Japan’s Top 25 Most Popular Tourist Destinations by TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor Japan has created a top 25 list of the most popular tourist destinations of Japan in 2014. For the creation of this list TripAdvisor used its own unique algorithm to create this list with reviews that were written in other languages than Japanese from March 2013 until March 2014.

Coming in at the first place was the Fushimi Inari-taisha in Kyoto, that was ranked second place the day before. Second runner up was the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum in Hiroshima, ranked 1st place the year before. In third place was Itsukushima Shrine also located in Hiroshima. Find out more about other places in the complete list below.

Meiji Jingu Shrine

Meiji Shrine is located in the Shibuya district of Tokyo. A large number of visitors from all over Japan come for “hatsumode” or the first shrine visit of the New Year. On the day of your visit, you can catch a glimpse of a traditional wedding ceremony if you’re lucky.

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Fushimi Inari Shrine is the headquarters of all the Inari shrines. It has served as a place of worship for the common people over 1,300 years. The tunnel consisting of 10,000 torii gates is something to see. Enjoy a stroll through the rolling land on the spacious grounds of the shrine.

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

The word “gyoen” means a garden for the Imperial family. It’s only a 10 minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station (South Exit). So, this quiet and lush garden is loved by many people who go there to take a break from the city and relax.

Kinkakuji

Kinkakuji was established in 1397 by Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. Kinkakuji is known for the dazzling appearance of its reliquary hall in the middle of the pond, decorated with gold leaf.

Dotonbori

Dotonbori is a popular tourist destination in Osaka. There is never a boring moment in Dotonbori, a town covered with colorful signs and neon lights. And don’t forget to try the large variety of Osaka’s delicious food.

Sensoji Temple

Sensoji Temple is Tokyo’s oldest temple. Surrounding the main temple is a 5-story pagoda, as well as various shops along Nakamise-dori street leading up to the temple. The famous Sanja Festival, which spreads its way through the temple grounds, and the Hozuki Festival are held annually at Sensoji Temple.

Kiyomizu-dera

Kiyomizu-dera is a Kannon temple where the goddess Kannon is worshipped. Kiyomizu-dera has a particularly long history among the temples of Kyoto and it is a registered World Heritage site. It is one of Kyoto’s most popular tourist attractions.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum

A museum with a collection of materials related to the damage and the suffering caused by the atomic bomb. The exhibit includes belongings of the victims and evidence from the moment immediately after the bombing. These valuable items relate the story of the atomic bomb to the younger generations with no war experience.

The Hakone Open-Air Museum

The Hakone Open-Air Museum is an outdoor art museum that covers a huge area of approximately 70,000 square meters. You can enjoy sculptures from Henry Moore, Marta Pan and others.

Todaiji

Todaiji was completed in the year 752 and continues to be a popular place of religious importance to this day. The essential sights include the buildings that were rebuilt after being destroyed in fires caused by wars, the Daibutsu (the great Buddha), the masterpieces of the geniuses Unkei and Kaikei, and the statues of the guardian deities.

Nara Park

There are numerous World Heritage sites in this park at the base of the lush green mountains. Some examples are Todaiji, Kofukiji, and Kasuga-taisha. The friendly deer, said to be messengers from the gods, will come to greet you.

Narita-san Shinsho-ji Temple

Narita Station is just 10 minutes away from the airport. The 800m path, leading to the temple from the station, is an old traditional street. You can experience Japanese culture through the famous regional delicacy of eel and traditional festivals. It would be a waste to go to Narita just to use the airport.

Okunoin Temple

The sanctuary Okunoin Temple has been a place of comfort and support not only for the common people, but also for samurai warriors from 200 years ago. The road to the temple is 2 km long, surrounded by a mystic grove of Japanese cedar trees, which leaves you with a lasting impression. It is a power spot that cleanses your soul.

Kenroku-en

This garden is known as one of Japan’s three greatest gardens. It is also designated as a National Treasure. Enjoy the different features of each season in this garden where man-made beauty and nature exist in remarkable harmony.

Sanjusangen-do

Sanjusangen-do was rebuilt in 1266 and has been maintained, repeatedly undergoing repairs, for more than 700 years. 1001 statues of Kannon are enshrined in the 120-meter long temple, made entirely of Japanese cypress.

Nijo Castle

Nijo Castle, constructed in the Edo period, is a registered National Historic Site. Ninomaru Palace is designated as a National Treasure, and other buildings and wall panel paintings are designated as Important Cultural Properties. (Ninomaru is the area that defends Honmaru, the control center in times of war.) Nijo Castle is also a United Nations World Heritage site.

Nagasaki Peace Park

Nagasaki became a target of the atomic bomb during the Second World War. Nagasaki Peace Park continues to relate the tragic conditions after the bombing and the importance of world peace to future generations.

Robot Restaurant

Robot Restaurant has become immensely popular among overseas tourists. Enjoy the world’s only collaboration of robots, dancing, and live music.

Shibuya Center Gai

Center Gai, a place where the young get together, is right next to the famous crossing in Shibuya. There are stores for the youth lining the narrow street, and among the crowd and the noise, a unique atmosphere is created.

Jigokudani (Hell Valley)

Jigokudani (hell valley) is located right next to Noboribetsu hot springs. White smoke wafts up from the blowholes and you are enveloped in hot air that makes you feel as if you were in hell. The primeval forest in the surrounding area is known for its beautiful foliage in fall.

Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama

A monkey park in the popular Kyoto tourist area?! Find this hidden nature park where you can enjoy hiking as well as the wild monkeys.

Itsukushima Shrine

The island of Itsukushima (also called Miyajima) is known as one of the three most scenic spots in Japan. Itsukushima shrine, an invaluable location, is a visual representation of the ancient religion of Japanese Shinto. The gorgeous shrine and grand torii gate “floating” in the sea are spectacular.

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

An aquarium in the Ocean Expo Park facing the emerald green ocean. Starting with the massive tank known as the “Kuroshio Sea”, the highlight of the aquarium, it is filled with so many things to see that one day is simply not enough.

Matsumoto Castle

Matsumoto Castle, a National Treasure, has a castle tower that has existed since the 16th century. You can see the many defenses that have been devised against enemies for this castle built upon a plain.

Mori Art Museum

The Mori Art Museum on the 53rd floor of Roppongi Hills is a place where you can enjoy the latest contemporary art and Tokyo City View from a 360-degree observation deck. You can feel that the streets of Tokyo is art in itself.