Language · 11 published
Country guide
Around three quarters of Japan is mountain and forest, which pushes almost everyone onto the eastern coastal plains and makes the country far narrower in practice than 377,975 km2 suggests. Forty-seven prefectures, eight traditional regions and more than 14,000 smaller islands, and yet a first visit usually runs along a single rail corridor with Tokyo at one end and Kyoto and Osaka at the other. Tokyo is the capital and largest city of a country of almost 123 million people. Hokkaido in the north and Okinawa in the south are different climates rather than day trips, and both need their own week.
Every city catalogued in this country so far, ranked by how much there is to see.
Photograph · Morio · CC BY-SA 3.0
Photograph · Martin Falbisoner · CC BY-SA 4.0
Photograph · Martin Falbisoner · CC BY-SA 4.0
Ranked by importance — sitelinks, pageviews and heritage status, not editor preference.
100 places match
Category
Typical visit duration
Shibuya Scramble Crossing is a major pedestrian intersection located in front of Shibuya Station in Tokyo. It is widely recognized as one of the busiest crossings globally, with multiple large digital screens mounted on surrounding buildings.
Gion District is a historic entertainment quarter in eastern Kyoto, Japan. It developed as a pleasure district during the Edo period and remains one of the most famous geisha districts in the country.
Akihabara is a district in central Tokyo known for electronics retail and otaku culture. The area developed from a post-war black market for radio parts into a major commercial hub.
The Umeda Sky Building is a distinctive high-rise structure in Osaka's Kita district, completed in 1993.
Ginza is a prominent upscale shopping and entertainment district in central Tokyo, Japan. Its local name is 銀座. The area developed significantly following the Meiji Restoration and became a symbol of Japanese modernization and Western influence.
Shinjuku is a major commercial and administrative district in central Tokyo, widely recognized as one of the city's most vibrant urban centers.
Harajuku is a district in Shibuya, Tokyo, internationally recognised for its youth culture, street fashion, and distinctive subcultural expressions.
Heian Shrine is a Shinto shrine in Kyoto, Japan. It was established in 1895 to commemorate the 1,100th anniversary of the founding of Kyoto as the imperial capital.
Ryōgoku Kokugikan is the principal indoor arena for professional sumo wrestling in Tokyo, located in the Ryōgoku district. The facility serves as headquarters for the Japan Sumo Association and hosts three of the six annual honbasho tournaments.
Expo '70 Commemorative Park is a large public park in Osaka that preserves the site of the 1970 World Exposition.
Cup Noodles Museum Osaka Ikeda is an interactive museum dedicated to the history of instant noodles and the legacy of Momofuku Ando, inventor of Chicken Ramen and Cup Noodles.
Minoh Park is a forested recreational area in northern Osaka Prefecture, centered on the Minoh Waterfall. The site forms part of Meiji no Mori Minoh Quasi-National Park, one of Japan's earliest quasi-national park designations.
Tokyo Station is a major railway station in the Marunouchi business district near the Imperial Palace. It serves as the primary terminal for multiple Shinkansen lines and regional rail services.
Pontocho Alley is a narrow pedestrian street in central Kyoto, running parallel to the Kamo River between Sanjo and Shijo streets. It is one of Kyoto's most atmospheric dining and entertainment districts, characterized by its tightly packed traditional wooden buildings.
Kiyomizu-dera stands on the wooded slope of Mount Otowa at the eastern edge of Kyoto, above the Higashiyama district and roughly a kilometre uphill from the nearest bus stop.
Tokyo Tower is a communications and observation tower located in the Minato ward of Tokyo. The structure serves as a broadcasting antenna for television and radio signals.
The temple everyone calls Kinkaku-ji is officially Rokuon-ji, a Rinzai Zen temple of the Shokoku-ji branch in the north-western corner of Kyoto.
Osaka Castle is a Japanese castle in Chuo-ku, Osaka. The local name is 大阪城. It is a major historical landmark and one of Japan's most famous castles.
Kyoto Station Building is the main railway station and a prominent landmark in Kyoto, Japan. It serves as a major transportation hub for the city and wider region, handling both local and long-distance services including Shinkansen bullet trains.
Tokyo National Museum stands as Japan's oldest and largest museum. Established in 1872, it occupies grounds within Ueno Park in the Taito ward.
Byōdō-in is a Buddhist temple in Uji, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan. Its local name is 平等院. The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, forming part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto.
Ginkaku-ji is the popular name for Jisho-ji, a Zen temple on the eastern hills of Kyoto and, in its own words, one of the affiliate temples of Shokoku-ji, the head temple of the Rinzai Shokoku-ji branch that still runs it.
Ryōanji is a Rinzai Zen temple in the north-west of Kyoto, in Ukyo ward, and its full name is Daiunzan Ryōanji.
To-ji is a Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan. It was founded in the eighth century and stands as one of the city's most historically significant religious sites.
Nijo-jo Castle is the Kyoto seat of the Tokugawa shoguns, completed in 1603 on the orders of Tokugawa Ieyasu in the year he was appointed Shogun, and it bracketed the whole of the regime it was built for.
Lake Biwa is the largest freshwater lake in Japan, located in Shiga Prefecture northeast of Kyoto. The lake occupies a central position in the region's geography and has historically served as a vital water resource and transportation route.
Kamigamo Shrine is one of Kyoto's most significant Shinto shrines, formally known as Kamo-wakeikazuchi-jinja.
Omotesandō is a tree-lined avenue in Tokyo, stretching from Harajuku to Aoyama. The local name is 表参道.
Tokyo Skytree is a broadcasting and observation tower in Sumida, Tokyo. It serves as the primary structure for digital terrestrial television broadcasting in the Kantō region.
Ninna-ji is a Shingon Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan. It serves as the head temple of the Omuro school of the Shingon sect. The temple was founded in 888 CE by Emperor Uda.
Edo Castle, known locally as 天守台, stands as the historic fortress at the heart of Tokyo. Once the seat of the Tokugawa shogunate from 1603 to 1868, this site shaped Japan's political destiny for over two centuries.
Shimogamo Shrine is a Shinto shrine in Kyoto, Japan, situated at the confluence of the Kamo and Takano rivers.
Tsutenkaku is an observation tower in Shinsekai, in Osaka's Naniwa ward, and it is the second tower to stand on the spot.
Tenryu-ji sits in Arashiyama, at the foot of the mountains on the western edge of Kyoto, and it is easier to understand once a visitor separates its garden from its buildings.
Enryaku-ji Temple is a major Buddhist temple complex located on Mount Hiei, northeast of Kyoto. Founded in 788 by Saicho, who introduced Tendai Buddhism to Japan, it serves as the headquarters of the Tendai sect.
The National Museum of Nature and Science is a major museum in Tokyo dedicated to natural history and scientific research. Its local name is 国立科学博物館.
Arashiyama is a district on the western outskirts of Kyoto, Japan, situated along the base of the Arashiyama Mountains. The area encompasses the Ōi River and is renowned for its natural scenery, including bamboo groves and seasonal foliage.
Nishi Hongan-ji is a Jodo Shinshu Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan. It serves as the headquarters of the Hongan-ji branch of the sect.
The National Museum of Western Art, known in Japanese as 国立西洋美術館, is an art museum in Tokyo dedicated to Western art. It is located in Ueno Park, a cultural district in the northern part of central Tokyo.
Akasaka Palace is a state guest house in Tokyo, Japan, designated as a National Treasure. Originally built as the Imperial Palace for the Crown Prince in 1909, it now serves as accommodation for visiting heads of state and dignitaries.
Kagurazaka is a historic hillside district in Tokyo, once known as a prominent geisha quarter during the Edo period. The area retains much of its old Tokyo atmosphere with narrow cobblestone alleyways, traditional wooden buildings, and hidden restaurants.
Daigo-ji Temple is a historic Buddhist temple complex in southeastern Kyoto, Japan. Founded in 874 CE, it holds significance as a major center of Shingon Buddhism.
Rainbow Bridge is a suspension bridge spanning northern Tokyo Bay between Shibaura Pier and the Odaiba waterfront district. The structure carries multiple transportation layers including the Yurikamome transit line, vehicular traffic on an expressway, and pedestrian walkways.
Saiho-ji, commonly known as Kokedera or the Moss Temple, is a Rinzai Zen Buddhist temple located in western Kyoto. The temple is renowned for its exceptional moss garden, which covers much of the temple grounds with dense, velvety green carpets.
The Kyoto International Manga Museum is a cultural institution in Kyoto, Japan, dedicated to manga, the Japanese art of comics and graphic novels. The museum occupies a former elementary school building, repurposed to house its extensive collections.
The Kyoto National Museum is one of Japan's major national museums, established to preserve and exhibit cultural properties connected to Kyoto's long history as the former imperial capital.
Kōzan-ji is a Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan, bearing the local name 高山寺. The temple holds status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site within the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto designation.
Ujigami Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Uji, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan. Its local name is 宇治上神社. The shrine is situated in the same vicinity as the more famous Byodo-in temple, in the historic Uji area known for tea cultivation.
The Kyoto Imperial Palace served as the residence of Japan's Imperial Family until 1869, when the capital moved to Tokyo.
Rikugien Gardens, known locally as 六義園, is a historic Japanese landscape garden in Tokyo. The garden follows the principles of kaiyushiki teien, a strolling garden style designed around a central pond with multiple viewpoints.
Katsura Imperial Villa is a historic imperial residence in western Kyoto, renowned as a masterpiece of Japanese garden and architectural design.
Ueno Park, known locally as Ueno Onshi Koen, is a major public park in Tokyo. It occupies a significant area in the Taito ward and serves as one of the city's most prominent green spaces.
Koishikawa Botanical Garden is a botanical garden and arboretum located in the Koishikawa area of Bunkyo Ward, Tokyo. Established in 1684 by the Tokugawa shogunate as a medicinal herb garden, it is one of Japan's oldest botanical gardens.
Mimizuka, also known as Hanazuka, is a historical mound monument located in Kyoto, Japan. The name translates to Mound of Ears or Mound of Noses.
The Tokyo Imperial Palace is the primary residence of the Emperor of Japan. Located in Chiyoda ward, it occupies the site of the former Edo Castle, which served as the seat of the Tokugawa shogunate from 1603 to 1868.
Hamarikyu Gardens is a public garden in central Tokyo, located at the mouth of the Sumida River where it meets Tokyo Bay.
Odaiba is a large artificial island in Tokyo Bay, originally developed for defensive purposes in the 1850s and later transformed into a major commercial and leisure district during the late 20th century.
Meiji Jingū is a Shinto shrine in Tokyo dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shōken. The shrine occupies a forested area within the dense metropolis.
Ueno Tōshō-gū is a Shinto shrine located in Ueno Park, Tokyo. It enshrines Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate that ruled Japan from 1603 to 1868.
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is a renowned natural attraction in the Arashiyama district of western Kyoto. The site features a dense stand of tall bamboo stalks forming a distinctive pathway that draws visitors from across the world.
Kyoto Tower is an observation tower located in Kyoto, Japan. Its local name is 京都タワー. The structure stands as a prominent landmark in the city, offering visitors elevated views of the surrounding urban and natural landscape.
The Ghibli Museum is a museum dedicated to the animated works of Studio Ghibli, the renowned Japanese animation studio founded by Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata.
Kyu Shiba Rikyu Garden is a historic landscape garden in central Tokyo, originally developed as a feudal lord's residence garden during the Edo period.
Heian Jingu stands in the Okazaki quarter of Kyoto's Sakyo ward, and it is younger than almost everything else a visitor comes to Kyoto to see.
The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo, known locally as 東京国立近代美術館, is a major Japanese art museum located in the Chiyoda ward of Tokyo.
Mount Hiei is a mountain located northeast of Kyoto, Japan, straddling the border between Kyoto Prefecture and Shiga Prefecture. The local name is 比叡山.
Chinzan-sō Garden is a Japanese garden located in Tokyo. The site is historically associated with the former estate of Prince Aritomo Yamagata, a prominent Meiji-era statesman.
Fushimi Inari Taisha is a Shinto shrine located in Fushimi Ward, Kyoto. It serves as the head shrine of approximately 30,000 Inari shrines across Japan.
Yoshiwara is a historic district in Tokyo with a documented past as a licensed pleasure quarter during the Edo period.
Koishikawa Kōrakuen is a historic Japanese garden in Bunkyō Ward, Tokyo. Its local name is 小石川後楽園. The garden is recognized as a Special Historic Site and Special Place of Scenic Beauty by the national government.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum is a municipal art museum located in Tokyo, Japan. The building was originally constructed as a residence for the Imperial family in 1933, designed with significant Art Deco influences.
Tofuku-ji is a Rinzai Zen Buddhist temple in southeastern Kyoto. Founded in 1236 by the statesman Kujo Michiie, it took its name from combining characters from Todai-ji and Kofuku-ji in Nara.
Yasaka Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Kyoto, Japan. It is also known as Gion Shrine. The shrine stands at the eastern end of Shijo-dori, a major thoroughfare in the city.
Fushimi Castle, known locally as 伏見城, is a historic Japanese castle site in Kyoto. The original structure was built in the late 16th century and played significant roles during the Azuchi-Momoyama period.
Kyu-Furukawa Gardens is a historic garden in Tokyo, known locally as 旧古河庭園. The site represents an important example of Japanese landscape design combined with Western architectural influence.
The Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery, known locally as Meiji Jingu Seitoku Kinen Kaigakan, is a commemorative art museum in Tokyo. It houses a collection of paintings depicting events from the life of Emperor Meiji and the broader Meiji era.
The Okura Museum of Art is a private art museum located in Tokyo, Japan. Its local name is 大倉集古館. The museum is associated with the Okura cultural tradition and holds collections developed through the Okura family's efforts.
Sakurada-mon is a historic gate in Tokyo, Japan, known locally as 桜田門. It stands as a significant surviving element of Edo Castle's former fortifications.
Kiyosumi Gardens is a traditional Japanese landscape garden located in the Fukagawa district of eastern Tokyo.
The Edo-Tokyo Museum is a history museum in Tokyo dedicated to the history and culture of the city from the Edo period through to modern times.
Inokashira Park is a public park in Tokyo, formally known as 井の頭恩賜公園. The site was bestowed upon Tokyo by the Emperor and remains a significant green space within the metropolis.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum is a public art museum operated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. Located in Ueno Park, it serves as a venue for diverse art exhibitions rather than maintaining a permanent collection.
Sanjusangen-do is the main hall of Rengeo-in, a Tendai temple in the Higashiyama ward of Kyoto, a few minutes south of the Kyoto National Museum.
Chion-in is a Jodo-shu Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan. It serves as the headquarters of the Jodo-shu sect founded by Honen. The temple complex occupies a significant site on the slopes of Higashiyama.
Kitano Tenmangu is a Shinto shrine in Kyoto, Japan, dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, a scholar and politician of the Heian period who was later deified as Tenjin, the god of learning.
The Artizon Museum is a private art museum in Tokyo, Japan. Its local name is アーティゾン美術館. The museum is identified on OpenStreetMap as node 250668618 and on Wikidata as Q913808.
The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, known locally as Miraikan, is a science museum located in Tokyo's Odaiba district.
The Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art is a municipal art museum located in Kyoto, Japan. It was established to preserve and exhibit artworks relevant to the city's cultural heritage.
Maruyama Park is a public park located in the Higashiyama district of Kyoto, Japan. It sits at the base of the Eastern Mountains and serves as one of the city's most popular cherry blossom viewing locations.
Shiodome Freight Terminal, known locally as 旧新橋停車場, is a former railway freight facility in Tokyo. The site holds historical significance as part of Japan's rail infrastructure development.
Yasuda Auditorium is a prominent auditorium building located on the Hongo campus of the University of Tokyo in Bunkyo ward.
The Japanese Folk Crafts Museum, known locally as 日本民藝館, is a museum in Tokyo dedicated to the Mingei folk craft movement founded by Yanagi Sōetsu.
Shosei-en Garden is a traditional Japanese garden located in Kyoto. It serves as the detached garden of Higashi Hongan-ji, one of the largest Buddhist sect headquarters in the city.
The National Art Center, Tokyo is a major museum in Roppongi, Minato ward. Its local name is 国立新美術館. The building was designed by architect Kisho Kurokawa and opened in 2007.
The Currency Museum of the Bank of Japan is a specialized museum dedicated to the history of Japanese and world currency.
Sugamo Prison, known locally as 巣鴨プリズン跡, was a major correctional facility in Tokyo that gained international notoriety during the post-World War II period.
Yasukuni Shrine is a Shinto shrine in Tokyo, Japan. Its local name is 靖国神社. The shrine holds complex significance in Japanese history and contemporary society.
Yoyogi Park is a major public park in Tokyo, Japan. The local name is 代々木公園. It is one of the largest city parks in the metropolis and serves as a significant recreational space for residents and visitors.
Source: OpenStreetMap contributors, Wikidata ·
Ten to fourteen days supports four or five days in Tokyo, three or four in Kyoto, and two or three in Osaka. Add Nara or Himeji only after those bases have enough time, and avoid turning every rail stop into a hotel change.
Japan's visa exemption or visa requirement depends on passport and travel purpose. Confirm the current rule through Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the embassy responsible for the traveller's residence.
The Tokaido Shinkansen links Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, while local rail and buses cover city travel. An IC card simplifies many local journeys but does not replace every reserved long-distance ticket, and luggage forwarding can reduce friction between bases.
March to May and October to November are broad options for the main-island route, with blossom and autumn periods creating concentrated demand. Confirm regional weather and reservations for the exact cities rather than assuming one national season behaves uniformly.
Japan uses the yen (JPY). Electronic payment is common but not universal, so carry some yen for smaller businesses, ticket machines, or rural transport without assuming that one stored-value card works for every purchase.
Japan's emergency numbers are 110 for police and 119 for fire or ambulance. Type A sockets operate at 100 V, which is lower than in the other wave-A countries, and mains tap water is recorded as safe.
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