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
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.
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.
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.
Kamigamo Shrine is one of Kyoto's most significant Shinto shrines, formally known as Kamo-wakeikazuchi-jinja.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yoshiwara is a historic district in Tokyo with a documented past as a licensed pleasure quarter during the Edo period.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Battle of Uji, known locally as 以仁王の挙兵, is a historical site in Kyoto associated with the 1180 uprising led by Prince Mochihito against the Taira clan.
The Japan Vertical Datum, known locally as 水準原点 (Suijun Genten), is a geodetic benchmark serving as Japan's official reference point for measuring elevation above sea level.
Ōkuma Auditorium is a prominent building on the Waseda University campus in Tokyo, Japan. Its local name is 早稲田大学大隈記念講堂. The auditorium serves as a significant venue for the university and stands as a recognizable landmark within the Shinjuku ward.
Sannenzaka is a historic stone-paved pedestrian slope in the Higashiyama district of eastern Kyoto, Japan. The name translates to Three-Year Slope, derived from a folk belief that falling here brings three years of bad luck.
Ōoku, known locally as 大奥跡, marks the site of the women's quarters in Edo Castle, the administrative heart of the Tokugawa shogunate from 1603 to 1868.
Roppongi Hills is a major urban development in Tokyo's Minato ward, centered around the Mori Tower. Opened in 2003, the complex was developed by Mori Building Company as a model for integrated urban renewal.
Philosopher's Path is a pedestrian walkway in Kyoto, Japan, following a canal lined with cherry trees. The route connects Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) with Nanzen-ji temple precincts.
Shinsekai is a small neighbourhood in Naniwa ward, pressed between Tennoji Park on its east side and Nishinari on its south, and it is one of the few parts of Osaka people travel to for the street itself rather than…
Shiodome is a major commercial and entertainment district in central Tokyo, Japan. The area was historically a terminal station for Japan National Railways and underwent significant redevelopment beginning in the late 1990s.
Akamon, known locally as 赤門, is a historic red gate located in Tokyo, Japan. It stands as a significant architectural landmark within the urban landscape.
Meiji Seimei Kan is a historic building in Tokyo, Japan, known locally as 明治生命館. The structure was originally constructed as the headquarters for Meiji Life Insurance Company.
The Battle of Uji refers to multiple historic military engagements fought near the Uji River in Kyoto Prefecture, Japan. The most famous occurred in 1180 and 1184 during the Genpei War between the Minamoto and Taira clans.
Sentō Imperial Palace, known locally as 仙洞御所, served as the residence for retired emperors in Kyoto. Established in 1630, it represents an important chapter of Japan's imperial history.
Shugakuin Imperial Villa is an imperial property in northeastern Kyoto, Japan. It was established in the seventeenth century as a retreat for retired emperors. The site comprises multiple garden areas set against the foothills of Mount Hiei.
Amazuka Kofun is a kofun burial mound located in Kyoto, Japan. The local name is 天塚古墳. It is classified as an ancient burial mound from the Kofun period, which spanned roughly from the 3rd to 7th centuries in Japanese history.
Hayaagari Tile Kiln Site, known locally as 隼上り瓦窯跡, is a historical archaeological site in Kyoto, Japan. It represents the remains of a traditional tile kiln used in the production of ceramic roofing materials.
Hebizuka Kofun, known locally as 蛇塚古墳, is a kofun burial mound located in Kyoto, Japan. The term kofun refers to ancient Japanese burial mounds constructed during the Kofun period, roughly spanning the 3rd to 7th centuries.
The Shibakawa Building, known locally as 芝川ビルディング, stands as a recognized structure within Osaka's urban fabric. Identified through OpenStreetMap production data as way/233516674, this building has been matched to Osaka's verified visitor place pool.
Golden Gai is a historic nightlife district in Shinjuku, Tokyo, comprising approximately six narrow alleys and over 200 tiny bars. The area developed from a black market district in post-war Japan and retains its Showa-era architectural character.
Nakamise Shopping Street is one of Tokyo's oldest and most visited shopping thoroughfares, stretching approximately 250 meters from Kaminarimon Gate to the second gate of Sensoji Temple in Asakusa.
Ninenzaka is a historic stone-paved street in Higashiyama, Kyoto, located near Kiyomizu-dera temple. It forms part of a preserved traditional district characterized by wooden machiya townhouses, many converted into shops, cafes, and small inns.
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.
.jpg){kind=link}
