulance: 119
Emergency Rescue: 119
Coast Guard: 118
Emergency Question: 7119 / 9110

Useful Mobile Apps for Japan

1. JNTO Official App

Japan National Tourism Organization app is a great Japan travel guide to everything you can think on Japan vacation. This app gives you all the news and information you need as a tourist, it also gives important alerts for tourists to look out for on Japan travel. It has a guide to all the top places to visit in Japan as well background information, routes, cultural information etc. You will get to explore Japan more deeply and engage better with the culture on your Japan trip with the help of this app.

2. Japan Travel Guide Offline

This is the app for best places to visit in Japan and also hunt down fun things to do in Japan trip. You can look for info on Japan tourist attractions, their history, things to see at these places etc. You can search by city or Japan tourist places category. This app is really helpful to plan you itinerary on Japan travel. The best part is that it works offline as well.

3. Safety Tips

Japan is a country plagued by natural disasters. This app keeps you up to date on all hazards which have taken place and also warns about detected signs of natural hazards in Japan. This app is a safety essential for Japan travel.

4. Hyperdia

Hyperdia will guide your transport to best places to visit in Japan. This app can be your Japan travel guide for all public transport. The public transport is very efficient in Japan, whether you are on Japan vacation or a resident, this app is extremely useful to get around. This app guides you with bus systems, trains, and subway system. Just type where you want to go and this app will give you the best route and mode of transport to get there. You won’t need help of any other assistance getting to Japan tourist attractions if you have this app.

5. VoiceTra

This app helps you interact with people speaking Japanese. You can have people speak into your phone in Japanese and this app will translate what they said in a language of your choosing. It is a great app to have when on Japan sightseeing. You can easily interact with people and make new friends while on Japan travel.

6. Travel Japan Wi-Fi

This app automatically detects and connects you to the free wi-fi hotspots in Japan. There are several free wi-fi zones and hotspots for you to run your internet based apps and surfs and this app guides you to such spots. It also automatically connects you with these wi-fi so that you can use the incredible free wi-fi without much hassle when you visit Japan.

7. Japan Connected Free Wi-Fi

This app is similar to Travel Japan Wi-Fi with only a different interface. You have to register once on this app & it keeps you connected to all the free wi-fi hots spots at all the places to go in Japan. It also helps you search for free wi-fi hotspots near you. This app helps you save money on data plans & internet usage on Japan tourism.

8. Gurunavi

Gurunavi is a restaurant finder app to use to discover eating places to go in Japan. You can search by location or cuisine. You can also filter out places with English speaking waiters. This makes it a lot easier to find great places to eat near Japan tourist places.

9. Ms. Green

This app is a story in manga comic style. It is a must have app for all those on Japan tourism. This app tells the story of a lady traveling to the top places to visit in Japan at the same time meeting confused tourist and helping them understand all things Japanese from culture, customs, and history to toilet use, public transport, and food. It is an interesting read as well. You should download this app and go through the story before you visit Japan and keep it handy while on Japan tours as well.

10. Airbnb

Airbnb is a very popular among those who visit Japan. This accommodation hunting app is very useful to find a place to stay or a place to crash on Japan travel. You can search from a wide variety of options like apartments, villas, hotels, etc. You can also look to share accommodation at someone’s house, if you are looking for a unique experience when you visit Japan.

11. Google Translate

Google translate is a must have whenever you are visiting a foreign country. It makes life a lot easier. Though it is not 100% accurate, but still you can get by reading signs, menu cards, and other things written in Japanese with Google Translate. The app allows you to hold up your phone to any text and it will translate the text to English or any language you decide. Japan tourism will be much easier with Google translate in your pocket.

12. Sakefan World

This app is dedicated to all the information you need on the traditional Japanese drink of Sake. Drinking Sake is a must do in Japan trip. This app helps you find the right brand. It also helps you learn about the origin of the labels and other information you would need to make a decision on which Sake to gulp down.

13. Tabido

Tabido gives you insight on Japanese culture, customs, traditions, manners, and lifestyle. This app will make your Japan tours more meaningful as you will learn and understand the people and the culture better.

14. Japan Restaurant Guide

The app functions as the name advertises. It is a guide to find places to eat in Japan. You can search by cuisine, popularity, proximity and so on. It is a great way to discover the best places to go in Japan to have a nice meal or an authentic cuisine or a vegan cuisine and so on.

15. Uber

Uber is a popular cab hailing app and also works well in Japan. You can book a cab to where you want to go on Japan travel, you are connected with a cab which picks you up and drops you to your Japan destination. Easy peasy. It is useful for long journeys as well, though public transport is efficient and cheaper to use in Japan. For short trips within the city, you can also hail a cab, it is usually the same cost and sometimes cheaper as well.

16. Takkun

Takkun is your alternative to Uber on Japan trip. You can hail a taxi with this app, it gives you the car number & driver details. The app also shows the location & directions in Japanese, this is really helpful as most taxi drivers won’t speak foreign languages in Japan. So the app makes it easier to communicate the location to driver in katakana. The taxi charges are also usually cheaper compared to Uber, so this app saves you some bucks on Japan vacation.

17. Japan Transit Planner Jorudan

Jorudan is also a navigation app to guide your travel on Japan vacation. The interface is quite simple, you can also book tickets with this app.

18. Ecbo Cloak

Ecbo Cloak allows you to rent storage and lockers to put your belongings for as long as you need. This might come in handy if you want to go about places to visit in Japan and want to leave your luggage some place safe. If such a situation ever arrises when you are on Japan tourism, use this app.

19. Sushi Dictionary

It is a known fact that eating sushi is a must do in Japan. This app will guide you on what to order and what to try. It gives you all info you will need when ordering sushi. You can also compare the menu with the app to know what the item on menu card means in English and what that meal will contain.

20. Maps.me

This is equivalent to Google maps. Though Google maps would work fine as well in Japan. The advantage with maps.me is that it works offline as well. You can download the entire map of a city and then use it whenever you like without data connection. Makes it easier to find your way to places to visit in Japan.

21. Japan Navitime

This is a navigation app for Japan, especially Tokyo. Like hyperdia, Japan Navitime also gives you detailed information on public transport to guide your route to Japan places to visit.

22. Learn Japanese Phrases / Japanese Translator

Whenever you are visiting a foreign land, it is very useful to learn a few key phrases for conversation with the locals. It also shows the locals that you are interested in their language and culture. In Japan especially this gesture is very much appreciated. Hence this app. You can learn few basic words and phrases to use in conversation on Japan tours. It will surely make your Japan trip more interesting and memorable.

Safety Tips for Japan Travel

• First and foremost remember that Japan is a country which is frequently struck by natural disasters. This includes earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions. The people of Japan have seen many tragedies. You should always check the international as well as local Japanese news before you plan your Japan travel.
• As suggested above, you can download Safety Tips app to stay alert about all cautionary hazards which have recently taken place or likely to take place in Japan.
• Keep an identity card or at least a copy of your passport with you at all times. Police do carry out random searches and you are required to show a document of identification when you are on Japan trip. You may also need them at many Japan tourist attractions for entry or buying tickets as well.
• Japan is one of the safest countries to visit for tourist in terms of crime. The crime rate is low and the crime against tourist is even lower. There are instances of petty crime, but the police is efficient in all matters big and small. You will experience this first hand on Japan travel whether you are a victim or on the wrong side of law.
• Jaywalking is a big no no when you visit Japan. The cars run at high speed in Japan as people are not used to pedestrians jaywalking. Follow the traffic lights, if that’s hard to do then follow what others are doing. Keep you Japan travel as accident free as possible by following the rules.
• One things ladies especially need to be careful about in Japan is having their drinks spiked in clubs, bars, and lounges. Do not accept drinks from strangers and mind your food and drink at all times even if you are at best places to go in Japan.
• When using public transport on Japan travel always mind your belongings and your pockets. Pickpocketing and luggage snatching are crimes you need to watch out for in crowded places.
• Watch out for fake monks. You might come across cons dressed as priests asking for donations. They usually focus on tourists because those on Japan vacation may not be able to differentiate between a real monk and a fake one. Some of these also take guide of monks to pick your pockets so be careful and vigilant. The best thing to when faced with such a situation when you visit Japan is to walk away.
• Public transport can be difficult for ladies in Japan, there are incidents of groping on public transport and crowded places. Women on Japan tourism should remain on guard and speak out when faced with such a situation.
• Men are also frequently scammed by pretty women showing interest in them. There have been incidents of men meeting beautiful Japanese girls and then being conned out of their money & belongings on Japan tours.
• Watch out for allergies & restrictions when eating and drinking. Japan does not have many gluten free or nut free or fat free variety of meals. So make sure to ask for what the meal might contain before you order. Custom orders are not followed very well in many restaurants is instead of depending on the chef to make the meal in accordance to your taste, better stick to things you can eat without trouble when you visit Japan.
• Do not indulge in any sort of drugs in Japan or your Japan vacation will turn into jail time. Even if it is recreational drugs and even if they are legal in your home country. You are not allowed to carry drugs into the country when you visit Japan nor are you allowed to indulge in drugs on Japan travel.
• Whether you are drunk or not, do not get into a fight. If someone is being hostile towards you, look for an authority figure nearby and walk away. Even if you are not the instigating party, you will be charged by the police for being involved in a fight. And if you are drunk, then god help you on Japan tourism.