Top 10 Awe-Inspiring And Most Beautiful Places In Japan

1. Meiji Shrine in Shibuya

Head towards Harajuku station and walk into Yoyogi Park. As you stroll down the central route you’ll be taken straight to the torii-gated entrance of Meiji Shrine. As one of the most popular shrines in Japan, you should expect to see both locals and tourists alike. At this Shinto shrine, you can make an offering to the gods. First, be sure to rinse your hands at one of the many elegant purifying water fountains called Temizuya. Although free to enter there is an additional charge for anyone who wants to stroll around the peaceful inner garden. In the middle of June, one must visit the shrine to celebrate the blooming of many irises in the garden.

Meiji Shrine

Address: 1-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya, Tokyo 151-8557, Japan

Website: Meiji Shrine

2. Hitachi Seaside Park in Hitachinaka

Nestled on the banks of the Pacific Coast, the Hitachi Seaside Park offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore this natural environment. With 494 acres (200 hectares) open to the public, guests can explore sand dunes, sprawling forests, grasslands, and natural springs. There is something beautiful and precious growing throughout the whole year. That’s not all though. The site also includes an amusement park, BMX tracks, and eateries.

Hitachi Seaside Park

Address: Japan, 〒312-0012 Ibaraki Prefecture, Hitachinaka, Mawatari, 大沼６０５−４

Website: Hitachi Seaside Park

3. Ueno Park in Taitó, Tokyo

This large public park is situated near to Ueno Station and is perfect to spend a day getting lost in all its attractions. The land was once part of a temple. Its unique style and grandeur can still be seen at the Shinobazu Pond in the southwestern section of the park. Besides the attractiveness of its natural environment, there are also a number of museums including the Tokyo National Museum and National Science Museum. If you have children, you might also want to check out the Ueno Zoo which forms part of the park. Head there in April for Cherry Blossom viewing.

Ueno Park

Address: 5-２０ Uenokoen, Taitō, Tokyo 110-0007, Japan

Tokyo National Museum

Address: 13-9 Uenokoen, Taitō, Tokyo 110-8712, Japan

Admission Price: 620 yen (5.50 USD)

Opening Times: 9.30am - 5pm

Website: Tokyo National Museum

National Science Museum

Address: 7-20 Uenokoen, Taitō, Tokyo 110-8718, Japan

Admission Price: 620 yen (5.50 USD)

Opening Times: 9.00am - 5pm (8pm Friday and Saturday)

Website: National Science Museum

Ueno Zoo

Address: 9-83, Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-8711, Japan

Admission Price: 600 yen (5.30 USD)

Opening Times: 9.30am - 5pm

Website: Ueno Zoo

4. Shikoku Island

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Shikoku Island is the fourth largest island of Japan and lies southwest from the main island of Honshu. Shikoku is split into four prefectures and each one has several incredible sites to enjoy. The site of the Dogo Hot Spring has intricate architecture, while the green expanses of Dogo Park offer a beautiful backdrop to the mountainside Matsuyama Castle.

Shikoku Island

Dogo Hot Spring Address: 1 Chome-7 Dōgomachi, Matsuyama-shi, Ehime-ken 790-0843, Japan

Dogo Park

Address: Dogokoen, Matsuyama 790-0857, Ehime Prefecture

Website: Dogo Park

Matsuyama Castle

Address: 1 Marunouchi, Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture 790-0008, Japan

Admission Price: 510 yen (4.50 USD)

Opening Times: 9am - 5pm

Website: Matsuyama Castle

5. Mount Fuji in Kanagawa

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We’ve all heard of the beauty of Mount Fuji, but finding the best view is the quest. We’d recommend heading to Hakone for not only the best views but also relaxing spas. Easily the most famous volcano in Japan, Mount Fuji, with its nearly perfect conical shape is a glorious sight. Covered in snow you’re guaranteed to generate a lot of jealousy from some of the Instagram photos you create.

Mount Fuji

Address: Kitayama, Fujinomiya, Shizuoka Prefecture 418-0112, Japan

Website: Mount Fuji

6. Mount Koya, Wakayama

Mount Koya is home to the center of Shingon Buddhism and as such is one of the most sacred mountains in Japan. There are over 100 monasteries, each with its own incredible design and view. As you explore this area, be sure to visit Torodo Hall, which houses more than 10,000 eternally-lit lanterns. Visit during the day and at night for equally stunning and dramatically different views.

Mount Koya

Address: Koyasan, Kōya, Ito District, Wakayama Prefecture 648-0211, Japan

Todoro Hall, Okunoin Temple

Address: 550 Koyasan, Kōya, Ito District, Wakayama Prefecture 648-0211, Japan

Admission Price: Free

Opening Times: 6am - 5.30pm

7. Matsumoto Castle, Matsumoto

Giving off an air of grandeur and grace this castle, which was one of the first built in Japan, has incredibly detailed architecture. From late March onwards, enjoy strolling around the site while the Cherry Blossoms fall gently from above. Seen as one of five national treasures, this stunning monochrome building is surrounded by a pretty moat. Be sure to check out local information when you visit, as many festivals take place within the grounds providing the perfect opportunity to snap a cultural event in beautiful surroundings.

Matsumoto Castle

Address: 4-1 Marunouchi, Matsumoto 390-0873, Nagano Prefecture

Admission Price: 610 yen (5.38 USD)

Opening Times: 8.30am - 5pm

Website: Matsumoto Castle

8. Nachi Falls, Nachikatsuura

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One of the best-known waterfalls in Japan, Nachi Falls, is the backdrop to the stunning, red Taisha Shrine. Descending from a height of 133 meters (436ft) high, the waterfall makes a fantastic contrast to the local architecture. In total, about 17,000 people live in the small town that Nachi Falls flows into.

Nachi Falls

Address: Nachisan, Nachikatsuura, Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture 649-5301, Japan

Website: Nachi Falls

Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine

Address: 1 Nachisan, 那智勝浦町 Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture 649-5301, Japan

Admission Price: Free (Treasure house 300 yen) (2.65 USD)

Opening Times: Shrine grounds are always open (Treasure house: 8am - 4pm)

Website: Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine

9. Kiso Valley, Nagano

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Kiso Valley, located on the old trade trail known as Nakasendo, is one of the most stunning surrounding areas. Stop at the village of Tsumago to experience this area’s history and beauty, which features wooden slat houses and winding streets. Add in the luscious green background and you’ll have all the ingredients or a perfect photograph.

Kiso Valley

Address: Nagiso, Kiso District, Nagano Prefecture 399-5302, Japan

Website: Kiso Valley

10. The Blue Pond, Hokkaido

Sometimes you look at Instagram photos and wonder how much of a difference the filters have made to the natural color of the photograph. Be rest assured that the many photographs of the dramatic, manmade Blue Pond show its true splendor. The bright blue color of this lake comes from the appearance of colloidal aluminum hydroxide in the water.[

The Blue Pond

Address: Shirogane, 美瑛町 Kamikawa District, Hokkaido 071-0235, Japan

Website: The Blue Pond

Beauty is everywhere

There are so many incredibly beautiful places in Japan, just waiting to be explored. You could consider this list as being just the tip of the iceberg. We’d love to see your pictures, so be sure to tag us on Instagram.