Twenty Essential Japan Destinations
Source:
@1hourtravelguides
20 places on the map
Explore the map in the DocentPro app20 attractions in Japan: Shibuya Scramble Crossing, Sensō-ji, teamLab Planets TOKYO DMM, and 17 more. Every place is verified on Google Maps, featured in an Instagram post by 1 Hour Travel Guides.
Shibuya Scramble Crossing
Landmark
4.5
• Iconic intersection in Tokyo with thousands of pedestrians • Experience the organized chaos of one of the world's busiest crossings
Sensō-ji
Place of worship
4.5
• Tokyo's oldest temple, founded in 628 • Nakamise-dori market street leads to the main hall • Visit early morning to avoid crowds
teamLab Planets TOKYO DMM
Museum
4.5
• Immersive digital art museum where you walk through water • Experience art with all five senses ✓ Book tickets well in advance
Meiji Jingu
Place of worship
4.6
• Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken • Surrounded by a forest with over 100,000 trees • Witness traditional wedding ceremonies on weekends
Fushimi Inari Taisha
Place of worship
4.6
• Head shrine of the god Inari, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates • Hike through the torii gate tunnels for scenic views of Kyoto • Open 24/7 with no admission fee
Kinkaku-ji
Place of worship
4.5
• Zen Buddhist temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion • Upper floors are covered in gold leaf • Beautifully landscaped gardens surround the temple
Arashiyama
Place
4.5
• Scenic district on the western outskirts of Kyoto • Famous for its bamboo grove and Togetsukyo Bridge • Rent a boat on the Hozugawa River for unique views
Kiyomizu-dera
Place of worship
4.5
• Historic Buddhist temple in eastern Kyoto • Famous for its wooden stage offering panoramic city views • Drink from the Otowa Waterfall for good fortune
Osaka Castle
Historical place
4.4
• Iconic Japanese castle, central to Osaka's history • Explore the castle museum and enjoy panoramic views from the top • The castle grounds are beautiful, especially during cherry blossom season
Dotonbori
Place
• Vibrant entertainment and food district in Osaka • Famous for its bright neon lights and iconic Glico Running Man sign • Try local street food like takoyaki and okonomiyaki
Universal Studios Japan
Amusement center
4.5
• Popular theme park with attractions based on movies and pop culture • Home to Super Nintendo World and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter ✓ Purchase Express Pass to save time on popular rides
Nara Park
Park
4.5
• Historic city famous for its freely roaming deer • Feed the deer with special crackers available for purchase • Visit Todai-ji Temple, home to a giant Buddha statue
Kanazawa
Place
• City known for its well-preserved Edo-era districts, samurai residences, and geisha houses • Explore Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan's most beautiful landscape gardens • Visit the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art
Takayama
Place
• Historic town in the Japanese Alps with well-preserved Edo-period streets • Stroll through Sanmachi Suji, lined with old merchant houses and sake breweries • Visit the Takayama Jinya, a former government office
Shirakawa
Place
• UNESCO World Heritage site known for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses • Experience rural Japan and its unique architectural style • Best visited in winter for snow-covered landscapes
Kinosaki Onsen
Place
• Historic hot spring town with seven public bathhouses • Stay in a ryokan and enjoy yukata strolls between baths • Experience the traditional onsen culture of Japan
Mount Fuji
Place
4.6
• Japan's highest peak and an iconic symbol • Best views are often from the Fuji Five Lakes region • Climbing season is typically from July to early September
Yakushima Island
Island
4.7
• UNESCO World Heritage site known for ancient cedar forests • Hike among millennium-old trees, including the Jomon Sugi • Experience unique flora and fauna on this subtropical island
Naoshima Island
Island
4.4
• Art island in the Seto Inland Sea, known for contemporary art museums and outdoor sculptures • Visit the Benesse House Museum and Chichu Art Museum • Rent a bicycle to explore the island's art installations
Itsukushima
Natural feature
4.6
• Famous for the floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine • Explore the shrine at high tide to see the gate appear to float • Encounter friendly deer roaming freely on the island
Save these 20 places to your map
Keep every place on your own map in DocentPro, and add more as you browse.
More featured places in Japan
Explore Japan's Top Cities and Attractions
Hachikō Memorial Statue, Shibuya Scramble Crossing, Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
Deeper Japan Exploration: Cities and Attractions
Hachikō Memorial Statue, Shibuya Scramble Crossing, Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
Kyoto and Tokyo Itineraries For First-Time Visitors
Ninenzaka, Hokan-ji, Yasaka Jinja
Must-See Japanese Attractions For First-Time Visitors
Ninenzaka, Hokan-ji, Yasaka Jinja
Scenic Campervan Destinations Across Japan
Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba (Traditional Japanese Village), Doro Kyo Gorge, Naena Waterfall