Japan is a country that can be overwhelming, from its bustling energy to its unfamiliar language. So finding the best places to visit in Japan for first-timers is an enjoyable adventure that requires research.
Japan’s sensory overload is part of its appeal, as it’s like nowhere else on earth. From the soaring Tokyo Tower to the ancient Golden Pavilion of Kyoto, the contrasts are always amazing to see.
Beyond the cities, there are places as beautiful as anywhere on earth. The pine forests of Miho no Matsubara and the bamboo groves of Arashiyama are images to haunt you forever.
Here are the best places in Japan for first-timers.
Hirosaki Castle, Aomori
Hirosaki Castle, Aomori
One of Japan’s few remaining totally original castles, Hirosaki Castle in Aomori dates to 1611. Its white walls, dark wood, and cedar-bark roof make for a beautiful sight.
The castle stands in a park with more than 2,500 cherry trees. It’s particularly popular in spring when fallen blossoms cover the castle moat.
Besides its trees, the park also has several original Edo-period buildings. Seasonal festivals are held here throughout the year, including a famous Lantern Festival.
The castle itself has its original stone walls, several towers, and gates. The three-story tenshu, or castle tower, houses an interesting collection of historic weaponry.
Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, Fukuoka
Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, Fukuoka
Dazaifu Tenmangu in Fukuoka is one of the loveliest shrines in Japan. Its man-made delights are complemented by grounds decorated by 6,000 plum trees.
The shrine is at its most scenic in spring when pink, white, and wine-red blossoms fill the park. However, the trees are equally beautiful during fall in Japan, when the leaves turn to autumn colors.
Dazaifu Tenmangu is dedicated to a famed scholar and its main hall dates to 1591. It’s fronted by an arched bridge over a pond that creates a wonderfully photogenic image.
Becoming almost as famous as the shrine is an ultramodern coffee shop on the approach avenue. Designed by architect Kengo Kuma, it’s a Japanese social media sensation.
Mount Hakodate, Hakodate
View from Mount Hakodate, Hakodate
At only just over 1,000 feet, Mount Hakodate is still by far the highest mountain on the landscape here. Standing on a peninsula, its peak gives you spectacular views over the city.
Although it offers one of the best hikes in Japan, most visitors opt for the three-minute ropeway ride. The terminal building includes observation decks, souvenir shops, and restaurants.
There are both sheltered indoor decks and an outside one for unobstructed views. You can see the Tsugaru Strait, parts of Hokkaido, and on clear days, mainland Japan.
Goryokaku Fort, Hakodate
Goryokaku Fort, Hakodate
Japan’s first Western-style fortress was built in the typical star shape of the late 1800s. You can see the 28-point design best from the tower observatory.
Goryokaku in Hakodate was the site of the final battle of the Tokugawa shogunate in 1869. This was a critical moment in Japan’s transition from feudalism to modern imperial rule.
While often depicted as involving samurai warriors against modern weapons, there was a great deal of innovation on both sides. Iron-clad steamships, Gatling guns, and foreign military advisers were all key elements in the battle.
You can find out more about the battle and the fort in the onsite museum. It’s in a park filled with cherry trees and walking trails.
Atomic Bomb Dome, Hiroshima
Atomic Bomb Dome, Hiroshima
One of the best places to visit in Japan, the poignant Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and Park document the atomic bombing of August 6, 1945. Its most iconic feature is the ruined Genbaku Dome, the only building left standing at the center of the blast.
Other features include a Cenotaph bearing the names of all known victims. Visitors can ring the Peace Bell, which symbolizes hope for world peace.
The park’s museum gives a deeply moving account of the bombing and its consequences. It has artifacts, photographs, and personal stories of the survivors.
Miyajima Island, Hiroshima
Miyajima Island, Hiroshima
Miyajima Island is famous for its “floating” torii marking Itsukushima Shrine. The giant red gate appears to rise from the sea at high tide and is a staple of Japanese travel posters.
Itsukushima Shrine itself also appears to float on the water. The whole island is sacred in the Shinto religion, with a history dating back more than 1,000 years.
Miyajima is home to free-roaming deer, whose protected status has made them very tame. You can also hike on Mount Misen and enjoy the local specialty of momiji manju, leaf-shaped sweet cakes.
Sengan-en Garden, Kagoshima
Sengan-en Garden, Kagoshima
Sengan-en in Kagoshima is a historic Japanese landscape garden and villa, dating to 1658. Built by the Shimadzu clan, it shows the affluent lifestyle enjoyed by such feudal families.
The garden is laid out in the traditional Japanese landscape style of shakkei that incorporates “borrowed” scenery. One such view takes in Sakurajima, an active volcano.
With its rare plants and trees, the garden also blends Japanese and Western architectural elements. During this Edo period, the Shimadzu clan was at the forefront of modernization in Japan.
Beside the garden is the Shoko Shuseikan Museum which showcases the clan’s industrial heritage. The museum, dating to 1865, was Japan’s first Western-style stone building.
Kobe Harborland, Kobe
Kobe Harborland, Kobe
Kobe Harborland is a shopping and entertainment district on the city’s waterfront. Full of major attractions, it has been central to Kobe’s resurgence as a visitor destination.
Umie is the centerpiece, a complex of three large shopping malls. Beside it stands a large Ferris wheel and the popular Anpanman Museum, dedicated to the cartoon superhero.
There are numerous waterfront restaurants and cafés in which to enjoy Kobe’s famous cuisine, including succulent Kobe beef. Visiting Kobe Port Tower and the Kobe Maritime Museum are also popular things to do in Kobe.
Kochi Castle, Kochi
Kochi Castle, Kochi
Kochi is one of only 12 castles from Japan’s Edo period that has survived intact. Originally built in the early 17th century, its tenshu—castle tower—dates to 1748.
Still at the heart of Kochi City, the castle complex offers real insight into samurai life and architecture. You can visit the tower to see rooms once lived in by these feudal Japanese lords.
The castle grounds, now a public park, hold a striking modern museum. As well as detailing the castle’s history, it holds thousands of historical artifacts, including samurai armor.
Katsurahama Beach, Kochi
Katsurahama Beach, Kochi
Strong currents and rocks make Katsurahama Beach unsuitable for swimming. Despite that, this moon-shaped beach is famous for its dramatic Pacific Ocean views.
This Japanese beach is part of a park that offers walking trails and lookout points. The rocky coastline and pine-covered landscape are popular subjects in Japanese art, literature, and photography.
On the beach is a statue of Sakamoto Ryoma, a Japanese national hero. A visionary samurai, he helped drive the country’s modernization and opening up to the outside world.
Kumamoto Castle, Kumamoto
Kumamoto Castle, Kumamoto
One of Japan’s largest and most impressive castles, Kumamoto dates to 1607. Damaged most recently in a 2016 earthquake, the ongoing restoration work is fascinating in itself.
The castle is notable for its massive stone walls, complex defense works, and architectural beauty. Alongside Himeji and Matsumoto, it is considered one of Japan’s top three castles.
The imposing six-story main tower reopened in 2023 and now houses an up-to-date museum. The castle grounds covering almost 100 acres, include beautiful cherry blossom gardens.
The castle played a major role in the Boshin War of 1877, when samurai forces attacked it during the Satsuma Rebellion. The strong defensive features of the castle helped the Imperial forces to successfully withstand a two-month siege.
Fushimi-inari Taisha, Kyoto
Fushimi-inari Taisha, Kyoto
Fushimi Inari is a Shinto shrine famous for its thousands of vermilion torii. These distinctive gates wind up Mount Inari in a colorful, much-photographed tunnel. Thanks to the beauty of the torii, this is one of the most iconic places to visit in Japan for first-timers.
The shrine is dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice and sake. Each torii gate has been gifted by a business or individual to pray for prosperity or give thanks for success.
As well as some 10,000 gates there are numerous fox statues, or kitsune. Foxes are seen as Inari’s sacred messengers and the statues are often depicted holding symbolic objects, such as rice stalks.
Golden Pavilion, Kyoto
Golden Pavilion, Kyoto
Kinkaku-ji, the “Golden Pavilion”, is a Zen temple covered in gold leaf. Surrounded by a mirror pond, its reflection makes it doubly amazing to see.
The three-story pavilion is built in three different architectural styles. It’s one of the most beautiful places in Japan.
The temple was originally a retirement home for a Shogun, becoming a temple after his death in 1408. It has burned down many times over the centuries but always been faithfully restored.
The temple stands in a meticulously designed Japanese landscape garden. Carefully placed rocks, islands, and trees encourage walks to contemplate nature and wider philosophical thoughts.
Arashiyama, Kyoto
Arashiyama, Kyoto
The bamboo groves of Arashiyama create a mystical experience with their beauty and ethereal lighting. Swaying in the breeze, the bamboo leaves bring movement and sound to a multi-sensory experience.
Visitors have been coming here to enjoy nature since the eighth century. A central feature nearby is Togetsukyo Bridge, now surrounded by small shops and restaurants where you can try authentic Japanese cuisine.
You can visit Tenryuji Temple or rent a boat to enjoy some time on the river. At Nomiya Shrine, you might see young women in traditional kimonos coming to pray for fertility.
Kiyomizu-dera, Kyoto
Kiyomizu-dera, Kyoto
Kiyomizu-dera is a major Buddhist temple in Kyoto, famed for its massive wooden viewing platform. Built without nails using traditional techniques, it has panoramic views of the city.
The temple was founded in 778 AD and is now a Unesco World Heritage Site. Its many historic shrines and worship halls make for an engrossing visit.
The Otowa Waterfall in the grounds has three streams of water said to bring luck in love, longevity, or studies. Sadly, it’s considered bad luck to choose all three, so you should content yourself with picking only two.
Mount Fuji
Mount Fuji
Mount Fuji is one of the most famous landmarks of Japan. Snow-topped in winter, its remarkably symmetrical cone is the highest peak in the country.
On a clear day, you can see the mountain from Tokyo or even Shinkansen trains to or from Kansai. However, to get closer, the rustic view from Oshino Hakkai is a popular spot.
Another classic image can be captured in Arakurayama Sengen Park. The red, five-storied pagoda here makes a lovely foreground for photos, especially in cherry blossom season.
Miho-no-Matsubara, Shizuoka, near Shimizu
Miho-no-Matsubara, Shizuoka
Miho no Matsubara, a beautiful stretch of coastline on the Miho Peninsula, is a hidden gem for those seeking off-the-beaten-path Japan. The familiar cone of Mount Fuji looms above green pine trees and a miles-long, dark sand beach to form a remarkable view.
A national poll in 1915 designated this as one of the “New Three Views of Japan”. It has been depicted in writing, art, and now photography ever since.
Miho-no-Matsubara means “Pine Grove of Miho”, named for the thousands of pine trees here, gnarled by ocean winds. A walking and cycling trail behind the beach allows you to fully enjoy this remarkable place.
Lake Ashi, near Shimizu
Lake Ashi, near Shimizu
Lake Ashi is a crater lake in Hakone, surrounded by scenic hills and greenery. In the distance is Mount Fuji, which can be seen reflected in the lake on clear days.
The lake is often explored onboard sightseeing boats, including some that look like pirate ships. These bring visitors to key viewpoints, such as the red torii, or gate, of the Hakone Shrine.
As well as the shrine, other nearby attractions include hot springs. A ropeway runs from the lakeshore to Owakudani, famous for its “black eggs” cooked in the hot waters.
Nagasaki Peace Park, Nagasaki
Nagasaki Peace Park, Nagasaki
Like Hiroshima, Nagasaki’s Peace Park is a powerful reminder of the horrors of the atomic bombing of World War II. A memorial to the victims, it is also a powerful symbol of peace.
The Hypocenter Park marks the precise location above which the bomb exploded on August 9, 1945. The Fountain of Peace recalls the many victims who died crying for water.
At the western end of the park is the Peace Statue, a massive bronze sculpture symbolizing peace. The story of the bombing and its aftermath is told in detail in the Atomic Bomb Museum.
Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo
Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo
Senso-ji, one of Japan’s most beautiful temples, was founded in 645 AD. The massive red lantern at its Kaminarimon—“Thunder Gate”—has become a symbol of the city.
Despite the apparent age of its buildings, all you see had to be restored after the World War II bombing. However, its ancient rites remain intact, such as omikuji, or fortune-telling.
The shrine is approached along the Nakamise “Shopping Street”, which is lined with traditional shops. Walking through them and paying respects in the Main Hall give you a real feel for the Japan of old.
Tokyo Tower, Tokyo
Tokyo Tower, Tokyo
Although somewhat overshadowed in height by a newer rival, Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Tower remains a visitor favorite. Maybe that’s because the view includes the Skytree, now the tallest structure in Japan.
Tokyo Tower was built in 1958, with a design owing much to the Eiffel Tower. At just over 1,000 feet—exactly 333 meters—it has views as far as Mount Fuji.
The viewing platform is on the top of the tower’s three tiers. The bottom level has restaurants and souvenir shops, while the middle is an observatory with a vertigo-inducing window.
Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo
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