What comes to mind when I say Japan? Often clients mention Harajuku girls, sumo wrestlers, geishas, and samurai. These are awesome, but there is much more to Japan than the sites and pageantry of Tokyo. The Land of the Rising Sun dates back 30,000 years! Japan seamlessly combines ancient culture with ultra-modern, even futuristic present. It is a spellbinding country, expand your bucket list to include Japan. I am revealing lovely spots in Japan you need to see. Hopefully, these sites will inspire your wanderlust.
Itsukushima Shrine in Hiroshima
People believe that Itsukushima Shrine represents the boundary that separates the spirits from the living. At high tide, the shrine seems to float effortlessly above the water; you can walk on a sand bar leading it at low tide.
Chureito Pagoda in Mount Fuji
For perfect views of Mount Fuji, you will want to head to Chureito Pagoda. Instagram is full of shots pagoda because the building is stunning as well as the views from it. Always a lovely stop, but during the cherry blossom season, it is absolutely a must-visit site!
teamLab Borderless in Tokyo
So technically this isn't a spot in Japan, it is a museum. It is full of some of the most fantastic art installations in the world. The art moves in and out of rooms and interacts with other works of art. (That's the Borderless part!) You will need to get your tickets early because they go fast.
Kawachi Fuji Garden in Kitakyushu
The entirety of the Kawachi Fuji Gardens is stunning, but the standout display is the wisteria tunnel at the heart of the garden. Zen-like calm will take over you as you traipse through surrounded by flowering wisteria vines. It is the perfect place to propose, hint, hint!
Jigokudani Monkey Park in Nagano
Embark on a pleasant hike through the forest that leads to a hot spring. When you arrive, you will meet the Japanese snow monkeys relaxing in the spring. The monkey frolic, cuddle, and play in a steaming bath. The trip is worthwhile because it will be one of your most delightful days in Japan.
Chidorigafuchi Green Way in Tokyo
One beautiful spot in Tokyo from which to take in the cherry blossoms is at Chidorgiafuchi Green Way. Rent a boat and row out onto the middle of the lake, and blooms will surround you. It is magical.
Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto
Thousands of red gates make up the Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto. The shrine is an important relic for the Shinto religion. If you want the best views of Kyoto, you need to follow the gates to the top of the trail. The pictures are incomparable.
Nachi Falls in Wakayama
For over a thousand years, people have been making the Kumano Kodo, which comprises sacred pilgrimage trails through the Kansai region. The trails end at the Nachi Falls, which is Japan's largest waterfall. It is so impressive that it manages to pull focus from the superb shrine, Kumano Nachi Taishai.
Takeshita Dori in Harajuku, Tokyo
The focal point of Harajuku culture is Takeshita Dori (or Takeshita Street). The minute you arrive, you will feel like you have stepped into a comic book. Colorful, crazy, and always unique, this street is where you need to go and find yummy food and lots of inexpensive souvenirs.
Shiratani Unsuikyo Gorge in Kagoshima
If you enjoy hiking, you will adore this otherwordly park. It offers network trails along the ravine. There are historic tracks built during the Edo period as well as footpaths paved in stone and wood. The hiking routes range from one to five hours long, so bring sturdy boots!
Tokyo Metropolitan Aoyama Park
Hands down the place to go to see the Cherry Blossoms during Sukura Season. You will want to get there early to get the best pictures, but you can spend a whole day winding your way around the two halves of this lovely city park.
Blue Pond near Hokkaido
The Blue Pond is a truly magical and kind of eerie place. The water has a milky blue quality due to magnesium dissolved in the water. As you stroll its shores, you will feel as if you are in a fairyland. The water's color, combined with dead trees in the pond, deepen the spooky atmosphere.
Nara Park in Osaka
Nara Park is one most distinguished parks in Japan after being founded in 1880. The park is home to Kofokuji, a temple that represents the most influential family in Nara at the height of its importance. But the major draw of the park is the deer. The deer love people, well they love treats that people give them! The deer will eat out of your hands. If you want a picture of you playing with deer, I recommend going early. The park is enormous, but the deer congregate near tourists. It is almost impossible to get a great shot if you wait until the part is full.
Sagano Bamboo Forest in Kyoto
Considered one of the world's most beautiful forests, Sagano is both tranquil visually and aurally. The wind eerily rustles through the bamboo, and you can hear the spirits of the elders whispering your name as you walk through the forest.
Otaru Snow Light Path Festival in Hokkaido
Every February in Otaru, you will be transfixed by the hundreds of candles floating in the canal during the Snow Light Path Festival. Lanterns and snow statues adorn Hokkaido for the ten days the festival lasts. The restored warehouses and gas lamps of Unga Kaijo are the prime spot to enjoy this festive beauty.
Hokanji Temple
Hokanji Temple is a lovely, tall pagoda with graceful, sloping roofs on each tier; it lies in the middle of a historic Kyoto neighborhood. The temple is one of the most instragrammable areas of Kyoto. There is a lovely old willow tree in front of the Hokanji Temple that offers an ideal vantage point to get the perfect shot. But don't miss going inside this perfect pagoda that was inspired by a dream in 589 A.D.; it is full of treasures waiting for you to discover them.
Mount Yoshino in Nara
Mount Yoshino in Nara Prefecture is home to over 30.000 cherry trees, making it one of Japan's best places to view the cherry blossoms. The picturesque roads lead up the mountains are covered with cherry blossoms. Are you hoping to have the best views of the flowers? Be sure to check out either Yoshimizu-jinja Shrine or Hanayagura Observatory.
Next to the beautiful nature, there is also a lot of traditional Japanese culture to enjoy at Mount Yoshino.
Gion in Kyoto
Gion is home to the most famous geisha district in Kyoto. If you want to explore the Japanese traditional wooden Machida merchant houses, temples, and maybe meet a geisha, Gion is where you want to go. It’s one of the most iconic places in Japan. Take advantage of the location and have a unique photoshoot inspired by the geisha culture and Gion.
Osaka Castle
Have you always wanted to step into a fairytale? Then you need to head to Osaka Castle. Among the most famous castles in Japan, it dates back to the 16th century, when it played a significant role in unifying the nation. The lovely and unique mint coloring of the castle sets it apart from all the other pagodas and allows in to seamlessly blend into the surrounding lush environment.
Mount Fuji
Mount Fuji is Japan's tallest mountain, and one of its most iconic symbols. For centuries, it has inspired Japanese artists and poets due to its almost perfectly round form. Enjoy the area's museums, and sail on the pristine lakes, and play at the amusement park during the warmer months. In winter, hit the slopes, or spend the day relaxing at a hot spring. Mount Fuji is a must-visit site for anyone that travels to Japan.
Hakone
Mountainous Hakone is one of Japan's most renowned hot spring destinations. Nestled within a national park, Hakone features 17 different hot springs! Are you looking for an unusual spring? In Hakone, you can find baths with coffee and mulled wine. After you've dried off, visit one of its many stunning museums. A trip to Hakone would not be complete without enjoying spectacular views from Lake Ashinoko and traversing the Komagatake Ropeway.
Japan is a spectacular and unusual destination. Get out and explore this beautiful country and discover all these sights for yourself. These are my favorite lovely spots in Japan you need to see. What are yours?