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Explore the most beautiful places in Japan with us!!
An island country in East Asia, Japan {Nihon ( にほん)} is located in the northwest Pacific Ocean. Addressed as the “Land of the rising sun”, this isle of 6,853 islands is enveloped by the Sea of Japan on its west, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north towards the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south.
Other than its unique geography, the nation is acclaimed for its technological advancements all over the globe. In fact, it wouldn’t be wrong to label Japan as the unanimous winner generally in terms of technology and specifically in technology related to production.
The east-Asian nation has granted us ease with a few inventions such as car navigation, QR code system, bullet train, camera phones, CDs, DVDs, karaoke, and vending machines. Furthermore, the selfie sticks are also an invention of Japan.
Besides being the most progressive country in the field of technology, the nation has managed to remain attached to its ancient traditions and cultural heritage.
Despite being a top-notch country in the context of technology, the people of Japan remain close to their culture and traditions and proudly follow and flaunt their ancient customs and rituals.
Along with the world-famous inventions, Japan is also a nation that provides some alluring and utterly gorgeous places for tourists.

Japan, counted as one delightful travel harbour and among the many exquisite tourist destinations in the world, is sure to become one of your favourite destinations.
UNESCO world heritage site
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation labelled 25 spots in Japan as world heritage sites.
Among these 25 sites, 20 sites are of cultural importance, while the remaining 5 are considered natural heritage sites.
Dominant UNESCO world heritage sites in Japan
- Itsukushima Shrine.
- Hiroshima Peace Memorial.
- Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto.
- Historic Villages of Shirakawa- go and Gokayama.
- Fujisan, Sacred Place and Source of Artistic Inspiration.
The world heritage sites of Japan depict the country’s affluent and elegant cultural heritage and historical ethics.
Islands and cities of Japan
The sea-faced country comprises innumerable islands, while the population resides in these island cities.
Islands
The Japanese state is a cluster of almost 6,853 islands though the mainland comprises four main islands. The four major islands are-
- Hokkaido – is the northernmost and second-largest main island.
- Honshu is the largest and most crowded island; Tokyo’s capital city is housed on this island.
- Kyushu – ranked as the third largest island, Kyushu is the nearest to the Asian continent.
- The smallest of all the main islands, Shikoku lies between Honshu and Kyushu.
Cities
There are no states and provinces in Japan, and rather the country is subdivided into 47 administrative divisions. Although there are 10 cities on your bucket list-
- Tokyo
- Yokohama
- Kyoto
- Osaka
- Kobe
- Nara
- Hiroshima
- Nagoya
- Okinawa
- Sapporo
Beautiful Places in Japan
Accounting for a forest cover of over 50% and a rough mountainous terrain, Japan offers some magnificent, eye-grasping and breathtaking scenic spots.
From the wide mountain range and numerous islands to beautiful gardens and lakes, cherry trees and spiritual sites, the nation is a perfect blend of the cultural, natural, adventurous and religious harbour.
So here is a list of beautiful places in Japan, including both popular and more off the beaten track destinations.
1. Hitachi Seaside Park, a Flower Park in Ibaraki

Hitachi seaside park is a magnificent flower park located on Miharashi Hill in Hitachinaka and is an apt place for flower lovers.
The blue flowers, named nemophilas, also known as baby blue eyes, are a treat to watch, especially during the spring season. The park almost looks like a blue sea of flowers.
The Hitachi seaside park blooms throughout the year with a variety of beautiful flowers, so don’t worry if you can’t check the spring views in the garden.
In summers, you can adore California poppies, roses, daffodils, sunflowers and a small holland-inspired tulip garden, while in spring, grows bright red Kochia alongside baby blue eyes.
Besides the gorgeous flowery view, an adventure zone for children and an 11km long cycling path are also found at Hitachi seaside park. The Ferris wheel is also considered a good spot for a lovely glimpse into the Pleasure garden.
2. Himeji Castle, Hyogo Prefecture


This beautiful highland castle is placed in Himeji, a city located in Hyōgo Prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan and is the city’s main attraction. One can conveniently reach the castle from Osaka or Kyoto.
The most famous castle in Japan, the Himeji castle, dates back to the 17th century and, post its restoration in 2015, was opened to the public. Amongst the most enthralling castles in Japan, Himeji castle is also denominated as ‘White heron castle’ or ‘White Egret Castle.
The castle complex has about 83 buildings or more and is an austere, huge architecture with a feudal period defensive system.
Numerous samurai houses with wonderful gardens are also present in the neighbourhood of the castle. The cherry blossom season makes the castle appear more attractive and camera-ready.
Moreover, the Himeji castle is a world heritage site and has survived several wars and natural disasters. This giant structure still stands strong as the finest depiction of the Japanese architectural style.
3. Fushimi Inari shrine, Kyoto

One of the most beautiful places in Japan and a must-visit shrine in Kyoto. Fushimi Inari shrine is a very significant Shinto and is the primitive faith for the natives, prominently known for its Torii gates and heaps of vermillion gates.
Owing to the religious beliefs of the people as well as the popularity of the shrine, the place is usually full of visitors, but the crowd can be avoided if you are an early riser.
The Fushimi Inari shrine is open, and entry is absolutely free.
For those searching for scenic spots, you won’t be disappointed if you follow the trail towards the top of the mountain; you will get a fascinating view of the sacred and serene city. You can capture pictures of the emblematic Torii gates.
4. Mount Fuji, Yamanashi

Every travel guide to Japan is incomplete without the mention of Mount fuji. The most alluring and picturesque place in Japan, Fujisan is a must-visit for everyone in Japan or when you visit Japan.
There are numerous sites to witness the awe-inspiring mountain, but Arakurayama Sengen Park, which exhibits the majestic Chureito Pagoda, and Lake Kawaguchi, best seizes its beauty. Specifically, during the cherry blossoms in mid-April, the vision is beyond belief.
Lake Kawaguchi is among the five lakes of Mount fuji and gives some enthralling views, especially during the winter season; due to the clarity of the sky, the volcano’s impression of the water is visible.
The flawless symmetry of Fujisan makes up for a wondrous sight all along the year despite the spot you see it from.
The stunning mountain is one of the most beautiful places in Japan and remains one of the top attractions for tourists across the world.
Not to miss the several hiking trails towards the summit and at the base of the mountain. The hiking trails are for the amusement of all, including beginners too.
5. Tottori Dunes
![[Drone View] Tottori Sand Dunes](https://icytales.com/wp-content/cache/flying-press/yHzzOk9aq7I-hqdefault.jpg)
Located in Tottori prefecture are the most extraordinary landscapes in Japan, possessing a desert aura.
Besides the walking trails, there are a few sporty activities for your indulgence, such as sandboarding, paragliding and even hang gliding.
The engaging fact about the Tottori dunes is their constantly changing shapes, which is noticeable from the largest dune, where you feel the cool breeze swaying through your face and witness the winds and tides continuing to configure this landscape.
The dunes stretch up to 16 km from east to west along the coast of the Sea of Japan and are a part of the Sanin kaigan national park, where you can opt for a picturesque cruise on the edge of craggy Uradome Coast.
6. Osaka Castle Park
![BEAUTIFUL walking tour of Osaka castle [4K] [POV]](https://icytales.com/wp-content/cache/flying-press/TPba7A0yPsw-hqdefault.jpg)
For the ones who have a fondness for mythical and fantasy-driven castles, then Osaka Castle park should surely be on the itinerary. The mint-coloured detailing of the castle is extremely pleasant, and the beautiful trees add to the greenery and opulence.
You will find various food stalls here, and the Osaka Castle charges no fee until someone wants to look at the inside of this beauty.
7. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Kyoto

Intact with bamboo trees, the Arashiyama bamboo grove is located north of the entrance of Tenryuji Temple.
One of the most beautiful places in Japan and the right place to make you feel calmer and peaceful by the comforting sound of the bamboos clouting in the air currents.
Although the grove is open all day and all night, early mornings will be more suitable for those looking for a crowd less, serene environment.
In addition to this, one can visit Tenryuji Temple, a Zen temple with a complacent landscape garden, and Nonomiya Shrine, which appeared in ‘The Tale of Genji’ – both are inside the grove.
8. Ogasawara Islands, Tokyo

A far-flung cluster of islands, the Ogasawara islands are housed at a secluded spot was declared a Unesco world heritage site in 2011.
This group of islands, located 1,000 km south of the centre of Tokyo, offers a wide-ranging diversity of plant life and wildlife, including some marine life found only in this area of Japan.
The remote islands provide deep sea-diving, hiking and sandy beaches in the country. The islands’ isolated location equips you with a break, a disengagement from the flurry of the big cities.
9. Kanazawa: Marsh of Gold

One of Japan’s best commemorated Edo period cities is a hidden wonder. Offering its visitors numerous historical sites like the Kanazawa castle, the city also houses the Kenrokuen garden, one of Japan’s most beautiful places.
Kenrokuen Garden is full of pine trees, captivating bridges, flowers, teahouses, and walking trails. The garden has its name on the top three must-see landscaped gardens in the country.
In Japan, a garden is not merely an art form rather has substantial religious connotations.
Besides the beautiful garden, you can stroll beside the river Asano and visit the Geisha teahouse district Higashi Chaya Gai.
The Edo period city also provides classic Japanese wooden houses where you can try out one of their innovation: soft ice cream topped with golden leaves.
And not to miss Nagamachi samurai district with many samurai dwellings. The special ninja temple: Ninjadera Myoryuji, is also a visiting spot.
10. Lake Towada

The caldera lake formed two hundred thousand years ago due to eruption is stretched over two prefectures, Aomori and Akita.
Lake towada provides marvellous images of the lake, and the surrounding area exhibits the artistry of the season. Outdoor activities like kayaking are also possible.
11. Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

Also known as the roof of Japan, the alpine route passes over the spectacular terrain of Mount Tateyama in the Japanese Alps.
The route serves as a link between Toyama City in Toyama Prefecture with Omachi Town in Nagano Prefecture. This route is accessible from major cities in every prefecture.
During the spring season, the alpine route is reaped out of snow. If you wish to enjoy the snowy walls, June is the preferred time for visiting when these walls reach a height of 10 m or maybe even more.
While in summer you can go sightseeing or climbing or take a walk around nature.
12. Jigokudani Monkey Park

It is on the list of beautiful places in Japan, not because of its physical outlook but its perky, furry residents. Located near Nagano, the park, a winter wonderland, is popular for the wild snow monkeys that come down from the mountains to bathe in its hot springs.
Seeing these snow monkeys swim in the steaming water with those facial expressions that they put on is quite entertaining.
Watching the monkeys taking care of their babies, stuffing them, grooming them and carrying their babies around their back, young monkeys discovering their image in the hot spring as its reflection are those little sweet moments that make us realise that not all beauty resides in scenic spots, but the inhabitants also make a contribution.
13. Nara Park

One of the most beautiful places in Japan because of its blend of wildlife, gardens, and architecture.
Not only because of the temples and shrines, but the park is also prominently known for wild animals spurting around the city, especially its friendly deers that roam about the park freely.
At Nara Park, you can visit the Todai-Ji Temple, Kasuga-Tasha Shrine, and Yakushiji Temple.
14. Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine

One of the three beautiful Kumano shrines, the Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine near Nachi Taisha, is the 133 Nachi No Taki waterfall.
This is the tallest waterfall in Japan, the shrine being the original religious place in the area. the Kumano Nachi definitely stands among the most beautiful places in Japan.
The shrine is the original religious place in the area and can also be seen from the Pacific Ocean.
15. Kinkakuji Temple- Kyoto’s Golden pavilion
![Kyoto Walking Tour [4K] 🇯🇵 Golden Pavilion "Kinkakuji" Japanese garden 2020 Virtual Tour (ASMR) 京都](https://icytales.com/wp-content/cache/flying-press/IoRbm4FUsjM-hqdefault.jpg)
Kinkakuji depicts the legacy of medieval Japan, ordinarily known as the Golden Pavilion, which was originally built in 1397 by the third Ashikaga shogun, Yoshimitsu.
After Yoshimitsu’s demise, the complex was converted into a Zen Buddhist temple as per his will.
In 1994, the golden pavilion received recognition as a world heritage site. The most appealing is the gold leaf which completely covers the top two levels of the three-storied arrangement. Each floor depicts a different architectural form.
The principal floor consists of wooden pillars and white plaster walls. The second story embodies the Bukke style of architecture, which was commonly used in samurai homes.
And the third level is evocative of a Chinese Zen Hall. It is embellished on both sides, and on its top is a golden phoenix ornament.
This Japanese temple is extraordinarily splendid than many other temples in the country. The temple is open for visitors from 9:00 am- 5:00 pm with an entry fee of 400 yen.
16. Naoshima, Kagawa

Offshore Kanagawa prefecture, in the middle of the Okayama and Shikoku Island, the Seto Inland Sea is home to a row of small islands devoted to modern-day art.
The six ‘art islands’ are Teshima, Naoshima, Inujima, Megijima, Ogijima and Shodoshima – but if running out of time, the small island of Naoshima is the finest pick of the lot.
The three Tadao Ando-designed museums on Naoshima include Chichu Art Museum, Benesse House Museum and Lee Ufan Museum, constructed industrially, giving them a dreamy appearance.
Concurrently, the Art House Project, which emblazons Japanese and universal artworks in modernised traditional homes, retains the island’s charismatic rural and old-school vibe.
Do not forget to get yourself clicked in front of Yayoi Kusama’s ‘Pumpkin’, which rests against the view of a clear blue sky and sea.
17. Shirakawa-go, Gifu prefecture

This shielded Japanese village and unesco world heritage site lie in the Gifu prefectures. Shirakawa-go is a serene village brimming with traditional gassho-zukuri style farmhouses recognised for their sloped thatched roofs so that the snow slides down easily.
Another characteristic simulates the shape of two hands which seem to be praying at a shrine or temple.
When the weather is summery, yoake a stroll in the village and enjoy the lush green surroundings, ters, cherish the snowy s in the winter scenery.
18. The Blue Pond Near Hokkaido

The blue pond outside Furano on Hokkaido is an absolutely enchanting sight. Due to the dispersed magnesium in water, the pond’s water is milky blue in appearance.
You can roam beside the shore of the blue pond following a path wrapped up in trees and perceive as if you are walking in a dream destination.
19. Shrietko National Park
![[4K] Shiretoko National Park, Hokkaido | Japan](https://icytales.com/wp-content/cache/flying-press/h7jirPHQ-gE-hqdefault.jpg)
Listed on unesco’s list of heritage sites, Shriekto national park provides a heart-stopping scenic spot. The popular hiking route is visiting Shiretoko Five Lakes, Shiretoko Pass, Lake Rausu and Furepe Waterfalls.
The well-known place to participate in the drift ice tour is during the winter season when 80% of the sea is filled with drift ice.
Other Sights
- Ashikaga flower park- This 150-year-old park is one of the beautiful scenic spots for ones who wish to soak themselves in the symbol of perseverance and durability.
- The glass-bottom boat tour at Okinawa.
- The panoramic streets of Ninen-zaka and Sannen-zaka with their traditional wooden buildings.
- Narai is a post town in the beautiful Kiso Valley.
- Meguro River in Tokyo to witness the beautiful cherry blossoms.
- The lot lesser-known and remote temples, shrines and towns.
When you visit Japan, do not forget to…
The Japanese culture is amongst the well-healed cultures in the world. From amazing travelling destinations to Japanese cuisine and clothing, you will find the ancient traditions everywhere. So while travelling in Japan, make sure you-
- Try the world-renowned classic green tea, rich in antioxidants and matcha.
- Savour the Japanese cuisine, especially native sushi.
Photo by Riccardo Bergamini on Unsplash
- Have a stroll in bamboo forests and watch as many cherry trees and cherry blossoms as possible.

- Witness a sumo-wrestling match.
- Take a ride on the bullet train.
- Sing at a karaoke.
- Visit a Japanese house that follows all primitive traditions.
Japan owns some top-notch beautiful places, and some are famous sights while others are not so famous.
Still, overall this east-Asian island country is an apt destination for independent travellers with a tinge of traditional and modern comfort.
Moreover, Japan is not a too crowded and happening travelling destination but is emerging as a popular tourist harbour and has become a travel inspiration for those who prefer less crowded places.
Last Updated on by Laveleena Sharma