Top Landmarks in Japan You Must Visit
![Itsukushima Shrine, Japan](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/20x11/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/nicki-eliza-schinow-bjjp2tn8woi-unsplash.webp)
Explore Japan’s most iconic landmarks, both natural and man-made, from the ancient temples of Kyoto to the bright neon lights of Osaka.
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1. Shibuya Crossing
Architectural Landmark
![Hundreds of people crossing the roads in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/jezael-melgoza-cudnrzbsyzw-unsplash-e1687860182207.webp)
Often called the world’s busiest pedestrian scramble, Shibuya Crossing has become a symbol of modern Tokyo, and one of the most iconic urban landmarks on the planet.
2. Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Natural Feature
![Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in Kyoto, Japan](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/atsushi-tsubokura-5ogug6eoyrk-unsplash-1.webp)
The beauty and mystery of the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, on the outskirts of Kyoto, has never been replicated anywhere else on Earth.
3. Itsukushima Shrine
Historical Landmark
![Itsukushima Shrine, Japan](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/nicki-eliza-schinow-bjjp2tn8woi-unsplash.webp)
4. Dotonbori
Historical Landmark
![alexander-smagin-609589-unsplash](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/alexander-smagin-609589-unsplash.webp)
While the bright lights of Tokyo remain Japan’s most famous, Osaka’s downtown Dotonbori district rivals anything the capital has to offer when it comes to neon signs and thrilling nightlife. Dotonbori at night is a bright as it is in the day, and its incredible selection of restaurants attracts foodies the world over.
5. Himeji Castle
Park
![Himeji Castle and Fuji mountain, Japan](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/shutterstock_601341215.webp)
Himeji Castle is Japan’s most famous castle and one of the best surviving examples of feudal Edo architecture. It was one of the country’s first Unesco World Heritage Sites, and has a storied past dating back to the 14th century, keeping a watchful eye over its namesake city.
6. Mount Fuji
Hill Station
![Lake Kawaguchi in Japan at dusk](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/takashi-miyazaki-b9vvj6eopoo-unsplash.webp)
7. Shirakawa-go
Architectural Landmark
![RAW GCTP0008 - JARIWALA - TOKYO 40](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/raw-gctp0008-jariwala-tokyo-40.webp)
A Unesco World Heritage Site, the picturesque village of Shirakawa-go is one of Japan’s top winter destinations. With the village lit up and covered by a blanket of snow, it’s a place unlike anywhere else in Japan.
8. Ashikaga Flower Park
Park
![shutterstock_159996809](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/shutterstock_159996809.webp)
Ashikaga Flower Park’s stunning purple wisterias attract thousands of visitors each year. The wisteria bloom in late April to early May, and the park is easily reached from Tokyo.
9. Nara Park
Natural Feature
![](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/kctp0006-picardal-japan-nara-46.webp)
Once thought to be messengers of the gods, the local sika deer now roam free in Nara Park and have become an icon of the city. Some are even friendly enough to bow when you offer them a cracker.
10. Fushimi Inari Taisha
Shrine
![Walk through the red torii gates at Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/shutterstock_510619519-by-dr_flash.webp)
11. Amanohashidate
Natural Feature
![shutterstock_498661168](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/shutterstock_498661168-1.webp)
Amanohashidate is a sandbar in Miyazu Bay, ranked as one of the Three Views of Japan (as chosen by 17th-century scholar Hayashi Gaho).
12. Kobe Port
Architectural Landmark
![shutterstock_269753783](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/shutterstock_269753783.webp)
Once the world’s busiest port, Kobe was decimated by the 1995 earthquake and now stands as evidence of the people’s resilience.
13. The Hells of Beppu
Natural Feature
![shutterstock_389111320](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/shutterstock_389111320.webp)
The Hells of Beppu are a designated Scenic Place of Beauty by the Japanese government. It’s aptly named, as the water here is way too hot to go for a dip.
14. Matsushima
Natural Feature
![Rock formations in Matsushima Bay, Japan](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/chuck-eugene-nrecwgwrafe-unsplash.webp)
The group of islands known as Matsushima in Miyagi prefecture have long been cherished for their beauty, and are also one of the Three Views of Japan.
15. Hiroshima Peace Park
Park, Architectural Landmark
![skaterlunatic-WJSg2eT8000-unsplash](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/skaterlunatic-wjsg2et8000-unsplash.webp)
16. Naoshima
Natural Feature
![Sculpture on the art island of Naoshima in Japan](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/yue-ting-lin-xqbepvx4hpo-unsplash.webp)
17. Daibutsu
Architectural Landmark, Historical Landmark
![Daibutsu statue in Kamakura, Japan](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/mos-design-sa2d9h0juau-unsplash.webp)
The Daibutsu, or Great Buddha, can be found in Nara, in the Buddhist temple Todai-ji. There are many Daibutsu scattered throughout the country, but this has garnered the most fame. This National Treasure is well over 1,000 years old.
18. Kyoto's Machiya
Architectural Landmark, Historical Landmark
Japan’s historic machiya are mostly concentrated in Kyoto. These traditional wooden townhouses are responsible for much of that ancient city’s charms, including the famous Gion and Pontocho geisha districts.
19. Jigokudani Monkey Park
Park
![rick-wallace-6bSw62wPKZU-unsplash](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/rick-wallace-6bsw62wpkzu-unsplash.webp)
20. Kinkaku-ji
Botanical Garden, Park
![Kinkaku-ji temple and gardens, Kita Ward, Kyoto, Japan](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/james-butterly-o5v56hqolas-unsplash-min.webp)
This unique golden temple has become one of Kyoto’s most famous attractions. The extravagant gold leaf tower looks over a large pond and picturesque Japanese garden.
21. Tokyo Tower
Building
![View of the lightened Tokyo Tower, Tokyo, Japan](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/louie-martinez-iocjwyqrv3m-unsplash.webp)
22. Lake Kawaguchiko
Natural Feature
![Lake Kawaguchi in Japan at dusk](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/takashi-miyazaki-b9vvj6eopoo-unsplash.webp)
The Fuji Five Lakes also include Yamanakako, Saiko, Shojiko and Motosuko, but Kawaguchiko is the most easily accessible. All of the lakes boast stunning views of Fuji’s snow-capped peak, and the embellishment of springtime cherry blossom or auburn fall foliage really makes for a spectacular sight. Recommended by Gethin Morgan.
23. Tsukiji Fish Market
Market, Shop
![Close up of food prep in Tsukiji Fish Market, Tokyo](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/hong-feng-pclra7y1t8k-unsplash.webp)
Fish plays a huge part in Japanese cuisine, and its bustling fish markets have been a staple of Japanese life for centuries. The sprawling stalls of Tsukiji are perfect for witnessing this first hand, just be prepared to hold your nose every now and then… Recommended by Gethin Morgan.
24. Osaka Castle
Building
![Osaka Castle](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/ang-yz-ibvrat-elrk-unsplash.webp)
25. Studio Ghibli Museum
Museum
![Studio Ghibli Museum, Japan](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/alex-rerh-4pbdkpnslzk-unsplash.webp)
Not many museums double up as landmarks, but this place has been designed with the same creativity and attention to detail as each of Studio Ghibli’s magical animated films. Recommended by Gethin Morgan.
26. Tokyo Skytree
Building
![View of Tokyo Skytree framed by cherry blossom petals](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/ryoji-iwata-zthc0nrbf9c-unsplash-min.webp)
27. Zenkoji Temple
Architectural Landmark, Historical Landmark
![Zenkoji Temple in Japan](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/yuika-takamura-cdy6orjyxj4-unsplash.webp)
Wherever you go in Japan, you’re likely to discover plenty of beautiful temples, but 7th Zenkoji is one of the most important and revered in the whole country, dating back to the 7th century, and housing the first Buddhist statue ever brought to Japan. Recommended by Gethin Morgan.
28. Nagasaki Peace Park
Park
The tragedies wrought by the atomic bombs dropped in 1945 will never be forgotten, but the struggles of Nagasaki are often overshadowed by the horrors of Hiroshima. This park, like its contemporary further north, is a tranquil and commemorative space, designed as a quiet but powerful memorial to the city’s collective strength. Recommended by Gethin Morgan.
29. Kegon Falls
Natural Feature
![Rainbow appearing at Kegon Falls in Japan](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/pablo-herrera-1flwhpsysi8-unsplash.webp)
The city of Nikko and its surrounding national park are not short of epic sights, from lavishly decorated shrines to vast lakes, woodlands and mountains. It’s also home to a series of thundering waterfalls, most spectacularly Kegon, where the water drops for around 97m. This place is best seen when surrounded by colourful autumn leaves. Recommended by Gethin Morgan.
30. Sangenjaya
Architectural Landmark, Historical Landmark
![Wandering through the small back alleys of Sangenjaya, Tokyo, around midnight](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/alex-knight-wfwupfvqrku-unsplash-min.webp)
The lively back alleys of this district offer a glimpse into the real Tokyo. Full of character and life, the area’s tightly packed streets are full of vibrant bars and eateries – best explore in the evening, of course. Recommended by Gethin Morgan.
Want to know the difference between a ryokan, machiya and a minshuku? Discover our guide for more information.