Places worth visiting in Japan
Whether it is your first time in Japan, or you’ve never been to these places before, these are some places that I visited on my most recent trip to Japan that I recommend.
A few of these are always recommended and posted about and in my experience totally worth visiting at least once 🤍
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🇯🇵The golden palace
📍 Kyoto, Japan
This is such a beautiful palace and seeing it in person is unreal. You cannot enter the inside, however there is a beautiful garden and lake around the palace with gorgeous walking paths amongst the garden.
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🇯🇵Team Lab Planets
📍 Tokyo, Japan
I know this is constantly hyped up and posted about, but honestly I think it’s worth experiencing. The art Truely does transport you to another universe and is also a beautiful moment to think beyond.
Tip: go early in the day when everything is fresh and wear pants that you can roll up as you will be walking through water.
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🇯🇵Ryozen Kannon Temple
📍 Kyoto, Japan
- we stumbled upon this beautiful temple just by walking through Kyoto and it was such a memorable experience. This a beautiful temple where you can pay your respects and admire the incredible statue of Bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara. This temple is a war memorial for the dead of the Pacific War. There is a small entry fee and once you enter You can place a stick of incense in a large pot just beyond Kagami Ike
Other Buddhist statues and a memorial Buddhist footprint can be found in the garden area of the temple.
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🇯🇵Disney sea
📍 Urayasu, Japan
This turned out to be one of the highlights of my trip! We weren’t even going to go due to time , however ended up being able to fit it in, and honestly it is sooo worth it! This Disney park was unlike any other Disney park I have been to.
Tips: Arrive at opening so you have all day to explore.
- get a locker in the front of the park and visit the gift shop first, ( at closing the store is absolutely crazy!)
- get a fast pass for your must see rides.
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🇯🇵Arashiyama bamboo forest
📍 Kyoto, Japan
This is a must visit while in Kyoto! Yes, the rumors are true it is VERY busy, however even with the amount of people it was still so beautiful. If you really want to see it with almost no one around you could arrive at 6/7 am , however we did not get there that early. The forest walk itself is fairly short, but long enough to be worth it.
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🇯🇵Nijo Castle
📍 Kyoto, Japan
This is such an incredible place, one of the most beautiful places I visited in Kyoto. You have the option to see inside the castle , because of time I did not see it, but the exterior and castle grounds are so beautiful.
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🇯🇵Mt. Fuji
- this is a must see while in Japan. It’s fairly easy to take a day trip from Tokyo and each little town around the mountain has something special and unique to see. We took the fast train to the area and then explored several different stops on the train to view the mountain.
Tips:
-book your train ticket ahead of time so you can get a good spot.
- book a Fuji viewing train, next time I would do this!
- start at the last stop on the train and end at the beginning.
- Azagawa has a lift that takes you to the top of a mountain/hill where you can take photos, have lunch, hike, and even swing!
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🇯🇵Sensoji Temple.
📍 Tokyo, Japan
/this is such a beautiful temple, especially at night. The food vendors outside offer delicious treats and it is all lit up. Absolutely beautiful and also full of life yet, serenity.
Tips:
Come here at night to see it beautifully lit up.
- try at least one street vendor food
- make a day of it and visit the surrounding area
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It's totally understandable to feel a bit overwhelmed when planning a trip to Japan – there's just so much incredible stuff to see and do! My recent adventure there really opened my eyes to how much more there is beyond the main highlights. While iconic spots like Kyoto's breathtaking Golden Palace (Kinkaku-ji) or the futuristic TeamLab Planets in Tokyo are absolutely must-visits, finding those special, perhaps less-hyped, experiences is what truly makes a trip unforgettable. When I started planning, I also thought a lot about "where to visit near me" once I was actually in Japan. What I learned quickly is that Japan's public transportation is your best friend! The Shinkansen (bullet train) makes getting between major cities like Tokyo and Kyoto a breeze. But within cities, don't shy away from local trains and subways. They're incredibly efficient and can take you to charming neighborhoods that might not be on every tourist's radar. For example, after visiting the solemn Ryozen Kannon Temple in Kyoto, I loved just wandering the nearby streets and stumbling upon quaint tea houses. It’s those spontaneous discoveries that often become the fondest memories. To really get a feel for a place, try to immerse yourself. Instead of just snapping a photo at the stunning Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, take a moment to truly listen to the rustling bamboo and let the peaceful atmosphere wash over you. If you're at Sensoji Temple in Tokyo, don't leave after admiring its illuminated beauty; grab some street food from the vendors – it's a sensory experience in itself! And while the grandeur of places like Nijo Castle is undeniable, sometimes a simple walk through a local park or a visit to a small, neighborhood shrine can be just as enriching. For those eager to find their own "places near me" while exploring, I highly recommend keeping an open mind. Chat with locals if you can, or use translation apps to ask for recommendations. Sometimes the best spots are just a short walk from where you are, hidden down a charming alleyway. For example, while everyone raves about Disney Sea (and for good reason, it’s amazing!), consider dedicating a day to explore the unique shops and cafes in a specific Tokyo or Kyoto district. And let's talk about Mt. Fuji. Seeing that majestic peak, whether from a distance or up close, is a quintessential Japan experience. But instead of just viewing it, think about what activities are "near" it. The towns around Mt. Fuji offer so much – from scenic boat rides to ropeways that give you panoramic views. My tip for Mt. Fuji is to look up local festivals or events happening in the surrounding areas. You might find a unique cultural experience to pair with your mountain view! Ultimately, for me, "visit place near me" in Japan came to mean being present, being curious, and allowing myself to explore beyond the itinerary. Every corner of Japan, from its bustling cities to its serene natural landscapes, has something wonderful to offer. Don't be afraid to veer off the beaten path – you might just discover your own personal favorite spot!