Top 11 Tourist Attractions in Japan

Popular Japan landmarks and tourist spots

• 1 Mount Fuji

  8 /10

  

  Like a king resplendent in all his glory, Mount Fuji stands majestically and proudly covered in a robe of snow. And like courtiers of old, artists, mountain climbers, and nature lovers from Japan and the whole world come and pay homage to its stately beauty and grace. So much so that it is hailed as one of Japan's best attractions ...

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• 2 Heian Shrine

  7.4 /10

  

  Let's take in a little bit of history. Back in 794 A.D. Kyoto stood as Japan's capital. It served as such until 1867 when the capital was moved to Tokyo. As a commemoration of Kyoto's glory days and to celebrate the 1100th anniversary of Kyoto's establishment, the people built the Heian Shrine in 1895 ...

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• 3 Kiyomizu-dera

  7.4 /10

  

  Kiyomizudera (Kiyomizu-dera) in eastern Kyoto, Japan, is a place for romantics – lovers, poets – and those who believe in wishes coming true. Its trees not only bloom with cherry blossoms but also of paper wishes hung there by the hopefuls who come to the temple to pray for love, prosperity, long life, and success. Millions visit this beloved temple compound every year to find peace and an answer to their heart's desire ...

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• 4 Asakusa Shrine

  7.4 /10

  

  Paying respect to the gods. The pursuit of true happiness. Pitching coins for good luck. These are the main elements that come into place at the Asakusa Shrine and Complex in Tokyo, Japan.The Asakusa Shrine pays homage to the three men who established the Senso-ji temple nearby ...

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• 5 Meiji Jingu

  7.4 /10

  

  A national treasure ensconced in a picturesque garden and hectares upon hectares of shady trees, the Meiji Jingu Shrine is Tokyo's largest. This shrine is also among the country's most sacred shrines and is one of three Imperial Shrines (or jingu). It is built in the middle of the Yoyogi Park, making it a tranquil oasis amidst the urban sprawl that is Tokyo ...

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• 6 Nijo Castle

  7.4 /10

  

  Experience history as you walk along Nijo Castle's nightingale floors. With every few steps, the floors squeak, announcing to everyone that someone is on the prowl. The nightingale floors also tell a story – about power and history – that revolves around the castle and those that built it ...

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• 7 Kinkaku-ji

  7.4 /10

  

  Here's one perk of being a shogun: When you retire, you get to do it in style. Take, for example, the retirement villa that Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu built. Kinkakuji (or Kinkaku-ji), Yoshimitsu's famous Golden Pavilion, literally shimmers and shines. Lavishly coated in gold leaf and set amidst lush gardens and a tranquil pond, the image it presents is simply breathtaking ...

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• 8 Ueno Park

  7.3 /10

  

  Museums and cherry trees galore! These are what await you at Ueno Park. It offers a veritable smorgasbord of visual delights – art, architecture, nature – all rolled into one. Ueno Park is a large park found at the Ueno section of Taito-ku in Tokyo. The park's official name is Ueno Onshi Koen, which means 'Ueno Imperial Gift Park' ...

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• 9 Tokyo Tower

  7.3 /10

  

  The Tokyo Tower is Japan's answer to the Eiffel Tower in Paris. It soars above the Tokyo metropolis, a symbol of Japan's reemergence as a major economic power after the devastation of World War II. The Tokyo Tower is located at Minato-ku, Tokyo, and serves two purposes – landmark and broadcasting antenna ...

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• 10 Tokyo Skytree

  7 /10

  

  Located in the Sumida neighborhood of Tokyo, the Tokyo Skytree is the highest broadcasting tower in Asia. It also ranks as #2 for the tallest building in the world. Initially planned to measure 610 meters, the Tokyo Skytree finally peaks at 634 meters, almost twice the height of the Tokyo Tower. It has three legs for maximum stability and better resistance to earthquakes ...

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• 11 Sumiyoshi Taisha

  6.8 /10

  

  What do seafaring, song, and peace have in common? Well, if you go and visit one of Osaka's famous shrines, you will see that these three qualities are encapsulated in the Sumiyoshi Taishi Shrine, which is dedicated to the patrons of the sea. Fishers, sailors, and travelers venerate this shrine and fervently pray for safe travel and protection for their vessels. Legend has it that the empress Jingo had the shrine built in 211 as an expression of thanksgiving for a safe journey to Korea ...

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