The Best 30 Things to do in your Visit to Japan

Planning an itinerary for your trip to Japan can be pretty hard, because there is just so much to see and to do is amazing country! However, we from Planetyze have come up with a list that covers all the places to go to, from the Shibuya crossing to the magnificent temples in Kyoto to the super fun interactive ramen museum in Yokohama. Be sure to at least visit some of the places to make your trip to Japan an unforgettable experience!

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.

Harajuku

Recently, tourists to Japan add Takeshita Street in Harajuku as the place they want to visit most list. Harajuku continues to be the center of the “kawaii“ or cute subculture and its distinct fashion.

Tokyo Tower

3 million people visit Tokyo Tower annually. More than half of Tokyo Tower’s revenue is because of its popularity as a tourist spot. It is a sightseeing spot which tourists find irresistable.

Ueno Park

Ueno Park is a park full of culture and art. Popular art presentations and other famous exhibitions are held here. You enjoy the turning of the seasons with the cherry blossoms and the autumn foliage. And you can also tour some important historical buildings.

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.

Odaiba

For a fun-filled time in Tokyo, try Odaiba. There’s an amusement park, a museum, an onsen, an automobile showroom, and other attractions. There is so much to do that it’s difficult to get around in 1 day. It is one large entertainment facility on a huge area of reclaimed land.

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.

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.

Roppongi

Roppongi had the image of a nighttime entertainment district for adults, but recently it has changed into a modern area. It has become a place to show Tokyo’s latest art in museums of art that have increased their number one by one.

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.

Fujinomiya 5th Station

This is the shortest route among the 4 routes to the peak of Mt. Fuji, since this is the highest point accessible by car. The climbing difficulty of this route is fairly high.

Shibuya Crossing

Shibuya is the neighborhood where fashion buildings are built in close distance and advertisements are shown on giant LCD screens. The main intersection has groups of 3000 people crossing simultaneously on the weekends.

Osaka Castle

Osaka Castle was built by Toyotomi Hidetoshi in 1583. However, it was destroyed in a fire at the same time as his death. It was rebuilt before being destroyed by fire again in 1665. The modern Osaka Castle was rebuilt using contributions from local citizens, after an appeal was made by the mayor of Osaka at that time.

Himeji Castle

A valuable castle that has survived since the early Edo Era. Himeji Castle is admired as the most beautiful castle in Japan. It is famous as one of the three great castles in the nation.

Great Buddha(Kotoku-in)

Kamakura is a city located in Kanagawa Prefecture, nestled between the mountains and the ocean. It is an area that is abundant in nature. The Great Buddha of the Kotoku-in Temple has been designated as a National Treasure.

Jigokudani Monkey Park

Wild Japanese macaque monkeys searching for warmth soak in an “onsen” in a valley covered with deep snow. The park is popular as many people from around the world visit after seeing the famous pictures of the monkeys sitting in the hot springs.

Tsukiji Fish Market

Tsukiji was known as one of the largest markets in the world and was popular among the tourists from within the country and abroad. It will move to Toyosu on Oct. 6, 2018. The outer market which was next to the original Tsukiji Fish Market is still open, and it is still crowded with people buying fresh fish and people looking for the delicious fresh sushi.

Shinjuku Golden Gai (Golden Street)

Golden Gai was a postwar black market and prostitution area, transformed into an area of bars and hangouts. Tiny shops are packed into the labyrinth of alleys. The dimly lit neon lights brings out a nostalgic atmosphere.

Robot Restaurant

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

Omotesando

A sophisticated sense of high class engulfs the pedestrians walking there. From the main street to the back streets, there is a variety of shops. Even walking through the back alleys brings an air of celebrity

Asakusa Samba Carnival

Top teams gathering from all over Japan take part in a genuine samba dance contest competing for top scores. Enjoy this samba carnival which is said to be the largest of its kind in the northern hemisphere.

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.

Ghibli Museum

The Ghibli Museum is dedicated to the animated films created by the famed director, Hayao Miyazaki. Titles such as “My Neighbour Totoro” and “Spirited Away” have captured the attention and love of audiences worldwide.

Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum

Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum is a foodie theme park. With the concept of “Eating regional ramen all over the country without stepping on a plane”, you can enjoy ramen from every area of Japan.

Climbing Mt. Fuji

Mount Fuji was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2013. Interest in Mount Fuji is rising as it was rated a three-star site in the Green Guide Japan, the Japanese version of Michelin’s travel guidebook Le Guide Vert.

Gion Festival

The Gion Festival which has a grand history lasts for one month. Lavishly ornamented gigantic 12t yamaboko festival floats are paraded through the streets of Kyoto, and the festival is performed to pray for the prevention of disasters.

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